Government funded through Dec. 23

President Joe Biden signed a continuing resolution late last week extending federal funding levels for health care and other programs through Friday. The resolution, passed by the U.S. House and Senate last week, extends to Dec. 23:

• Medicare-dependent hospital and enhanced low-volume adjustment programs.
• Two expiring programs maintaining access to care in rural communities.

The House and Senate last week announced a bipartisan agreement on a framework for an omnibus spending package that would fund the government for fiscal year 2023. Congressional negotiations are continuing this week as legislators discuss details of the package.

Hospital leaders reflect on gratitude and community in 2022

Over the last year, hospital and health system leaders have shared their reflections about the COVID-19 pandemic for the Getting to Know podcast. In the interviews, leaders spoke about their thoughts and experiences and what they have learned. This month's podcast is a compilation of those conversations.

Despite navigating the demands of the pandemic, workforce shortages and escalating costs, hospital leaders shared an overarching sense of gratitude for the ability of their staffs to shift priorities as needed and for the strong support of their communities. They expressed gratitude for the little things like sitting down to a meal with family and getting through each day.

IHA is grateful to Iowa hospital leaders and health care workers for their continued dedication to caring about Iowa’s health.

Register for IONL and BHAI Day on the Hill

Behavioral health and nursing advocates are crucial to making positive health care policy changes for Iowans. The voices of IHA members and behavioral health advocates help communicate the important work hospitals do for their behavioral health patients, nurses and communities. That’s why it’s important to join the Behavioral Health Association of Iowa and the Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership for its 2023 Hospital Day on the Hill.

The in-person event will include:

• An overview of health care advocacy and the lawmaking process.
• Learning how to create a strong message.
• Sharing your story effectively with legislators.

BHAI and IONL members will put their training to use immediately by meeting with legislators at the Iowa Statehouse to discuss priorities and important issues.

The IONL and BHAI Day on the Hill is scheduled from 9:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. Email Tori Hanson at IHA with questions.

IHA Today holiday schedule

While our IHA staff takes the time to prepare for another successful 2023, IHA’s offices will be closed from Dec. 23, 2022, through Jan. 2, 2023. Offices will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 3. We will not publish IHA Today during this time. Thank you to IHA members for their work in 2022. We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2023.

ServiShare partner COPIC offering educational resources

Does your medical liability insurance offer a wide selection of education resources? COPIC, a leading carrier in Iowa, offers an array of professional education resources that include virtual seminars, on-demand courses, annual conferences and programs. Many of these also qualify for CME credit. Learn more about COPIC’s education resources and how they can support you and the challenges you face in health care.

Email Ford Singbush, Anne MacFarland or Cameron James at AssuredPartners with questions.

AssuredPartners, a ServiShare-endorsed partner, teamed with COPIC to provide medical liability insurance to help hospitals manage the changing demands of health care.