Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

November 10, 2014

MHA Newsline: Nov. 10, 2014

In this issue

MHA resources on Ebola preparedness

In conversations with member hospitals, an ongoing concern is the availability and supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). MHA plans to survey members to ensure we have a continuously updated inventory of PPE to facilitate sharing for training and adequate supplies for the four designated hospitals until national backorders of PPE are fulfilled.  

In addition, MHA continues almost daily to post new resources from the CDC, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as well as other states and providers on our Ebola resource webpage.  

The National Nurses United (NNU) and the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) plan to hold an event on Nov. 12 at the Capitol critical of Ebola preparedness. Two weeks ago, MHA staff met with the MNA to hear their concerns about Ebola readiness. Minnesota’s hospitals and health care systems are ready and mobilizing for Ebola, focusing on the needs of patients and the protection of health care workers. Led by physicians, nurses, infectious disease specialists, infection control officers, patient safety officers, and emergency preparedness coordinators, Minnesota’s hospitals are working deep within their organizations to put in place the resources needed and safeguards for staff while continuing to serve our patients and our communities.    

MHA and MDH are regularly communicating and collaborating to make sure any patient in Minnesota can be properly identified and isolated and transferred to one of four hospitals designated for treatment. Collaboration has included regular, ongoing meetings, information sharing, and planning with work groups specific to personal protective equipment protocols, patient transfer practices, and the handling of lab specimens.  

Using patient flow charts provided by the CDC, Minnesota’s hospitals are instituting patient flows meant to identify patients, isolate patients, and then inform the hospital’s infectious disease team as well as state and federal health care officials. This “identify, isolate and inform” method is considered best practice.  

Once this takes place, Minnesota’s hospitals will be collaborating to properly and safely move the patient to the hospitals designated for Ebola care or, in consultation with MDH and CDC, to one of the four federal bio-containment facilities. return to top 

Prevention of Violence in Healthcare tool kit available

MHA extends our sincere wishes for the recovery of the injured nurses at HealthEast St. John's Hospital in Maplewood as a result of a violent patient last week. While the hospital is actively investigating the root cause and contributing factors leading this patient to become violent, the situation reinforces hospital and health system worker concerns about an increasing number of violent incidents against staff.    

MHA was part of a public-private coalition that met earlier this year to find ways to prevent violence toward staff in health care settings and to provide resources to hospitals, long-term care facilities and clinics to help them identify risks for violence and put effective strategies in place to respond. Resources include a gap analysis and a comprehensive tool kit containing sample policies and procedures, articles, staff education tools and other documents that facilities can use to educate their staff and their leaders. Sixty hospitals have signed on to the initiative, and MHA encourages other to join. You can learn more about the issue, upcoming educational webinars, and obtain the violence prevention road map and Prevention of Violence in Healthcare tool kit on the MHA website. The next webinar will be on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m.-noon CST.  The link to register for this free webinar is below.  

Webinar link 

Webinar ID: 793-855-386

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Gov. Dayton re-elected and Republicans take control of the MN House

Gov. Mark Dayton was re-elected to a second term last week and Republicans gained majority control of the Minnesota House of Representatives. The Minnesota Senate was not up for re-election, so that body stays in DFL hands with 39 DFL members and 28 Republican members.  

House Republicans needed to gain seven seats to take the majority, and they were able to pick up eleven seats. Ten of those 11 seats were in greater Minnesota and one was in a suburban metro district.   

  • 2A: Former Rep. Republican Dave Hancock of Bemidji defeated Rep. Roger Erickson
  • 10A:  Republican Joshua Heintzman of Nisswa defeated Rep. John Ward
  • 10B: Republican Dale Lueck of Aitkin defeated Rep. Joe Radinovich
  • 11B: Republican Jason Rarick of Brook Park defeated Rep. Tim Faust
  • 12A: Republican Jeff Backer of Browns Valley defeated Rep. Jay McNamar
  • 14B: Former Rep. Republican Jim Knoblach of St. Cloud defeated Rep. Zachary Dorholt
  • 17A: Republican Tim Miller of Prinsburg defeated Rep. Andrew Falk
  • 17B:  Republican Dave Baker of Willmar defeated Rep. Mary Sawatzky
  • 24B:  Republican Brian Daniels of Faribault defeated Rep. Patti Fritz
  • 27A:  Republican Peggy Bennett of Albert Lea defeated Rep. Shannon Savick
  • 56B: Republican Roz Peterson of Lakeville defeated Rep. Will Morgan.

