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Monday, September 11, 2006
OHA Recognizes Health Care Workers on 5^th Anniversary of 9/11
Five years after the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the nation today honors the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in this tragic event. America also remembers the lives saved and protected by dedicated health care workers. Local health care professionals played a vital role after tragedy struck, and Ohio health care workers and first responders also were among the many brave people who stepped up to help in the recovery process.

Ohio hospitals have plans in place for dealing with disasters on their home turf, but Ohio’s health care workers are also quick to voluntarily step to the frontlines during national disasters like the events of Sept. 11. To learn more about Ohio hospitals’ disaster preparedness activities, visit www.prepareohio.com/. (Carol Jacobson, carolj@ohanet.org)

Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Draft Rules Begin Implementation of Public Disclosure Legislation
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) last week released two sets of draft rules to begin implementation of House Bill 197, legislation requiring hospitals to report additional pricing and quality information to ODH.

The first set deals with the specific quality measures that hospitals will begin submitting in April 2007, as required by the new law, including:

pediatric quality measures for iatrogenic pneumothorax and for post-operative respiratory failure, as endorsed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality;
pneumonia measures for pneumococcal vaccination and for blood culture before initial antibiotic, as publicly reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services;
acute myocardial infarction measures for aspirin at arrival and for beta blocker at arrival, as publicly reported by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations;
measures for heart assessment and for angiotensin converting ventricular systolic dysfunction as endorsed by the National Quality Forum.

The second set of rules deal with the format in which hospitals will submit average charges and volume for their top 60 outpatient procedures.

OHA is reviewing the draft rules, available at www.odh.ohio.gov/rules/drafts/3701-14.aspx, and will submit comments to the department by the Oct. 5 deadline. The department has indicated the rules should take effect by early February, giving hospitals two months to submit the additional quality and pricing information. OHA will contact hospitals in the coming weeks to assist them in meeting the new disclosure requirements, similar to OHA’s previous efforts to comply with state and federal reporting requirements. (Jeff Klingler, jeffk@ohanet.org; Mary Drake, maryd@ohanet.org)

for more information about this and other upcoming elections. (Bridget Gargan, bridgetg@ohanet.org)

Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Largest Supply of Flu Vaccine Provided this Year

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that more than 100 million doses of flu vaccine will be available in the U.S. this year, exceeding last year’s total by 19 million. Officials said how much flu vaccine and when each provider will receive it depends on where and when they ordered it. Although October and November are the best times for flu vaccination, CDC recommends that the vaccine be offered throughout the peak of flu season, through February or later.

OHA and the Ohio Department of Health are cosponsoring an educational program on pandemic flu and emerging infections on Nov. 17. More information on the conference will be available as the event approaches. For more information about influenza and immunizations see www.ohanet.org/flu/. (Rick Sites, ricks@ohanet.org, Carol Jacobson, carolj@ohanet.org)

Greater Cincinnati Health Council Names New President
Colleen O’Toole has been appointed president of the Greater Cincinnati Health Council (GCHC). O’Toole has served as GCHC’s vice president of public affairs since 1991, and will be immediately assuming the position of president.

Former GCHC President Lynn R. Olman stepped down Aug. 31 for a position in Chicago. OHA thanks Lynn for her service in leading GCHC for 23 years, and looks forward to O’Toole’s service to the organization.

Hospitals’ Heartbeat
A 2006 nominee for the Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award

Nancy Richards, RN
Supervisor and Nursing Charge Multiple Specialties, Physicians Offices
Fairview Hospital
Cleveland

A look inside Nancy’s nomination –
Nancy is a superb leader and leads by her attitude and actions. She sets standards through leading by example and is a living example of listen first, talk second. Her proudest moments come from the achievements of her patients, subordinates, family members, colleagues and institution— never from her own achievements. There is no room for compromise when it comes to the patient care – her patients are always first. She is extremely knowledgeable about pediatric cardiology and very comfortable in handling pediatric emergencies. Nancy redefines nursing leadership. Her dedication is way beyond anyone’s expectations. Fairview hospital is very grateful to have her as a part of their institution.

