Connection newsletter – AHCCCS director announces departure and an update on the legal landscape of abortions in Arizona - Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association

29 September 2022

Connection newsletter – AHCCCS director announces departure and an update on the legal landscape of abortions in Arizona

read more about the announced departure of the director of AHCCCS and an update on the legal landscape of abortions in Arizona.

Legal landscape on abortion still unclear

Pima County Superior Court may rule this week on an emergency motion filed Monday by Planned Parenthood Arizona. The motion was in response to a Friday, Sept. 23 ruling in the lawsuit between the Attorney General and Planned Parenthood Arizona that seeks clarification on Arizona’s legal landscape following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision earlier this summer. The judge ruled that the 1973 injunction following the Roe v. Wade decision no longer has a legal foundation, and therefore the underlying law, a pre-statehood ban on abortion with only one exception to save the life of the mother, may be enforceable (should County Attorneys choose to enforce it). The emergency motion argues that the legal landscape is still unclear and that irreparable harm could result in the interim until the final decision is made. If the Superior Court does not stay the lifting of the injunction, we expect that decision will be appealed to the Court of Appeals. There have been rumblings that Governor Ducey should call a special legislative session to harmonize the law between the pre-statehood ban and the recently enacted 15-week abortion ban, but he has not indicated any intent to do so.

AzHHA will be sharing a member advisory soon with additional context and guidance.

JAMA releases hospital charity care policy comparison

In a study of 151 tax-exempt hospitals reported Tuesday in JAMA Network Open, 84% updated their charity care policies between 2019 and 2021. Among the 77 hospitals that made substantive changes, most made their policies more generous, such as expanding charity care and expand eligibility criteria. Income cutoffs for free and discounted care were the criteria most frequently changed. Sixteen policies expanded presumptive eligibility, which uses certain patient characteristics such as homelessness or lack of employment to shorten the application process. Researchers also noted that hospitals made generous revisions to asset tests, residency requirements and the duration of charity care eligibility. Many of these changes are targeted toward the needs of underinsured individuals.

AHCCCS leadership changes

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) announced last week that Director Jami Snyder would leave her position at the end of the year. AzHHA recognizes Director Snyder as a visionary leader at AHCCCS and a wonderful partner to the Arizona hospital and healthcare community. We thank Director Snyder for her service to Arizona.

Radiology Partners goes platinum at the 2022 Annual Leadership Conference

AzHHA is proud to announce Radiology Partners as a Platinum sponsor for the 2022 Annual Leadership Conference taking place Oct. 19-21, 2022 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson. Radiology Partners is a national practice, transforming radiology for radiologists, radiology practices, hospitals, health systems, patients and families. For 10 years, they have been transforming the field by operating differently and are now the largest physician-led and physician-owned radiology practice in the U.S. Through innovation and collaboration, Radiology Partners strives to reimagine radiology’s position in healthcare delivery. Thank you to our Platinum sponsor!

Register now for AzHHA’s premier event bringing together healthcare executives, trustees, thought leaders, legislators and community partners from across the state for two and a half days of education and networking. Find details on the conference agenda here. Book your room TODAY!

Save the date - 2023 AzCHER Annual Conference

Join us for our third AzCHER Annual Conference at the Arizona Broadway Theatre, Thursday, March 23, 2023. Our theme “Safety, Security and Situational Awareness” promises a great opportunity to learn, network and collaborate. More information regarding the conference and registration will be available soon.

2022 United Against the Flu Campaign

American Hospital Association (AHA) continues its annual health initiative aligned with national health care and the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to highlight the importance of vaccinations. United Against the Flu campaign delivers the importance of influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. Visit United Against the Flu Campaign for materials and additional information.

Use the CDC’s website to search by zip code for a COVID-19 vaccine booster near you and visit United Against the Flu, AHA to find a flu shot near you.

September is Sepsis Awareness Month

Sepsis continues to be a leading cause of mortality in hospitals, affecting millions worldwide. Early identification and treatment are critical to improving patient outcomes. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2021 published updated recommendations to enhance your organization’s sepsis program in November 2021. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign also shared new infographics for hospital staff with recommendations for antibiotic timing and vasoactive agent management. The Sepsis Alliance has shared an inquisitive infographic for patients and staff detailing different potential sources of infection.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 2-29 – Virtual Run into Fall 5K Walk and Run

Participate in Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, Inc. Tsehootsooi Medical Center Virtual Run Into Fall 5k Walk and Run Series from Oct. 02-29, 2022. Click to register for the event. Registration closes Oct. 7, 2022. Contact Danelle Lee, HPDP Specialist at 928-729-8874 or [email protected] for more information.

October 14-15 – CardioVascular Interventions Summit

The CardioVascular Symposium is now the CardioVascular Interventions Summit (CVIS) on Oct. 14-15, 2022, at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort. CVIS 2022 will provide comprehensive updates on the management of cardiovascular disease and will review the latest evidence-based research from Tucson Medical Center and others. Register and learn more about the event here.

October 19-21 – 2022 Annual Leadership Conference

Register now for AzHHA’s premiere event - the 2022 Annual Leadership Conference Oct. 19-21, 2022, at the majestic Lowes Ventana Canyon in Tucson. The AzHHA Annual Leadership Conference brings together hundreds of healthcare CEOs, leaders, legislators and community partners from across the state for two and a half days of education, recognition and networking. Register here.

October 26–28 - National Pediatric Disaster Conference – California Earthquake Response

This two-day Significant Event Readiness Forum (or SERF) will provide an environment for exploring opportunities along the disaster response continuum. SERFs are not exercises. However, objectives and evolving scenarios foster needed discourse. This year’s conference will be virtual. Click here to learn more about the event and watch for registration to open soon.

November 10-13 – 19^th Annual Amigos Trail Ride and Drive

Attend the Wickenburg Community Hospital Foundation 19^th Annual Amigos Trail Ride and Drive Nov. 10-13, 2022, at Boyd Ranch, Wickenburg. The event offers four days of guided trails, gymkhana, trail-trial challenge and trail ride options. Email [email protected] or call 928-668-1812 for more information. Registration may be found here.