/ en Sat, 02 Aug 2025 06:33:59 -0500 Fri, 01 Aug 25 13:43:19 -0500 /resources/2016-04-12-verification-graduate-medical-education <p>Over time, hospitals and their medical staff services offices have developed unique forms to verify resident training for credentialing as required for hospital accreditation. To help streamline and standardize the residency verification process and meet hospital credentialing needs, the AHA, in partnership with other national organizations, has developed templates to provide the necessary information to meet credentialing needs while reducing the need for program directors to complete multiple requests for information.</p> Tue, 12 Apr 2016 00:00:00 -0500 Workforce /news/headline/2025-08-01-senate-committee-advances-appropriations-bill <p>The Senate Appropriations Committee July 31 advanced the fiscal year 2026 <a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fy26_lhhs_senate_report.pdf">appropriations bill</a> for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and other agencies by a bipartisan 26-3 <a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings/full-committee-markup-of-defense-and-labor-health-and-human-services-and-education-appropriations-acts">vote</a>. The bill provides approximately $197 billion in discretionary funding. It includes funding to programs the AHA requested in <a href="/news/headline/2025-06-18-aha-urges-lawmakers-support-key-areas-health-care-fy-2026-appropriations-bill">June</a>.   <br><br>The committee approved $309 million — an increase of $4 million — for Health Care Readiness and Recovery, formerly the Hospital Preparedness Program. It also provided $390 million for the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education program, a $21 million increase from FY 2024 enacted. The bill also includes some moderate funding increases for rural health, behavioral health, workforce, and maternal and child health programs. In addition, the bill <a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fy26_lhhs_senate_bill_summarypdf.pdf">provides</a> $48.7 billion in discretionary funding for the National Institutes of Health, an increase of $400 million, and rejects the initial White House proposal to cut $18 billion in funding. The bill also rejected the administration’s proposal to cap indirect cost rates for NIH grants at 15%.   <br><br>The House is expected to consider the bill in September.</p> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:43:19 -0500 Workforce /news/headline/2025-07-29-ahas-2026-next-gen-fellows-announced <p>The AHA’s Next Generation Leaders Fellowship July 29 <a href="/center/next-generation-leaders-fellowship/roster" target="_blank">announced</a> its 36 fellows for the class of 2026, who will each work with mentors to address a specific challenge to their hospital or health system. The program focuses on empowering leaders to bring impactful and lasting change in health care.</p><p>“Our 2026 class will be prepared to make a significant difference for patients and the communities they serve,” <a href="/press-releases/2025-07-29-aha-announces-class-2026-next-gen-fellows" target="_blank">said</a> Michelle Hood, AHA executive vice president and chief operating officer. “The Next Generation Leaders Fellowship provides many learning opportunities to address key challenges facing hospitals and health systems today.”</p><p>The John A. Hartford Foundation is providing scholarships for 12 fellows participating in the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative.</p> Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:42:27 -0500 Workforce /role-hospitals-hshs-st-vincent-hospital-14-labor-and-delivery-nurses-experience-their-own-baby-boom <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-7"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-07/THS%20-%20StVincent-Nurses-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Telling the Hospital Story. 14 St. Vincent Hospital labor and delivery nurses experience their own baby boom" width="700" height="532" class="align-left"></div><p>What started as a group of nurses and friends taking a photo during a shift change has turned into a viral social media moment — in the best way.</p><p>In May, 11 registered nurses at <a href="https://www.hshs.org/st-vincent/services/pregnancy-and-birth" target="_blank">HSHS St. Vincent Hospital’s Women and Infants Center</a> in Green Bay, Wis., gathered for a quick picture between shifts. The nurses (not including three more who couldn’t be there) were all pregnant and wanted to capture the shared moment in time. During her daily round, Director of Nursing Amy Bardon heard about the photo op and asked the hospital’s marketing team to take the photo. After a social media post and an article on the hospital’s website wishing the team a happy Nurses Week and Mother’s Day were published, the news spread. Fast.</p><p>The nurses were quickly caught up in the viral moment and began giving interviews to several news outlets, including local TV stations, USA Today, People, Good Morning America and <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/world-news-tonight-with-david-muirT/video/14-wisconsin-nurses-pregnant-same-time-121677297" target="_blank">ABC News</a>.