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April 13, 2017

The Connection is a weekly e-newsletter from the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association. You can subscribe to our daily blog where we discuss pressing healthcare topics, such as the change in approval rates of the ACA

In This Week's Issue

In The News

Headlines

Have the Conversation…It Always Seem Too Early, Until It’s Too Late
Sandy Severson, Vice President of Care Improvement

AzHHA is supporting National Healthcare Decision Day/Week to inspire, educate and empower the public about the importance of advance care planning.  While we all plan to “have the conversation,” a study by Kaiser Family Foundation shows that only 29% of people over age 65 years have discussed their end-of-life care wishes. Having these conversations, “before the crisis” is not only easier, but much more valuable. Beginning the end-of-life conversation will make a significant contribution to your family by minimizing guilt. Lead by example and schedule some time with your loved ones on or before the week of April 16th to “have the talk” and complete your own advance directive and healthcare power of attorney. You are able to access tools and free resources that will guide you through the process in the Thoughtful Life Conversations website. Once you’ve had the conversation, be sure to document it, share a copy with your family, your medical power of attorney and your healthcare providers.

AzCRH Webinar: Arizona’s Opioid Epidemic
Shayna Diamond, Director of Community Affairs

Join The U of A Center for Rural Health April 18th for the Arizona’s Opioid Epidemic: Understanding the Problem and Finding Solutions webinar. Learning objectives include understanding the rising rates of opioid use nationally and in Arizona as well as identifying solutions that individuals can take across healthcare. For more information about the webinar or to register, click here.

MedPAC Finalizes Recommendations for Part B Drug Payment Policy
Debbie JohnstonSenior Vice President of Policy Development

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has recently finalized a package of recommendations for Congress aimed at reducing the rapid growth in Part B drug spending. Earlier this year, the AHA wrote a letter supporting the commission’s increased focus on drug pricing but expressed concern that many of the proposals would unfairly penalize hospitals for price increases that are outside of their control. To view some of the MedPAC recommendations, click here.

WRTS Room Block Closes May 17th
Gina HillisDirector of Governance & Special Assistant to the President

If you have not yet made your lodging reservations for this year’s Western Regional Trustee Symposium (WRTS), taking place June 7-9th in Santa Fe, New Mexico, please note that the room block will close on Wednesday, May 17th. The room rate for Symposium attendees booking rooms at the Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder is $119 a night, plus resort fee and tax. Reservations will be accepted after May 17 at the hotel’s prevailing rate and based on availability. Reservations may be made by calling 1.800.445.8667 and mentioning the Western Regional Trustee Symposium (code WRTS). You can also reserve your room online and use Group Code: WRTS. 

To learn more about this year’s program, click here to view the brochure and complete an electronic registration brochure, located under the header “Program.” If you have any questions please contact, Gina Hillis.

Point of Pride: Canyon Vista Medical Center

Two years ago Canyon Vista Medical Center opened its doors to the residents of its surrounding communities of southeastern Arizona. Located in the breathtaking Arizona desert, the beautiful 177,000 sq. ft. facility has recently been featured in the Commercial Architecture Magazine. To view the March Issue of Commercial Architecture Magazine featuring Canyon Visa, click here.