IHCA
The Indiana Health Care Association is pleased to announce its new President. Scott Tittle takes over for outgoing President Steve Smith.
Mr. Tittle comes to the Association from Krieg DeVault's Government Affairs, Health Care, and Business Practice Groups. He counsels clients on all aspects of government relations, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and health care, regulatory and business legal matters.
Mr. Tittle previously served as Health Care Policy Director to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels where he was responsible for executing the Governor's health care initiatives through the Indiana General Assembly and the State's health-related agencies.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Survey on the Recruitment and Retention of Indiana's Long Term Care Workers
View the results of the IHCF and Indiana University's Survey on the Recruitment and Retention of Indiana's Long Term Care Workers here.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Stephen A. Smith
President, Indiana Health Care Association
The article entitled “Crisis of Care” that appeared in the Sunday, March 7th edition of your paper suggested the care provided in each of Indiana’s for-profit nursing homes was suspect, due entirely to their motivation to achieve an economic gain. IHCA agrees that there is a “crisis of care” in Indiana nursing homes, but implying that the “for-profit” nature of the majority of the providers engaged in providing this type of service is the cause is simply misleading to your readers. The fact that 52 Indiana facilities appeared on the GAO list of poorest performing nursing homes should be a call to action for all stakeholders, not just the for-profit nursing home operators and ownership groups.
What if the “crisis” being described in your story referred to education and not to nursing home care? If you were the parent of a student who was in a class that had the highest failure rate, lowest graduation rate, or lowest test scores of any school system in the country, you would not immediately assume that all of the students were failing, you would assume that the system was failing the students. You would also not assume that the issue would be resolved by providing fewer resources to the failing schools or limiting their options to resolving the issue. However, this is exactly what it taking place in Indiana nursing homes.
For-profit nursing homes in Indiana serve a higher proportion of low-income patients than non-profit nursing homes and are reimbursed less for providing that care. In fact, approximately two-thirds of residents of for-profit nursing homes in Indiana utilize Medicaid to pay for their care. In addition, for every 100 nursing home residents who utilize the Medicaid program to pay for nursing home care in Indiana, 89 are residents of for-profit nursing homes. Medicaid reimbursement currently falls short of meeting costs for these residents by an average of $7/day. In part this is due to an arcane and complex reimbursement system that limits the amount a nursing home can be reimbursed for staff costs, exactly the issue that was cited as the core of the “crisis of care”.
These financial conditions contribute significantly to Indiana having turnover rates for nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNA) that far exceed the national average. Over 90% of all Indiana CNAs change jobs – on average – each year. This undoubtedly has an impact on patient care, but finding a direct solution to this problem will not occur until all stakeholders agree that staff turnover is the real issue to improving the quality of care, and offer real, common sense solutions to reduce staff turnover and improve staff retention. This will require a departure from the historical response of penalizing the providers of nursing home care. Reducing the amount of resources available to solve the problem will obviously not solve the problem.
Finding these solutions now is critical for two reasons. First of all, as we are constantly reminded in the press, the proportion of our population considered “seniors” will roughly double in the next 25 years, and will undoubtedly put an additional financial strain on the long-term care system in Indiana. Second, assuming a staff-to-patient ratio of roughly 1:1, there are over 40,000 Hoosiers employed by nursing homes statewide, a total that now exceeds the number of employees in the state’s automobile industry. Without securing the financial future of these employees we will see a continued erosion of financial conditions in many areas of our state, especially in some rural areas where the local nursing home is one of the largest local employers and economic generators in the community.
There is a genuine crisis of care in Indiana nursing homes, and this is most obvious to the nursing home owners and operators. To focus entirely on for-profit nursing homes ignores the symptoms of the problem and places blame disproportionately on one of the many stakeholders in the process. All stakeholders must be held accountable in order for real reform of the system to occur.