The House will now be comprised of 72 Republicans and 62 DFL members. House Republicans elected Rep. Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) speaker of the house and Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers) majority leader. House Democrats elected Rep. Paul Thissen (D-Minneapolis) minority leader. return to top 

26 new House members elected

Earlier this year, 15 members of the Minnesota House of Representatives announced their plans to retire and not to seek re-election in 2014:

  • 7A: Democrat Rep. Tom Huntley is succeeded by Democrat Jennifer Schultz
  • 19B: Democrat Rep. Kathy Brynaert is succeeded by Democrat Jack Considine
  • 20A: Republican Rep. Kelby Woodard is succeeded by Republican Bob Vogel
  • 26B: Republican Rep. Mike Benson is succeeded by Republican Nels Pierson
  • 30B: Republican Rep. David FitzSimmons is succeeded by Republican Eric Lucero
  • 34B: Republican Rep. Kurt Zellers is succeeded by Republican Dennis Smith
  • 35A: Republican Rep. Jim Abeler is succeeded by Republican Abigail Whelan
  • 44B: Democrat Rep. John Benson is succeeded by Democrat Jon Applebaum
  • 46B: Democrat Steve Simon is succeeded by Democrat Cheryl Youakim
  • 47A: Republican Ernie Leidiger is succeeded by Republican Jim Nash
  • 53B: Republican Rep. Andrea Kieffer is succeeded by Republican Kelly Fenton
  • 55A: Republican Rep. Mike Beard is succeeded by Republican Bob Loonan
  • 56A: Republican Rep. Pam Myra is succeeded by Republican Drew Christensen
  • 58A: Republican Rep. Mary Liz Holberg is succeeded by Republican Jon Koznick
  • 64B: Democrat Rep. Michael Paymar is succeeded by Democrat Dave Pinto

All of the open seat elections were won by candidates of the same political party as their predecessor. 

Combined with the 11 Republicans that unseated current DFL Representatives, there are now 26 new House of Representative members.    

Of the 26 new House members, 5 are Democrats and 21 are Republicans; 38 of the 72 Republicans are from greater Minnesota and 34 are from the 11-county metro area. return to top 

Medicare physician payment fee schedule includes payment for expanded telehealth services

The 2015 Physician Payment Fee Schedule adds telemedicine services eligible for payment, including some behavioral health services. The following services have been added to Medicare’s list of eligible telehealth services:

  • CPT codes 90845 (Psychoanalysis); 90846 (family psychotherapy (without the patient present); and 90847 (family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy) (with patient present);
  • CPT codes 99354 (prolonged service in the office or other outpatient setting requiring direct patient contact beyond the usual service; first hour (list separately in addition to code for office or other outpatient evaluation and management service); and 99355 (prolonged service in the office or other outpatient setting requiring direct patient contact beyond the usual service; each additional 30 minutes (list separately in addition to code for prolonged service); and
  • HCPCS codes G0438 (annual wellness visit; includes a personalized prevention plan of service (pps), initial visit; and, G0439 (annual wellness visit, includes a personalized prevention plan of service (pps), subsequent visit).

The final rule continues requirements that the individual receiving the services must be in an eligible originating site, interactive telecommunication equipment must be used, and limits originating sites to those located in rural health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) or in a county that is not included in a metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). When this and other requirements are met, Medicare pays an originating site fee to the originating site and provides separate payment to the distant site practitioner furnishing the service. The originating site fee is increasing by 0.8 percent.  

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is taking comments on this final rule through Dec. 15. The rule is available online. return to top  

Hospitals encouraged to participate in initiative to improve CAUTIs in the ICU

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common type of health care-associated infection. Hospitals are encouraged to enroll ICUs to participate in On the Cusp: Stop CAUTI in the ICU. This groundbreaking national initiative uses the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP) and evidence-based interventions to reduce CAUTI. Benefits to ICUs include:

  • Learn how to implement the CUSP model
  • Reduce or eliminate CAUTI
  • Network with hospitals from other states nationwide
  • Interact with expert faculty
  • Increase awareness of appropriate catheter use in your unit
  • Reduce indwelling urinary catheter utilization in ICUs
  • Reduce patient discomfort, bacteriuria, and symptomatic UTIs

One to one coaching Interested in enrolling or learning more? Contact Marilyn Grafstrom, MHA, 218-242-4964. return to top  

Advance Practice RNs must get separate license by Jan. 1, 2015

A new law now requires a separate license for Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). All Minnesota APRNs must complete an application process with the Minnesota Board of Nursing and be licensed by Jan. 1, 2015.  

The four roles impacted by this law are Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS); Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA); Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM); and Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP).  

