Read about how AzHHA’s 2022 Annual Leadership Conference can assist your hospital in addressing cybersecurity.
FBI issues cybersecurity notice on medical devices
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) this week issued a notification highlighting the vulnerabilities of legacy medical devices to cyber-attacks. While this issue is not new, the FBI report states it has identified an increasing number of vulnerabilities posed by unpatched medical devices that run on outdated software and lack adequate security features. The American Hospital Association (AHA) is working with Congress to pass legislation, known as the PATCH Act, to require medical device manufacturers to monitor and identify post-market vulnerabilities in a timely manner, develop a plan for coordinated vulnerability disclosure, provide lifetime cybersecurity support of the device and provide an accounting of all software contained in the device, including third-party software. In the interim, healthcare providers may want to address cybersecurity requirements in medical devices and medical technology through their business associate agreements. One resource for medical technology model contract language can be found here.
On a related note, John Riggi, AHA’s National Advisor for Cyber Security and Risk, will be a keynote speaker addressing cybersecurity preparedness at AzHHA’s 2022 Annual Leadership Conference on October 19-21, 2022, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson. Find details on the conference agenda here. Book your room by Friday, September 23 to take advantage of our group rate discount!
Rural hospitals - Join the Arizona Health Equity Organizational Assessment Collaborative
AzHHA has teamed up with key stakeholders statewide to reduce healthcare disparities in rural Arizona. We invite rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and post-acute care facilities to be a part of this exciting initiative called the Arizona Health Equity Organizational Assessment (HEOA) Collaborative. Download the enrollment form at azhha.org/AzHEOA to join.
As we work through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in our communities—and with our healthcare workforce—the HEOA Collaborative will focus on incorporating an equity lens for quality, patient safety and population health to improve the patient experience and health outcomes for people experiencing various health conditions, such as COVID-19.
Participating facilities will have access to a personalized data packet with community information about their service area and monthly collaboration calls to hear about new resources and share best practices. Facilities will also receive a stipend and technical assistance to implement tools and processes to close gaps identified by the HEOA Collaborative. To learn more about the program please reach out to [email protected] with any questions. Enroll soon to help improve health equity for all Arizonans!
Provider Relief Fund payment period 3 report deadline is September 30
Healthcare providers who received Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments exceeding $10,000 between January 1 and June 30, 2021, must report to the Health Resources and Services Administration by September 30, 2022 on how they used those funds or face enforcement actions such as repayment or exclusion from receiving or retaining future PRF payments. The deadline to use these funds was June 30, 2022. For more on the reporting requirements, click here.
Adaptive Workforce Solutions and AB Staffing Solutions go platinum
AzHHA is proud to announce a joint Platinum Sponsorship from AB Healthcare Solutions affiliates, Adaptive Workforce Solutions (AWS) and AB Staffing Solutions for the 2022 Annual Leadership Conference taking place October 19-21, 2022, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson. AWS is an AzHHA Affiliated Partner and endorsed vendor that provides consulting services for delivering innovative healthcare solutions based on meeting their customers’ staffing goals and overall business strategies. AB Staffing Solutions is a nationwide leader in the travel nurse and healthcare staffing industry. For more than 20 years, they have provided contract medical professionals to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state of Arizona. Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors!
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 by Friday, September 23 to take advantage of our group rate discount!
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.
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
September 15-16 - Mayo Clinic Solid Organ Transplant 2022 CNE Conference
Westin Kierland Resort - Scottsdale, AZ (7 am MST)
This live and live-stream conference will provide an overview of new and advancing solid organ transplant clinical practices. Sessions will focus on living donor updates, pre-transplant treatments, ethics, patient education and patient stories. Mayo Clinic Arizona is approved by the American Board for Transplant Certification (ABTC) to offer 12.75 Category 1 CEPTCs for this conference. (Please note that COVID guidelines for in-person attendance apply – see website for requirements.) Target Audience: This CNE conference is designed for nurses and healthcare professionals caring for solid organ transplant patients.
Register Now at https://ce.mayo.edu/SolidOrganTransplant2022
October 19-21 – 2022 Annual Leadership Conference
Register now for AzHHA’s premiere event - the 2022 Annual Leadership Conference October 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, 2022 - 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.
IN THE NEWS
States ranked by percentage of hospitals complying with price transparency law
Becker’s Hospital Review
Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Providing Protection Against Omicron Variant Available at No Cost
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Court says Arizona health centers can challenge AHCCCS on reimbursements
Tucson Sentinel