ACHENTX Executive Connection - Summer 2022 by ACHENTX

SUMMER 2022

F E AT U R E S 4 President’s Message Dustin Anthamatten 6 Texas – Northern Regent’s Message Dr. Trinette K. Pierre 8 Message from Our ACHE Regent At Large, District 4 12 Member Spotlights 26 Event Encore 38 National News 40 Membership Annoucements 43 Calendar of Events

16 Racism in Healthcare: We All Have a Role To Play

20 LGBTQ+ Competency and the Law

Editors

Contributing Writers

Vanessa Lee Amanda Brummitt, FACHE Kean Villarta

Amanda Brummitt, FACHE Kris Sanders, FACHE Audrianne Schneider, FACHE Kean Villarta Byron Westbrook

Creative Direction

Caleb Wills, calebsemibold.com

Advertising/ Subscriptions

info@achentx.org

Questions and Comments:

ACHE of North Texas Editorial Office, c/o Executive Connection 300 Decker Drive, Suite 300 | Irving, TX 75062 p: 972.413.8144 e: info@achentx.org w: achentx.org

2022 Chapter Officers

Jim Allard, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE VP of Nursing & CNO Medical City Children’s/Medical City Women’s Hospitals Patrick Brown, VP & COO Methodist Charlton Medical Center Jaquetta Clemons-Davis, Executive, Financial Planning & Analysis Adventist Health Fraser Hay, FACHE President Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HurstEuless-Bedford Carolyn Hunter Chief Operating Officer Medical City Las Colinas Valerie Johnston, PhD, FACHE Associate Professor Texas Christian University Joseph Clayton Lawrence, FACHE Group Vice President Sound Physicians Ajith Pai, PharmD, FACHE President Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne

President

Dustin Anthamatten MBA, MA, CPA, FACHE VP Operations – Corporate Methodist Health System

Immediate Past President

Amanda Thrash, FACHE VP of Professional & Support Services Texas Health Plano

President-Elect

Felixia Colón, FACHE Sr. Vice President & Group Operations Officer SCP Health

Treasurer

Aaron Bujnowski, FACHE Director (Partner) & IDN Lead The Chartis Group

Keith Thurgood, PhD Professor University of Texas at Dallas

Secretary

Benton Sprayberry FACHE Senior Director of Operations Steward Health Care

Toya White, FACHE Chief Operating Officer & Chief Nursing Officer Texas Health Resources

Trinette K. Pierre, DHA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE Executive Consultant/Advisor, Career Consultant, Professor & Unit Manager TRImani Consulting, LLC/Parkland Health & Hospital System Kris Sanders, FACHE SVP/Northern Market Growth & Development Children’s Health System of Texas

Mary Wylie, FACHE Vice President of Operations Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Plano

The ACHE of North Texas e-magazine, The Executive Connection, is published triannually and includes information on the latest regulatory and legislative developments, as well as the quality improvement and leadership trends that are shaping and influencing the healthcare industry. Readers get indepth reporting on the issues and challenges facing hospital and health system leaders today. We make it our job to tell you about the great things the organization and Chapter are doing every day to ensure the health of our community. If you have any news and updates that you want to share with other members, please e-mail your items to info@northtexas. ache.org. Microsoft Word or compatible format is preferable. If you have a graphic or picture that you'd like to include, please send it as a separate file. The following are the types of information that our members shared in past ACHE of North Texas magazines, Advocacy Issues, Legislative Issues, Educational Opportunities, Awards / Achievements, Promotions (Members On the Move), Committee Updates, journal submissions, conference submissions, and workshop participations, sharing mentoring experiences, etc.

