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Inside This Issue
CELEBRATING 'NEW PERSPECTIVES'
“New Perspectives” on best practices in a changing healthcare risk management environment prevailed Oct. 10-13 when ASHRM’s 2007 Annual Conference & Exhibition was held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
More than 1,800 paid registrants, in addition to hundreds of guests, faculty and sponsors, took advantage of the networking and educational programs. A faculty of 103 healthcare experts led 56 concurrent sessions on claims and litigation, enterprise risk management, legal and regulatory, patient safety, risk financing and other topics.
More than 150 companies filled the exhibition hall to share the latest tools to help healthcare risk managers do their jobs better.
“This conference was amazing,” said Wendy Klamp, Quality Improvement/Risk Manager at Community Health Center of Snohomish County in Everett, WA. “A fantastic opportunity for learning, growth and networking.”
ASHRM President Paul English Smith introduced a stellar lineup of keynote speakers. Stephen M.R. Covey opened with a provocative perspective on leadership and ethics. He demonstrated how trust is a learnable and measurable skill that can make organizations more productive and relationships more energizing. Later, he autographed copies of his best seller, The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything.
On Oct. 12, keynote Connie Curran drew from her experience as nurse, healthcare administrator and hospital trustee to speak on “Accelerating Personal and Organizational Performance, Pay and Prestige.” She focused on leadership that comes from a passion for the work you do. Using a balance scorecard model, she described “authentic” leadership.
Closing keynote Karyn Buxman, a former nurse, made a solid connection with the audience of healthcare risk managers with her presentation “This Won’t Hurt A Bit! (and other fractured truths in healthcare).” “Humor can help make an emotional connection in difficult situations,” she advised.
Business meeting recognizes leaders
Smith presided over the annual business meeting on Oct. 11. The meeting, titled “Celebrating Leadership: New Perspectives,” began with a video greeting from AHA President & CEO Rich Umbdenstock. “In my view, there is no group with a better perspective on how to improve safety and how to provide the best possible patient care than the members of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management,” Umbdenstock said.
Smith called President-Elect Douglas Borg to the stage for a conversation recapping the year’s highlights and previewing new initiatives. Their chat revolved around the pillars of ASHRM’s strategic plan: Development (through education programs, publications and the new online Career Center; see separate article below), Voice (collaborating with other organizations, tracking legislative activity, addressing patient safety taxonomies and promoting standardized color-coded wristbands) and Impact (through strong board governance and staff competency).
The highlight of the recognition portion of the meeting was the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). Pamela Popp received the award, only the 12th DSA approved by the board in ASHRM’s 27-year history. Immediate Past-President Peggy Martin introduced Popp, saying “This year’s winner has been a mentor and a friend to many of us at ASHRM. She has been active with ASHRM at almost every level (including president in 2005), an advocate for certification, a resource for the development of captives in healthcare, the creation and development of the ASHRM Foundation, and a leader of the data for safety initiative.”
Also receiving special recognition were Geraldine Amori and Theresa Zimmerman, co-winners of the Journal of Healthcare Risk Management Writing Excellence Award for "Including Patients in Root Cause and System Failure Analysis: Legal and Psychological Implications" (Vol. 27, No. 2).
Douglas Borg, Mary Gutman and David Stallings were recognized as newly designated DFASHRMs (Distinguished Fellows) while Margaret Curtin, Cindy Ebner, Rae Lyons-Hibner, Deb McCracken, Vivian Miller, Jacque Mitchell, Craig Morgan, Anne Paulus and Kathryn Wire were recognized as newly designated FASHRMs (Fellows).
ASHRM’s newest of 47 affiliated chapters – the Alabama Society for Healthcare Risk Management – was formally welcomed.
Smith and Borg also led the applause for all volunteers: the task forces, committees, faculty and officers who have contributed to the success of ASHRM and the ASHRM Foundation. Achievers of the Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) credential stood to receive their peers’ applause, too. Additionally, ASHRM Foundation grant and scholarship recipients were recognized (see separate article below).
Year of accomplishments
Also during the annual business meeting, ASHRM Executive Director Elizabeth Summy highlighted some of the year’s successes. “We are accomplishing a lot and on behalf of the staff and board of ASHRM, I want to express my sincere thanks to all of you – our content experts – for your input,” she said.
