The Florida Hospital Association convened a meeting on June 13 with nursing education leaders across the state to collaborate and focus on the challenges and opportunities for strengthening the nursing workforce in Florida. FHA President and CEO Mary C. Mayhew opened the meeting and shared an overview of the policy and budgetary successes from the 2023 legislative session that included $125 M of continued funding for LINE and PIPELINE, a 48% increase in GME funding and key workforce and education legislation that expands the workforce and a nursing education pathway for combat medics.
The academic nursing leaders exchanged thoughts on the importance of advocacy, education, and collaboration in addressing identified challenges for increasing faculty, clinical space, preceptors and supporting nursing students through loan forgiveness programs and scholarships. FHA is grateful for this collaborative opportunity to strengthen industry and academic partnerships that are so valuable in attracting, recruiting, and retaining nursing program faculty who are critical for developing future nurses.
FHA will continue our commitment toward effectively addressing the nursing workforce shortage.
FHA Meets with State Legislators in a Roundtable Discussion on Behavioral Health
Pictured among the group with Mary C. Mayhew, FHA President and CEO are Rep. Kim Berfield, Rep. Jennifer Canady, Rep. Gallop Franklin, and Rep. Shane Abbott
Recently, FHA President and CEO Mary C. Mayhew had the privilege to join freshman state legislators in Miramar Beach, FL for a roundtable meeting focused on behavioral health, where participants engaged in crucial discussions addressing various vital issues. One prominent topic discussed was mental health reimbursement, highlighting the need for adequate funding to support community-based mental health services. Emphasizing the importance of fair reimbursement rates that enable hospitals and healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care to individuals with mental and substance use needs.
Another vital aspect addressed during the meeting was the examination of involuntary commitments under the Baker Act. President Mayhew shed light on the complexities surrounding access to involuntary psychiatric beds and what challenges Florida hospitals face under the Baker Act. Collaborating with state legislators, they emphasized the importance of striking a balance between ensuring timely access to mental health services and upholding the rights of individuals in crises.
FHA’s participation in the roundtable meeting highlighted our commitment to working alongside state legislators to improve the continuum of care in the behavioral health system and ensure timely and appropriate care for all Floridians. FHA was pleased to hear that our freshman state legislators were willing to work with members of the other parties to maintain the momentum on behavioral health legislation and funding.
Florida Hospitals Advocate for Behavioral Health Services During Mental Health Awareness Month in Partnership with Asst. Secretary Erica Floyd- Thomas
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This past month, the FHA honored Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. This year, FHA took to social media to launch a powerful campaign highlighting the significance of behavioral health services. Hospital leaders and members of our Behavioral Health Council played a crucial role by speaking up about the importance of these services in their communities and how they contributed to reducing the stigma of mental illness. Through heartfelt messages, our members shared their insights on the impact of behavioral health services on their communities. They placed emphasis on the need for accessible and comprehensive mental health support through community-based services, particularly at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges for many. By openly discussing the importance of mental health and the services available, these leaders helped break down barriers and encouraged individuals to seek help when needed.
A spotlight in the month featured a special video from Erica Floyd-Thomas, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Department of Children and Families, expressing the importance of speaking up about mental health and providing key services for those in need. Assistant Secretary Floyd- Thomas also graciously provided an insightful presentation to our members during FHA’s Mental Health Awareness Month webinar, which showcased the current and upcoming initiatives of the department with mental and substance abuse programs. FHA is proud to work with DCF to ensure hospitals and community-based care organizations can treat individuals and families across the state in a timely manner. Throughout the month, we were able to showcase the dedication of healthcare leaders and their commitment to addressing the behavioral health needs of Floridians. Together, we will continue to advocate for behavioral health resources and support strong and resilient families.
FHA Releases 2023 Legislative Summary Report
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FHA is pleased to share with you theFlorida Hospital Association's 2023 Legislative Summary report. Headlined by encouraging Medicaid reimbursement increases and several important policy wins, this report contains all the hospital-impact items passed through the legislative process in 2023. We hope you will review and share it with your teams.