The vast majority of Indiana nursing homes provide a loving, caring environment that maintains or improves the quality of life of their residents. The best way for someone to choose – or evaluate – an Indiana nursing home is to visit one. According to AARP, “The most important element of the selection process, according to the experts, is a personal visit—preferably more than one—to any nursing home you’re considering”. Medicare’s “Nursing Home Checklist” is based almost entirely on a personal visit, and makes no mention of Five-Star ratings, GAO reports, or state survey results as part of their evaluation criteria. The reason is simple: People are the most important part of nursing home care and you can’t experience the people without experiencing the place.
Stephen A. Smith
President, Indiana Health Care Association
The article entitled “Crisis of Care” that appeared in the Sunday, March 7th edition of your paper suggested the care provided in each of Indiana’s for-profit nursing homes was suspect, due entirely to their motivation to achieve an economic gain. IHCA agrees that there is a “crisis of care” in Indiana nursing homes, but implying that the “for-profit” nature of the majority of the providers engaged in providing this type of service is the cause is simply misleading to your readers. The fact that 52 Indiana facilities appeared on the GAO list of poorest performing nursing homes should be a call to action for all stakeholders, not just the for-profit nursing home operators and ownership groups.
What if the “crisis” being described in your story referred to education and not to nursing home care? If you were the parent of a student who was in a class that had the highest failure rate, lowest graduation rate, or lowest test scores of any school system in the country, you would not immediately assume that all of the students were failing, you would assume that the system was failing the students. You would also not assume that the issue would be resolved by providing fewer resources to the failing schools or limiting their options to resolving the issue. However, this is exactly what it taking place in Indiana nursing homes.
For-profit nursing homes in Indiana serve a higher proportion of low-income patients than non-profit nursing homes and are reimbursed less for providing that care. In fact, approximately two-thirds of residents of for-profit nursing homes in Indiana utilize Medicaid to pay for their care. In addition, for every 100 nursing home residents who utilize the Medicaid program to pay for nursing home care in Indiana, 89 are residents of for-profit nursing homes. Medicaid reimbursement currently falls short of meeting costs for these residents by an average of $7/day. In part this is due to an arcane and complex reimbursement system that limits the amount a nursing home can be reimbursed for staff costs, exactly the issue that was cited as the core of the “crisis of care”.
These financial conditions contribute significantly to Indiana having turnover rates for nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNA) that far exceed the national average. Over 90% of all Indiana CNAs change jobs – on average – each year. This undoubtedly has an impact on patient care, but finding a direct solution to this problem will not occur until all stakeholders agree that staff turnover is the real issue to improving the quality of care, and offer real, common sense solutions to reduce staff turnover and improve staff retention. This will require a departure from the historical response of penalizing the providers of nursing home care. Reducing the amount of resources available to solve the problem will obviously not solve the problem.
Finding these solutions now is critical for two reasons. First of all, as we are constantly reminded in the press, the proportion of our population considered “seniors” will roughly double in the next 25 years, and will undoubtedly put an additional financial strain on the long-term care system in Indiana. Second, assuming a staff-to-patient ratio of roughly 1:1, there are over 40,000 Hoosiers employed by nursing homes statewide, a total that now exceeds the number of employees in the state’s automobile industry. Without securing the financial future of these employees we will see a continued erosion of financial conditions in many areas of our state, especially in some rural areas where the local nursing home is one of the largest local employers and economic generators in the community.
There is a genuine crisis of care in Indiana nursing homes, and this is most obvious to the nursing home owners and operators. To focus entirely on for-profit nursing homes ignores the symptoms of the problem and places blame disproportionately on one of the many stakeholders in the process. All stakeholders must be held accountable in order for real reform of the system to occur.