(Note: The year’s accomplishments will be featured in an annual report that will be distributed to all members with the January-February issue of the Forum newsletter.)
Transition to new leadership
The new members of ASHRM’s board of directors, sworn into office during the Oct. 8 board meeting, were introduced: Georgene Saliba (2008 president-elect), Susan Chmieleski, Ann Gaffey and Ben Gonzales.
Finally during the annual business meeting, Smith shared his personal thoughts as he prepared to complete his term as president.
“For me, this year has been like going back to school – a lot of challenging work as well as opportunities to spend time with some great people,” Smith said. “But most of all, it has been a real learning experience, as I’ve been exposed to the cutting edge of risk management and patient safety around the country. Safe and trusted healthcare is within our grasp, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
“Working together, under the leadership of our incoming president, Doug Borg, I am confident that new perspectives will continue to flourish,” he declared.
After the ceremonial exchange of gavels, Borg replied: “We also are quite fortunate to have been the beneficiaries of your guidance and good humor over the past year, Paul. I am looking forward to continuing to build upon the successful initiatives you have championed.”
ASHRM’s 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition is set for Oct. 2-5 in Boston. Registration will open in May.
Chapter leaders attend workshop
The 2007 Chapter Leadership Workshop presented by ASHRM’s Chapter & Member Relations Task Force was held Oct. 10 in Chicago as part of ASHRM’s Annual Conference & Exhibition. The program drew approximately 80 attendees.
Featured speaker Paul Pomerantz, executive vice president of American Society of Plastic Surgeons, shared insights on “Succession Planning: Grooming New Volunteer Leaders.”
Task force members leading open forums were task force chair Pamela Haughawout (sponsorship), Karen Geller (educational program topics) and Maria Lindsey (chapter communications).
Click here for more conference photos
2008 CALENDAR
Feb. 19
Audioconference: Disruptive Clinician Behavior
March 3-5
Barton Modules: Essentials
Barton Modules: Advanced Forum
Chicago
March 5-6
CPHRM Exam Preparation Course
Chicago
March 5-7
Barton Modules: Applications
Chicago
April 22
Audioconference: Simulation and OB Risk Reduction
June 16-20
Healthcare Risk Management Week
June 18
Healthcare Risk Management Week Webcast
July 14-15
Patient Safety Curriculum: Basics, Session I
Chicago
July 16-17
Patient Safety Curriculum: Applications, Session II
Chicago
Aug. 12
Audioconference: 2009 National Patient Safety Goals
Aug. 18-20
Barton Modules: Essentials
Barton Modules: Advanced Forum
Chicago
Aug. 20-22
Barton Modules: Applications
Chicago
Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Barton Modules: Applications
Boston
Oct. 1-2
CPHRM Exam Preparation Course
Boston
Oct. 2-5
Annual Conference & Exhibition
Boston
Nov. 11
Audioconference (topic TBA)
Feb. 10, 2009
Audioconference (topic TBA)
Information is subject to change. See Friday eNews for updates.
NEW CAREER CENTER IS A ONE-STOP PORTAL
In support of members’ professional development needs, ASHRM in December is introducing a dynamic new Career Center to ASHRM’s Web site, www.ashrm.org.
“The ASHRM Career Center is a full-service career development resource – a one-stop portal connecting our members and the people and resources they need to advance to that next position,” said ASHRM President Paul English Smith.
For job seekers, the ASHRM Career Center is a free service that provides access to healthcare employers and jobs. In addition to posting their resumes, job seekers can browse and view available jobs based on their criteria and save those jobs for later review. Job seekers can also create a search agent to provide e-mail notifications of jobs that match their criteria.
Both members and non-members can use the ASHRM Career Center to reach qualified candidates. Employers can post jobs online, search for qualified candidates based on specific job criteria and create an online resume agent to e-mail qualified candidates. They also benefit from online reporting of job activity statistics.
ASHRM members with current e-mail addresses on file with ASHRM will continue to receive ASHRM’s Career Connection jobs listings on Tuesdays. Job listings also will continue to be published in the Forum newsletter.
ASHRM INTRODUCES VENDORS DIRECTORY
The ASHRM Vendors Directory is being rolled out in December on ASHRM’s Web site, www.ashrm.org. This online tool enables decision-makers and influencers in the healthcare risk management profession to locate the products and services they need.