The 2023 legislative session saw positive shifts in the legislature's tone and tenor towards hospitals in Florida to ensure timely access to high-quality, modern health care services. For years we have contended with proposals to cut Medicaid reimbursement, but in 2023 we were able to move the needle forward with an additional $269.9 Million in Medicaid funding to hospitals. For years we have sought legislative solutions for white bagging of cancer drugs and workplace violence in hospitals - both successfully tackled in 2023 via SB 1550 and HB 825. We thank each and every member hospital across the state for lending your voice towards these important efforts.
FHA Releases Market Share Report for the Fourth Quarter of 2022
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The FHA Market Share report for the Fourth Quarter of 2022 is now available! The data from the report is based on filings with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. We have provided some highlights below, but the full report is attached.
Fourth Quarter 2022.
As of December 31, 2022, the number of individuals covered through HMOs in Florida reached 8.1 million, representing over one-third of the state's population. This figure reflects a notable increase of 8.5% compared to the previous year's data on December 31, 2021. The growth in HMO membership can be primarily attributed to the addition of approximately 630,000 new members during the specified period. This surge was mainly driven by the enrollment of more than 450,000 new individuals in Medicaid-Managed Care Plans, showcasing a substantial growth rate of 11.3% for this specific category of health coverage in Florida. While Medicaid-Managed Care Plans experienced significant growth, the increase in Medicare enrollment during the same period was relatively modest at 0.3%. On the other hand, commercial HMOs saw an impressive rise, with over 175,000 new members.”
FHA Submits Comments on Proposed IPPS Rule
Last Friday, the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on their proposed update to the fiscal year 2024 Inpatient Prospective Payment System. Among other things, FHA’s comments focused on:
- The inadequate payment update - a projected 1.3% increase for Florida hospitals that participate in quality reporting programs. FHA urged CMS to exercise its special exceptions and adjustment authority not only to increase the proposed payments in the current rule, but to update the FY2022 payments to better reflect the increased expenses, especially workforce costs, to deliver care.
- The calculation of available disproportionate share hospital funds which FHA argued did not properly account for the volume of Medicaid beneficiaries that will lose coverage as a result of the expiration of PHE related continuous coverage requirements.
- A proposal by CMS to create a sepsis “SEP-1” measure as a safety domain in the hospital value-based purchasing program. While FHA appreciated CMS’s focus on this issue, the proposal missed the mark.
- A proposal to track staff COVID-19 vaccination levels consistent with CDC and FDA definitions of “up to date.” In its comments, FHA noted support for staff vaccination, but urged CMS to withdraw their proposal until there is a better understanding of the cadence with which CDC and FDA will update their recommendations, and determine a way to implement the measure in manner that does not impose added burdens to reporting facilities.
The final rule is likely to be published in early August. FHA will provide any updates to its members as they are available
UPDATE: FHA CALL TO ACTION ON REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY
Training for Hospital Emergency Departments on Maternal Mortality
Increasing awareness in hospital emergency departments regarding pregnancy-related conditions, maternal mortality and training resources is a priority focus area for the FHA Call to Action on Reducing Maternal Mortality in Florida. On June 7, 2023, FHA, in partnership with the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Florida College of Emergency Physicians discussed tools and resources available for hospital emergency departments to adopt FPQC ER Postpartum Resources, Pregnant in the Last Year Poster and FPQC Postpartum Conditions Management Guide for Emergency Rooms.
These resources and more are available Call to Action to Reduce Maternal Deaths in Florida (fha.org) including the slides and recording of the training.
Medicaid Redetermination: All Hands-on Deck
Expressing concerns regarding the number of people losing Medicaid coverage because of redetermination and many losing for “procedural” reasons (i.e. not completing paperwork, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted a stakeholders call on June 14, to discuss an “All Hands on Deck” approach to helping people keep or find coverage. Materials shared on the call included:
CMS is asking hospitals and other health care providers to help get the word out to patients about Medicaid renewals have restarted and to assist patients in completing renewal forms or directly connecting them to health plans, navigators, or state agencies that can help. Additionally CMS has posted a communications toolkit at Medicaid and CHIP Renewals Outreach and Educational Resources | Medicaid, which includes sample postcards, social media posts, health care options fact sheets and more.
