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Monday, J uly 9, 2007CMS Eases Medicaid Proof-of-Citizenship Requirements The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released its final rule on Medicaid proof-of-citizenship requirements, expanding the types of documentation acceptable for establishing citizenship and exempting certain groups from the requirements. The changes reflect the more than 1,400 public comments on the interim final rule as well as the Tax Relief Health Care Act of 2006.
The rule, scheduled for publication in this Friday’s Federal Register, would extend Medicaid benefits for newborns up to one year of age if their mothers were on Medicaid on the date of birth, regardless of immigration status. The new rule also approves the use of additional documents in establishing identity and citizenship. This includes the use of clinic, doctor and hospital records to verify a child’s identity.
In addition, the new rule establishes a federal regulation that individuals applying for Medicaid or renewing their eligibility provide original documents. Currently, many states operate under looser requirements. Groups such as Families USA will seek a legislative action to return the decision on citizenship documentation to states.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007 Proposed Bill Would Provide Tax Breaks for Corporate Wellness Programs Congressional leaders yesterday introduced the Healthy Workforce Act of 2007, which would provide tax credits to businesses that implement wellness programs for their employees. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR.) co-sponsored the bill, aimed at rewarding businesses with comprehensive wellness programs by offering a tax break of up to $200 per employee for the first 200 employees and up to $100 per employee thereafter. To be eligible, company programs must include three of the following: health awareness and education, behavioral change, a supportive workplace environment, employee engagement committee to design programs. Businesses would be able to receive the tax credit for 10 years after establishing new qualified wellness programs.
The American Heart Association endorsed the bill, noting the high return on investment for corporate health management programs and the increased risk for heart disease and stroke associated with the 140 million overweight U.S. adults. The heart association’s Fit-Friendly Companies program provides guidance to help employers – including hospitals – create workplace wellness environments. Cost estimates for the bill have not been released. The legislation may be added to a tax-related bill in the fall. To view a press release visit Sen. Harkin’s Web site. (Jonathan Archey, jonathana@ohanet.org; Mary Yost, maryy@ohanet.org)
Hospitals’
Heartbeat
Shirley Conley, RN, BSN, CDE Team Leader, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Diabetes Education Fostoria Community Hospital Fostoria
A look inside Shirley’s nomination -
Shirley is
a dedicated nurse who works in cardiac rehabilitation and
diabetes education at Fostoria Community Hospital. She is
compassionately committed to improving the lives of her
diabetic patients. Shirley helped establish the Fostoria
Community Hospital diabetes fund, which provides patients
with scholarships for education, supplies and medication.
She leads the annual Walk for Diabetes that raises funds to
meet the needs of diabetic patients and their families in
the community. Recognizing that local pregnant women who
required gestational diabetes education were referred to
programs over 40 miles away frequently faced transportation
issues, Shirley developed a gestational diabetes program at
Fostoria Community Hospital. Shirley exceeds customers’
expectation and is an outstanding team player who has made a
positive impact in the community.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 Disney Professional Development Program Invites Hospital Reps The Disney Institute is bringing its professional development program, “The Disney Keys to Excellence,” to The Ohio State University Sept. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is offering a discounted rate to OHA members. This full-day event will introduce participants to Disney business strategies that could be implemented in their own organizations. Participants will learn about Disney success stories, management philosophies and the behind-the-scenes operations that have made the Walt Disney World Resort a benchmark for businesses around the world.
The Disney Keys program will showcase four 90-minute sessions focused on Disney-style leadership, management, service and loyalty. OHA members can register at the discounted price of $349 per person (reg. rate $425) by entering the code: OHADISNEY07. For more information or to register, call 877.544.2384 or visit http://www.keyscolumbus.com.
OHA’s Center for Education also hosts ongoing educational opportunities for Ohio hospitals. To view upcoming programs and continuing education opportunities, visit http://www.ohanet.org/education/education_programs.asp.
Hospitals’
Heartbeat
Sandra Nearhood, RN Hospice Nurse, Hospice of Memorial Hospital Fremont Memorial Hospital Fremont
A look inside Sandra’s nomination - This wonderful lady is a giver to her community and literally the world around her. Family members lean on her strength. Her patients rely on her wisdom and tenderness to meet their need for comfort and peace in their end-of-life journey. Sandy has a rare, special gift of putting others over herself, even when challenged last year with a severe dislocated shoulder. Although she was unable to dress herself or do simple activities of daily living, she held to her faith rather than believing that there was nothing more that could be done for her. Even when despair could have gripped her, she chose to call and pray and encourage others, never letting her pain and this disability stop her from her determination to help others.
CMS Approves Use of Patient Restraints by PAs & APNs Region V of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) this week approved the use in Ohio of physician assistants (PA) and advanced practice nurses (APN) to order patient restraints and seclusion. The authority for them to do so must be included in the collaboration arrangement PAs and APNs are required by Ohio law to have with a physician.
CMS’ new approval refers to patient restraints and seclusion within the meaning of the Medicare Conditions of Participation (42 CFR Section 482.13). Prior to this announcement, PAs and APNs in Ohio were not considered by CMS to be licensed independent practitioners (LIP) as required by the hospital Conditions of Participation. The use of LIPs and the related patients' rights requirements are posted on the CMS Web site. The CMS approval, communicated to the Ohio Department of Heath (ODH) in an e-mail, was in response to OHA advocacy coupled with assistance from ODH. (Rick Sites, ricks@ohanet.org)
Hospitals’
Heartbeat
Shirley Fitz, RN Director of Nursing Galion Community Hospital Galion
A look inside Shirley’s nomination -
For the
past 34 years, Shirley has devoted her life to patient care.
She began her career as a nurse aide and has worked her way
up to director of nursing. She delivers first rate quality
direct care to patients and coordinates the quality of care
from others. If only all employees had her professionalism,
skill, dedication and work ethic, management would be so
much easier. She has a quiet demeanor but tackles her work
as well as difficult situations with the utmost vigor.
Shirley is very well respected throughout the entire
organization and is often the go-to person for any patient
care issue or dilemma.
Friday, July 13, 2007 Congress Nears Decision on SCHIP, White House Threatens Veto Discussions about renewal of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) are one step closer to completion this week in Congress despite threats of a veto from the White House. The SCHIP program ensures health care coverage for children whose family incomes make them ineligible for Medicaid, but for whom private insurance is still out of reach. Beyond the current scope of SCHIP, an additional 9 million children remain without health insurance. All Ohio members of Congress support the renewal of SCHIP as the top health care priority of the year, but Democrats and Republicans disagree as to how far to expand SCHIP eligibility.
The president initially proposed a $5 billion increase over five years for the program, which provides insurance to 6 million children and 600,000 parents nationwide, but U.S. House and Senate members from both political parties feel additional funding is necessary to maintain the program, even without expansions. Some House Democrats advocate a $60 billion expansion to the program, to insure most parents of SCHIP children. Prominent conservatives argue that expanding SCHIP beyond its current beneficiary threshold would represent the first step to socialized medicine for all Americans, which they oppose. A tentative compromise reached this week between Democratic and Republican U.S. Senators would provide an additional $35 billion over five years to cover more children and pregnant women, but it would not expand coverage to additional parents. An increased tax on tobacco products would help fund the program. The final version of the bill likely will resemble the Senate version of the legislation, and could be sent to the president as early as July 27. Prominent Republican Senators, including Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), urged the president this week not to veto the bipartisan legislation. (Jonathan Archey, jonathana@ohanet.org) © 2001-2008 OHA. Last updated
January 03, 2008. |