The ASHRM Vendors Directory is a search engine that indexes the Web sites of all companies represented in the directory. Visitors can easily locate products and services of interest without the clutter of a general Internet search. Within the ASHRM Vendors Directory, users have the option of performing keyword-driven searches or a category-specific search. Both methods produce the most relevant results on the Web.
With the downloadable desktop search application, users can search for products and services directly from a small search window on their desktops, making the search process as convenient and time-efficient as possible. The ASHRM Vendors Directory also includes a Request for Information tool, enabling users to contact a group of suppliers with one click of a button.
“The ASHRM Vendors Directory will help our members and other healthcare professionals save time while efficiently finding the products and services they need,” said Elizabeth Summy, ASHRM’s executive director. “We are excited about offering this powerful business tool to our members.”
2007 MARKS ANOTHER YEAR OF GROWTH FOR FOUNDATION
The ASHRM Foundation continues to help facilitate the advancement of the risk management profession by funding education, scholarships and research programs. The foundation’s mission is to secure resources and administer assets (including informational materials) that support ASHRM’s strategic goals in education and research.
In 2007, the foundation committed to giving $27,000 in awards, including two $10,000 research grants. This indicates an impressive increase from the foundation’s initial year of awards totaling $11,500. Here are ASHRM Foundation highlights for 2007:
Research Grants
The ASHRM Foundation awards full or partial research grants for qualified projects. The foundation recognizes that identifying best practices in healthcare risk management requires funded research on risk financing, claims administration and patient safety methodologies.
Early this year, a $10,000 research grant was awarded to Dr. Deborah F. Mulloy of the University of Massachusetts-Boston for a study to better understand the impact of the Joint Commission Universal Protocol for Preventing Wrong Site, Wrong Patient, Wrong Procedure Surgery and the AORN Correct Site Surgery Tool Kit over the past six years. In October, Dr. Anthony Slonim of the Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA, received a $10,000 grant for his research project to assess risk in low-volume, high severity patient safety events during hospitalization.
Educational Grants
Grants up to $1,000 are awarded to individuals interested in continuing their education in clinical, legal and regulatory and/or risk financing aspects of risk management.
This year’s education grant recipients were Marnell Bradfield of Pioneers Medical Center, Meeker, CO; Lucia M. Lajcsak of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA, and Millie Mastromattei of Optima Healthcare Insurance Services, Roseville, CA.
Scholarships
The ASHRM Foundation recognizes the value of lifelong learning and supports qualified individuals seeking advanced degrees in risk management, insurance, finance, clinical areas and healthcare management. Scholarships for up to $2,500 are awarded to qualified applicants.
This year’s scholarship recipients were Ricarda Nicole Carson of Maine Line Health System, Bryn Mawr, PA; Kimberly Lesh of Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, Plano, TX; Sandy Bishop of Kindred Healthcare, Louisville, KY; William C. Hammond of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; Franka Baird-Tirado of Laurel Regional Hospital, Laurel, MD; and Kathleen Pratt of Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, PA.
Next deadline: Dec. 21
Applications for scholarships and educational grants can be found at the ASHRM Foundation Web site (www.ashrmfoundation.org). Applications are accepted throughout the year, with designated cut-offs to allow for the awarding of the monies on a quarterly basis. The final deadline date for 2007 is Dec. 21.
Building the foundation
Financial contributions to the ASHRM Foundation come from industry, individuals and ASHRM chapters.
On Oct. 12 during ASHRM’s Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago, the foundation held its second annual reception to recognize donors. Education grant recipient Lucia M. Lajcsak offered a personal testimonial about the importance of the foundation’s support for her professional development. More than 30 donors attended, and each received a keepsake ASHRM Foundation logo pen. Over $8,000 was raised.
Through a memorial or honorary gift to the ASHRM Foundation, individuals or corporations can support its mission while paying tribute to an individual or loved one.
To support the future of safe and trusted healthcare through the ASHRM Foundation, send tax-deductible donations to:
ASHRMFoundation
One North Franklin
Suite2800
Chicago, IL 60606
Attn: Joann Ciatto
Checks should be payable to HRET/ASHRM Foundation. The ASHRM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and is eligible for a number of companies’ matching funds programs. For details on giving, call Joann Ciatto at (312) 422-3981.
NEW CPHRMs
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management designation provides a credential that verifies a broad-based knowledge of risk management. Certification elevates professionals in an increasingly competitive marketplace. It is awarded based on participants meeting eligibility requirements and passing an examination.
