ACHENTX Executive Connection Magazine - Spring 2020 by ACHENTX

SPRING 2020

F E AT U R E S 4 President’s Message William Scott Hurst, FACHE 5 Regent’s Message Ken Hutchenrider, FACHE ACHE Texas - Northern Regent 6 Member Spotlights 18 Heros Nomination 24 Event Encore 46 National News 48 Membership Annoucements

10 CARES Act Delivers COVID-19 Relief, Assistance to Healthcare Industry

12 Keeping a Pulse on Telemedicine Changes in Light of COVID-19

Rapid- Response Design Strategies for Healthcare Facilities

Health Facility Guidance Letters

Editors

Chris Grossnicklaus Marty Heath, FACHE Thomas Peck, FACHE

Contributing Writers

Michael Belkin, FACHE Chris Grossnicklaus Melinda Schmidt Byron Westrbook

Creative Direction

Caleb Wills, calebsemibold.com

Advertising/ Subscriptions

info@achentx.org

Questions and Comments: ACHE of North Texas Editorial Office, c/o Executive Connection 300 Decker Drive, Suite 300 | Irving, TX 75062 p: 972.413.8144 e: info@achentx.org w: achentx.org 2019 Chapter Officers President

Scott Hurst, FACHE CEO & President Patient Physician Network

President Elect Immediate Past President

Amanda Thrash, FACHE VP of Professional & Support Services Texas Health Plano

Secretary

Felixia Colón, FACHE Regional Vice President SCP Health

Treasurer

Dustin Anthamatten, FACHE VP, Operations Methodist Charlton Medical Center

Jared Shelton, FACHE President, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen

2020 ACHENTX Board of Directors Jennifer “J” Alexander Operations Mgr, Imaging Systems & Services UT Southwestern Kyle Armstrong, FACHE Chief Operating Officer, Baylor University Medical Center David Berry, FACHE President, System Clinical & Scientific Operations Children’s Health System of Texas Aaron Bujnowski, FACHE Director (Partner) & IDN Practice Area Lead The Chartis Group Fraser Hay, FACHE President Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HurstEuless-Bedford Ken Hutchenrider, FACHE President Methodist Richardson Medical Center ACHE Regent Valerie Johnston, PhD, FACHE Associate Professor Texas Christian University Thomas Peck, FACHE President Tom Peck Communications Jyric Sims, FACHE Chief Executive Officer Medical City Fort Worth Keith Thurgood, PhD Professor University of Texas at Dallas

The ACHE of North Texas e-magazine, The Executive Connection, is published triannually and includes information on the latest regulatory and legislative developments, as well as the quality improvement and leadership trends that are shaping and influencing the healthcare industry. Readers get indepth reporting on the issues and challenges facing hospital and health system leaders today. We make it our job to tell you about the great things the organization and Chapter are doing every day to ensure the health of our community. If you have any news and updates that you want to share with other members, please e-mail your items to info@northtexas.ache.org. Microsoft Word or compatible format is preferable. If you have a graphic or picture that you'd like to include, please send it as a separate file. The following are the types of information that our members shared in past ACHE of North Texas magazines, Advocacy Issues, Legislative Issues, Educational Opportunities, Awards / Achievements, Promotions (Members On the Move), Committee Updates, journal submissions, conference submissions, and workshop participations, sharing mentoring experiences, etc.

Thomas Peck, FACHE President, Tom Peck Communications Nancy Vish, FACHE President, Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital

President’s Message The events of the last 30 days have placed a remarkable strain on our systems, our providers, our ancillary staff and perhaps most significantly, you our members. The challenge facing all of us is that we don’t get to stop, as we know our calling dictates we push through and do everything we can to provide the leadership that is expected of us. So instead of writing a long, flowery letter full of platitudes and positive thoughts, let me just say thank you. Thank you for your leadership, your commitment to our craft and your dedication to your employees and staff. If anyone hasn’t said that to you then let me be the first and ideally not the last. Our roles are critical and we need each and every one of you to stay focused on the greater objective in this unique time in history. Stay strong and stay healthy. Our chapter and its associated activities will return stronger and more vibrant following this time! We are counting on you and I know that I count your leadership as a blessing that is often not deserved but always welcome. Thank again! William Scott Hurst MBA, FACHE CEO & President, Patient Physician Network

Regentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message Welcome to 2020!!! Each of us begin the year with our wishes for a New Year and we often set new resolutions. We started the year strong and then our world turned upside down on the way to Congress. While I should be challenging everyone in ACHE to use 2020 as a year of new advancements and education instead, we talk of COVID-19 and the pandemic. I first want to say this is when leadership is truly important. We must prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We must come together as the leadership group for healthcare and help to pave the way for this situation. I know most of you are working in a mode rarely seen in the world today. Normal is no longer available and crisis planning is our current status. Please know you are not alone, we are all here to help. Please review the ACHE website for resources and help as we work through this pandemic. Please reach out to your fellow healthcare leaders and share ideas and plans. While we all are competitive in normal times, we must be collaborative during these difficult times. We must stay razor sharp and be a part of the solution. While still early I am so proud to see all of you answer the call of duty and prepare your facilities and clinics for this COVID-19 outbreak. As soon as we are able, I hope to see each of you in the coming year!! As always, if I can do anything to help you please do not hesitate to call.

Ken Hutchenrider, FACHE ACHE Regent for Texas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Northern President, Methodist Richardson Medical Center

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

Member Spotlight Butch Hopkins

What are you doing now? I am currently between assignments, working for BE Smith as a healthcare consultant. I was most recently assigned to PeaceHealth Medical Group in Bellingham, WA as their Director of Operations and prior to that was the interim VP/Director of Operations with Salem Health Medical Group in Salem, OR. I am currently looking for a leadership role with a healthcare system in the DFW area. In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing Healthcare today? Aside from the community management of COVID 19, the most important challenge is facing healthcare is the recruitment and retention of talented providers and provider support personnel. I am also concerned about addiction, specifically opioid addiction and in my two previous roles I’ve engaged with providers to create solutions to the problem at the local level. How long have you been a member of ACHE? Since 1991. Why is being a member important to you? Has ACHE membership been a benefit to you in your career? For me, membership means having resources for information related to the science of healthcare management and for

These spotlights were written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

healthcare reform. The ACHE has proven quite valuable when managing my career development. Specifically, my credential as a fellow has been a competitive advantage when job seeking. The ACHE job board consistently provides many leads for advancement. What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership? Check out your local ACHE chapter. There you will find a network of ACHE members in your own community who can share with you their own interests and can provide career opportunities and job-related resources. Local chapters frequently have meetings that are not only educational, but they also give you credit toward obtaining and maintaining your status as a Fellow. Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you. Oh my! Only one thing? I guess it would be that I love food! Food is the element that binds us all. We not only seek to break bread together with those who are important to us, but we also treasure shopping for food or harvesting it and preparing it. We all enjoy tasting food together and sharing our food with others in times of plenty and in times of need. Since I was a child, I’ve been active in some way or another with the Meals on Wheels programs in all the communities I’ve lived. I not only love food but I also love making sure others are able to enjoy food.

