Rick Pollack, President and CEO, AHA

Emergency Readiness, Supply chain management, Emergency Management

Hospitals are Always There for Patients and Communities, Including in Times of Disasters and Emergencies

When a natural disaster or emergency strikes, where is one of the first places people turn to? Their local hospital.

That’s because hospitals and health systems are always there, ready to care and play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response by serving as essential community hubs for many aspects of medical care and public health during emergencies.

Cybersecurity, Access to Care in Vulnerable Communities

Strengthening Cybersecurity to Protect Patients and Access to Care

The never-ending barrage of ransomware and cyberattacks against the health care sector has only strengthened the resolve of hospitals and health systems to reinforce their defenses and protect safe access to care for patients and communities.

Tax-exempt Status, Community Benefit, Community Partnerships

Hospitals are Community Cornerstones and Advance Health in Many Ways

Nonprofit hospitals have special obligations to their communities in exchange for being tax-exempt.

Commercial Insurer Accountability, Prior Authorization, Cost Management, Quality & Patient Safety

Increasing Administrative Costs, Burdensome Commercial Insurer Practices Create Patient Care Challenges

There will always be administrative costs associated with operating a hospital. But the lion’s share of a hospital’s resources should be devoted to doing what hospitals do best: provide safe, accessible and exceptional patient care to anyone who needs it.

Patient Safety Initiative, Quality & Patient Safety

Hospitals Improve Patient Safety as We Advance Health in America

America’s hospitals and health systems have always aimed to provide the highest quality and safe care to patients, while helping every individual achieve their maximum potential for health.

Public Relations, Advocacy & Public Policy, Workforce

Hospitals are Symbols of Hope, Comfort and Care . . . For All People and Always

Hospitals and health systems — and the women and men who work there — are the heart of health care.

Cybersecurity

Keeping Up Our Guard and Fighting Back Against Cybercrime

It seems like barely a week goes by without a new cyberattack that affects health care providers. Often, it’s a ransomware attack conducted by foreign criminal gangs, which are provided safe harbor by hostile nation states, that targets a mission critical third-party service provider or supplier, like the attack on UnitedHealth Group’s Change Healthcare or the recent attack on OneBlood. 

Workplace Violence

Taking Action to Protect Caregivers from Violence

Despite the diligent efforts of hospitals, health systems and medical professionals to prevent violence, health care workers remain five times more likely than any other type of worker to be physically attacked on the job.

Rural issues, Telehealth, Hospital at Home, Site-Neutral, Medicaid DSH, Medicare Physician Payment, Workplace Safety

Speaking Up for Priorities That Will Help Hospitals Advance Health for Patients and Communities

It is important to use the August recess that begins next week as an opportunity to engage senators and representatives while they are back home. It is critical for federal lawmakers to understand the challenges hospitals and health systems face.

Patient Safety Initiative, Quality & Patient Safety

Continuing to Strive to Improve Patient Safety

Patient safety is the top priority of every caregiver. Hospitals and health systems never stop searching for ways to improve quality, performance and results for the individuals and families who entrust them with their care.