Congratulations to recent CPHRM achievers:
Jack Patrick Briggs, Beaumont, TX
Kathleen Ruth Crowell, Anita, PA
Laura Anne Dixon, Denver
Ruth Ellen Flynn, Minneapolis
Cathie Goodman, Berthoud, CO
Deborah Lee Gordon, Ann Arbor, MI
Kathy Harlan, San Jose, CA
Patricia Eileen Hunt, Phoenix
Michael G. Jones, Hyannis, MA
Jacqueline Dean Keddie-Holt, Topeka, KS
Amy Kelly, Helena, MT
Mayson Mead Planck, Houston
Joanne Melia, New York
Teresa D. Mills, Augusta, GA
Judy C. Mitchell, Wedowee, AL
Sharon Lynn Nichols, Mount Airy, NC
Kristin Luan Parker, Bristol, CT
Susan L. Robinson, Village Mills, TX
Sheetal B. Shah, Mountain View, CA
Tetsu Uejima, Chicago
Brenda Welling, Porterville, CA
Sonja S. Wilcox-Berriel, Waterford, MI
Susan J. Winterberger, Jacksonville, FL
Robert Bruce Wayne, Daniels, WV
The complete and most current list of CPHRM certificants can be found at www.aha.org/certification (select the “Certificants” link on the lefthand side of the page).
For details about the designation, download the updated CPHRM Candidate Handbook from the AHA Certification Center via www.aha.org/certification or call (312) 422-3711.
New CPHRM fee structure announced
A new fee structure for certification examinations administered through the AHA’s Certification Center – including the Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) – will go into effect on Jan. 1.
Under the new structure, ASHRM member fees will remain the same but non-member fees will be increased. The new fees will be:
- Examination – $275 member / $425 non-member
- Renewal – $135 member / $225 non-member
Non-members who apply for an examination in 2007 will pay the current amount even if they do not test until after the new structure begins.
CPHRM assessment tool available
An online tool is available for preparing for the CPHRM Exam. Created by the AHA Certification Center (the people who created the exam), the Self-Assessment Exam (SAE) simulates the actual exam in format and content. The test offers rationales for correct and incorrect options, as well as several score reports that highlight the exam topics that they scored well in and those that need improvement. For details about the SAE, contact the AHA Certification Center at (312) 422-3711.
ON THE MOVE
Kathleen M. Knoppe, RN, MS, MJ, FASHRM, CPHRM, to Risk Manager, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago.
Pamela J. Para, RN, MPH, ARM, FASHRM, CPHRM, to Nurse Consultant, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Division of Survey & Certification, Non-Long Term Care Certification & Enforcement Branch, Chicago.
Grena Porto, RN, MS, ARM, CPHRM, to Senior Vice President, Marsh, Philadelphia.
Member contact details may be found in the ASHRM member directory.
IN MEMORIAM
Gregory Hartman, CPHQ, 53, died Nov. 1 in San Bernardino, CA, after a long illness. Mr. Hartman had been active in ASHRM and served as president of the Southern California Association for Healthcare Risk Management (SCAHRM). His career of over 25 years included various roles in quality improvement and risk management, most recently as account executive with Norcal Mutual Insurance Co. (1999-2003). In 1992, he was named National Risk Manager of the Year by Modern Healthcare Magazine. A memorial service was held Nov. 17 at his home in Highland, CA.
Rose Tate, BSN, 61, director of Risk Management at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) for 18 years, died Oct. 27, after an illness, in Norfolk, Va. A resident of Virginia Beach, Va., Ms. Tate was an active member of ASHRM, joining in 1990, and its Virginia chapter, serving as chapter president and in other local leadership roles. Personal messages may be sent to the EVMS Office of Risk Management, P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23501, to be forwarded to the family.
Members may forward recent death notices to ashrm@aha.org. Notices should include the member’s complete name, as well as place and date of death, along with any personal anecdotes or comments on achievements for possible inclusion.
Through a memorial gift to the ASHRM Foundation, individuals or corporations can support our mission while paying tribute to an individual or loved one. Contributions in support of the ASHRM Foundation are tax deductible within the limitations of the Internal Revenue Code. For details, contact Joann Ciatto at (312) 422-3981 or e-mail ashrmfoundation@aha.org.