FHA has hosted several webinars on the Medicaid Redetermination process in Florida, how to connect with Covering Florida and created a toolkit for hospitals (LINK TO TOOL KIT) AHCA Education Webinar on Patient Safety Culture Survey Reporting – June 26.
The Agency for Health Care Administration will be hosting an education program on the new Patient Safety Culture Survey reporting requirement on June 26, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m. ET. To register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1593892069680131674.
Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Training
Performing Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for people with substance use disorders as well as those who are at risk for overdose. With overdoses being the leading cause of maternal mortality in Florida, SBIRT is an important strategy for the FHA Call to Action on Reducing Maternal Mortality in Florida. Florida, through the Medicaid program, has created training resources and will pay providers for performing SBIRT as a focus for improving birth outcomes.
Please join the FHA and Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative on Tuesday, June 20, at 11:00 a.m. (ET) to hear an overview of SBIRT, how to bill for SBIRT, what to do with the results of SBIRT screening, who and how to refer the patient for specialized treatment and what services are offered by a clinic specializing in OB and SUD.
Register here.
CMS Releases Reminder on Requirements for Hospital Discharges to Post-Acute Care
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services released QSO-23-16-Hospitals – Requirements for Hospital Discharges to Post-Acute Care Providers, reminding State Survey Agency Directors, accrediting organizations, and hospitals about the regulatory requirements for discharges and transfers to post-acute care providers. CMS regulations (42 CFR 482.43) require hospitals to have an effective discharge planning process that focuses on the patient’s goals and treatment preferences and includes the patient and their caregiver/family/support person as active partners in the discharge planning for post-acute care. Additionally, it mandates hospitals must share all necessary medical information pertaining to the patient’s illness and course of treatment.
In the memo, CMS cites several areas of concern regarding missing information for patients discharged from a hospital along with useful resources. FHA is working with FHCA on opportunities to improve information sharing between hospitals and post-acute.
Florida Center for Nursing (FCN): State of Nursing Education and Proposed Solutions Think Tank
On June 9, FHA staff attended the second FCN Nursing Education workshop event at Valencia College in Orlando. The program is designed to bring together regional nursing academia and workforce stakeholders. The objective of the workshop was to review findings from the most recent FCN Nursing Education Report January 2023 on nursing programs, faculty, and NCLEX pass rates. The workshop included a presentation by Dr. Rayna Letourneau on the recently released report.
This was followed by breakout sessions to focus on the identified challenges and to propose solutions that will help with developing the statewide strategic plan for nursing education and workforce: increasing the number of faculty and preceptors; diversity in the nursing workforce; and NCLEX pass rates. FHA supports and works collaboratively with FCN and other workforce stakeholders to ensure that today, and in the future, there will be an adequate and qualified workforce to deliver safe, quality care to Florida’s residents.
FY 2022 AHA Annual Survey – Deadline Extended to July 14th
Reminder the AHA has issued its annual request for hospital data. The survey is meant to be a snapshot of the hospital market and to inform health care leaders, researchers, and consumers. Completing the survey will ensure accuracy in the AHA Guide®, Hospital Statistics™, and U.S. News & World Report’s Directory of America’s Hospitals. The FHA encourages all hospitals to participate before July 14, 2023. If a hospital needs its login credentials or has questions about the survey, please contact Stephanie Scanlon ([email protected]) or Ana Rivas ([email protected]).
FHA Quality Conference - Preview the Agenda and Register Now!
The FHA Quality Conference is right around the corner and there is still space available for you to attend! Please take a moment to preview the Agenda and the excellent lineup of provider presentations on the most important quality topics.
Registration
The registration website is open, please click here to register today!
- FHA Member Hospital Employees: $195
- Non-member Health Care Providers and
Physician Group Practices: $295
All staff of member providers are eligible to register as a member. To verify your organization's membership status, please check the FHA Member Directory.
Please note: Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a discount of $20 per registrant. Please contact AK Consulting Group for information.
The conference agenda will provide interactive presentations and includes two special national speakers for the conference opening and closing keynote sessions.