The vast majority of Indiana nursing homes provide a loving, caring environment that maintains or improves the quality of life of their residents. The best way for someone to choose – or evaluate – an Indiana nursing home is to visit one. According to AARP, “The most important element of the selection process, according to the experts, is a personal visit—preferably more than one—to any nursing home you’re considering”. Medicare’s “Nursing Home Checklist” is based almost entirely on a personal visit, and makes no mention of Five-Star ratings, GAO reports, or state survey results as part of their evaluation criteria. The reason is simple: People are the most important part of nursing home care and you can’t experience the people without experiencing the place.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
IHCA Member Receives "Best Place to Work in Indiana"
February 22, 2010 (INDIANAPOLIS) — A total of 70 Hoosier companies from throughout the state are being honored this year as a “Best Place to Work in Indiana” for their strong workplace environment that values employees. The program, now in its fifth edition, is managed by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Forty-seven of the 70 companies received the same designation last year. For 21 companies that made the 2010 list, it was their first time taking part in the evaluation.
The program honors the top companies in the state, as determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. Winners were selected from two categories: small to medium-sized companies of between 25 and 249 employees (in Indiana or total nationally if there is a parent company) and large-sized companies consisting of 250 or more employees (in Indiana or total nationally if there is a parent company). Out-of-state parent companies were eligible to participate if at least 25 full-time employees are in Indiana.
The Best Companies Group, which handled the selection process, oversees similar programs in 19 other states.
“These 70 companies are among the state’s first-rate employers who take pride in creating an environment that allows workers to feel respected and be productive; they also recognize how this then helps the company be successful and reach its goals,” offers Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar.
“Considering the tough economic times of the past year-plus, it was especially encouraging to see so many Hoosier companies fitting the criteria, as well as so many new companies taking part in the evaluation. That confidential feedback from employees is invaluable and really the most important aspect of the process.”
The actual rankings of the top Hoosier companies will be announced at the Best Places to Work awards dinner on May 6 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis. Winners will also be recognized via a special section of the Indiana Chamber’s bimonthly BizVoice® magazine and through Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick – both of which reach statewide audiences. The 2010 Best Places to Work in Indiana awards dinner is open to the public. Individual tickets and tables are available at http://www.indianachamber.com/.
Additionally, earlier in the day, a session on what makes a company a Best Place to Work will be featured as part of the Indiana Chamber’s 46th Annual Human Resources Conference. To register to attend this HR session, visit http://www.indianachamber.com/.
All companies that participated in the 2010 Best Places to Work program receive an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses according to their employees. In turn, this report can be used in developing or enhancing employee retention and recruitment programs.
For more information on the Indiana Chamber’s Best Places to Work program, go to http://www.bestplacestoworkin.com/.
Best Places to Work in Indiana program sponsors for 2010: Blue Chip Casino; Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC; Crowe Horwath LLP; Image Air Charter; Mussett, Nicholas & Associates; Saint Clair Press; Tilson HR; and Trilogy Health Services. Additional industry-exclusive sponsorships are still available. E-mail jwagner@indianachamber.com for more details.
The 2010 Best Places to Work in Indiana companies listed in alphabetical order, no ranking:
Large Companies (250 or more employees)
AIT LaboratoriesIndianapolis
American Structurepoint, Inc.
