December 15, 2023 News Headlines

Produced with input from our behavioral health workgroup, HANYS’ issue brief highlights the increase in healthcare workers being threatened or seriously injured by patients or visitors. It explores the many measures hospitals and health systems have taken to create safer and more respectful environments and urges state and federal lawmakers to take specific actions to help deter violence and protect healthcare workers and their patients.

Thank you to all the government affairs staff from hospitals and health systems across the state who joined us for HANYS' 2024 Government Relations Advocacy Strategy Session this week. We’re feeling energized and ready to tackle the challenges ahead!

Support from trustees is essential as hospital and health system leaders take steps to create safer care environments. Read the December edition of Trends to learn how trustees should ensure there is an organizational strategy to keep their hospital or health system free of violence.

This week the House passed the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which delays impending Medicaid DSH cuts for two years, a top HANYS priority. However, it also imposes strongly-opposed permanent site-neutral payment cuts for drug administration services in off-campus hospital outpatient departments, among other provisions. HANYS is working closely with the delegation and our partners in D.C. to urge Congress to address the Medicaid DSH cuts by Jan. 19.

The ruling by the State Court of Appeals this week ordered the bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission to draw new maps by Feb. 28 — ensuring new congressional districts before the 2024 election. HANYS will update members when new maps are finalized.

This week, Gov. Hochul signed the following bills of interest into law:

• Medical debt reporting - Chapter 703 of the Laws of 2023
• Health equity impact assessment expansion – Chapter 702 of the Laws of 2023

Members may view HANYS’ Summary of 2023 State Legislation of Significant Interest for additional information on the status of bills from the 2023 legislative session.

Tailored specifically for teams working in nursing homes, these monthly, virtual sessions will help you establish a strong infection control and prevention foundation. Register now!

Vizient’s Supplier Diversity Program overview
Jan. 24

Long-term Care Infection Control and Prevention Educational Series
Feb. 7 – May 1

Establishing boundaries and time management best practices
Feb. 14