</p><p>“It’s been really fun for them and they’re still talking about it,” Bardon said, adding that the nurses are now recognized in the grocery store and around town. “But it’s changing rapidly, because pregnancies don’t last forever. There is a due date.”</p><p>Eight of the 14 nurses have delivered their babies so far, Bardon said — four girls and four boys. The tight-knit group has shared experiences and stories and helped set new moms’ expectations. And when the time comes for them to deliver, they know they will experience the same compassion and empathy they bring to their patients’ bedside. “It’s a phenomenal experience,” Bardon said.</p><p>Bardon added that support from her chief nursing officer and other senior leaders is making it possible for the nurses to be on leave and not unduly stress the rest of the staff. Data transparency was key to show where staffing gaps would be and leaders in the Women and Infants Center are hands-on in managing the situation. The unit has 87 nurses in all, with regional and internal flex teams, orientees, temporary staff and full-time staff helping to fill in the absences.</p><p>“Staffing is always a challenge. As health care leaders, we face that challenge in many organizations, especially in a specialty area where that skillset is required to provide that high quality care,” Bardon said. “Our leadership team have embraced it.”</p><p>The nurses plan to recreate their viral photo next year, with one difference: Their babies will make an appearance, too. </p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/workforce-home">Workforce</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:23:42 -0500 Workforce /news/headline/2025-07-17-cms-issues-letters-states-oversight-medicaid-chip-eligibility-and-certain-demonstration-authorities <p>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services July 17 <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-reinforces-medicaid-and-chip-integrity-strengthening-eligibility-oversight-and-limiting-certain" title="two letters">issued</a> two letters to states regarding policies on continuous eligibility and workforce initiatives. The agency said it does not anticipate approving new or extending existing section <a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/downloads/contin-elig-ltr-to-states.pdf" title="agency statement">1115 demonstration authorities</a><u>,</u> which expand continuous eligibility. Additionally, CMS said it does not anticipate approving new or extending existing Medicaid-funded workforce <a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/downloads/workforc-ltr-to-states.pdf" title="initiatives">initiatives</a> for training or employment-related activities.</p> Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:09:35 -0500 Workforce /news/headline/2025-07-16-house-ec-health-subcommittee-discusses-workforce-legislation-during-hearing <p>The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health today held a <a href="https://energycommerce.house.gov/events/health-subcommittee-legislative-proposals-to-maintain-and-improve-the-public-health-workforce-rural-health-and-over-the-counter-medicines-1">hearing</a> to discuss legislative proposals on health care, including two AHA-supported bills reauthorizing key workforce programs. One bill reauthorizes various Title VII programs regarding workforce training and education, while the second reauthorizes funding for Title VIII nursing workforce development programs. Testifying before the subcommittee were Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, M.D., acting director for the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration, Candice Chen, M.D., MPH, acting associate administrator for the Bureau of Health Workforce at the Health Resources and Services Administration, and Tom Morris, associate administrator for rural health policy at HRSA. </p> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:12:56 -0500 Workforce /education-events/2025-aha-leadership-summit <p class="field_lead">The <a href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="2025 AHA Leadership Summit"><strong>2025 AHA Leadership Summit</strong></a> senior health care executives, clinicians and experts in the field presenting innovative approaches for delivering better care and greater value, ensuring financial stability, addressing workforce challenges and improving the health care consumer experience through operational excellence, creative partnerships and redefined delivery models.</p><p>Join a diverse community of strategic and visionary leaders who represent excellence in the field as they boldly transform their organizations.</p><p>Our attendees include <strong>CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CMOs, CNOs, CIOs and other C-suite leaders</strong>, as well as <strong>VPs, Physician Leaders, Advanced Practice Professionals, Directors and Managers</strong> overseeing patient care, strategy, innovation, digital transformation, finance, workforce and policy.</p><p>Additionally, the Summit welcomes <strong>emerging and next-generation health care leaders</strong> who are shaping the future of patient-centered care and health system transformation.