Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

June 03, 2013

MHA Newsline

In this issue:


Nine insurers apply to sell plans on MNsure

According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, nine companies are seeking approval to sell health plans through the Minnesota health insurance exchange, MNsure. While the names of the companies have not been publicly released by the Department of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Medica, HealthPartners and UCare are reported to be among those that submitted applications. The Department of Commerce has not yet released the names of the other plans or the details regarding premium costs, benefit sets, service areas or provider networks. For more information about MNsure, visit www.mn.gov/hix. ^top of page


MHA issues two requests for proposals for high performing hospitals

The MHA Hospital Engagement Network has the opportunity to participate in a new program from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Leading Edge Advanced Practice Topics (LEAPT), which focuses on readmissions as well as sepsis, clostridium difficile, iatrogenic delirium, and incorporating employee safety with patient safety culture. The LEAPT program builds on MHA's model of identifying and spreading best practices to all hospitals. MHA has issued two requests for proposals for hospitals that have achieved successful outcomes. The first is for hospitals that have had success addressing readmissions within their broader community. Through LEAPT, hospitals will mentor other hospitals by spreading lessons throughout the Partnership for Patients Network.

Please click on the following links for complete details and request for readmission proposal forms due June 14:

Additional LEAPT topics, proposals due June 21:

    MHA is also seeking mentor hospitals that have achieved successful outcomes in the following areas:
  • Reducing severe Sepsis and septic shock
  • Reducing Clostridium Difficile, including antibiotic stewardship
  • Reducing Iatrogenic Delirium
  • A safety culture that fully integrates patient safety with worker safety

Please click on the following links for complete details and request for proposal forms.

If you have questions about either proposal, contact Karen Olson, 651-603-3521. ^top of page


Hospitals can apply for open GME slots

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced two teaching hospitals are closing. As a result, their graduate medical education (GME) slots will be redistributed to other hospitals around the country. Hospitals can apply for these slots and may download the application here. MHA encourages members to apply to increase the number of residency opportunities in Minnesota. For more information see the May 31 Federal Register.^top of page


Weber and Speake to present at MHA Summer Trustee Conference

MN BENHA approves conference for credit hours

Lt. Col. Mark Weber and former KARE 11 storyteller Ken Speake will each present a session at the MHA Summer Trustee Conference.

A highly decorated war hero, Weber was diagnosed with terminal intestinal cancer in 2010 at the age of 38, and given four months to live. He began writing a book, “Tell my Sons,” as a legacy for his three sons. During his presentation, he’ll share what he’s learned about perseverance, fear, humor and personal courage.

Ken Speake made a career out of telling stories as a television journalist. For 27 years he followed his natural curiosity to shine the light on good stories made great by his artful telling. During his closing conference presentation, he will share his approach to storytelling and talk about some of the memorable stories he carries with him.

Conference received MN BENHA Approval
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (MN BENHA) has approved this conference for up to 7.5 credit hours.

The MHA Summer Trustee Conference will take place July 12-14 at the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Alexandria. For more information or to register, download the conference brochure. ^top of page