Member Spotlight Fallon Wallace

What are you doing now? I am the Operations Manager for the Southeast Dallas Health Center, one of Parkland Health & Hospital System’s primary care clinics. In this role, I manage the operations of the medical practice, develop business plans, contribute to performance improvement projects, seek opportunities to improve patient satisfaction and motivate staff to uphold Parklands mission which is “Dedicated to the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care”. I also serve as the current Co-Chair for the ACHENTX Mentorship Committee. In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing Healthcare today? Access to care is a major issue today. Parkland and Dallas County Health and Human Services released the Community Health Needs Assessment report in September 2019 identifying the Dallas county geographic areas that are experiencing the most significant health disparities. The Southeast Dallas Health Center’s zip code, 75217, was identified as a population not receiving adequate medical care due to cultural or socioeconomic barriers and lack of sufficient medical insurance. Many patients have expressed concern for their health but state financial insecurity, transportation and other family priorities as reasons for not attending appointments and consistently taking their medications. I have also spoken with patients who do not seek primary care due to fear of diagnosis, not knowing the resources available to assist them and literacy level (some cannot read and write and are concerned they will not be able to understand information provided by the provider). There is a high percentage of patients with multiple

chronic and behavioral health conditions that are not receiving the services needed. We continue to encourage patients to make their health a priority and seek preventive care before their conditions reach advanced stages but there is a need for more community involvement and collaborations amongst healthcare organizations to work toward the changes needed to provide access to essential medical care for all communities. How long have you been a member of ACHE? I joined ACHE in 2014 after being encouraged by my master’s program director. While completing the program, I attended a few events but became an active member after participating in ACHENTX’s case study competition. I have been a member of the chapter’s mentorship committee since 2016 after being a mentee in 2015. Why is being a member important to you? Has ACHE membership been a benefit to you in your career? Being a member of ACHE is important to me because it allows me to connect with healthcare professionals from various organizations who have a wide range of experience and hold a variety of positions. I have built a network of healthcare professionals by attending Congress and chapter events. Attending educational events has assisted in my professional development and helps me stay abreast of changes and new developments in the industry. I enjoy the variety of events offered such as volunteering, Cocktails with the Chiefs, Breakfast with the CEO and networking events. ACHE is

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

Member Spotlight Fallon Wallace cont’d

continuously developing new programs and seeking ways to enhance inclusion and diversity and I’m excited about the launch of the Women’s Healthcare Executive Network. ACHE has benefited my career in many ways. Competing in the case study competition was a jump start to my healthcare career because the assigned case was an organization experiencing financial loss, low employee morale and satisfaction and decreased patient satisfaction. Acting as the new CEO and developing strategies to help the organization rebound financially and operationally was a valuable learning experience. My team and I were paired with a hospital president who allowed us to develop our strategy but helped us with modifications to have realistic goals based on his experience. His guidance helped our team win the competition and he continues to serve as one my mentors. Attending congress has also been beneficial for education and networking. I participated in the ACHENTX mentorship program and was paired with another hospital president who assisted in the development of my career plan and provided opportunities to participate in the leadership team offsite training session, command center during a code yellow event and executive meetings. I enjoyed the program and the benefits I received encouraged me to join the committee to help others looking for mentorship opportunities. A major benefit to my career is being able to have discussions with other healthcare professional who are facing the same challenges and learning how they are managing the challenges, generating new ideas and initiating collaborative relationships. What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership? ACHE membership is a great investment for students and professionals. It is very important to be an active member

and network for authentic professional relationships and not view networking as a way to seek or obtain job opportunities. Sometimes the relationships result in opportunities but that is not the goal of networking. When connecting on LinkedIn with persons you met at an event, it is best to send a message to mention how you met or something significant from your interaction to help them remember you. Take advantage of the educational opportunities and attend chapter events to learn more about the industry and what is happening in the local healthcare community. I also suggest experiencing Congress which is ACHE’s conference for healthcare professionals. It’s an opportunity to meet members from multiple locations and organizations and the sessions that are offered are relevant to the current environment. Consider joining a committee because it is an opportunity for members to share innovative ideas and develop ways to improve programs and events. Talk to members and learn how they have benefited from ACHE and the strategies they used to navigate the many opportunities ACHE offers. Lastly, I would suggest preparing early for Fellow status. Review the requirements and seek advice from current Fellows so you are prepared when you are eligible. Even if you do not have the required years of experience, you can attend events to earn healthcare-related continuing education credit and participate in community activities. Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you. Although I developed a passion for healthcare at a young age and majored in Biology and Chemistry for my undergraduate degree, I was employed as an Analytical Chemist and Process Engineer for a major U.S. aerospace and defense contractor before commencing my healthcare career.

