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On Jan. 21–22, more than 30 trustees met at the Texas Healthcare Trustees Health Care Policy Workshop in Austin. The workshop included training for the American Hospital Association pilot program that seeks to engage more trustees in grassroots advocacy, focusing on communicating with legislators, developing a key message and taking action. Trustees also heard presentations on upcoming issues in the Texas Legislature, physician retention linked to quality and effecting change in tough times.
THT's Health Care Terms & Abbreviations Updated
The sixth edition of THT's Health Care Terms & Abbreviations now is available. This newly designed and updated booklet includes more than 700 terms and abbreviations commonly used in the health care industry. To purchase a copy, visit www.tht.org/publications.
THA 2009 Legislative Agenda
As the Texas Legislature meets in 2009, the Texas Hospital Association, THT and their members from across the state are working to ensure that health care issues are at the top of the legislative agenda. THA developed a 2009 Legislative Agenda brochure that outlines the key health care-related issues and solutions for improving the health and well-being of Texans.
It is probably no surprise to trustees that THA has chosen the uninsured and the nursing shortage as its primary issues this legislative session. THT mailed copies of the THA 2009 legislative agenda to all board chairs in early February. To obtain extra copies, contact Stacy Cantu.
Spring 2009 Events Approaching
Spring Teleconference Series"Successful Hospital-Physician Alignment Strategies"
March 11, Pam Knecht
"Board Self-Assessment"
April 8, J. Larry Tyler
"Key Concepts to Avoid Potential Liability"
May 13, Fletcher BrownTeleconferences are held from noon to 1 p.m. and offer an economical way to educate your board with little time commitment and no travel cost. In this series, you will learn how to create a customized, multipronged hospital-physician alignment strategy that is based on understanding and building trust with different types of physician groups. Hear techniques for board self-assessment and information on evaluations of individual board members and the board as a whole. Gain an overall understanding of governance in a health care setting, including governing board features and key board and governance issues. Receive a review of the fiduciary duties of board members and learn concepts for avoiding liability in the health care setting and the basics of the Texas Tort Claims Act. The fee for registration is $199 for individual sessions or $549 for the entire series. THT 2009 Spring Workshop
The THT 2009 Spring Workshop is scheduled for April 15 in conjunction with the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals Annual Conference in Dallas. This workshop will feature popular speakers Kevin Reed and Fletcher Brown. They will discuss nine important issues trustees should know in managing a hospital, as well as best practices for setting goals for good governance, and the trustee's role in quality and patient safety. Bill Parrish will present an overview of important economic factors and how to ensure your hospital stays strong through hard times. Join us at the InterContinental Dallas, located at 15201 Dallas Parkway in Addison. You may make reservations by calling the hotel directly at 972/386-6000 before March 24. Be sure to mention the TORCH Annual Conference to receive the group rate of $149. Registration details will be coming soon for both events.
The Next Generation of Trustees
Richard Herrera District Three Board Member Medical Center Hospital, Odessa How long have you been on your hospital/health system board?
1.5 years Why did you choose to become a board member of a health care organization?
I wanted to be a part of my community — a part that made a difference. What have you found most rewarding from your board service?
I have found that the silence of the community is the success of a good medical board. What other community organizations are you involved in?
I am also in a mentor program, which I do through community requests, and am a member of the Odessa Youth Baseball Association for the baseball district where my children play.
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