</p><hr><h2>Leading Hospitals | Leading Health Care</h2><p><strong>Leading Hospitals</strong></p><p>Learn with colleagues in a variety of educational opportunities that facilitate the sharing of insights and leading practices.<br>You’ll hear from innovators investing in the promising ideas, technologies and scientific discoveries that are changing the consumer experience and reimagining care delivery</p><p><strong>Leading Health Care</strong></p><p>Discover inspiration and practical strategies to sustain transformation within your organization, system and community as we prepare for the future.<br>Dive into real-world applications and connect with leaders who share your commitment to driving transformative change in health care.</p><p><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="2025 AHA Leadership Summit" data-view-context="top-level-view"><strong>LEARN MORE >></strong></a></p> AHA Members – Interested in receiving complimentary registration?<br> Consider our Hosted Buyer Forum to connect with high-quality solutions providers. </h2> <p> <a href="/hosted-buyer" target="_blank"><strong>Hosted Buyer Forum</strong></a> - Sunday, July 22 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:30 PM-5:30 PM<br> The Hosted Buyer Forum offers a private showcase for hospital and health system leaders interested in connecting with solution providers addressing key hospital issues. After the Forum is complete, participants are encouraged to join the Welcome Reception for additional networking. </p> <p> <a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/hosted-buyer" target="_blank" title="2025 AHA Leadership Summit Sponsorship" data-view-context="top-level-view"><strong>LEARN MORE >></strong></a> </p> --><hr> Call for Speakers </h2> <p> We’re calling on leaders shaping the future of health care to apply to share their real-world strategies and proven solutions with peers across the field. Whether you're tackling workforce challenges, transforming care delivery or driving operational excellence, we want to hear from you. </p> <p> Proposals must be non-commercial in nature. The Call for Speakers deadline is <strong>Monday, November 25</strong>. </p> <a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" data-view-context="top-level-view" href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/program/speaking-opportunities-ls" target="_blank"><strong>LEARN MORE >></strong></a> <a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" data-view-context="top-level-view" href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/385d7c8476204286b3b500744d75dfe6" target="_blank" title="AHA Leadership Summit Call for Proposals - Apply Today!"><strong>APPLY TODAY >></strong></a> <br /> </p> <div class="RuralButton"> <a class="btn btn-primary btn-primary-avc1" href="https://www.cvent.com/c/abstracts/c8eaf006-bb32-489c-8d5e-515f82937464" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY TODAY >></strong> </a> </div> --><h2>Sponsorship Opportunities</h2><p>A variety of sponsorship opportunities offer both broad exposure and targeted connections with senior health care executives. Support the entire event, design and deliver a session that features your own executive leadership or gain visibility through numerous other opportunities.</p><p>Participation by the business community in the Leadership Summit is reserved for Summit sponsors and AHA Associates.</p><p>Learn how your organization can align with hospital and health system leaders as they meet to reimagine the future.</p><p><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/sponsor-exhibit/sponsorship-ls" target="_blank" title="2025 AHA Leadership Summit Sponsorship" data-view-context="top-level-view"><strong>LEARN MORE >></strong></a></p> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:15:30 -0500 Workforce /role-hospitals-ochsner-lafayette-general-medical-center-opelousas-general-health-system-partner-local-organizations-create <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-7"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-07/ths-acadiana-country-roads-inclusion-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Ochsner. An ethnically diverse medical team of three men and three women wearing scrubs and white coats" width="700" height="532" class="align-left"></div><p>In the heart of rural Louisiana, Acadiana Workforce Solutions has launched the Country Road Inclusion Project, an initiative aimed at tackling the region’s critical shortage of health care workers. The project focuses on training and placing individuals from underserved communities into vital health care roles. By partnering with local educational institutions and two health care systems, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Opelousas General Health System, the program seeks to create a sustainable pipeline of talent to serve rural populations. “We understand the importance of addressing health care workforce challenges while creating opportunities for individuals in our community," said Patrick W. Gandy, Jr., chief executive officer of Ochsner Lafayette General. "Through our partnerships, we are already seeing tremendous success in filling critical gaps in the health care workforce.