- Kansas: The state House in a preliminary discussion rejected a proposal from Gov. Sam Brownback (R) to allocate an additional $24 million over two years to bolster security at state-run hospitals that treat individuals with mental health conditions in an effort to continue banning concealed firearms at such facilities. According to AP/ABC News, under current state law, such facilities beginning July 1 will have to grant access to people with concealed weapons if the buildings are not equipped with additional security measures, such as metal detectors and armed guards (Hanna, AP/ABC News, 4/27).
- Maryland: The Johns Hopkins Social Innovation Lab recently awarded Shantell Roberts $25,000 as part of the Lab's 2016-2017 cohort to fund Roberts' "baby box" start up, which aims to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The concept is based off of Finland's baby box program, which provides new mothers with cardboard boxes designed to keep infants well positioned for safe sleep. Roberts said she intends to use the funding to further her research on SIDS and infant protection efforts (Eichensehr, Baltimore Business Journal, 4/27).
- Vermont: The local health care board recently approved a merger between two nursing organizations in the state: The Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Southwest Region and Manchester Health Services. Officials with the organizations said the merger would not involve staffing changes, and that streamlining back office functions would allow nurses to focus on patient care. Once merged, the two organizations will oversee a "large section" of southwest Vermont, according to the AP/Sacramento Bee (AP/ Sacramento Bee, 4/28).
12 things CEOs need to know in 2017
The continued growth of the consumer-driven health care market threatens the durability of patient-provider relationships—and, at the same time, the push toward population health management and risk-based payment is greater than ever.
Hospitals and health systems must adopt a two-pronged strategy to respond to these pressures and serve both public payers and the private sector.
At the core of that strategy? A formula of accessible, reliable, and affordable care that wins consumer preferences and drives loyalty over time. Below, we share 12 key insights for senior executives working to create a consumer-focused health system.