Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

February 26, 2018

MHA Newsline: Feb. 26, 2018

In this issue 

Adaptive Technology and Sports Fund at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare helps children gain mobility

Every individual, no matter their ability level, deserves to experience independence, freedom and the ability to communicate. However, for some children, complex medical conditions – and the mobility issues they can create – present challenges.   

Recognizing this, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare developed an Adaptive Technology and Sports Fund in 2015. Gillette is an independent, specialty care hospital that serves children and adults who have complex musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, like cerebral palsy, spina bifida and traumatic brain injuries. Besides mobility problems, these conditions can result in abnormal muscle tone and issues maintaining balance.   

Although adaptive equipment exists, it comes at a price that is unattainable for many families. An adapted bicycle, for example, costs between $1,000 and $5,000 or more. An iPad equipped with technology to help a nonverbal child communicate can cost upwards of $2,500. The benefits, however, can’t be understated. There are physical benefits, certainly: riding a bike helps children by keeping muscles active and by improving strength and coordination. There are social and emotional advantages to adaptive bikes and technology, too, like the ability to engage with peers in the classroom or enjoy a family bike ride.     

Visit the MHA website to learn more and read the full Community Benefit Reportreturn to top   

Legislative update

The Minnesota Legislature returned to St. Paul Feb. 20 for what is expected to be a fast-paced session. Legislators will focus on tax conformity, changing state law to align with the new federal tax law; a state capital investment bill bonding for new infrastructure projects; and any biennial budget changes needed. Most expect a budget surplus when the final February forecast is released on Feb. 28. View MHA’s legislative priorities on the MHA website.   

This week at the Capitol, the Senate will hold an informational hearing presentation by the Department of Health on the hospital moratorium law in Minnesota. MHA will answer questions as needed. MHA has also introduced a bill that would streamline the Department of Human Services’ Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) licensing process. The bill would help speed the process for developing community-based mental health services with supportive housing.   

March 1 is Opioid Day on the Hill. MHA supports the bipartisan Opioid Family Recovery Act, which would impose a stewardship fee on opioid manufacturers. This fee would raise approximately $20 million per year, with funds used for projects such as integrating the prescription drug monitoring program into a provider's electronic health record. MHA members are asked to contact their legislators to share their support for opioid efforts. MHA member chief executive officers and government relations officers will receive additional information by email.   

With questions, contact Mary Krinkie, vice president of government relations, MHA, 651-659-1465, or Kristin Loncorich, director of state government relations, MHA, 651-603-3526.   

Session bill tracker
For a complete list of 2018 legislative bills MHA is tracking, visit the MHA Member Center. For assistance accessing the Member Center, contact Ashley Beno, member services and communications specialist, MHA, 651-603-3545. return to top   

MHA unveils analytics partnership with 3M

Last week, MHA unveiled its new analytics platform for members, in a first-of-its kind partnership with 3M. This effort leverages an analytics module from 3M’s Performance Matrix Platform and is based on the MHA inpatient and outpatient administrative claims databases. There is no cost to members to access and use the tools.   

In addition to the types of analyses that MHA has traditionally provided, this easy-to-use software incorporates 3M’s risk-adjustment methodologies, such as APR-DRGs and potentially preventable events. This will expand the value and analytic capabilities of the MHA data considerably to include clinically relevant topics.   

The software is part of a broader 3M platform that has been co-developed with Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences), combining 3M’s clinical expertise and experience with Verily’s analytical and processing power.   

There is no limit on the number of people within an organization who can have access to the tool. To request access, contact Bonnie Terveer, data operations assistant, MHA, 651-603-3520.   

For more information, view the kickoff webinar (the presentation begins at the six-minute mark). With questions, contact Mark Sonneborn, vice president, health information and analytics, MHA, 651-659-1423, or Katie Banks, health informatics analyst, MHA, 651-659-1406. return to top   

Submit a presentation for MNCM annual seminar

MN Community Measurement (MNCM) is seeking stories of success and challenges in improving the health of patients through measurement and data. This call for presentations is an opportunity to share best practices, lessons learned, achievements and future plans at MNCM’s annual seminar in September. Presentation focus areas include:  

  • Effective strategies to improve health equity and reduce disparities 
  • Advancing quality through collaboration and effective use of data in rural communities 
  • Leveraging performance data to target interventions and improve quality 
  • Leveraging cost data to inform strategies for advancing affordability 

The seminar’s format includes keynote speakers, plenary panels and breakout sessions with quality measurement experts both locally and nationally. There is also the ability to network with colleagues in health care quality.

The proposal submission deadline is March 9. Learn more and submit your application on MNCM’s website. With questions, contact info@mncm.orgreturn to top

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