2007 Regent's Newsletter

Message from the Regent
Winter 2007

Dear Southeast Texas Colleagues,

The ACHE Greater Houston Chapter's (GHC) Fourth Quarter Business and Educational Chapter Breakfast convened on Thursday, November 16th, 2006 at The Junior League of Houston, with our speaker Mr. Ronald R. Cookston, Ed.D. Executive Director of Gateway to Care and Ms. Karen Love, Executive Director, Harris County Public Healthcare System Council, conducting a forum titled: "The Uninsured". Both Mr. Cookston and Ms. Love gave their insights on the ever-growing problem both nationally and, in particular, here in Greater Houston area on the uninsured particularly among the working middle class. Much is being done in the Greater Houston area but more is needed to address this issue. Mr. David Fine, this coming year's chapter President, previously had announced next year's theme: "Management Matters" when introducing both of our guest speakers. Mr. Cookston, picking up on this theme from Mr. Fine noted: "In order to fully address the uninsured issue, 'management indeed matters' as both increased resource opportunities with obtaining federal government funds and more efficient use of these resources will require effective management to begin to address this national and local crises".

As we head into the New Year, much excitement was generated at our December Executive Committee meeting as the "Management Matters" theme and agenda for 2007 was set. Of the many exciting events that are being scheduled, an evening event with a nationally re-known speaker heads the list similar to the "What's Up Boss" format scheduled two years ago.

The current update on the two most important ACHE issues is as follows:

Strengthening the Chapter Strategy: The Chapter Choice Model Update - Basically there are two choices: Hybrid Model whereby we can choose to maintain two separate dues structures for local and national membership and the Unified Model whereby one would pay a single dues payment and automatically become a member of both. Our Board will address this issue in January, 2007 and decide which would be best for our chapter based on the recommendations of a Board appointed Task Force; and,
Credentialing Task Force Summary Report: Update - On November 6, 2006 the ACHE Board of Governors voted to revise the credentialing system, creating a multi-faceted system leading to a single credential, the FACHE. These new credentials changes go into effect January 1, 2007. This was the culmination of a two-year study by the Credentialing Task Force involving extensive research, evaluation and affiliate feedback. The CHE & FACHE area will be updated to reflect the changes. Meanwhile, refer to the checklist highlighting the new FACHE requirements, as well as a special article in the January/February 2007 Healthcare Executive. Please contact either myself or ACHE's Thom Freyer (Chapter Choice Model) or Cynthia Hahn (Credentialing Task Force) at ACHE Headquarters in Chicago if you desire further information and/or explanation.
For the first time in ACHE Congress history, the 2007 Congress on Healthcare Leadership will be in New Orleans on March 19-22, 2007! This promises to be a very successful Congress so I highly recommend EARLY REGISTRATION to avoid the Christmas rush.

This year's Texas Hospital Association's Annual Meeting "2006 Leadership Conference" was a smashing success! Among the highlights, Mr. Elmer Ellis was presented with the Earl M. Collier Award for Distinguished Health Care Administration for 2006, the highest achievement award given by THA. Among the Regent Awards, our own Mr. David Fine, FACHE, President and CEO of St. Luke's Episcopal Health System, received the Senior Careerist Award from yours truly and, at our November Chapter Meeting, Mr. Craig Cordola, FACHE, was presented with the Mid-Careerist Award. Congratulations to all three of these outstanding Healthcare Executives!

Please visit our local chapter website after the first of the year for next year's meeting updates and calendar at www.ache-houston.org. Remember via the Chapter's website, a recruited colleague can apply for membership (YOU are our best recruiter/marketer). Update your membership and have access to a host of other helpful resource connections that are available to you at no cost as a member. Joining our Chapter provides you with professional experiences, information and training not to mention networking opportunities. This is an exciting time to be involved in the Greater Houston Chapter, so get a colleague to join NOW! For those interested in getting more hands-on involved with one of our committees, please let me know as I would be happy to get you in contact with the appropriate people.

In closing, thanks to all of the outgoing Board members for their contributions and support of the ACHE Greater Houston Chapter and a hearty welcome to all the new Board members. You have big shoes to fill but I am most certain that with the talent we have we can bring our Chapter to the next level of excellence and continue to provide value-added benefits such as local Category I credits. I would also like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

If I can ever be of any assistance to you and, in particular, with needing a FACHE reference as one of the criteria for advancement, please do not hesitate to e-mail me at rcastagno@triumph-healthcare.com or feel free to call me at 281-620-8874.

Yours in the ACHE,

Ron
Ronald J. Castagno, FACHE
Texas Regent for Health, Energy, & Space (Southeast Texas)