Message from Our President Now that we are half-way through 2022, the optimism we had at the beginning of the year in regard to the pandemic seems to be holding true. With COVID volumes and threat levels steadily low, the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas (ACHENTX) was able to resume in-person events for our members. In the recent months, our Membership & Networking Committee held a Breakfast with the Assistant Vice President, Cocktails with the Chiefs, and a Networking Blitz. All these events were well attended and you could feel the energy in the room of our membership being able to see each other’s smiles in person. This is what ACHENTX is all about and the board and committee leadership are grateful to be able to provide these opportunities for our region again. While the entire industry is happy about the sustained downturn of the pandemic, we are now faced with new challenges, such as, “The Great Resignation” and persistent staffing shortages, which we highlighted in our previous issue. While this is impacting all our organizations, ACHENTX is called to our mission to provide relevant industry information to our members and is diligently working on educational offerings to cover this and other timely topics, so be on the lookout for upcoming communications about these programs. In addition, situations like this highlight the importance of the ACHE network. We are able to discuss this topic with our peers, get the pulse of their organizations, and also reach out for new career opportunities in this continuously changing environment. As mentioned in our previous issue, one of our main strategic priorities for 2022 is to continue the momentum of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work being done by our chapter. I am excited to say we are increasing the breadth of representation of our membership. Our Women’s Healthcare Executives’ Network (WHEN) recently held their successful annual conference and we have just started the Asian Healthcare Leaders of North Texas group within our chapter. Outside of our chapter, we also partner

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

with the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives (NAHLE), and support the ACHE LGTBQ+ Healthcare Leaders Community. Our committees are also successfully executing their DE&I goals this year and if any of you have any ideas of what more we can be doing, we are all ears! In closing, it is a privilege to be a part of this group and it warms my heart to be able to attend events with all of you again and see the outcomes of the inclusive environment our board, committee leadership, and members have made for each other and are taking back to our organizations. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the General Membership Convocation or some of our other upcoming programs in the coming months! Dustin Anthamatten, MBA, MA, CPA, FACHE VP Operations – Corporate Methodist Health System

Check Out ACHENTX’s Upcoming Events CHECK THEM

Message from Our ACHE Regent, Northern Esteemed Colleagues, Can you believe we are approaching the summer months? This year is moving quickly. Time truly waits for no one. The official start of summer is a few short weeks away. For many, this is a time to plan our travels, prep for cookouts, and enjoy family-centric outdoor activities. For some, this is a time to stay inside, crank up the A/C, sip on frozen drinks, and plan how to hide from the severe Texas heat. Whatever option you prefer, I pray you have a fun-filled, safe summer. Texas Northern region, we are truly blessed. ACHE is filled with talented, hardworking, dedicated members. Each day we give of ourselves to ensure better outcomes for those within our organizations. We put our “best selves” into our promise to honor and promote the mission and ministry of healthcare. We are blessed with the gifts we possess – and those gifts were given for a purpose. Our assignment is one of utmost importance: To work diligently to promote the health and well-being of our communities. This is no easy feat, but we laugh in the face of challenges that attempt to thwart this mission each day. We are to uphold these sacred duties – not just in word, but in action as well. We want to be known as doers, not just talkers. We want to be seen as pavement pounders, not just policy pushers. We want to fight for the greater good and our collaborative goal is to leave this healthcare world in better shape than it was in when we entered it. We want to leave our mark, change the world, and help the masses. Our caring is all-inclusive. Our passion is all encompassing. Our dedication is all-heart. Our drive is fullthrottle. We have the knowledge, the expertise, and the power to change the landscape of healthcare for our loved ones and our communities…if we work together to do so. There is one glaring truth of which the pandemic reminded us on many occasions – There’s room for improvement in the level of trust between our communities and healthcare as a profession. I believe that people do not care what we know until they know we care. Many of us have dedicated our lives to caring for our communities, but how do we relay this sentiment to our public who may not know of the late

night board meetings and policies written? What can we do to ensure we are not only heard but seen in our communities? How do we improve on that trust that we must have in order for our communities to take the advice of healthcare experts and leaders when it matters most? The answer: Be visible – be present – be there! I want to remind some and introduce to others the initiatives that I hope will increase our presence in our communities (aka “walk the walk”) and thus increase the faith our communities have in healthcare leaders and professionals. In 2022-2023, let’s focus on increasing community involvement and promoting increased membership and sponsorship for our region’s chapters. To do so, we have to give of ourselves individually and collaboratively. We CAN make a difference for our communities and those we are entrusted to serve. I. Community-focused/Community Visibility Initiatives GOAL: More community involvement and ACHE influence will lead to better name recognition for ACHE, more trust for healthcare professionals within our communities, more media coverage, and ultimately more partners for ACHE. Some examples of these initiatives include: - Prescriptions for Food Program initiatives -Community-focused drives to assist in meeting needs of the communities we serve - sock drives, coat drives, toiletry drives, non-perishable food drives, etc.) -Assisting with initiating/maintaining Community Gardens in high risk/food dessert areas -Volunteering at local shelters, soup kitchens, health fairs, etc. We know the needs of our communities. We have the hands. We have the passion. We have the hearts. We now need to invoke the action. For our dedicated members who like to have a good time, we haven’t forgotten you. We are discussing options to do more fun events. This will allow us to step away from the busyness and grind of healthcare while spending time getting to know one another away from the office. Here is an initiative focused on increasing morale and gaining more friends and members for ACHE!