Member Spotlight Lorie Thibodeaux

What are you doing now? I currently work as the Quality Improvement Manager at Parkland Health and Hospital System. In addition to my current role with Parkland, I also volunteer with several healthcare organizations and strongly advocate for health equity, diversity and inclusion. I currently serve as the Founding President of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives DFW Chapter (NALHE DFW), program planner for the Women Healthcare Executive Network (WHEN), sit on the Diversity Committee of ACHE and I am an active participant of NAHSE. In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing Healthcare today? The current outbreak has exacerbated issues that have brewed for decades in the public health system. Examples of this includes homelessness across the nation and over 37 million Americans who are food insecure. It is evident for survival that there is an immediate need for change. Yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans for the way we do business does not fully supply the needs of the pandemic that is violently destructing our current practice. Coronavirus is also bringing up the uncomfortable conversations worldwide with DNRs and ethical concerns regarding limited supplies (PPEs, Respiratory Ventilators, and morgue capacity)

to name a few. Coronavirus is also leading innovation. According to the Houston Chronicle, Houston Methodist is the first in the nation to try Coronavirus blood transfusion therapy, and several other including, Mount Sinai and Baylor Scott & White are also working on vaccinations. The most ultimate test of our leaders today is making decisions knowing that the lives of the world is in our hands. I commend each of you on this journey. Why is being a member important to you? Has ACHE membership been a benefit to you in your career? ACHE presents a great opportunity for healthcare leaders by providing a platform to connect with one another for professional growth, development, and allows for opportunities to network across industries and build meaningful relationships. What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership? ACHE membership offers you a front row seat of the healthcare classroom. I recommend not just joining the organization, but also volunteering and actively participating. Tell us one thing that people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about you. I love salsa dancing and Zydeco music.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

CARES Act Delivers COVID-19 Relief, Assistance to Healthcare Industry Matthew Agnew, Esq.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act provides, among other things, economic assistance to healthcare providers and entities providing coronavirus relief and services. This article provides a high-level summary of available CARES Act relief tailored explicitly to healthcare providers. Due to its brevity, we’d encourage you to consider these options with your healthcare counsel.

COVID-19 CARE: The CARES Act allocates $100 billion to assist eligible healthcare providers that “provide diagnoses, testing, or care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID–19” and incur costs associated with building or construction of temporary structures, leasing of properties, medical supplies and equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing supplies, increased workforce and training, emergency operation centers, retrofitting facilities, and patient surge capacity.

FFCRA. The Act also allows employers to reduce hours for its workforce, and the state’s unemployment compensation programs will cover a portion of the reduced hours.

REIMBURSEMENT: Depending on provider type, the CARES Act allows providers to apply for up to three or six months of advanced Medicare payments. The CARES Act modifies the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System and provides a 20 percent add-on to the diagnostic related group (DRG) rate for patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis code. The CARES Act temporarily suspended Medicare sequestration, which subjected the Medicare Program’s budget to an annual reduction of up to 2 percent in 2020. The Act also suspends the requirement to reduce the Medicaid Program’s disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments by $4 billion in 2020.

LTCH: For the long-term care hospitals (LTCH), the CARES Act suspended the site-neutral policy and the 50 percent rule to allow for the increased transfer of patients out of triage hospitals.

FORGIVABLE LOANS: The CARES Act allows eligible, small business borrowers to obtain up to a $10 million loan based on 2.5 times its average monthly payroll. Loan proceeds can be used for, among other things, payroll costs, rent, and utilities. The principle of the CARES Act loan is forgivable in an amount equal to payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, or utility costs during the eight weeks following the origination of the loan. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE: On March 18, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FFCRA) was expanded to guarantee up to two weeks of paid leave and 10 weeks at two-thirds pay for family leave for individual employees of employers with fewer than 500 employees. Employers of health care providers may elect to exclude their employees from paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave benefits under

VOLUNTEER LIABILITY: The CARES Act provides liability protection for volunteer healthcare professionals, as long as the services provided are within the scope of their license, and the services are provided under a good faith belief that the individual treated requires healthcare services.

TELEHEALTH: The CARES Act provides additional funding for telehealth, addresses telehealth regulatory burdens, and eases restrictions on Medicare and healthcare providers. MENTAL HEALTH: Through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the CARES Act provides $425 million in funding for mental health services. HIPAA: Unrelated to COVID-19, the CARES Act modified 42 USC. § 290dd-2 (colloquially known as 42 CFR Part 2 or Part 2) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to allow, among other things, one written consent to disclose the patient’s Part 2 information for all future treatment, payment or health care operations purposes. SURGE REIMBURSEMENT FLEXIBILITY: Unrelated to the CARES Act, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services announced on March 30 that it will allow hospitals to bill for services provided outside of their facility, and allow ambulatory surgical centers to contract with local health systems to provide services or directly enroll and bill as a hospital. Matthew Agnew is a healthcare attorney at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, and can be reached at 214-258-4153 or Matthew.Agnew@btlaw.com.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

Keeping a Pulse on Telemedicine Changes in Light of COVID-19 By Jenny Givens, Gray Reed

Providers of telemedicine services are reporting unprecedented surges in demand due to the global coronavirus pandemic. In addition to people’s desire to limit potential exposure to the virus by visiting a doctor’s office, much of this increase is due to the state and federal government’s suspension of certain telemedicine restrictions.

TEXAS WAIVER On Friday, March 13, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a “state of disaster” in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic and instructed state agencies to take action to make telemedicine readily available to the community. Per Governor Abbott’s direction, the Texas Medical Board (TMB) issued a press release the following day informing the public that it is temporarily suspending certain provisions of the Texas Occupations Code and the Texas Administrative Code that place restrictions on practitioners’ ability to use telemedicine in their treatment of patients. Under typical circumstances, Texas Occupations Code Section 111.005 requires that a physician establish a valid physicianpatient relationship through one of three methods if the physician wishes to render telemedicine services to a patient: 1. Have a pre-existing relationship with the patient; 2. Provide call coverage for another physician who has an established relationship with the patient; or 3. Provide telemedicine services to a patient with whom the physician does not have a prior relationship

through technology that includes either: a. Synchronous (real-time, 2-way) audiovisual interaction between the practitioner and the patient; or b. Asynchronous store and forward technology in conjunction with real-time audio interaction between the practitioner and the patient, if the practitioner also uses clinical information from photographic images or video, including diagnostic images and the patient’s relevant medical records (e.g., medical history and diagnostic test results); or c. Another form of audiovisual technology that allows the encounter to meet the standard of care. To facilitate access to care and to avoid unnecessary exposure of healthcare providers and the public, the TMB is departing from its strict technology requirements and is now allowing a practitioner-patient relationship to be established through a telephone conversation and is allowing for the diagnosis and treatment of patients by phone. This suspension is in effect until the disaster declaration is lifted. The TMB reminded practitioners that the laws and regulations

