2009 has been the year for education. The SFHHA started 2009 with a new member orientation that included an educational program on the “Red Flag” rules. The presentation, by Holland & Knight, included a “how to” for hospitals and healthcare companies who are now required to implement a program to detect, prevent, and mitigate instances of identity theft.

The SFHHA followed up with a very successful educational seminar (over 150 attendees) on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program. RACs have been hired by CMS to review medical claims coming from hospitals, physicians and others for medical appropriateness. In the demonstration phase of the program, Florida’s hospitals were challenged in responding to the many requests for information. Hospitals were unprepared and, as a result, suffered financial consequences.

The SFHHA is also working with the Florida Hospital Association in the development of a federally certified Patient Safety Organization (PSO) (Patient Safety Organization of Florida – www.psoflorida.org). Based on the findings of a 1999 Institute of Medicine Report entitled, “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System, Congress passed The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005. The Act allows for the development of PSOs with shared goals of improving the safety and quality of health care delivery. PSOFlorida has already received its federal certification and will be operational this Fall.

SFHHA’s Healthcare Summit entitled, “Solutions for South Florida’s Healthcare System!” just concluded. Presenters discussed anticipated national changes to our healthcare system, financial survivability in a recession, global healthcare, embracing diversity and the greening of the healthcare industry. Over 250 attendees and 29 vendors had an opportunity to find out what the most current trends and issues are in health care.

Finally, the SFHHA has just completed a survey of local hospitals focusing on physician availability to take emergency call. An internet-based survey, solicited input from hospital CEO’s, emergency department directors and chief financial officers on issues they are facing providing emergency coverage. Results from the study will be released in July.

As busy as we have been, we look forward to celebrating our 65th Anniversary on December 3, 2009, at the Renaissance Hotel, Plantation, Florida.