IndianapolisAprimo, Inc. Indianapolis
Ash Brokerage CorporationFort Wayne
Blue & Co., LLCCarmelBrotherhood Mutual Insurance CompanyFort Wayne
Centier BankMerrillville
Clark Memorial HospitalJeffersonville
Colliers Turley Martin TuckerIndianapolisColumbus
Regional HospitalColumbus
Crowe Horwath LLPIndianapolis
Draper, Inc.Spiceland
Edward JonesPlainfield
ExactTargetIndianapolis
Fort Wayne Metals Research Products Corp.Fort Wayne
Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman PCIndianapolis
Hancock Regional HospitalGreenfield
Harrison CollegeIndianapolis
Hendricks Regional HealthDanville
Hilliard LyonsEvansville
Hosparus Inc.New Albany
Ice Miller LLPIndianapolis
Interactive Intelligence, Inc.Indianapolis
Katz, Sapper & MillerIndianapolis
KPMG LLPIndianapolis
M&I BankIndianapolis
Microsoft CorporationIndianapolis
Ogletree Deakins Law FirmIndianapolis
OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc.Indianapolis
Parkview HealthFort WayneRCICarmel
RW ArmstrongIndianapolisSchneck Medical CenterSeymourS
hiel Sexton Company, Inc.Indianapolis
St. Joseph HospitalKokomo
St. Vincent Health, Corporate CenterIndianapolis
Teachers Credit UnionSouth Bend
The Capital Group Companies, IncIndianapolis
Trilogy Health Services, LLCPetersburg
Turner Construction Company of Indiana, LLC
IndianapolisUnion Hospital, Inc.Terre Haute
WestPoint Financial GroupIndianapolis
Small to Medium-sized Companies (25-249 employees)
Company Location
Allegient, LLCIndianapolis
Bamberger, Foreman, Oswald and Hahn, LLPEvansville
Benefit Associates Inc.Indianapolis
Bernardin, Lochmueller and Associates, Inc.Evansville
Bingham McHale LLPIndianapolis
Communications Products, Inc.Indianapolis
Contact by DesignBloomington
Design Collaborative, Inc.Fort Wayne
Eli Lilly Federal Credit UnionIndianapolis
Employment Plus, Inc.Bloomington
Energy Systems Group LLCNewburgh
First Harrison BankCorydon
Fusion Alliance, IncIndianapolis
Gordon MarketingNoblesville
Harding Poorman Group, Inc.Indianapolis
IndesignIndianapolisIndiana Organ Procurement Organization Indianapolis
International Medical Group, Inc.Indianapolis
J.C. Hart Company, Inc.Carmel
Krieg DeVault LLPIndianapolis
Matrix Integration, LLCJasper
Milestone Contractors, LP
IndianapolisMJ Insurance, IncIndianapolis
Public Safety MedicalIndianapolisSchmidt AssociatesIndianapolis
Software Engineering ProfessionalsCarmel
Somerset CPAsIndianapolisUnited ConsultingIndianapolis
Source: Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Forty-seven of the 70 companies received the same designation last year. For 21 companies that made the 2010 list, it was their first time taking part in the evaluation.
The program honors the top companies in the state, as determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. Winners were selected from two categories: small to medium-sized companies of between 25 and 249 employees (in Indiana or total nationally if there is a parent company) and large-sized companies consisting of 250 or more employees (in Indiana or total nationally if there is a parent company). Out-of-state parent companies were eligible to participate if at least 25 full-time employees are in Indiana.
The Best Companies Group, which handled the selection process, oversees similar programs in 19 other states.
“These 70 companies are among the state’s first-rate employers who take pride in creating an environment that allows workers to feel respected and be productive; they also recognize how this then helps the company be successful and reach its goals,” offers Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar.
“Considering the tough economic times of the past year-plus, it was especially encouraging to see so many Hoosier companies fitting the criteria, as well as so many new companies taking part in the evaluation. That confidential feedback from employees is invaluable and really the most important aspect of the process.”
The actual rankings of the top Hoosier companies will be announced at the Best Places to Work awards dinner on May 6 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis. Winners will also be recognized via a special section of the Indiana Chamber’s bimonthly BizVoice® magazine and through Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick – both of which reach statewide audiences. The 2010 Best Places to Work in Indiana awards dinner is open to the public. Individual tickets and tables are available at http://www.indianachamber.com/.
Additionally, earlier in the day, a session on what makes a company a Best Place to Work will be featured as part of the Indiana Chamber’s 46th Annual Human Resources Conference. To register to attend this HR session, visit http://www.indianachamber.com/.
All companies that participated in the 2010 Best Places to Work program receive an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses according to their employees. In turn, this report can be used in developing or enhancing employee retention and recruitment programs.
For more information on the Indiana Chamber’s Best Places to Work program, go to http://www.bestplacestoworkin.com/.
