Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC)

HLC issues statement of support for the newly introduced bipartisan Healthcare Cybersecurity Act: "Cybersecurity incidents are an increasingly persistent threat to patients and the entities that deliver coverage and care to them across the healthcare continuum. These attacks jeopardize public health and safety, improperly disseminate sensitive health information, and increase costs systemwide," said HLC President and CEO Maria Ghazal. "The best way to combat these criminal attacks and protect those involved is through cooperation between the relevant stakeholders and federal agencies. HLC applauds this bipartisan legislation, introduced by Senators Rosen (D-NV), Young (R-IN) and King (I-ME), that will establish a clear line of communication between CISA and HHS to bolster public-private collaborations in this space to combat bad actors." More about this bill here: https://lnkd.in/eRx5NezN

At the recent U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Majority hearing, the importance of protecting American’s privacy online was front and center. As the application of #AI grows, securing personal information and guarding healthcare data is increasingly critical. HLC appreciates the bipartisan work of Chair Maria Cantwell and others on this issue and urges Congress to establish a nationwide uniform privacy standard to guard health data. The growing patchwork of state laws is unworkable and exacerbating operational complexities. HLC stands ready to help policy makers understand the real-world impacts privacy and AI related legislation will have on patients across the care continuum. Click below for our memo to Members of Congress outlining suggested edits to the draft of the American Privacy Rights Act:

Yesterday, the Healthcare Leadership Council’s Health Equity Workgroup convened to hear from John Stelmachowicz, Partner Liaison & Portfolio Manager, Office of Strategic Alliances at the U.S. Census Bureau. He presented an overview of the Census Bureau, explaining the various capabilities of its mapping technology for data collected such as housing, socioeconomic status, demographics, and food security. This data assists the federal government with decisions such as identifying priority populations and determining distribution of funds and grants to advance health equity.   Thank you to John for your time and all the Census department is doing to ensure the data and tools are available to highlight the current state of the nation’s population and help identify where action can be taken to support those most vulnerable.

HLC and our members are dedicated to advancing value-based care and simplifying the complex policies that govern Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Wellvana's post, however, underscores their importance by sharing real-life examples that demonstrate the tangible benefits of value-based care and the significant impact these practices can have. Thank you, Kyle Wailes, for highlighting these stories and helping to communicate the positive difference value-based care is making in patients' lives.

This week, we held HLC’s Healthcare Innovation Expo on Capitol Hill, bringing together over 30 Members of Congress with HLC member organizations at the forefront of healthcare innovation. HLC member companies, representing all sectors of healthcare, highlighted the boundless potential of private sector innovation to improve healthcare quality, affordability and access. Among the exhibits and demonstrations shared with lawmakers were: o  Virtual care platforms reimagining how and where care is provided o  Data analytics reducing supply chain gaps and addressing geographic inequities o  AI technology reducing administrative burden on clinicians o  Electrosurgery and patient bed tech designed to reduce hazards and increase comfort o  Streamlined and transparent medication delivery services o  Award-winning drug discovery and immune therapy treatments Thank you to HLC members for joining us this week: Amazon Pharmacy, Baxter International Inc., City of Hope, Epic, Guardant Health, Johnson & Johnson, Leidos, LifeScience Logistics, McKesson, Merck, Stryker, Surescripts, Tivity Health and Vizient, Inc, and also to guest company, Med Claims Compliance Corporation. By convening the public and the private sector during this year’s Healthcare Innovation Expo, HLC is continuing to educate lawmakers on the need for championing policies that foster an environment of innovation. Special thanks to Representatives Mike Kelly, Ami Bera, Neal Dunn, and Suzan DelBene, co-chairs of the Healthcare Innovation Caucus, for their leadership. #HLCExpo24 #healthcareinnovation