To become licensed, APRNs are required to hold a current Registered Nurse license and submit documentation of successful completion of an acceptable graduate APRN program and current certification as an APRN in a role and population focus.  

In addition to requiring APRN licensure, the new law removes the requirement for a collaborative management plan and written prescribing agreement for APRNs. CNS and CNPs will be required to practice for 2,080 hours within the context of a collaborative agreement with a licensed CNS, CNP or physician who has experience in providing care to patients with similar medical problems.  

In the past, Minnesota did not require an APRN licensure, but required APRNs to submit a copy of their certification to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, and they were listed on the APRN Registry. Effective Jan. 1, 2015, all APRNs are required to hold an APRN license and the APRN Registry will be obsolete.  

More information can be found on the Minnesota Board of Nursing’s website. Questions can be directed to Julie Sabo MN, RN, CNS, APRN specialist, Minnesota Board of Nursing, 612-317-3013. return to top  

DHS schedules hospital-specific program on new background study requirements

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Inspector General will host a meeting on Wednesday, Nov.12 from 12:30 – 5 p.m. at the Maplewood Community Center for hospital providers to discuss the background studies changes that will be implemented in early 2015. The 2014 Minnesota Legislature passed a law that will require fingerprints and a photograph for those new employees who require a background study. Implementation of these changes will begin in January and all provider types will be phased in by May 2015.   

DHS indicates this meeting will build on the information provided in a series of earlier programs about the new background study requirements. The meeting will cover the overview that was given at the earlier meetings, but will address more of the particulars that relate to the hospital providers, recruiters and those who work with volunteers. The session will also include a demonstration of the new NETStudy2.0.  

There is no charge for attending and no pre-registration. Free parking is available at the Community Center.  

If you have questions about the new background study requirements of the upcoming meeting you can contact Ben Peltier, MHA legal counsel, 651-603-3513. More information is also available on the DHS website. return to top  

MHA January Trustee Conference brochure available

The brochure for the Minnesota Hospital Association’s (MHA’s) Winter Trustee Conference is available online.  

This year’s conference will offer participants seven general sessions and 15 breakouts on issues of governance, finance, patient safety and the future of health care. Friday will also feature the popular 4-hour Training Camp for Trustees.  

The conference will be held Jan. 9-11, 2015 at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park.  For more information, download the conference brochure. return to top 

Deadline extended for submitting community benefit information

In response to member hospital requests for additional time, MHA has extended the deadline to Friday, Nov. 21 for submitting your hospital’s community benefits information to Minnesota Hospital Association to be used in this year’s important Community Benefits Report (based on fiscal year 2013). Your participation is critical to ensure the report accurately reflects regional and statewide trends, and that all benefits hospitals have supplied to their community are acknowledged. If your hospital did not receive e-mails regarding the survey (sent out in October), please contact Bonnie Terveer, 651-603-3520.

Please note, MHA is also requesting your hospital’s Form 990 be sent to Bonnie Terveer. return to top  

Open appointments for 2015

The Minnesota Secretary of State has announced a number of vacancies for state boards and councils beginning January 2015. Some of these vacancies are seeking hospital representatives: the Trauma Advisory Council; the Medical Services Review Board of the Department of Labor and Industry; and the Advisory Committee on Heritable and Congenital Disorders. Others oversee health care providers and are seeking provider participants, including the Board of Nursing, the Board of Medical Practice, the Rural Health Advisory Committee, and the Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health. Other vacancies are also available for health care providers, such as the MN Workers Compensation Insurers' Association (Data Service Organization).  

MHA members are encouraged to submit applications for these and other open appointments. These entities have authority over how health care is regulated in Minnesota. More information on additional vacancies and the application process are available online. return to top  

Resource for MHA members to post job openings

MHA members are reminded that, for a yearly subscription fee, they can post unlimited postings through the Minnesota hospital jobs website.  

Participating MHA member hospitals and health systems can promote current job openings while allowing health care professionals to apply to the hospital that best fits her/his experience, specialty and interest. By showcasing individual facility and job openings, hospitals are better positioned to attract qualified and quality candidates that are ultimately steered directly to the appropriate employment application process.

Key benefits of the Minnesota hospital jobs website include: 

  • Provides a cost  and time effective method to capture your target market;
  • targets health care professionals and physicians;
  • allows candidates to apply directly into a hospital’s application process;
  • frees hospital budgets from less effective forms of advertising;tracks the number of visitors and job views as an return of investment tool; and
  • provides a niche site for Minnesota hospitals and health systems.

To participate/subscribe to this service, please contact Brian Bauer, president, DirectSource Media, 866-870-4885, ext. 801. return to top