Best Places to Work in Indiana program sponsors for 2010: Blue Chip Casino; Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC; Crowe Horwath LLP; Image Air Charter; Mussett, Nicholas & Associates; Saint Clair Press; Tilson HR; and Trilogy Health Services. Additional industry-exclusive sponsorships are still available. E-mail jwagner@indianachamber.com for more details.
The 2010 Best Places to Work in Indiana companies listed in alphabetical order, no ranking:
Large Companies (250 or more employees)
AIT LaboratoriesIndianapolis
American Structurepoint, Inc.
IndianapolisAprimo, Inc. Indianapolis
Ash Brokerage CorporationFort Wayne
Blue & Co., LLCCarmelBrotherhood Mutual Insurance CompanyFort Wayne
Centier BankMerrillville
Clark Memorial HospitalJeffersonville
Colliers Turley Martin TuckerIndianapolisColumbus
Regional HospitalColumbus
Crowe Horwath LLPIndianapolis
Draper, Inc.Spiceland
Edward JonesPlainfield
ExactTargetIndianapolis
Fort Wayne Metals Research Products Corp.Fort Wayne
Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman PCIndianapolis
Hancock Regional HospitalGreenfield
Harrison CollegeIndianapolis
Hendricks Regional HealthDanville
Hilliard LyonsEvansville
Hosparus Inc.New Albany
Ice Miller LLPIndianapolis
Interactive Intelligence, Inc.Indianapolis
Katz, Sapper & MillerIndianapolis
KPMG LLPIndianapolis
M&I BankIndianapolis
Microsoft CorporationIndianapolis
Ogletree Deakins Law FirmIndianapolis
OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc.Indianapolis
Parkview HealthFort WayneRCICarmel
RW ArmstrongIndianapolisSchneck Medical CenterSeymourS
hiel Sexton Company, Inc.Indianapolis
St. Joseph HospitalKokomo
St. Vincent Health, Corporate CenterIndianapolis
Teachers Credit UnionSouth Bend
The Capital Group Companies, IncIndianapolis
Trilogy Health Services, LLCPetersburg
Turner Construction Company of Indiana, LLC
IndianapolisUnion Hospital, Inc.Terre Haute
WestPoint Financial GroupIndianapolis
Small to Medium-sized Companies (25-249 employees)
Company Location
Allegient, LLCIndianapolis
Bamberger, Foreman, Oswald and Hahn, LLPEvansville
Benefit Associates Inc.Indianapolis
Bernardin, Lochmueller and Associates, Inc.Evansville
Bingham McHale LLPIndianapolis
Communications Products, Inc.Indianapolis
Contact by DesignBloomington
Design Collaborative, Inc.Fort Wayne
Eli Lilly Federal Credit UnionIndianapolis
Employment Plus, Inc.Bloomington
Energy Systems Group LLCNewburgh
First Harrison BankCorydon
Fusion Alliance, IncIndianapolis
Gordon MarketingNoblesville
Harding Poorman Group, Inc.Indianapolis
IndesignIndianapolisIndiana Organ Procurement Organization Indianapolis
International Medical Group, Inc.Indianapolis
J.C. Hart Company, Inc.Carmel
Krieg DeVault LLPIndianapolis
Matrix Integration, LLCJasper
Milestone Contractors, LP
IndianapolisMJ Insurance, IncIndianapolis
Public Safety MedicalIndianapolisSchmidt AssociatesIndianapolis
Software Engineering ProfessionalsCarmel
Somerset CPAsIndianapolisUnited ConsultingIndianapolis
Source: Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, February 4, 2010
IHCA Launches New Administrator Training Tool
InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report
A new online training and certification program is now available for administrators in the health care field. The Indiana Health Care Association says the program is the only state certified online preceptor training course, created with the goal of providing administrators the highest quality training possible. The program offers audio, animation and in-course quizzes and will be worth six continuing education credits for administrators.
