2013 HASD&IC REGIONAL PRIORITIES

HASD&IC's 2013 Priorities are driven by a shared vision with CHA and the Regional Associations of an optimally healthy society and goal that all Californians have equitable, safe, high-quality, medically necessary health care. During 2013 HASD&IC will focus on the following advocacy priorities:

• Regionally, support CHA's federal and state advocacy efforts on legislation, regulations, and funding opportunities.
• Advocate for healthcare policies and practices that support the provision of efficient and effective operations of the Hospital Outstation Services (HOS) Program; the Low Income Health Program (LIHP); programs addressing dual eligibles, behavioral health, post-acute care, AB 109 implementation,emergency medical services, and disaster planning; and any other programs of impact to hospitals that are implemented locally to meet legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Provide hospital representation and advocacy on policy issues related to local Medi-Cal geographic managed care programs.
• Advocate for responsive policies for regional emergency medical services that strengthen the hospital safety net in partnership with community clinics and physicians.
• Represent and promote the value of community hospitals to elected officials, healthcare stakeholders, and to the communities they serve through effective public advocacy outreach.
• Provide appropriate media responses to inquiries regarding hospital policies and practices.

Implement an improved and expanded Community Health Needs Assessment tool to reflect specific needs and gaps in hospital service areas.

Continue the development of the San Diego Regional Health Information Exchange (the Beacon Collaborative) toward a fully independent community asset.

Support Efforts to Improve Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

• Achieve Patient Safety First…A California Partnership for Health programmatic goals and coordinate quality improvement and patient safety activities for all hospitals in the region.
• Accelerate hospital improvements in quality and patient safety through education, networking, sharing best practices, and communication through local and statewide collaboratives and other peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
• Ensure collaboration, coordination, and cooperation of all PS/QI activities consistent with policy direction from the California Hospital Patient Safety Organization (CHPSO) Board, CHA Hospital Quality Committee, and Hospital Engagement Network (HEN) activities.

Strengthen our Health Care Infrastructure with a Workforce to Meet Regional Needs

• Continue to heighten awareness of workforce shortages in the region, especially to meet health care reform requirements.
• Work with local and statewide collaboratives and educational institutions to develop and implement strategies to address workforce needs.

Support Collaboration Among Regional Health Care Providers and the Community

• Strengthen working relationships and a common agenda with community health centers, long term care providers, physician groups, and medical societies in the region.
• Expand partnerships with the business, academic, social services, and public health communities.
• Engage with community groups and professional organizations to share issues/concerns, positively position hospitals, and identify common advocacy agendas.

Coordinate Regional Advocacy Efforts in Support of CHA Priorities, including fundraising for the California Hospital Association Political Action Committee (CHPAC); educating key stakeholders, opinion leaders, legislators, and district staff on hospital issues and efforts in support of CHA's Public Advocacy Program; responding to CHA Advocacy Alerts; and organizing regional teams to attend CHA's Health Policy Legislative Day and California Congressional Action Program.