HLC is pleased to welcome our new Vice President of Communications, Sean Brown. Sean brings decades of experience in strategic communications, media relations and issue advocacy, including over eight years at the Federation of American Hospitals, where he served in various roles and most recently led the Public Affairs and Digital Strategy efforts.   Maria Ghazal, HLC’s President and CEO, said, “Sean is a fantastic addition to HLC. As a seasoned policy communicator and former broadcast journalist, Sean brings an ideal skill set to articulate and elevate the private sector’s critical role in delivering affordable, accessible, high-quality care to Americans.”   Sean’s extensive experience and healthcare industry insight will be invaluable in advancing HLC’s agenda while elevating our organizational influence. https://lnkd.in/enY5rhnK

Tomorrow, HLC will convene its annual Healthcare Innovation Expo on Capitol Hill where HLC members from all sectors of American healthcare will showcase the latest innovations and new patient-centered tools, technologies and practices that will:    - Reimagine how and where care is delivered;  - Advance patients’ care in their homes and improve patient compliance;  - Promote interoperability nationwide;  - Advance early detection in cancers and other ailments; and  - Utilize data to close gaps in care and the supply chain.   We look forward to educating policymakers on the innovations that are shaping the future of healthcare. Special thanks to Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Ami Bera (D-CA), Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA), co-chairs, Health Care Innovation Caucus for their support of this important event.  

Yesterday, chief executives from all segments of healthcare convened in Washington, D.C. for our June Membership Meeting, the first under HLC’s new president and CEO, Maria Ghazal. We heard from expert speakers on key issues affecting healthcare policy and the future of the industry, discussed a vision for the future of the organization and took our agenda to policymakers on Capitol Hill.   Highlights from our enriching discussions included:    - Sen. Rounds and Heinrich, leaders of the Senate AI working group, discussed the detailed process of creating the bipartisan roadmap for AI policy, noting the importance of unleashing the power of AI in a way that maximizes innovation while minimizing harm. - Sen. Barrasso, member of the bipartisan Senate Medicare Working Group, discussed the challenges of payment reform and the obstacles to transitioning to prevention-focused value-based care. - Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), discussed high-level HHS priorities including behavioral health, cybersecurity and AI, and emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration. She underscored the uniqueness of HLC in bringing leaders from throughout healthcare together to collaborate with policymakers and the Administration on healthcare policy.   - Julie Rovner with KFF news offered an inside-Washington perspective on how healthcare policy factors into the upcoming election, noting “every election is a healthcare election.” - And HLC’s new President and CEO, Maria Ghazal, shared her vision for the future of the organization, guided by months of member input. The vision includes a sharpened focus on areas where HLC can lead and deliver the greatest impact for the totality of the healthcare industry, enhancing member value, deepening engagement and continuing to advance industry-wide priorities.   Thank you to our Chairman, Calvin W. Schmidt, to our Executive Committee members, and to all of our members for your enthusiastic engagement. As HLC marks 35 years of shaping healthcare, we are energized by the robust collaboration we witnessed this week.

The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC) is proud to contribute to the development of the 2024-2030 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. HLC submitted comments which focus on enhancing interoperability, leveraging new technologies like AI and telehealth, and ensuring responsible data use. Our members are committed to empowering patients through improved access to health information and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to streamline care delivery. https://lnkd.in/eV-tDyTy #HealthIT #Interoperability 

The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC) applauds CMS for halting the proposed "stacking" requirement in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. This decision alleviates significant data privacy concerns and healthcare supply chain vulnerabilities. HLC's efforts, including collaboration with healthcare organizations, Congressional engagement, and detailed analysis, highlighted the potential 17-21% increase in Medicaid rebates and the extensive burden and costs across the healthcare supply chain. This move by CMS mitigates these risks, ensuring a smoother and safer healthcare system for all. Kudos to HLC members and industry stakeholders who partnered in this endeavor for their relentless advocacy and dedication to patient safety and privacy. Release: https://lnkd.in/eEdaz8UU #DataPrivacy #SupplyChain #Medicaid #CMS #Pharmaceuticals