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

related to standard of care have not changed—practitioners are required to provide services according to the same standard of care as if the services are provided in-person. FEDERAL WAIVER On March 6, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 which, among other things, gives the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the authority to waive restrictions on the provision of telehealth services (commonly referred to as an 1135 waiver). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a press release on March 17 announcing the expansion of telehealth benefits and allowing some flexibility with respect to how and where telehealth services may be rendered. Providers are encouraged to review the Telehealth Waiver FAQ and the General Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit issued by the CMS, which provides details about how providers may render telehealth services during this “Public Health Emergency (PHE).”

services rendered to individuals in their homes. During the PHE, Medicare beneficiaries are no longer required to be located in a rural health area or travel to a physician’s office or healthcare facility (i.e., an “originating site”) to have their telehealth services covered. This opens the door for many who would not otherwise have telehealth benefits and, more importantly, keeps individuals who suspect they may have the virus in their homes thus limiting the risk of exposing others. While CMS typically prohibits the waiver of any patient responsibility, in an effort to ensure that a Medicare beneficiary’s financial position does not create a barrier to access, the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is permitting, if not encouraging, providers to waive the patient responsibility for telehealth services paid for by federal healthcare programs. Medicare generally covers three types of virtual services: telehealth visits, virtual check-ins and e-visits. For ease of reference, physicians, advance practice nurses and physician assistants are collectively referred to as “practitioners”.

Type of Service

Description of Service

HCPCS/CPT Code

Medicare Telehealth Visits

A visit with a provider that uses telecommunication systems between a provider and a patient.

• Common telehealth services include: • 99201-99215 (office or other outpatient visit) • G0425-G0427 (telehealth consultation, emergency department or initial inpatient)

Patient Relationship with Provider Not required to be an established patient during the PHE

Click here for a complete list Virtual Check-in

A brief (5-10 min) check-in with a patient via telephones or other telecommunications decide to decide if an office visit or other service is necessary. A remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images submitted by a patient.

• HCPCS Code G2012 • HCPCS Code G2010

Not required to be an established patient during the PHE

E-Visits

A communication between a patient and provider through an online patient portal.

• 99431 • 99422 • 99423 • G2061 • G2062 • G2063

Not required to be an established patient during the PHE

One of the initial modifications under the 1135 waiver that will have the most significant impact is CMS’ coverage of telehealth

Telehealth Visits These services are similar to typical office and hospital visits

but conducted through audio and video technologies. While CMS typically requires the practitioner and the patient to have an existing relationship to reimburse telehealth visits, CMS reports that HHS will not audit providers to ensure there was a prior relationship. With respect to the technology that may be used to render these services, unlike the TMB, which is allowing practitioners to render telehealth services by telephone without video capabilities, CMS currently will only cover evaluation and management telehealth visits if they are rendered using both audio and video capabilities allowing for “two-way, real-time interactive communication”. In the 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, CMS adopted codes for certain evaluation and management services rendered solely by telephone. These codes were not considered to fall within CMS’ definition of telehealth and were not considered a covered benefit. Recognizing the value of services that are not face-to-face during the PHE, CMS decided to reevaluate its reimbursement policies for several of these codes in its Interim Final Rule issued on March 30.

OTHER GUIDANCE AND CONSIDERATIONS

The HHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR) announced that it will exercise discretion in its enforcement of privacy and security requirements to allow practitioners to render telehealth services using common communications technologies such as Apple FaceTime, Skype, Facebook Messenger video chat and Google Hangouts video, which means almost all practitioners will have the technological capability of rendering telehealth services during the PHE. Practitioners must still make good faith efforts to protect patient privacy. Worth noting, Medicare will reimburse telehealth visits as it would an office visit and practitioners are permitted to bill retroactively for telehealth services rendered on or after March 6.

To encourage members to use telemedicine as a first line of defense, many insurers are waiving the patient responsibility for their members’ urgent care needs. Aetna, for example, announced to its members that it will have a $0 copay for telemedicine services provided by its participating providers; however, it is not clear whether this would apply to providers who are not contracted with Aetna should they provide telemedicine services to Aetna members. As practitioners are well aware, no two payer policies are alike and all will have different requirements for coverage. The TDI created a helpful webpage that provides links to various Texas insurers’ websites addressing coverage for testing and telemedicine services.

Virtual Check-Ins Check-ins are essentially a brief communication between the patient and practitioner using telephone, secure email or text messaging, a patient portal and other similar methods of communication to determine whether the patient requires another service or an in-office visit. There are, however, some caveats-- virtual check-ins will only be covered by Medicare if (1) the patient and practitioner (or other practice member) have an established relationship; (2) the communication is not related to a medical visit that occurred within the prior 7 days and does not lead to a medical visit over the 24 hours following the check-in; and (3) the patient verbally consents to the virtual services.

Coding Accuracy/POS Codes As is always the case, practitioners must ensure their claims for reimbursement use the codes that most accurately represent the services that were rendered. Prior to the PHE, the CMS required practitioners to use place of service (POS) code 02 on claims for services rendered to Medicare beneficiaries via telehealth. When practitioners use POS code 02, CMS typically reimburses the practitioners at a slightly lower rate to take into account the facility fee paid to the originating site for its overhead. However, because the CMS is not requiring that patients present to an originating site during the PHE and the practitioner rendering telehealth services will have likely have additional overhead related to its provision of the telehealth services, the CMS is instructing practitioners to use the POS code that the practitioner would have used if the services were rendered in-person and to append modifier 95 to the claim line for the telehealth services to indicate the services were rendered via telehealth. Practitioners will need to check with insurers regarding their coding requirements as they may differ from the guidance provided by the CMS.

E-Services E-services are simply communications through a patient portal between a patient and practitioner who have an established relationship and are initiated by the patient. CMS published the below table which summarizes the parameters and codes for reimbursement.

