June 04, 2010 01:20am EST 

For almost 80 years, the Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) has assisted its members through initiatives which facilitate the integration and improvement of the delivery of healthcare services throughout Arkansas. The AHA aims to accomplish this mission through developing programs, activities and services. Through these initiatives, the AHA advocates member positions, enhances the positive image of the membership, provides and develops value-added services and programs, communicates pertinent information, and educates to improve hospital management. Included on their website are publications, information about disaster readiness, information about their advocacy and much more.
The primary focus of the AHA has always been the representation of Arkansas’ hospitals at the state and federal levels, aiming to achieve fair treatment on legislative, regulatory and payment matters. Advocacy continues to be an important part of the AHA’s strategic work and is now more necessary than ever before. In fiscal year 2007-2008, the AHA achieved many accomplishments. For example, they succeeded in gaining support from all or most of the state’s congressional delegation on Medicare/Medicaid issues including opposing CMS’ proposed across-the-board behavioral offset Medicare cuts, including Medicare bad debt as part of the full value of community benefits on the new IRS form, and working to provide mental health parity. Their advocacy continues up to today with current, critical issues facing Arkansas’ hospitals including health care reform.
Another example of how the AHA assists its members is their commitment to providing educational and informational webinars, workshops, and conferences to assist health care professionals in improving care for their patients and in improving personal growth and development. These events can provide continuing education credits to those who need it. For example, on December 10, 2009 the AHA will host a webinar named “50 Tips to Reduce Medication Errors” aimed at reducing medication errors in hospitals. These events are just another way for the AHA to help Arkansas’ hospitals achieve quality, affordable, accessible health care.

Find more information about the webinar by logging on to the AHA website.