Instituting more fun activities (non-work or healthcare fieldrelated activities) may help to boost morale and camaraderie of current members and pull in more members/sponsors for ACHE. Events beyond networking and educational events may assist with increasing awareness of ACHE to those in our friends and colleagues circles. This may result in increased interest in ACHE. These events can be members’ paid events and “bring a friend” sponsored events. The costs of these events may not be massive, but the return on investment may be exponential. Examples: - Movie Nights/game nights - Talent Shows -Seasonal festivities -Exercise Groups/Fitness Outings -Other fun events

-Jazz in the Park/outdoor concerts -Golf tournaments -Cook offs/Baking contests Sunday Brunch outings Dinner meetups

There’s no limit to the fun ACHE members can have! Our chapter leaders will be discussing these initiatives and how we can work together to best serve our communities and our members. While these events are still in the conceptualizing stage, I want to relay what is being discussed with our region’s members. We will need the support and partnership of our amazing members to make these initiatives work. For now, we would like to get an idea of how many members would like to volunteer to help move these initiatives forward. If you are interested in assisting, please contact your chapter leaders and you will be added to our list of willing volunteers who may be called upon to assist with the planning and execution of these initiatives in the future. Thank you in advance for partnering with us and for caring beyond your borders. With much love, admiration, and respect, Dr. Trinette K. Pierre, DHA, BSN, RN, CCC, CEC, CHLC, FACHE, NEA-BC Regent – Texas Northern

II. More FUN activities for members and potential members (outings “just because”) GOAL: While educational events are needed, sometimes, we want to break away to have a good time and enjoy life.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

Message from Our ACHE Regent At Large, District 4 A time to reflect… Let me begin by sharing who I am, inclusive of my diversity profile. My name is Dr. Jim Allard and I am a LGBTQ healthcare leader, who is a nurse (males are 12% of the nursing workforce), married, in an interracial relationship, and have a daughter in college abroad. I share this, because it shapes who I am as a leader, and what I offer in perspective. I also think it helps to set the stage of my learned experiences, other than I am a passionate healthcare leader. Additionally, I am honored and privileged to have been appointed to serve as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Interim Regent-at-Large for District 4 for the next year. This role is a support role for the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) agenda for ACHE, to the regents, and the DEI committees for the ten states, in District 4. I look forward to learning and supporting each of the areas. The last two years have been challenging, although we arise out of the pandemic stronger as a healthcare community. We have been tried as healthcare providers, colleagues, family and friends through this time. It truly wasn’t until I was asked by a colleague, “how are you?” three times in a row, that I realized I wasn’t OK. The struggle has been real. What I realized each time I said, “I’m fine,” the persistence of my colleague asking two more times, opened me up and I teared up. Well, it’s OK to not be OK. As a leader, we have had to manage creative staffing models to meet the needs of our patients and customers along with supporting our workforce with the challenges of working amidst a pandemic that seemed to never end, wave after wave. This experience has opened me up to be more intentional about reflection enabling me to be a more effective leader for my team. We do not have all the answers, but we are stronger as a team. To be vulnerable and ask your team how to accomplish what seemed unsurmountable was not so unsurmountable with the collective.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

I share this perspective to say thank you, take time for you, be intentional about reflection, and be OK with not being OK. Mental wellness is something each of us and our teams need to be excellent care providers. You matter, we matter, and we all are better together. Jim Allard, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE VP of Nursing & CNO Medical City Children’s/Medical City Women’s Hospitals

SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE

DATE

ACHENTX’s Annual General Membership Convocation November 10, 2022 / Brookhaven Country Club

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

Visit us online ACHENTX.org

Member Spotlight Ajith Pai, PharmD, FACHE

What are you doing now? Since 2018, I have been honored to serve as president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne. In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing health care today? Given what we have learned over the last two years, we have a heightened opportunity to make substantial inroads in improving access, advancing affordability and partnering with the communities we serve to address longstanding health inequities. How long have you been a member of ACHE? I joined ACHE and ACHENTX in 2013 and became a Fellow in 2017. Why is being a member important to you? Has ACHE membership been a benefit to you in your career? Being a member means more then just being able to take advantage of all that ACHE and ACHENTX have to offer. It also provides a chance to be an engaged servant for health care and healthcare leadership with colleagues around the market and country to improve the outcomes of the communities we collectively serve. My membership with ACHE has provided insights, connections, and discussion and dialogue that have helped to stimulate ideas and personal opportunities for improvement. The value of this is hard to quantify, but well above the annual dues, and it continues to provide return!

What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership? Get involved, be engaged, be your authentic self and look for ways to be of service. The best way to learn is to stretch yourself and to ask others for insights. In my many years as a member and committee member, I have always been impressed with how helpful others are; you just need to ask. Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you. My wife, Myriam, and I just welcomed our third child on Jan. 26, our sweet baby girl Yvette. She joins our 6-year-old daughter, Elyse, and our 13-month-old son, Nikhil, and makes our house more fun than ever! Is there something interesting about your organization that we could include in our new “Did You Know?” section? Texas Health is honored to care for more patients in North Texas than any other healthcare provider. In doing this this, we focus on meeting people where they are, be it in physical facilities, in community settings or online. A great example is our Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care facilities. There are now 15 of these centers across the Metroplex, with plans to open as many as 13 additional locations this year. With on-site prescriptions, extended hours, all-inclusive pricing and a truly patient-focused experience, Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care is meeting care needs when patients don’t need to go to the emergency room.

Member Spotlight Mary Wylie, DHA, MBA, MHA, FACHE

What are you doing now? I have the honor of serving as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Plano. I also enjoy teaching as an adjunct professor for Texas Woman’s University, University of Texas at Dallas and Texas Tech University Health Science Center. In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing health care today? It’s difficult to select just one important issue. Here are four significant issues: • Healthcare professionals are burnt out, exhausted and leaving the field. The crisis in healthcare staffing is real, and the impact is yet to be fully understood. • Health equity and access to care. • Affordability- lack of insurance coverage. How long have you been a member of ACHE? I have been a proud member of ACHE since 1998. I was encouraged by my CEO at the time to join. I was later told by another CEO if I didn’t get my FACHE, I couldn’t be a vice president. I am so appreciative these mentors cared enough to challenge me. Why is being a member important to you? Has ACHE membership been a benefit to you in your career? Being a member of ACHE is important for many reasons: • Education: I’ve always believed in lifelong learning, and ACHE provides an abundance of continuous education and career development opportunities. • Mentorship: The organization promotes opportunities for young careerists, and it’s my privilege to pay it forward by mentoring leaders who have dedicated their lives to health care.

• Variety: We have the opportunity as an ACHE member to hear different perspectives from a variety of industries dedicated to healthcare excellence. What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership? I have never felt like being a health care administrator is work. Make sure you find something you love to do! I would encourage anyone entering the work force to follow your passion. I recommend pushing yourself harder than you think is possible. Volunteer for all opportunities to advance your career, and don’t be afraid to ask for things you want. ACHE is part of our fabric. Join as soon as you can, get involved, and participate often. The organization is a wonderful way to network with others and provides a robust and consistent opportunity to sharpen your skills. Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you. I volunteered in college at the Texas State School for the Blind and Visually Blind, and this experience influenced me to help children with disabilities. My first degree was in education with an endorsement in special education, from the University of Texas. I worked as a teacher for special needs children for several years until I transitioned into health care. Is there something interesting about your organization that we could include in our new “Did You Know?” section? In 1929 The “Baylor Plan” was developed by Baylor administrators during the Great Depression to help area citizens afford hospital care. It was the first prepaid hospital insurance plan in the United States and the predecessor of Blue Cross.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