Reimbursement/Coverage It is important to note that the waiver of laws and regulations related to telemedicine do not necessarily mean that all insurers will cover telemedicine or telehealth services. Providers will need to look to insurers’ policies to determine whether they have relaxed their requirements for services rendered by telehealth. On March 17, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) issued an emergency rule requiring health benefits plans that are regulated by the TDI to reimburse contracted practitioners for the provision of a covered healthcare service via telehealth at the same rate as an in-person visit. Individuals whose health plans are regulated by TDI will have “TDI” or similar language printed on them. Keep in mind that if the patient has an employer-sponsored health plan, coverage may be different as these plans are not regulated by the TDI and benefits are dictated by the patient’s employer and the federal government.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

Prescribing Medications Practitioners issuing prescriptions as the result of a telemedicine visit must ensure that the prescription is issued for a legitimate medical purpose as part of a practitionerpatient relationship and meet all other regulations related to the dispensing and delivering of dangerous drugs and controlled substances. Prior to the PHE, practitioners were prohibited from treating chronic pain (this prohibition does not apply to acute pain) via telemedicine. The TMB temporarily suspended this limitation to allow for telephone refills of valid prescriptions for the treatment of chronic pain. This suspension was recently extended until May 8, 2020. Though an extension is anticipated. The Drug Enforcement Agency also placed limitations on the ability of practitioners to issue Schedule II-V controlled substances by telemedicine without first having an in-person visit, however, the Secretary of HHS designated that qualified practitioners may issue prescriptions for Schedule II-V drugs without an in-person visit throughout the duration of the PHE. Supervision Many services covered under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule can be paid when provided under the supervision of a practitioner and not performed directly by the practitioner (i.e., services provided “incident to” the practitioner’s services). In most cases, the CMS will only reimburse these services if rendered under the practitioner’s direct supervision, which requires the practitioner be present in the office suite but not necessarily in the same room when the services are rendered. In its Interim Final Rule, the CMS noted that for the duration of the PHE, the CMS is altering the definition of direct supervision “to state that the necessary presence of the physician through audio/video real-time communications technology when use of such technology is indicated to reduce exposure risks to the beneficiary or healthcare provider. Documentation Practitioners must document visits in patients’ medical records just as they would an in-person visit. Insurers could audit patient medical records down the road to determine whether the services were rendered and claims were appropriately paid. If the visit is not appropriately documented, payors may attempt to recoup payments. Privacy & Security – Communications Platforms

Practitioners will need to keep in mind that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implementing regulations, as well as state privacy and security laws, still apply. The OCR’s notice of enforcement discretion is limited to allow practitioners to render telehealth services using common communications technologies such as Apple FaceTime, Skype, Facebook Messenger video chat and Google Hangouts video. The use of public facing telecommunications platforms such as TikTok, Facebook Live and Twitch is prohibited and most other HIPAA requirements are still in effect. As all practitioners know, healthcare is complicated. While the CMS, the TMB and the TDI have made it much easier to render services through telecommunications, there are still a significant number of factors to be considered. Practitioners should also keep in mind that the laws, regulations and guidance related to telehealth are evolving quickly. If practitioners have questions regarding reimbursement or other aspects of telehealth, they should consult the applicable insurer’s policy or contact their healthcare attorney for guidance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jenny Givens, Partner – jgivens@grayreed.com As a former hospital administrator, Jenny has a unique understanding of the challenges facing healthcare providers and the ins and outs of their business operations. Health systems, physicians and providers of ancillary services trust Jenny to help them navigate complex regulatory matters and, more importantly, to craft realistic solutions that they can operationalize. Jenny is Board Certified in Health Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and Certified in Healthcare Compliance by the Compliance Certification Board.

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A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020 Learn more at childrens.com

CALL TO ACTION:

Nominate Healthcare Heroes! Would you like to nominate someone in the local healthcare community who is going above and beyond the call of duty during the COVID-19 crisis? If so, please let us know so we can do a brief spotlight on her/him to our ACHE of North Texas membership and those on our email distribution lists. Click here to access the nomination form.

ACHEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s COVID-19 Resource Center Be sure to monitor ACHE nationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s COVID-19 Resource Center for messages from our CEO, downloadable webinars, digital course materials, documents & articles, information from corporate partners, podcasts and videos. Click here to access these resources.

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A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

Rapid- Response Design Strategies for Healthcare Facilities Provided by Corgan

Healthcare facilities are moving quickly to respond to the potential impact of the COVID-19 in North Texas. Corgan and the healthcare design industry wants share the following strategies to support your front-line endeavors to safely care for as many patients as safely possible, help protect your staff, and implement built changes to help treat the virus.

1. Manage safety and infections (through operations): Eliminate Lobby waiting. Enable patients to wait in their car in the parking lot, implementing just-in-time operations. 2. Manage safety and infections (through operations): Increase use of telemedicine for follow-up patients. CMS has loosened the regulations for telemedicine in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth services may now be delivered to Medicare beneficiaries by phone as long as video capability is available. 3. Manage safety and infections (through operations): Install temperature screening devices at entry doors for your ambulatory facilities. 4. Increase bed capacity: Convert a single patient room to â&#x20AC;&#x153;manageâ&#x20AC;? multiple patients. Work with headwall manufacturers and other providers to expand capacity. Look to converting prep and recovery spaces into emergency coronavirus units as an easily achieved first step. 5. Increase bed capacity: Rapid prefab construction for emergency response through partnerships with manufacturers for temporary and convertible hospitals. 6. Increase bed capacity: Identifying and converting building typologies in the community (motels, dorms, and office

buildings) to manage surge capacity related to the virus. Rooms that have separate HVAC units can be turned into negative-pressure rooms for lower-acuity COVID-19 patients, if a nurse can be accommodated. 7. Increase Isolation rooms: Change in HVAC systems and filtration protocols. Shared air is a problem. There have been examples of retrofit window A/Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to patient rooms, to temporarily convert hospital rooms to isolations rooms. Utilize mechanical engineers to work out the ideal solution. 8. Address shortage of medical equipment: With the medical equipment shortages during this pandemic, 3D printing is emerging as a potential solution. Reach out to your design partners and consultants with 3D printing capabilities to assist you with emergent prototyping and production for critical shortages. 9. Navigate licensure and permits with the Texas Health and Human Services: Leverage your design partners to help navigate the permitting and licensing process. The latest Guidance Letters from the Health Care Facilities Regulation regarding COVID-19 can be found at: https://hhs.texas.gov/ doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/health-care-facilitiesregulation