A new online training and certification program is now available for administrators in the health care field. The Indiana Health Care Association says the program is the only state certified online preceptor training course, created with the goal of providing administrators the highest quality training possible. The program offers audio, animation and in-course quizzes and will be worth six continuing education credits for administrators.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
IHCA Launches Online Preceptor Course for Nursing Home Administrators
Indianapolis, IN- Today the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA) launched the only state certified online preceptor training course. A first-of-its-kind, the online training and certification includes audio, animation and in-course quizzes to insure administrators receive the highest quality training possible.
IHCA President Stephen Smith lauded the program noting, "administrators utilizing this dynamic new product will retain knowledge they gain much better, and thus be able to apply it to the workplace in a more effective manner while saving time and money."
Smith added, “it is also our hope more administrators will become preceptors through our program allowing for more administrators in training.”
The online program offers 24/7 accessibility providing convenience for administrators needing to take the course on their own schedule. In addition, the program’s certification is valid statewide, and has been approved for six continuing education credits. Administrators will need to complete the course every five years to maintain their certification.
IHCA strives to offer its members affordable and exceptional training and education programs that minimize or reduce training costs. By partnering with Hopkins Associates and Upstairs Solutions, IHCA is able to better train the long term care workforce.
“This course is written with the busy administrator in mind and includes tips on how to draw from your own experience. Content is both comprehensive and practical and includes specific guidance on how to teach your AIT,” said Elaine Hopkins of Hopkins Associates.
Hopkins Associates assembled a development team comprised of individuals who are both experienced practitioners and professional educators. The result is an eight-module online training course with content that is both comprehensive and clear in demonstrating the practical application. The eight-module course incorporates subject areas including, but not limited to, Medical Director, MDS staff, Aspects of Aging, Marketing & Sales, Insurance, Legal Aspects, Public Relations, Corporate Compliance, HIPAA, Abuse Prohibition, Resident Rights, Standards of Competent Practice, and Differentiating Leadership, Management and Supervision.
Upstairs Solutions is providing web-based learning management services and hosting the courses in their high-availability data center. Participants will have secure individual accounts, take online exams after each module, and may print certificates of completion immediately upon completing the training, offering fast turnaround. IHCA staff will be able to track and report on student progress, and Upstairs Solutions will provide any needed technical support.
”This program is a significant addition to the online curricula available for nursing home administrators,” said Tamar Abell, Principal and co-founder of Upstairs Solutions. “We are delighted to help IHCA bring it to life and support them in this innovative project.”
IHCA President Stephen Smith lauded the program noting, "administrators utilizing this dynamic new product will retain knowledge they gain much better, and thus be able to apply it to the workplace in a more effective manner while saving time and money."
Smith added, “it is also our hope more administrators will become preceptors through our program allowing for more administrators in training.”
The online program offers 24/7 accessibility providing convenience for administrators needing to take the course on their own schedule. In addition, the program’s certification is valid statewide, and has been approved for six continuing education credits. Administrators will need to complete the course every five years to maintain their certification.
IHCA strives to offer its members affordable and exceptional training and education programs that minimize or reduce training costs. By partnering with Hopkins Associates and Upstairs Solutions, IHCA is able to better train the long term care workforce.
“This course is written with the busy administrator in mind and includes tips on how to draw from your own experience. Content is both comprehensive and practical and includes specific guidance on how to teach your AIT,” said Elaine Hopkins of Hopkins Associates.
Hopkins Associates assembled a development team comprised of individuals who are both experienced practitioners and professional educators. The result is an eight-module online training course with content that is both comprehensive and clear in demonstrating the practical application. The eight-module course incorporates subject areas including, but not limited to, Medical Director, MDS staff, Aspects of Aging, Marketing & Sales, Insurance, Legal Aspects, Public Relations, Corporate Compliance, HIPAA, Abuse Prohibition, Resident Rights, Standards of Competent Practice, and Differentiating Leadership, Management and Supervision.