Member Spotlight Toya White, FACHE

What are you doing now? My current role is Chief Operating and Nursing Officer at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman. I oversee day-to-day operations and the strategic vision for the hospital. In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing health care today? One of the most important issues facing health care is the shortage of clinicians. This was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a leader with a clinical background, it has been disheartening to witness the physical and mental impact on the care team over the past two years. I think it is essential for organizations to focus on restoring the well-being of their current employees and deploy innovative recruitment and retention strategies. How long have you been a member of ACHE? I have been a member of ACHE for 3 years. Why is being a member important to you? Has ACHE membership been a benefit to you in your career? I am a firm believer that both personal and professional growth comes from surrounding yourself with those who are diverse in thought, life experiences and expertise. Our perceptions and biases are challenged through such interactions. Personally, I have found that this fosters my creativity as a leader. ACHE membership provides an expanded platform to network and engage that aligns with my interests. Their focus on

education and community volunteer efforts provides additional opportunities and membership value. I have taken advantage of the various offerings, including the mentorship program and continuing learning opportunities to name a few, and feel that they have greatly benefited my career. What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership? I encourage those who are contemplating membership to sign up and get involved as soon as possible. The benefits of membership far exceed the cost. ACHE of North Texas has a vibrant chapter and a diverse array of offerings to meet the needs of current and emerging leaders. Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you. I was inspired to pursue health care because of my grandfather’s journey with lung cancer. During this experience, he was exposed to clinicians that differentiated care by the compassion they rendered. This influenced and led me to initially pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. Is there something interesting about your organization that we could include in our new “Did You Know?” section? In 2022, Texas Health Resources placed No. 37 on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® list. The organization is ranked as a top employer in Texas and is the highest ranked health system in the nation. Texas Health access points and services provide the full continuum of care for all stages of life.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

Patient Physician Network The Leader in Advancing Independent Medicine

For more information, please visit our website, or contact our Advisor y Ser vices Team directly at

@patient-physician-network

Advisor ySer vices@drppg.com

@PPNHCo

WWW.PPNHCO.COM

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

RACISM IN HEALTHCARE: WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY By Kris Y. Sanders, FACHE

The past several months have underscored our connections and somewhat painfully tested who we are as a country, as we fight a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic while grappling with the systemic racism in America. These times have also made us ask ourselves, “How can we be better?” As a Black woman and executive, I have spent this time reflecting on my 20 years working in healthcare and the health experience for Black communities. The lack of trust between Black communities and health professionals is deeply rooted and profound. But I, alongside my colleagues, have a responsibility to build trust and eliminate conscious and unconscious biases in medicine. The COVID-19 virus and the death of George Floyd and countless other Black men and women have weighed particularly heavy on my heart. Yet, amid turmoil, we have seen glimmers of hope: healthcare workers going above and beyond to care for COVID-19 patients, patients and community members uplifting clinicians in turn and people coming together to demand social change. To enact change, we must first identify and understand the problem. In this case, the scale of the problem is immense: there are communities of color that never had or have lost the trust of the health system. From 1932 to 1972, during the “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male,” researchers misled participants and instructed physicians to only provide participants with placebos, denying them the appropriate treatment so they could

track the full progression of the disease. Some men died, others experienced vision loss and further health complications. Today, our society—including health systems, government systems and businesses—are plagued by biases about Black people. There are unscientific beliefs that Black people can tolerate more pain or are more aggressive. These modern-day misperceptions and their historical roots work together to continually erode trust and damage the critical communication links that support strong community health. Most recently, I’ve heard some Black acquaintances, friends and family members express their reluctance to receive a COVID-19 test out of fear and distrust. Recent survey data has confirmed that, nationwide, Black people are less likely to receive a coronavirus vaccine than other racial and ethnic groups. This mistrust has a ripple effect, and in the time of COVID-19, the consequence could be devastating. As my colleague Jenice Baker, MD, FACEP, wrote in May, data from Johns Hopkins shows that Black people are three times more likely to contract COVID-19 and six times more likely to die from COVID-19 than other racial groups. While Black people often have higher rates of obesity, lung disease, hypertension and other comorbidities, this does not solely account for the disparity. It is a more complicated picture of past and present-day racism as well as social and economic factors that account for the increased morbidity.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

