POST-EVENT RECAP

The attendees of the Annual Meeting listened to a thought provoking conversation about “The Healthcare Organization’s Role in Formulating Public Policy” on Nov 19. 

Craig Becker, FACHE, (President and CEO, Tennessee Hospital Association) shared his thoughts on the history of healthcare.  Becker believes we are in the midst of a re-set on many aspects of healthcare, consistent with his view that historically we undergo significant disruptive change every 40 years or so. Matters such as tax exempt bonds, high cost of pharmaceuticals; administrative burdens on providers, cuts to physician payments, nursing burnouts, and an increase in workplace violence are more concerning.  The media fans the flames by focusing only on the negative aspects of healthcare.  How can we begin to address and transform solutions in service and policy?  This transformation will only occur by focusing on the patient, not blaming others, gaining the confidence of the consumers, providing service to our customers, and creating innovative ideas on how to change the system.

Becker then introduced the panelists:  C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD (Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center); Nancy Anness, MSN, APN, FNP-BC (Chief Advocacy Officer, Saint Thomas Health/ Ascension); and Jeff Ockerman, JD, (Director, Health Planning, Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration).  Anness stressed the need to advocate for others by collaborating with providers and taking issues to the state and federal government leaders.  She encouraged concentration on improved outcomes, exceptional patient experience and enhanced provider experience.  Anness and Pinson spoke about the collaboration of St. Thomas Health and Vanderbilt in developing a Community Health Needs Assessment that identified access to healthcare for the underserved; mental health and drug treatment, wellness maintenance and disease prevention.  In addition to the issues raised in Community Health Needs Assessment, Pinson recognized the importance of access to insurance or some sort of payment for all patients while also trying to stabilize the insurance markets.

Ockerman stated that the Health Planning department places more emphasis on population health around the issues of obesity, substance abuse, exercise and smoking.  Their focus is to improve the health of the population, whereas the recent emphasis of healthcare provider organizations has been on treating the disease.  Ockerman also stressed the impact the opioid crisis has had in eastern Tennessee.

Pinson offered steps by which one can become a better advocate and contributor in the evolving healthcare system.  His advice was to take an interest in a specific issue and become knowledgeable and passionate about it.  Proceed in a meaningful, thoughtful fashion considering the audience and the way your thoughts are presented.  Step forward and contribute.  

Becker and the panelists underscored healthcare’s need to shift more emphasis to population health; create innovative payment systems that payment on value, and continue to advocate for those with little access to healthcare. 

The theme and call for action from the panel seemed to be summarized in the following mantra: These are perplexing times, let’s step up, step forward, and contribute.

PRE-EVENT INFO

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Many of society’s most critical issues confront healthcare daily. Organizations must address a myriad of issues including access for the uninsured and underinsured, children and elder care initiatives, patient safety and Medicare and Medicaid changes. In addition, healthcare must also deal with payer demands for cost containment and the growing expectation for transparency. Join us for a presentation and moderated panel discussion focused on the healthcare organization's role in formulating public policy.  Our panel of experts will help us to better understand questions such as:

• How can your organization advocate on those public policy issues that clearly affect your community and healthcare providers?
• How important is it for healthcare leaders to become involved in policy issues at the local, state and national levels?
• Can your participation really impact how regulatory and fiscal decisions get made?

OPENING SPEAKER/MODERATOR

Craig Becker

President & CEO, Tennessee Hospital Association

PANELISTS

Dr. Wright Pinson	Jeff Ockerman	Nancy Anness
Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Director of Health Planning, State of Tennessee	Chief Advocacy Officer, Saint Thomas Health/ Ascension TN

Schedule:
5-5:45 Arrival and Networking
5:45-6:30 Dinner
6:30-6:35 National Anthem
6:35-7 Comments and Award
7-7:25 Opening Speaker
7:25-8:25 Moderated Panel
8:25-8:30 Closing Remarks, Adjourn

THANK YOU to Our MUSIC Sponsor:  Bo Turner
THANK YOU to Our FACILITY Sponsor:

THANK YOU to Our EVENT Sponsors:

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Credits and Type:
This program has been developed and is presented locally by ACHEMT.  The American College of Healthcare Executives has awarded 1.5 ACHE Face-to-Face EducationCredits to this program.

Parking:
Free parking in the lot directly in front of Ezell Center, Building #44, lot labeled as P off of Belmont Blvd or in Arena West Parking Garage, P2. 
Link to Parking Map

 
Donation Collection at Annual Event:
In conjunction with our Dec. 9th Salvation Army Angel Tree Service Event, ACHEMT will be collecting toys for the Angel Tree project at the Annual Meeting. See Angel Tree Toy Wishlist for a list of needed items.  Individuals bringing donations to the Annual Meeting will be entered into a drawing for a free event registration.  Alternatively, after Nov. 11th, you can adopt an angel by visiting the Angel Tree Website.