The latest health news, events and information for Arizona healthcare.
Az Senate decides *not* to consider any more nominees
Last week, we reported that the Senate Committee on Director Nominations (DINO) had a scheduled hearing to review the nomination of Barbara Richardson to lead the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. Unfortunately, that hearing was canceled. Senate DINO announced Monday that it will not hold any meetings due to an Executive Order (EO) issued by Governor Hobbs on Friday, which they consider to be a “reckless abuse of power.” The EO, “Protecting Reproductive Freedom and Healthcare in Arizona,” was swiftly followed by two more this week—one on ensuring access to gender-affirming healthcare and one protecting young people from conversion therapy. This doesn’t bode well for consideration of any of Hobbs’ nominees.
Another Arizona record as legislature drags on
Typically, at this time, we are preparing the annual AzHHA Legislative Report. Legislators have not tapped the gavel to adjourn sine die and we aren’t sure when–or if–that will happen.
We know you have questions about what has transpired so far. So, here’s the rundown.
THE BIG PICTURE: Healthcare legislation has not been exempted from the drama at the Capitol. The COVID-19 pandemic’s ripple effects remain a strong focus for members of the majority.
Our Interim Legislative Report provides you with an insider’s look at the tenor of session, overview of legislation we supported and a peek into the proverbial crystal ball with our best guess at what’s next.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Inside our update, you’ll read about progress on AzHHA priorities.
- Health Plan Accountability
- Outpatient Treatment Center Licensing Fix
- CAH Pool Increase
- AHCCCS Reauthorization
WATCH FOR the legislature to return on July 31. We will be there, listening and watching to be sure AzHHA member priorities are represented.
AzHHA releases DataGen reports
In relationship with DataGen, AzHHA distributes reports to hospitals based on information submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This data helps hospitals understand the financial impact of proposed changes and annual updates. The reports can also assist in preparing budgets or benchmarking results with other similar organizations. DataGen generates hospital-specific reports which are sent to AzHHA hospital members as part of their membership. Below is the list of reports recently sent to members:
- 1Q20232 Quality Measure Trends Analysis Sent 6/1/2023
- 1Q2023 Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Analysis Sent 6/2/2023
- 1Q 2023 Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) Analysis Sent 6/14/2023
- FFY 2025 Preliminary Wage Index Data Analysis Sent 6/14/2023
Transition to Practice Program applications now open
Arizona is experiencing a severe nursing shortage that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is important to increase the number of new nurses in the pipeline, it is also important to retain new nurses in their roles.
New graduate nurse turnover was high before the pandemic and only increased throughout the pandemic. A formal New Graduate Registered Nurse Transition to Practice Program (TTPP) provides another level of support for new nurses and has been shown to increase retention.
As of April 2023, and designated in A.R.S. § 36-1804, AHCCCS contracted with the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) as a consultant to assist with the administration and implementation of a licensed registered nurse transition to practice pilot program to support and develop new nurses, provide evidence-based professional development, and accelerate the novice nurse to a competent nurse more rapidly. The Arizona New Graduate RN TTP program will focus on rural and underserved communities, particularly critical access, sole community, and safety net hospitals to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable populations receive access to high-quality healthcare.
- Any Arizona healthcare facility licensed by ADHS that hires new graduate registered nurses can apply.
- Participation in the program is voluntary, and there is no cost to join.
- The monies provided under the program are intended to supplement and not supplant existing transition to practice training program expenses covered by the participating healthcare institutions.
- Priority shall be given to critical access hospitals or hospitals located in counties with a population of less than five hundred thousand persons.
- A limited number of new graduate nurses will be accepted per year into the New Graduate Nurse Transition to Practice Program. Apply now to secure spots for your new nurses!
For more information please visit Transition to Practice Program - Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (azhha.org) or contact [email protected] with any questions.
Apply for your AzHHA Quality Award
The inaugural AzHHA Quality Awards are now open to outstanding applicants. Hospitals must be able to highlight a recent project in:
- Quality and Patient Safety,
- Community Engagement or
- Emergency Management.
Winners will be presented with their AzHHA Quality Award at the 2023 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference in October. Download our flyer and read the application instructions here. The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 31, 2023.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 21 – 2023 Summer State of the State, Flagstaff Medical Center’s McGee Auditorium
Register and receive $15 off registration with code azhha2023 at checkout.
September 15 - AIM Collaborative Conference - Register now for our second annual event focusing on AIM’s obstetric hemorrhage maternal health bundle. Hear from engaging speakers from around the state presenting on maternal health initiatives and integrating health equity into patient care. Attendees will include clinicians and executives from hospitals and birthing facilities, leaders from state agencies, community partners, not-for-profits, tribal healthcare, and students. Sponsorship opportunities are available; contact [email protected].
IN THE NEWS
MRSA guidelines revised for first time in 9 years (beckershospitalreview.com)
Hospital capacity problems will persist as patient acuity rises by 2033 (beckershospitalreview.com)