Health Facility Guidance Letters Provided by SBL Architecture

With the state of Texas now allowing hospitals to quickly add capacity in order to care for the population being affected by the virus. The following links are shared by SBL Architecture to the new Health Facility Licensing Guidance Letters will help you navigate the adoption of these emergency rule changes and waivers. GL 20-1001 and GL-20-1001A Regarding Expansion of Bed Capacity during COVID-19 Outbreak Under this waiver, hospitals experiencing surge capacity can temporarily increase their bed capacity without a fee or application and may also use beds licensed for a Revised March 27, 2020 certain type of care for a different type of care (for example, using hospice beds to treat COVID-19 patients). To address surge capacity, hospitals may use unlicensed patient beds in patient treatment areas. Fees will not be assessed for temporary patient beds for the purpose of providing care during the COVID-19 disaster. Hospitals will be required to revert to the original licensed bed capacity in the future, as required by HHSC. GL 20-1001 and GL-20-1001A Regarding Expansion of Bed Capacity during COVID-19 Outbreak GL 20-2010 and GL 20-2010A Temporary Suspension of Spatial Requirements in Patient Rooms in General and Special Hospitals This suspension includes flexibility to increase the number of beds in patient treatment room/areas by temporarily waiving spatial requirements for room configurations, outlets for medical gases, and nurse call systems, in the GL 20-2010 March 23, 2020 Page 2 of 3 following areas: emergency suite, intermediate care suite, and the nursing unit. Hospitals are required to revert to the original occupancy requirements as required by HHSC, and after the termination of Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disaster declaration. GL 20-2010 and GL 20-2010A Temporary Suspension of Spatial Requirements in Patient Rooms in General and Special Hospitals GL 20-1002-A - Temporary Suspension of State Licensure Requirements for Fire Marshal Approval during the COVID-19 Outbreak [Amended] Under this waiver, a currently licensed facility applying for licensure renewal may temporarily forgo the fire marshal inspection requirement. This waiver only applies in areas where the local municipality is not performing fire inspections during the facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s licensure renewal period. GL 20-1002 and GL-20-1002A Regarding Temporary Suspension for Fire Marshall Approval during COVID-19 Outbreak

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

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After Hours Year End Networking Event December 12

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

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FW Healthcare Student Summit January 25

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

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ACHENTX Breakfast with the Executive Vice President January 28 Written by Byron E. Westbrook

The Breakfast with the Executive Vice President event took place at the UT Southwestern Radiation Oncology Building with more than 50 ACHE of North Texas members in attendance. The featured executive was Marc A. Nivet, Ed.D, M.B.A, the Executive Vice Present for Institutional Advancement at U.T. Southwestern Medical Center. As Executive Vice President, Dr. Nivet provides strategic vision and oversight in the areas of Development, Communication, Marketing, Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Community and Corporate Relations.

sense, decency and balance between the mind and the heart. It is also an approach, he added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;That aids one in becoming an effective leader.â&#x20AC;? The presentation ended with questions and comments from the audience ranging from personal experiences to current trends in the healthcare market. ACHENTX appreciates UT Southwestern Medical Center for its warm hospitality and members for their attendance. For more information on future events, please visit us at achentx.org or send an email at info@northexas.ache.org

Dr. Nivet began his presentation focusing on the importance of diversity in academic medicine and how it leads to increased access to high quality healthcare services, a broader medical research agenda, increased cultural competence among health professionals and enhanced education along the continuum. Dr. Nivet also discussed the importance in hiring for diversity and that leads to an increase in health equity. He also touched on the topic of perspective transformation, the process of becoming critically aware with the use of common

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

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WHEN Community Event Too Cold to Hold Run February 2

Our Mission

To extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

christushealth.org

A Catholic health system in the United States, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia with more than 60 hospitals, 600 services and facilities, 45,000 associates and 15,000 physicians.

433123-2018-ACHE of North Texas 2018 Ad.indd 1

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

3/8/2018 8:08:5

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ACHENTX Retirees & Life Fellows Luncheon February 2 Written by Chris Grossnicklaus ACHENTX Retirees & Life Fellows Luncheon The Retirees & Life Fellows Luncheon was kicked off with an introduction round of the members in attendance. It was a great opportunity to hear the experience, skills, and knowledge that this esteemed group gained throughout their careers. Many of the members still look for ways to contribute through volunteerism or paid work opportunities. Derrick Villa and Cardell Velez gave the attendees an overview or the ACHE Mentoring Program and stressed the importance of the Retirees and Life Fellows as part of the program. Many of the attendees have participated in the past, leveraging their proven experience to provide valuable guidance and insight to early careerists. Dr. Art Gonzalez, DrPH, LFACHE, introduced the Health Care Administration Program at The University of Texas at Arlington in which he serves as a director. As an ACHE Life Fellow, he invited the group to get involved with

the program and bring their experience into the field. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life Fellows are able to offer practical experience and bring the teaching to life,â&#x20AC;? he added. Remote and in-person opportunities to guest present on topics like nursing, governance, financial management and marketing/ strategy are available. The lunch concluded with a detailed overview of the partnership between Texas Health Resources and UT Southwestern Medical Center that led to the newest hospital campus in Frisco. Led by Brett Lee, President of THR Frisco, Renuka Sundaresan, Director of Ambulatory Services at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Daffodil Baez, Assistant Director of Clinical Operations at UT Southwestern Medical Center, attendees got to ask questions and take a tour of the new 74-bed hospital and 120,000 sf medical office building. ACHENTX appreciates UT Southwestern Frisco and Texas Health Frisco for hosting the luncheon and tour. For more information on future events, please visit us at achentx.org or send an email at info@northexas.ache.org

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

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New Horizons February 12

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

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First Quarter Education Event February 27 Written by Michael Belkin On Thursday February 27th, the North Texas Chapter of ACHE met at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving to discuss two extremely relevant and current topics: Providing Culturally & Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) and Diversity & Inclusion. Panel 1 was moderated by Kyle Armstrong, FACHE who currently serves as President for Baylor Scott & White in McKinney TX. The panel members included: Robin Gordon, who serves as manager of language access services; Ashleigh Kinney, who serves as Director of Patient Experience for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children; and Melina Kolbeck, who serves as Director Language access services at Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health. Melina helped the attending audience by first defining some terms such as translator which is defined as a written document interpretation; interpreter, which is defined as verbal interpretation; LLP which is defined as limited language proficiency; and Dual role which refers to a care giver who also serves as an interpreter. The panel discussed the current staff that their organizations have devoted to helping the patient population which is very diverse. For example Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has 50 individuals focused on diversity of the patient population. When we think of language services, the multitude of spoken languages and dialects certainly come to mind. However, the panel also reminded us that language services assist the deaf and blind patients that healthcare facilities serve.