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Jean D. Moody-Williams, RN, MPP, Deputy Director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will provide an overview of CMS’s Strategic Framework and discuss CMS’s vision and role within the National Healthcare System Action Alliance to Advance Patient Safety to open the conference.
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Leah Binder, MA, MGA, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, is a leader in evaluating and publicly reporting safety and quality in hospitals. Florida has one of the highest participation rates in the country in the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, strongly encouraged by the employer community and hospital boards. Florida also ranks high among states for its Hospital Safety Grades. Attendees will hear from Ms. Binder about the survey priorities, trends in patient safety including problems during the pandemic, and areas of opportunity for hospitals.
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For questions about the conference, please contact FHA Education at 850-222-9800 or [email protected].
Thank you to our 2023 Premier Sponsors!
Associate Sponsors
Florida Hospital Association 2023 Annual Meeting
October 4–6, 2023 | Orlando, FL
Register Early!
The Florida Hospital Association’s Annual Meeting registration portal is now open! The conference is October 4–6, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grand Lakes.
This must-attend event is one of the largest gatherings of health care professionals in the State of Florida. We invite you to reconnect with colleagues and celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of Florida’s hospitals and health care systems!
Early registration is underway for the Florida Hospital Association 2023 Annual Meeting! Please visit the registration website to view the remarkable lineup of sessions and special speakers confirmed for October 4–6, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grand Lakes.
Early member registration through August 1 is $495. After August 1, member registration will be $595.
FHA welcomes all member and non-member hospital and health care professionals, including trustees, hospital executives, managed care and compliance professionals, clinical staff, government relations professionals, and more. Students pursuing a degree in health care administration, or another related field, are welcome.
Attendees receive a special room rate and reduced parking and resort fees. Please click here to reserve your room. The deadline to reserve a room in this block is September 13, 2023.
Special thanks to our title sponsor KPMG!
To preview all our exceptional 2023 sponsors, please click here.
OTHER EDUCATION OF INTEREST
National Action Alliance to Advance Patient Safety Webinar Series
The National Action Alliance To Advance Patient Safety, a public–private effort to support healthcare delivery systems’ move toward zero harm is sponsoring an HHS webinar series to highlight key areas of focus at the federal level to improve patient safety.
- CDC Webinar on Preventing Workplace Violence -
June 27, 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. ET | Register
- AHRQ webinar on Involving Patients and Families in Safety -
July 25, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET | Register
- CMS webinar on Engaging Boards and Executive Leadership in Safety -
August 22, 2:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. ET| Register
Register by 6/20! FW: Healthcare Employer Only Virtual Focus Group
CareerSource Florida and the Florida Chamber Foundation invite you to lend your insights regarding your healthcare workforce skills needs and secure Florida’s future!
In partnership with CareerSource Florida, the Florida Chamber Foundation is hosting virtual skills-based employer focus groups taking place on June 22nd from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. to support the Florida Workforce Needs Study 2.0 research effort.
These employer-only sessions will help the Foundation:
- Gain insight regarding current and emerging skills needs,
- Catalogue best practices in employer-educator partnerships, and
- Identify ways to maximize utilization of training support initiatives
All learnings will inform strategies and policy recommendations as part of the final report of research findings, to be released in late 2023.
If you employ workers within the healthcare occupational skill groups, we encourage you to register through the links for a focus group in one, or multiple, virtual sessions and help build Florida’s best workforce!
Thursday June 22nd, 10am-12pm: Healthcare
To learn more about the Florida Chamber Foundation’s recent workforce research, click here.
Questions? Please contact Dave Sobush, CEcD, Florida Chamber Foundation Director of Research at [email protected]
HFMA Region 5 South Eastern Summit
February 25-28, 2024
The FL HFMA Chapter is seeking presentations for the Region 5 South Eastern Summit (SES) at Tampa Marriott Waterstreet in Tampa, FL. The event dates are February 25 – 28, 2024. They are soliciting presentations from their members and industry experts that will provide valuable and relative industry education. Please click on the link below to complete the speaker proposal form in its entirety to be considered.
Speaker Proposal for Region 5 2024 South Eastern Summit