SDAHOSouth Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations

Navigating Key Legislative Issues | Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Avera Health; Teri Jacobs, Avera Health; Zil Joyce Dixon Romero, NRHA; Tim Rave, SDAHO

Numerous public policy and legislative issues around healthcare delivery and public health affect healthcare organizations and demand involvement of their leaders to respond and adjust organizational policies and procedures. These issues often relate to improving population health, access and coverage through Medicaid and other programs, improving value, addressing consumer issues and workforce shortages, and more. Learning these issues and being involved in policy and organizational responses is important for healthcare leaders, regardless of how directly they may be involved.

Presentation

12:00pm-12:30pm | Opening Remarks with Governor Larry Rhoden 

12:40pm- 1:40pm | Be The Best Part of Their Day: Supercharging Communication with Values-Driven Leadership | David Schreiner, Ph.D.

Drawing from the insights in his book, Dr. David L. Schreiner inspires attendees to lead with greater purpose, connect more authentically, and elevate everyday interactions into extraordinary moments. Through a blend of storytelling, data, and reflective exercises, participants will discover the transformative power of asking meaningful questions, listening without the urge to fix, and leading with a mission-driven mindset.

The Cybersecurity Threat Landscape and Its Impact on Health Care | Scott Gee, American Hospital Association & Ryan Thousand, Dahl Memorial Healthcare

As cyber threats grow in sophistication and frequency, the health care sector faces increasing risks to patient safety, data integrity, and care delivery. In this session, experts in healthcare IT security will explore the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape and discuss the real-world implications of cyberattacks on hospitals and health systems. Learn how health care organizations can strengthen their defenses and protect critical infrastructure to ensure the continued delivery of safe, high-quality care.

Microsoft cybersecurity programs for rural hospitals | Presentation (Please do not disseminate this presentation outside of your organization)

EMS in SD: Future Strategies and Building the Next Generation of Paramedics | Marty Link, SDDOH Office of EMS and Trauma; Alyssa Olson, Brookings Health System; Bryan Breitling, Avera Health; Margaret Hansen, SDBMOE; Tim Rave, SDAHO

This panel will explore the evolving landscape of Emergency Medical Services in South Dakota, examining key challenges such as funding shortages, staffing limitations, and service closures. The discussion will highlight state-led initiatives focused on workforce development, streamlined licensing, and expanded training opportunities. Presenters will share data on recruitment efforts, available grant programs, and the return on investment for paramedic support. Looking ahead, the session will cover strategies for long-term sustainability, regional collaboration, and strengthened partnerships at the community level. It will also spotlight the next generation of EMS professionals, including expanded roles, educational pathways, and the integration of Community Health Workers. The session concludes with a forward-looking vision for EMS and a call to action for stakeholders across the healthcare system.

South Dakota Health Care Policy Update | Tim Rave and Jacob Parsons, SDAHO

This session provides an update on South Dakota's healthcare landscape, beginning with the current state budget and a look ahead to the Governor’s fall budget proposal. It will delve into the latest on Medicaid Expansion rollout, including enrollment figures and its budgetary impacts. The session will also cover current and upcoming legislative summer studies pertinent to healthcare, highlighting emergency medical services and property taxes. Finally, attendees will learn about South Dakota Medicaid's progress towards new inpatient and outpatient hospital reimbursement methodologies slated for 2026, including insights from recent critical access hospital discussions.

Vendor Social sponsored by SUNRx and SDAHO Enterprises 

Make sure to attend the vendor social to connect with your colleagues, enjoy appetizers and drinks, and win exciting prizes. Must be present to win!

A View From Washington: The State of Rural Health Policy | Zil Joyce Dixon Romero, NRHA

In this session, NRHA State Government Affairs Manager Zil Joyce Dixon Romero will provide a comprehensive overview of current federal and state rural health policy development. This will include updates from the 119th Congress and the Trump administration. Attendees will gain insights into key legislative priorities, proposed budget impacts on rural programs, workforce shortages, including South Dakota’s critical primary care gaps and threats to the rural health safety net. The presentation will also highlight resources and opportunities for advocacy and engagement with your federal officials.

Presentation

Sustainable Strategies to Support Well-Being for Healthcare Professionals | Mary Wolf, Veritree Partners; Marla Dziedzic, Avera Health; April Crago, Rural Health Care, Inc.; Stephanie Rissler, SDAHO

In recent years, challenges related to healthcare professional burnout have only accelerated, exacerbating pre-existing issues within the workforce. This has resulted in significant difficulties for healthcare workers and their loved ones, as well as workforce shortages that are putting a strain on the healthcare system. Additionally, adverse patient events have been linked to healthcare staff experiencing sleep disturbances, reduced job satisfaction, impaired behavior, and anxiety. These factors contribute to more severe consequences such as burnout, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation. Healthcare leaders often struggle to find long-term solutions to address this critical yet personal issue for both their staff and their organizations. During this panel, participants will learn sustainable strategies and approaches to support well-being and resiliency for healthcare professionals in today’s healthcare environment. Even when leaders acknowledge this challenge, they are frequently faced with conflicting information or quick-fix solutions that fail to create lasting change and can sometimes foster cynicism among employees. During this panel, participants will explore the importance of supporting and sustaining well-being for healthcare professionals in today’s healthcare environment.

Presentation | 5 Essentials for Workplace Wellbeing | Mental Health Continuum

Videos:

• Light Program with Dr VanDyke
• Humor in Health Care
• Understanding Resilience

A Peek Behind the Curtain of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit | Amanda Miiller, Deputy AG

Medicaid Fraud Control Units investigate and prosecute Medicaid provider fraud, abuse or neglect of residents in hospitals, health care facilities and board and care facilities, and instances of drug diversion. In this session, Deputy Attorney General Amanda Miiller will provide an overview of the SD Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, discuss the different mechanisms by which an investigation may be triggered, and provide valuable insights into achieving favorable outcomes short of litigation. Attendees will gain an understanding of what goes into making prosecution decisions, and what steps CEOs and C-suite leaders can take to protect their institutions and strengthen community trust.

Presentation

Videos included in the presentation:

• Slide 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnD7TwiWNiM
• Slide 16: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oij5YaDiNk
• Slide 23: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V9CGLe-pdc
• Slide 25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH-__UF4Jeo