</p><p>The initiative is gaining traction, with participants expressing hope and excitement about new career paths. Through targeted outreach and support services, the project aims to remove barriers that have historically limited access to health care careers in rural areas, such as transportation and training.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ochsner-health-system-_acadiana-workforce-solutions-launches-country-activity-7286020186892054529-f9kN/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p><p> </p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/workforce-home">Workforce</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:06:06 -0500 Workforce /news/headline/2025-07-10-hhs-bans-illegal-immigrants-federal-health-care-benefits <p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services July 10 <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-13118/personal-responsibility-and-work-opportunity-reconciliation-act-interpretation-of-federal-public">rescinded</a> a policy that extended certain federal public benefits to immigrants lacking permanent legal status. A 1998 interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 previously allowed access to these benefits. HHS’ revised policy will take effect immediately upon publication in the Federal Register. Although the <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/newsroom/Pages/Phlow-July2025.aspx?mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGblNxoHFw77T4bLwacXfNOord8AtIfWLO6-WsFuY9SoP83Qx0VJPEzTCY_FwzMydHgEhniYBSGZgPw3_l8RuZ9">new policy</a> will be subject to a 30-day comment period, the notice states that it will take effect immediately because “delay would be contrary to the public interest and fail to address the ongoing emergency at the Southern Border of the United States.”</p><p>The following are programs now classified as federal public benefits under PRWORA: </p><ul><li>Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics</li><li>Community Mental Health Services Block Grant</li><li>Community Services Block Grant  </li><li>Head Start</li><li>Health Center Program</li><li>Health Workforce Programs not otherwise previously covered (including grants, loans, scholarships, payments, and loan repayments).</li><li>Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Prevention, and Recovery Support Services Programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</li><li>Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness Grant Program</li><li>Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant</li><li>Title IV-E Educational and Training Voucher Program</li><li>Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program</li><li>Title IV-E Prevention Services Program</li><li>Title X Family Planning Program </li></ul> Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:52:28 -0500 Workforce /role-hospitals-chi-health-offers-free-training-fill-workforce-shortages <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-7"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/STC-CHI-Health-ST-Elizabeth-700x532.PNG" data-entity-uuid="b6894718-be49-4fdf-ad89-cc0704474813" data-entity-type="file" alt="Students training in CHI Health St. Elizabeth's CNA Advance Program." width="700" height="532" class="align-left"><p> </p></div><p>CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln, Neb., is creating its own solution to the health care field’s staffing problem.</p><p>The organization’s CNA Advance Program offers free training, testing and employment to individuals in the Lincoln and Omaha area who want to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs). The students can more quickly climb the health care career ladder, while CHI Health fills gaps in its workforce.</p><p>Alicia Wenz recently graduated from the three-week program and is now employed in the progressive care unit at CHI Health St. Elizabeth.</p><p>“I just love being able to be a part of a care team that helps people get better,” Wenz said.</p><p>She is one of more than 40 students to complete the program since it launched in 2024. Once students pass a final exam, they are guaranteed employment at a CHI Health hospital of their choice. They also receive free CPR and basic life support training and are eligible to get training in skills such as phlebotomy or recording EKGs.</p><p>“CNAs are extremely important to helping with our patient care,” said Jenny Stachura, CHI Health chief nursing officer for the Iowa/Nebraska market. “CNAs will help take vital signs, they’ll do blood pressure, heart rate, those kinds of things. They really help assist the nursing team with anything that is needed.”</p><p>Program instructor Heidi Enderson works with students in the classroom and in a simulated patient room for hands-on practice. “The students can have all the practice they need if they want to go over a skill. We’ll either watch the video or do it again,” Enderson said. “I feel it’s very important for the hands-on part to kind of solidify and make sense of all these skills.”</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.chihealth.com/careers/cna-opportunities" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p><p> </p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/workforce-home">Workforce</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:13:37 -0500 Workforce