Upstairs Solutions is providing web-based learning management services and hosting the courses in their high-availability data center. Participants will have secure individual accounts, take online exams after each module, and may print certificates of completion immediately upon completing the training, offering fast turnaround. IHCA staff will be able to track and report on student progress, and Upstairs Solutions will provide any needed technical support.
”This program is a significant addition to the online curricula available for nursing home administrators,” said Tamar Abell, Principal and co-founder of Upstairs Solutions. “We are delighted to help IHCA bring it to life and support them in this innovative project.”
-30-
About the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA)
The Indiana Health Care Association is Indiana's largest trade association and advocate representing proprietary, not-for-profit and hospital-based nursing home and assisted living communities, adult foster care and adult day services. IHCA's 264 member facilities care for more than 25,000 of Indiana's geriatric and developmentally disabled citizens, the majority of whom are low-income Medicaid recipients. To learn more about IHCA, visit http://www.ihca.org/.
About Hopkins Associates
Hopkins Associates is a training and consulting group founded in Evansville, Indiana, in 1993 and currently based in Canton, Ohio. The company has logged over 200,000 training hours in more than 70 companies for some 6,000 participants. Extensive work has been in the banking and health care environments as well as educational, retail and manufacturing settings. The company website is http://www.hopkinsassociates.com/ .
About Upstairs Solutions
Upstairs Solutions assists senior facilities with compliance and excellence in staff training, continually raising the bar in senior care quality. UpstairsSolutions.com currently offers more than 100 online learning modules for the elder care community as well as a sophisticated learning management system to help track employee training. Two nursing home administrators formed Upstairs Solutions originally to train their own staffs, and today the fast-growing company provides e-Learning to facilities nationwide. To learn more please visit http://www.upstairssolutions.com/
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Major Health Care Hurdle Possibly Cleared
InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report
Ice Miller LLP Partner Kevin Woodhouse outlines why a deal on the "Cadillac" tax is a significant step in the health care debate.
A partner in Ice Miller LLP's health care practice says an apparent deal on a "Cadillac" tax for high-cost insurance plans could move federal lawmakers closer to a final bill on health care reform. Kevin Woodhouse tells Inside INdiana Business the agreement involves an exemption for union members' negotiated health plans until 2017 or 2018. He says an announcement on the deal could come at any time.
The tax, which is only included in the bill that passed the Senate, and other issues surrounding the national health care reform debate will be examined Thursday during a forum being held by Ice Miller and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Woodhouse says several matters, including abortion, still have not been resolved.
He believes federal lawmakers could still have a compromise between the Senate and House health care bills in place by President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on January 27.
The effort could be complicated by today's special election in Massachusetts to replace Senator Edward Kennedy. Democrats could lose their majority in the Senate, if the party's candidate does not win.
That could lead to Republicans trying to block passage of a health care reform bill in the Senate.
Source: Inside INdiana Business, Ice Miller LLP
Ice Miller LLP Partner Kevin Woodhouse outlines why a deal on the "Cadillac" tax is a significant step in the health care debate.
A partner in Ice Miller LLP's health care practice says an apparent deal on a "Cadillac" tax for high-cost insurance plans could move federal lawmakers closer to a final bill on health care reform. Kevin Woodhouse tells Inside INdiana Business the agreement involves an exemption for union members' negotiated health plans until 2017 or 2018. He says an announcement on the deal could come at any time.
The tax, which is only included in the bill that passed the Senate, and other issues surrounding the national health care reform debate will be examined Thursday during a forum being held by Ice Miller and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Woodhouse says several matters, including abortion, still have not been resolved.
He believes federal lawmakers could still have a compromise between the Senate and House health care bills in place by President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on January 27.
The effort could be complicated by today's special election in Massachusetts to replace Senator Edward Kennedy. Democrats could lose their majority in the Senate, if the party's candidate does not win.
That could lead to Republicans trying to block passage of a health care reform bill in the Senate.
Source: Inside INdiana Business, Ice Miller LLP
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