The key is “how to provide the best interpreter in a timely way”. The current resources include inperson interpreters, phone and video. In-person is the preferred service, however there are not enough licensed interpreters. The process to become a certified interpreter is very detailed and a small percent of people who have the ability to speak a foreign language do not qualify as a licensed medical interpreter. The panel described their facilities interview process and the two certification organizations that provide a rigorous process to ensure that individuals are qualified. For example out of 100 “bi-lingual” applicants, only 5 may be hired to be licensed medical interpreters. In addition to the licensing process, interpreters are governed by a Code of Ethics. The code requires interpreters to continually educate themselves on various cultural realities and differences. For example there are many different countries who speak Spanish. The meanings of words are different for Spanish speaking patients from Mexico, Spain and Puerto Rico. In addition to verbal communication, non-verbal communication is key and different cultures exhibit various non-verbal communication traits. The attending members and guests were treated to an incredible education regarding the critical need for this service and the challenges of finding trained professionals. Panel 2 was moderated by Victoria Sanders, FACHE, who serves as Senior Vice President with USMD Health System. The panel members included: Traci LawlerShort, who serves as Client Services Vice President for SCP Health; Michelle Green-Ford, who serves as Chief Diversity Officer with JPS Health network; Chris Moreland, who serves as Chief Diversity Officer with Vizient; and Guwan Jones, who serves as Chief Diversity Officer with Baylor Scott & White. The panel helped the audience to understand that diversity applies to all people since everyone wants to be treated uniquely and differently. The needs of the community are analyzed by community needs assessments and by looking at the patients and employees. JPS holds a diversity summit which includes focus groups to provide data and feedback. The panel discussed generational diversity and the different expectations of each group. For example

EVENT ENCORE younger generations have embraced technology as a component of care much more quickly than older generations. The Diversity Officer is currently a key leadership role as there are daily challenges. HHS has provided regulations for patient discrimination guidelines and healthcare providers are required to take note. The panel discussed the current situation regarding patient gender identity and sexual orientation. Pediatric patients may have non-traditional parents. Also pediatric patients may have recently gone through a gender transformation which requires certain sensitivity and care. Therefore physicians and other care providers must be comfortable asking questions that they may not be comfortable asking. Organizations such as JPS Health Network and Baylor Scott & White Health are training their current physicians on how to serve with sensitivity. Topics include mental health, sexual orientation, transgender and homelessness. One key challenge is to overcome subconscious bias that everyone may have towards a group of individuals who are different. Physicians in particular are resistant to diversity. A new training to help overcome â&#x20AC;&#x153;unconscious biasâ&#x20AC;? is taking hold at these organizations. Getting to know individuals with differences to hear their stories has been very helpful. The issue with patients who do not want to receive care due to a bias regarding the diversity of the caregiver is a current issue which must be handled well and with sensitivity. For example a patient may not want to be treated by a certain gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or an individual with multiple tattoos/piercings. The healthcare facility is currently training staff on how to help patients overcome such a bias with stories and information. The healthcare facilities must be cognizant of their employees and maintain the dignity of their staff. Overall the issue of diversity is an evolving situation in the US and the DFW area is one of great diversity. Education with empathy is key. The Chief Diversity position is becoming a critical leadership role within the healthcare delivery space.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

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WHEN Women’s Conference March 5 By Melinda Schmidt The Texas Woman’s University in Dallas was the location for ACHENTX’s first WHEN (Women’s Healthcare Executive Network) Women’s Conference with the Keynote Address from Chandini Portteus, Principal and CEO, Portteus Consulting Group. The conference was kicked off by Charmaine Nichols and Scott Hurst by welcoming everyone to the event and then went directly into the breakout sessions. The topics and presenters for the sessions were: “Building your Brand” by Nancy Vish, President & CNO, Baylor, Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital and Benton Sprayberry, Senior Director Operations, Steward Healthcare; “Power of Negotiation” by Meridith Ward, Founder & CEO, In-Charge Career Consulting, LLC, and Pat Driscoll, RN, JD, MSN, Professor, Texas Woman’s University; “Mentor vs Advocate: Pros, Cons, and the Benefits of Both” by Kenya Woodruff, Partner, Katten, Muchin, Rosenman, LLP, and Cathy Eddy, Founder, Health Plan Alliance; “Effective Communication” by Felixia Colón, FACHE, Regional VP, SCP Health, Rita Roberts, RN, Executive VP & COO, SCP Health, and Lenetra King, COO Program Development & Integration, Texas Health Resources. During the breakout sessions, attendees were very eager to hear from the presenters on the various topics. Nancy Vish reminded everyone that, “You can only make a first impression once” and “to be authentic in who you are”, as people can see through falseness very quickly. All

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

EVENT ENCORE presenters from the Effective Communication session stressed the importance of finding a female role model who was a leader in healthcare. Lenetra King spoke of her favorite mentor who always asked how her family was doing and how you should minimize your distractions. Not checking or texting on your phone and instead, leaning into the conversation with your body which conveys you are very interested in what is being discussed. The Keynote Address, “A Gritty Girl’s Leadership Trip: Are We There Yet?” from Chandidni Portteus, was delivered straight from her heart as she spoke tenderly of her children and then the about loneliness from shattering the glass ceiling. As a single mother, she takes care of her 4 children and runs a consulting firm. She started off during her teenage years as a junior volunteer with Baylor Hospital and was a sponge for learning which allowed her to grow into the woman she is today. ACHENTX appreciates Texas Woman’s University for hosting this event. For more information on future events, please visit achentx.org or send an email to info@ northtexas.ache.org.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

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Feed My Starving Children March 7

Putting your health above it all. At Texas Health, we will be there for you and your loved ones. With an experienced staff and technologically advanced care, our dedication is to your health. Whether you need 24-hour emergency care or wellness services, we’re equipped to handle your health care needs. Advanced Surgical Procedures ■ Behavioral Health Cancer ■ Diabetes ■ Digestive Health Emergency Department ■ Heart & Vascular Neurosciences ■ Orthopedics ■ Weight Loss Surgery Women & Infants ■ Wound Care

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A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

National News Congress Refunds

Board of Governors Exam

ACHE national is beginning to process Congress registration refunds. Registrants will receive an email with details this week (week of March 23) as well as a confirmation email that the refund has been processed. All refunds will be processed by April 20.

