More than 43 Hospital Systems Participate in NAPH Fall Conference and Legislative Event - September 27, 2011

Representatives from more than 43 hospital systems across the country came to Washington to participate in NAPH’s Fall Conference and Legislative Event last week. The Fall Conference featured a keynote address from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Donald M. Berwick, M.D., M.P.P., and an enlightening presentation from health policy expert Sheila Burke, R.N. The Capitol Steps capped off the first day with a rousing performance of political satire. The Clinicians’ Legislative Event began on Tuesday, with Capitol Hill meetings on Wednesday. Of the hospital systems that sent representatives to Washington, 14 brought clinicians to participate in the meetings with legislators. These clinicians served as excellent advocates for their systems and patients. The event garnered some press coverage, with Politico interviewing NAPH’s President and CEO, Bruce Siegel, M.D., M.P.H., on Capitol Hill. Siegel highlighted the economic impact of Medicaid and safety net health systems, saying “There is a huge, positive economic impact from Medicaid … in many communities, our [hospital] is one of the largest employers." The full article is available to Politico Pro subscribers at www.politicopro.com.