Friday, Sept. 22
7 – 8 a.m.
Breakfast
8 – 8:30 a.m.
Opening remarks
- Sharon L. Hanson, Vice Chair, HTNYS Board of Governors and Board Secretary, Erie County Medical Center
Welcome
- Jill J. VanKuren, MBA, FACHE, President, Chief Executive Officer, Saratoga Hospital
- Nicholas Henley, Executive Director, HTNYS and Vice President, External Affairs, HANYS
- Kristen Phillips, Director, Trustee Education, HTNYS
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Opening keynote
U.S. health industry trends and tipping points: Implications for New York’s hospitals and health systems
ACHE 1.5
- Paul H. Keckley, Managing Editor, The Keckley Report and Principal, The Keckley Group
The U.S. healthcare system faces an unprecedented inflection point in the next two years as economic recovery, a presidential race, public opinion and budget constraints — both federal and state — impact strategies for sustainability and growth. The nation is divided on the long-term future of the “system,” pushing states to enact policies to protect healthcare services and reallocate limited resources. For New York’s hospitals and health systems, attention will shift to integrating public health and local delivery, additional funding for primary and preventive health services and managing competition including traditional and non-traditional players. The near-term focus will be New York state. Long-term, it will be the nationalization of a public-private healthcare system, requiring New York hospitals and health systems and their governing boards to look beyond the near-term pressures to positioning for long-term sustainability and growth.
9:45 – 10 a.m.
Break
10 – 11 a.m.
The board’s role in facing existential threats
ACHE 1
- Karma H. Bass, MPH, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Principal, Via Healthcare Consulting
COVID-19 exacerbated the deep crisis facing our nation’s healthcare system. Many hospitals and health systems are now facing challenges that, if not navigated successfully, could mean their closure or elimination of essential community services.
Today’s board has too much on its plate to play by the old rules. Issues regarding financial sustainability, workforce recruitment and retention, stark health disparities and leadership burnout/succession require a new level of governance expertise, board structures and practices. Boards need to step up to ensure they’re contributing solutions, not exacerbating problems. This session will explore what this looks like for successful boards and how to engage in new governance dialogue that asks the questions that help define the future.
11 – 11:15 a.m.
Break
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Breakout strategy sessions
Breakout session 1
Governing inside health systems
ACHE 1
With two-thirds of all U.S. hospitals part of a health system, the single board with full fiduciary authority is no longer the prevailing governance structure. Most boards now operate within health systems where they are one of several boards sharing responsibilities, authorities and reporting structures across the system. Governance within a multi-tiered system is complex. This session will look at the evolution of governance within health systems, explore case studies and provide tips for successful governing no matter the construct. Learn how setting and understanding expectations can address complexity, create more cohesive governance and position boards at every level to be their most effective.
Breakout session 2
Addressing your liability risks during the healthcare staffing crisis
ACHE 1
- Michael J. Schoppmann, Esq., CEO, MLMIC Insurance Company
The ongoing staffing crisis impacts every aspect of healthcare. While staffing levels can be a contentious topic for healthcare executives, accidents, misdiagnosis, unintentional medical errors and delays in treatment are just some of the professional liability risks that can arise when appropriate staff are not in place.
In this session we’ll discuss the healthcare staffing crisis from a professional liability perspective and offer risk management strategies to mitigate the liability risks associated with staffing issues.
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- identify the significant professional liability risks associated with the ongoing healthcare staffing crisis;
- discuss how factors such as staff attrition and burnout can impact an organization’s liability risks; and
- implement risk management strategies to minimize patient safety and professional liability risks to your organization.
Breakout session 3
What healthcare trustees need to know about health equity
- Kathleen Rauch, RN, MSHQS, BSN, CPHQ, Vice President, Quality Advocacy, Research and Innovation and Post-acute and Continuing Care, HANYS
Like the quality journey healthcare embarked upon over 20 years ago, federal, state and accrediting bodies are prioritizing health equity. No longer is it an option for hospitals and providers to make health equity a strategic goal — it is a requirement for regulations and accreditation. Failure to meet these requirements could have financial, compliance and reputational impacts.
Trustees play a key role in improving health equity as they represent the communities providers serve. That community perspective is key as trustees work closely with leadership to oversee health equity priorities. It’s critical to understand these requirements and methods for addressing the needs of the underserved. This session will review various health equity requirements and standards hospitals face to help trustees better understand the mechanisms for addressing health equity in their community.
12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon
Dialogue with HANYS’ president
- Bea Grause, RN, JD, President, HANYS
1:30 – 1:45 p.m.
Break
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Batteries not included: Powering critical conversations
- Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins, PhD, Lecturer and Visiting Scholar, University of Pennsylvania; Journalist and Health Disparities Activist
Tough conversations in the boardroom about inequity where we work, live and learn can be intimidating. The toxicity of organizational environments surfaces when we host dialogue with no destination. No matter the conflict or crisis, trustees need to know why and how to lead critical conversations about tough topics. This session will provide a roadmap and guide you through the art of authentic engagement that reconstructs board culture.
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- use conversation starters to launch critical conversations with empathy;
- recognize unheard employees as the experts of their own experiences;
- implement clear and effective dialogue curriculum that interactively and inclusively embraces all perspectives;
- understand how regular inclusive dialogue can increase revenue while enriching culture; and
- outline and personalize an inclusion-first culture.
2:45 – 3 p.m.
Break
3 – 4 p.m.
The board’s leadership role in quality and patient safety
- Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, President and CEO, The Joint Commission
Evidence shows that engaged boards produce better quality outcomes, yet many struggle with quality and patient safety oversight. It is essential that boards have the resources and support needed to ensure the highest level of quality. In this session, you’ll hear from the CEO of The Joint Commission, which has led the way in shaping standards and defining best practices related to quality improvement efforts and patient care for more than 2,000 hospitals nationwide. In addition to laying out his vision for TJC and the new HELP agenda, Perlin will discuss the important leadership role for governance in healthcare quality, new federal guidance for boards through the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Plan and review resources and strategies that trustees can apply in their organizations.
4 p.m.
Adjourn
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Reception at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Enjoy cocktails, plentiful hors d'oeuvres, dessert and coffee while connecting with colleagues and exploring the history of thoroughbred racing at the Saratoga Racing Museum. Surrounded by incredible works of art, trophies and historical artifacts, visitors will experience all aspects of this thrilling sport, from its most iconic moments and pageantry to what happens behind the scenes on race day. This beautiful venue is located across from the historic Saratoga Race Course, the oldest operating thoroughbred track in the country, and minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs. Transportation to and from the hotel and museum will be provided.
Note: A separate $125 per person fee is required for this event.