June 04, 2010 03:13am EST 

The health care industry is one of the most complex and heavily regulated in all of the world. Thankfully, for all Texas hospitals and their health care professional employees, they can rely on the Texas Hospital Association as their advocate to help them traverse the challenges and strive for their goal to make quality, compassionate, affordable health care accessible to all residents of the state of Texas. The THA fights on the regulatory front and the legislative arenas of Austin and Washington as the proven advocate for Texas hospitals.
The THA brings value to Texas hospitals by leading change that enhances access to safe, affordable, quality health care. They are always striving to be the most trusted voice to advocate for Texas hospitals, health care systems, and the 350,000 health professionals employed in those systems. They continually strive to be an effective advocate for state and national legislative, regulatory, and judicial actions to reach their goal of accessible, cost-effective, high-quality health care. They also aim to deliver information, educate members, collaborate with other organizations, and pursue new strategies that ensure individuals receive the right health care at the right time. Included in their 2009 legislative advocacy agenda were making health insurance more affordable and accessible, graduating more registered nurses, supporting quality and patient safety, and investing in health care for low-income Texans.
In addition to advocacy, the THA also has a constantly updated Education Calendar, filled with seminars and conferences aimed at educating the medical professionals working in the health institutions throughout Texas. On December 10, 2009, the THA is offering a webinar named “HITECH Act Provisions Affecting Privacy and Security” which targets hospital chief executive officers, chief operating officers, chief information officers, in-house counsel, and directors of risk management. At this webinar, attendees will understand the basics of the HITECH Act, be able to assess implementation techniques regarding their current policies, identify new policies, and compare themselves to other health care systems.

Visit the THA website for more information.