If you had planned to take the Board of Governors Exam at Congress 2020, you should have received an email from Julianna Kazragys, FACHE, CAE, credentialing manager, with information on how to schedule your test at a future time. • Unfortunately, ACHE’s testing vendor, Pearson VUE, has temporarily closed all its testing centers. Be sure to visit the following website to stay updated on the latest information on their website: https:// home.pearsonvue.com/coronavirus-update • If you have an active exam waiver on file, the waiver will be valid through Dec. 31, 2020 • All current exam-authorized individuals will have until Dec. 31, 2020 to take and pass the exam without your applications expiring

All fees will be returned by the same method of payment used in the original transaction: • Credit cards will be refunded directly • Refund checks will be mailed to the address on the payment check • If you made multiple payments, you may receive multiple refunds

Convocation Any new Fellow who had planned to walk this year in the 2020 Convocation Ceremony will be invited to participate in the 2021 ceremony. All cap and gown fees for 2020 will be refunded by April 20, in a separate transaction from your Congress registration.

Recertification • For those in the 2019 recertification class who received an extension to complete the requirements by March 31, this extension has been continued for the class to complete all requirements and submit recertification application and fee by Dec. 31, 2020. • For those who are due to complete your recertification requirements in 2020, ACHE has extended the deadline to complete requirements, submit recertification application, and pay recertification fee until March 31, 2021.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

H E A LT H C A R E E X C E L L E N C E G O E S B Y O N E N A M E

Â®

2019

MedicalCityHealthcare.com

WELCOME ACHENTXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWEST MEMBERS DECEMBER Fatima Altakrouri Casey A. Ausherman Dhruv Chopra, MBA Daniel Cluck Roma Desai Andrew M. Evancho, Jr. Amy Gentile Sharon S. King, DNP, RN Stacy A. Krause, PA-C Jimmy Lomax, Jr. Gabriel R. Miller Randy Montz Jay A. Patel, DO Preston Pelfrey, MBA Stacy Robert David Robinson Stephen Roussel, MBA Neha Sinha Blake Windham

JANUARY Leslie Baker Julie Balluck Rouguiatou Barry Muffi Bootwala Melissa Bryant Audra Clark Thomas Crump Roma Desai Delaina Fell Tara Ganji Jennifer Hatfield, RN Kendra M. Honeycutt, BS, MHA Chase Johnson Russell Kaiser, MSN Henna Khan Sejal S. Mehta, MD, MBA Peter B. Nguyen, BS Jordan Nichols Ashley K. Overstreet Keith Palmer Matthew O. Porter

Matt L. Pruitt Samantha R. Rowley Lance Ruland Mary M. Shaw Jean Sheng, MD Tim Smith Tansie N. Stewart Dianna J. Tankersley, MBA Patti Taylor Kelli Terpstra Thomas L. Weinberg, JD Deshon W. Wilson

FEBUARY Mary C. Anderson, MBA, BSN, RN Roni Berlin Amy Binkley, MSN, RN Angela Boring Enoc Chicas Samuel J. Compton Sondra Davis Tanisha Freeman Brock B. Gardner Edward J. Gomez Ann M. Gordon Larissa Hagge Fernandes Helen Harris-Allen Doug C. Harrison Ryan Hays, MD, MBA Mindy Hong Candace Jones, MSHA Laavanya Krishnan Nancy E. Lasater Lisa Licata, BS Amanda Lingle Lance W. Lynch Veronique Maston John C. McClintock Melissa D. McConnell, MS Odette Mendez Mihir Patel Roma Patel Sherron T. Peace, MBA

Ed Sanders Tanya A. Stinson Adam Tapper Angie To Meghan M. Villarreal, MSHA Pepper Wedgewood, MBA DeShon Woods

MARCH Irfan Ahmed James R. Allard, DNP, RN Charles E. Burns, Jr. Abey Chacko Brodin Chipman Veronica Clements Dennis Cook, RN, MSN, CPHQ Brooke L. Ferguson Quintin S. Ficklin, Jr. Yesenia Garcia Nancy J. Gill Cynthia M. Hughes Rudolph Jackson Tyre Nelson, MPA Colea Owens, MBA, BSN, RN LeTanya Shaw Holly Shields Joyce Soule, RN Lyna Tran Rachel A. White

DECEMBER Nikoma M. Wolf, FACHE

ACHENTXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

JANUARY Tom Siegrist, Jr., FACHE

NEWEST

FELLOWS

FEBRUARY Vernita L. Kelley, RN, FACHE Amber Long, FACHE

RECERTIFIED FELLOWS DECEMBER

JANUARY

John G. Allen, FACHE Dennis M. Ayers, FACHE Teresa W. Baker, FACHE Jaquetta B. Clemons, DrPH, FACHE Felixia A. Colon, FACHE Joshua A. Floren, FACHE Curt M. Junkins, FACHE Jason L. McPherson, FACHE John D. Mitchell, FACHE Jared C. Shelton, FACHE Craig E. Sims, FACHE JaNeene L. Skogman-Jones, FACHE Melissa A. Threlkeld, FACHE

Kyle E. Armstrong, FACHE Patrick Brown, FACHE Donas H. Cole, FACHE Beverly Dawson, RN, FACHE Gary S. DiPersi, RN, FACHE Brandy J. Frawley, FACHE Lenetra King, FACHE Jon C. Skinner, FACHE

FEBRUARY Candace D. Baer, FACHE William H. Craig, FACHE Martha R. Philastre, FACHE

MARCH Stuart L. Archer, FACHE Frank D. Kittredge, Jr., FACHE Michael H. McAlister, FACHE Annette P. Palm, FACHE

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SPRING 2020

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