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Monday, March 6, 2006 ODJFS Gives Progress Report on Medicaid Managed Care The Ohio Joint Committee on Medicaid Technology and Reform heard an update last week on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ (ODJFS) implementation of Medicaid managed care for the entire Covered Families and Children (CFC) recipient pool as well as a portion of the Aged, Blind and Disabled population. Tracy Williams, deputy director for ODJFS’ Office of Ohio Health Plans, noted progress is on track to have all eligible recipients enrolled in Medicaid managed care by the end of 2006. Managed care enrollment is now mandatory for CFC consumers in 12 urban counties, including Franklin County, and it is voluntary in an additional five counties. ODJFS estimates 1.3 parents and their children will receive Medicaid services via managed care arranged by the end of the year. Under House Bill 66, the biennial budget, the Ohio Department of Insurance requires Ohio Medicaid managed care plans to secure a $3 million surety bond, and Williams reported all of the current plans are in compliance. To view Williams’ full testimony, visit www.gongwer-oh.com/126/DJFSreport2-06.pdf. ODJFS also announced last week that it would release the selection of Ohio Medicaid managed care plans by March 17, not March 3. The date was extended due to the large number of entities that submitted applications. View this notice at www.ohanet.org/medicaid/resources/managed_care.pdf. (Bridget Gargan, bridgetg@ohanet.org) Hospitals’ Heartbeat A 2005 nominee for the Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award Naomi King, RN
A look inside
Naomi’s nomination –
Tuesday, March 7, 2006 Two Hospital Leaders Named MVPs of PAC Stanley Korducki and Thomas Breitenbach received the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Most Valuable PAC Player award for 2005. Korducki is president of Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green and Breitenbach is president and CEO of Premier Health Partners in Dayton. The award allows each state to honor two individuals who represent the collective achievement of the entire hospital staff for outstanding efforts during the previous year’s political action fundraising campaign. OHA’s political action committee (PAC), Friends of Ohio Hospitals, coordinates grassroots messages to elected officials and offers financial support to officials who understand the needs of Ohio hospitals. More information about OHA’s PAC is available online at www.friendsofohiohospitals.org/. (Bridget Gargan, bridgetg@ohanet.org) LPN Renewal Approaching, Correct Addresses Needed Employers of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are encouraged to remind their staffs that applications for the LPN 06-08 renewal will be mailed the first week of May. Any LPN whose mailing address has changed since the last renewal should contact the State of Ohio Board of Nursing with updated address information in one of the following ways:
When requesting an address change, include a nursing license number or social security number as well as the new mailing address. Wednesday, March 8, 2006 Ohio Senate Hears Support for High Risk Pools The Ohio Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee this week heard testimony in support of Senate Bill 272, legislation sponsored by Sen. Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon) to establish and operate the Ohio Health Insurance Risk Pool and repeal existing open enrollment provisions. The Ohio Association of Health Underwriters testified that the bill would give those with pre-existing medical conditions a more predictable and affordable safety net and that it would help providers by reducing uncompensated care. The association argued that the high risk pool is not a complete answer to the Ohio’s growing uninsured population, but that it is a step in the right direction and would cover approximately 1,800 people willing and able to purchase some degree of health care coverage. OHA’s Committee on Advocacy and Policy will discuss this legislation along with other access to health care coverage proposals. (Bridget Gargan, bridgetg@ohanet.org) Medicare Part D Events Abound Seniors looking for help on the new Medicare drug benefit have a plethora of educational opportunities at their disposal. The Medicare Rx Access Network of Ohio created a comprehensive list of Medicare Part D events throughout the state, including those of Ohio hospitals, to send to its approximately 80 health and social service organization members across Ohio. The calendar includes events scheduled through the end of the first open enrollment period, which ends May 15. Find the calendar of events online at www.ohanet.org/healthenews/archives/2006/medicare_events.pdf. Hospitals are encouraged to share events designed to help Medicare beneficiaries for publication in the calendar by contacting Stephanie Koch at skoch@lesiccamper.com. The Network can also provide hospitals with helpful Medicare Part D brochures and other resources for patients. Thursday, March 9, 2006 Donate Life Month Aims to Bolster Organ Donation Hospitals have the opportunity to help nearly 2,500 Ohioans waiting for an organ transplant during Donate Life Month in April. Through Donate Life Month, the National Kidney Foundation challenges all Americans to sign organ donor cards and share their wishes with their families. Visit www.kidney.org for more information. Ohio’s Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO) are resources for hospitals, and can offer a variety of resources to educate hospital employees about organ donation including paycheck stuffers, brochures, speakers, display tables, articles, banners and more. Find out more about your hospital's regional OPO at www.lifeconnectionofohio.org (northwest Ohio), www.lifebanc.org (northeast Ohio), www.lifelineofohio.org (central and southern Ohio), and www.lifecnt.org (southeastern Ohio). (Jeff Klingler, jeffk@ohanet.org) National Hospital Week Planning Gears Up Each year Ohio hospitals admit nearly 1.5 million patients, treat another 5.5 million in emergency departments and see another 30.5 million for other outpatient needs. They also work in their communities to improve wellness and prevent illness. National Hospital Week 2006, May 7-13, gives hospitals the opportunity to commemorate the dedication of health care workers and celebrate their commitment to their communities. The American Hospital Association offers promotional materials as well as planning resources to help hospitals recognize this annual event. In March, hospitals are encouraged to start booking speakers and guests who will take part in their events and reserve any facilities, picnic area or equipment needed. To request a planning guide, view promotional materials or learn more about how to get involved with this year’s National Hospital Week, visit www.imprintmall.com/hospitalweek/history1.html. Hospitals’ Heartbeat A 2005 nominee for the Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award
Kathy Stout, RN
A look inside
Kathy’s nomination –
Friday, March 10, 2006 The EMS Board’s Trauma Committee recently confirmed OHA’s nominee for the committee seat reserved for a non-trauma center hospital administrator. Heather Komon, director of patient services and chief nursing officer of Highland District Hospital in Hillsboro, will work with the committee on the ongoing implementation of the state trauma system. More information about the Ohio Trauma System is available online at www.ohanet.org/advocacy/state/issues/trauma.htm. Hospitals’ Heartbeat A 2005 nominee for the Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award
Ann Wayson
Locher, MSN, RN, ACRN, CNS
A look inside
Ann’s nomination –
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January 03, 2008. |
