The Latest News From SDAHO

Alex Ourth interns at SDAHO

Member News April 25, 2017

Alex Ourth will join SDAHO as a summer intern as part of the RISE-UP program through the University of South Dakota (USD). Alex is studying chemical engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a minor in public policy.

Trump nominates assistant secretaries for health, mental health and substance abuse

Federal News April 25, 2017

President Donald Trump has submitted nominations for an assistant secretary for health and an assistant secretary for mental health and substance abuse at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

CMS seeking applications for Rural Community Hospital Demonstration extension

Federal News April 24, 2017

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging rural hospitals offering 24-hour emergency care services with fewer than 51 acute care inpatient beds to apply for the five-year extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration.

Donate Life Blue & Green Day highlights organ, eye and tissue donation

Member News April 21, 2017

Today is Donate Life America’s annual Donate Life Blue & Green Day, a chance for all to show their support for organ, eye and tissue donation by wearing blue and green.

GOP planning second try at ACA repeal this week

Federal News April 20, 2017

Republican House members appear to be ready to take another stab at repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) when they return from a two-week recess next week.

Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) satisfaction indicator survey is live

Federal News April 20, 2017

The 2017 Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) satisfaction indicator survey is live. Federal law requires that provider satisfaction be a performance standard for the work of MACs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the MAC Satisfaction Indicator (MSI) to measure provider satisfaction with the MACs from which they receive services.

State seeking information on decisions to admit nursing home residents

Long Term Care News April 20, 2017

The state Department of Health, Department of Social Services and Department of Human Services are seeking information that impacts a nursing facility’s decision to admit a nursing home resident. The information gathered from nursing home providers will be included in the annual review process related to the need for additional nursing facility beds or new nursing facilities.

Veterans Choice Program extended

Federal News April 20, 2017

President Donald Trump has signed legislation (S. 544) extending the Veterans Choice Program, which had been set to expire in August. The AHA says the legislation allows the program to access nearly $1 billion remaining from its initial emergency appropriation, makes the Department of Veterans Affairs the primary payer under the program and allows the agency to share certain medical records with community providers.

Wear blue and green Friday to support organ, eye and tissue donation

Member News April 18, 2017

Members are urged to show their support for organ, eye and tissue donation by wearing blue and green on Friday for Donate Life America’s annual Donate Life Blue & Green Day.

SD Diabetes Coalition introduces improved website

State News April 17, 2017

The South Dakota Diabetes Coalition has introduced an improved website. The coalition aims to collaboratively improve the quality of life for all South Dakotans at risk for, or affected by, diabetes. Visitors are encouraged to share the website with colleagues, patients, friends and family.

Online tool offers comparison data on VA clinic wait times, hospital quality

Federal News April 17, 2017

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has released an online tool providing average wait times for primary and specialty care appointments at specific VA clinics. The tool provides data related to how long patients are waiting to be seen in their VA facility and how veterans describe their experiences scheduling primary and specialty care.

DOJ issues new corporate compliance guidance

Federal News April 14, 2017

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued new guidance including sample questions the agency uses when evaluating the effectiveness of corporate compliance programs. In February, the DOJ's fraud section issued new corporate compliance guidance titled “Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs.” The compliance program guidance is intended to provide more transparency about the use of so-called “Filip Factors” — 10 factors used by federal prosecutors in assessing charges with respect to compliance lapses.

Oglala Lakota Nation hosting workshop on developing strategies to strengthen health career opportunity programs

State News April 13, 2017

The Oglala Lakota Nation is hosting a workshop on Tuesday, May 16 on developing strategies to strengthen health career opportunity programs on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Fire chief to lead South Dakota Healthcare Coalition

State News April 13, 2017

Retiring Sioux Falls Fire Chief Jim Sideras is taking on the role of executive director of the South Dakota Healthcare Coalition. Sideras' new position will require him to work closely with four regional state healthcare coalitions and a governing board to enhance statewide relationships for health care facilities in emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

Foundation seeks nominees for Future of Population Health Award

Federal News April 12, 2017

The Public Health Foundation (PHF) is seeking nominees for its 2017 Future of Population Health Award. The award recognizes exemplary practice by hospitals and health systems that are collaborating with public health departments and other community partners on health improvement strategies and implementation efforts.