With the hope that spring will arrive soon, it’s time for the Association’s district meetings which begin this week. The meetings will be held starting Thursday, April 19, in Sioux Falls for members of District 3. Over the next two weeks, meetings will be held April 20 in Mobridge (District 2), April 24 in Sturgis (District 1) and May 2 in Platte (District 4).
The agenda features important discussions and updates related to state/federal advocacy and strategic plan priorities. During the meetings, there will be discussion and feedback gathered on the following questions:
- How is your organization incorporating innovative processes to create greater value and improve affordability, including exploring new models and partnerships to deliver care?
- What are the highest priority issues that can be improved through legislative action and regulatory relief?
The responses will be summarized from all district meetings and the information will be utilized during upcoming Capitol Hill visits, which are held in conjunction with the AHA Annual Meeting.
Members are invited to join a group healthcare leaders from SDAHO in attending the AHA Annual Membership Meeting, that runs May 6 – 9 in Washington, D.C. The meeting provides a great opportunity to hear from national leaders in politics, media and health policy, to exchange ideas and strategies, and meet with the South Dakota congressional delegation to discuss how decisions made in Washington, D.C. impact patients and patient care in South Dakota.
In other federal updates, although it appears unlikely that Congress will pass additional significant health care legislation this year, there are several proposals being heard in committee to address the opioid epidemic. A recent estimate suggests there are over 100 legislative proposals addressing opioids. Leadership has set a goal to pass legislation by early summer.