Thursday, September 14, 2006
HPIO Seeks Hospital Perspective on Health Info Exchange in Ohio
As part of a federal grant it received to further health information exchange in Ohio, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) conducted a series of meetings in August for stakeholders, including hospitals. Participants across the health care sector were invited to share their thoughts on the vision, benefits and barriers of health information technology and health information exchange in Ohio and the data collected is now available for review and comment. View the work group information at http://hispc.pbwiki.com/TopicalEventMeetings and submit comments until Sept. 25. Hospital representatives are encouraged to comment, giving their hospital perspective and helping to lay the foundation for interoperable health information exchange in Ohio. HPIO will present its findings and recommendations at its Third Annual Statewide Conference for Health Information Technology Oct. 23. Learn more about the Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration grant at http://hispc.pbwiki.com/, and the October 23 conference at www.healthpolicyohio.org/pdf/SaveTheDay_OHHIT_20061023.pdf. (Kim Keiser, kimk@ohanet.org)

OHA to Co-sponsor Third Annual HIT Conference
On October 23, the third annual statewide conference for Health Information Technology (HIT) will be held at the Quest Center in Columbus. The conference will focus on the evolution of HIT in the state of Ohio and attendees will learn about and participate in the Ohio Health Information Strategic Plan (OHISP).

The keynote speaker this year will be Holt Anderson, Executive Director at North Carolina Health Information Communication Alliance, Inc. (NCHICA). OHA is a co-sponsor for the event and encourages health care leaders and any interested parties from all sectors of health care to attend. Watch for registration details to be posted soon at www.healthpolicyohio.org. (Rick Sites, ricks@ohanet.org)

Hospitals’ Heartbeat
A 2006 nominee for the Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award

Beverly J. Schrickel, RN, BSN
Vice President, Operations
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Sandusky

A look inside Beverly’s nomination –
Beverly Schrickel, joined Firelands Regional Medical Center in 1979, as a RN, Charge Nurse of the Medical/Surgical Unit and Relief Supervisor. Beverly truly believes the patient is the first priority and she will go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure patient needs are met in a timely manner. She always maintains a positive attitude, is an excellent role model and is a shining example for all nurses. Beverly is always instrumental in implementing significant projects at the Medical Center, including accreditation approvals. In fact, via her leadership, Firelands is one of only twelve (12) hospitals in the USA that is accredited by all three major agencies, Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Friday, September 15, 2006
OHA Distributes Health Care Briefing Books to Candidates
OHA has distributed to individuals running for state office the 2006 Candidate Briefing Book, a resource to help candidates quickly get up to speed on variety of important health care issues including:

Ø Consumer Driven Health Care, Transparency

Ø Economic Impact of Ohio's Hospitals

Ø Hospital Billing and Collections

Ø Hospital Tax-Exemption

Ø Medicaid

Ø Ohio's Health Care Workforce

Ø Physician-Owned, Limited-Service Hospitals

Ø Regional Health Information Organization

Ø Uninsured and Hospital Charity Care

Ø Wellness and Prevention

While providing an objective overview, these issue briefs also clearly identify where Ohio’s hospitals stand on key issues. Now more than ever, seeking elected office means candidates need to learn all they can about issues that affect their constituents. Health care is one of those broad issues sure to be on candidates’ radar, regardless of the office they seek. Also included with the briefing papers are updated OHA County Profiles, which provide a compilation of county-level data on who pays for health care, leading causes of death, the economic impact of each county's hospitals, and the frequency of hospital use by residents.

To view the 2006 Candidate Briefing Books and the updated OHA County Profiles, visit www.ohanet.org/advocacy/state/resources/candidatebriefingbooks.htm. (Bridget Gargan, bridgetg@ohanet.org)

Hospitals’ Heartbeat
A 2006 nominee for the Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award

Beth DeArmond, RN
Medical, Surgical, Short Stay Unit
Flower Hospital
Sylvania

A look inside Beth’s nomination –
Beth is the type of nurse you would want taking care of your family member. She delivers holistic care that includes the mind, body and soul. She is non-judgmental. She works to help achieve the best outcome for the patient and their families. Beth works with the staff to keep abreast of changes that are occurring, and assists in analyzing why and what the next step should be. Beth analyzes patient’s charts, lab values and physical assessment and puts the whole picture together. She is a great nurse detective.