As a vice president of operations for a national medical group, I know I have a role to play in improving outcomes for the Black community. My colleagues and I are on a mission to strengthen the bond between the Black and medical communities. Achieving diversity, equity and inclusion takes more than just having representation, though that is a crucial element; it is also about how we listen to and care for the more than 35 million patients who rely on us each year and how we work with communities to improve health literacy and quality of life. Emergency departments, intensive care units, surgical teams—all these different groups come together time and time again to create successful patient experiences. It is my responsibility to help ensure these interactions are positive and not plagued by unconscious biases, and I’ve learned trust and evidence-based information are the keys to success. When a patient doesn’t trust a medical professional, or vice-versa, it creates gaps in information and decreases the effectiveness of the treatment. A 2018 Commonwealth Fund report found that to reduce racial disparities in the industry, “healthcare professionals must explicitly acknowledge that race and racism factor into healthcare.” Ibram X. Kendi, PhD, the author of How to Be an Antiracist, who was also diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, said on a recent episode of the “Today, Explained” podcast, “To be anti-racist is to admit when

we’re being racist.” Kendi draws on his diagnosis, one that comes with a 12% chance of survival, to remind all of us that we can make a change, despite the odds. I work with physicians and advanced practice providers on solving the toughest challenges in healthcare, and no problem is more persistent and pernicious than the inequities upheld by racism in our society. It starts with acknowledging we need to do more and enhancing our plans to provide high-quality medical care to every community. We all have a role to play in creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive health system.

Kris Y. Sanders, FACHE, is a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and an experienced healthcare executive. She is Senior Vice President, Northern Market Growth & Development for Children’s Health System of Texas. Kris wrote this article at the height of the social unrest in our country in 2020 which led her to lead the DEI efforts for her previous organization, Envision Healthcare where she was the Vice President of Operations and executive champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

LGBTQ+

COMPETENCY AND THE LAW:

What Healthcare Executives Need to Know When Serving the LGBTQ+ Community

By Sasha Buchert, director of the Non-Binary and Transgender Rights Project, and Shelly L. Skeen, senior attorney

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

June is Pride Month and ACHENTX in its ongoing efforts to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, asked Lambda Legal to provide this article on healthcare related legal issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community as well as other populations. Lambda Legal, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. Pride Month is a perfect time to raise awareness about healthcare related legal issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community. That’s why we welcome this opportunity to inform and educate healthcare executives about this community’s lived experience and enable them to use this knowledge to inform their decision-making about policies and procedures inside their organizations. Disparate treatment in a healthcare setting is likely to disproportionately impact the LGBTQ+ community for the worse simply because of who LGBTQ+ people are. Here are some quick facts: In the U.S., according to the Williams Institute, there are: • more than 13 million people who identify as LGBT over the age of 13, or about 4.5 percent of our population • there are 1.4 million adults who identify as transgender over the age of 18 or about .6 percent of our population • 150,000 youth identify as LGBTQ+ between the ages of 13-17

In Texas: As of March of 2019: • According to a 2021 study by the Center for American Progress nearly half of transgender people — and 68 percent of transgender people of color — reported mistreatment at the hands of a medical provider, including refusal of care and verbal or physical abuse, in the year before the survey.. • In 2017, 26 percent of LGBT adults in Texas reported not having enough money to meet their health care needs. • 4.1 percent of the population identified as LGBT, or 893,350 Texans. Of those, 768,000 identify as LGB, and .66 percent of our population, or approximately 125,350 identify as transgender. • Prior to COVID-19, 26 percent of LGBT Texans had no health insurance and 26 percent made less than $24,000 a year. • Between 2015 and 2019, more transgender people were killed in Texas than in any other state. Putting yourself in the shoes of LGBTQ+ people enables you to effectively serve them. Healthcare providers understand connection is important, it builds understanding, trust and credibility. That’s why educating yourself and your organization about LGBTQ+ terminology is critically important. • “Gender identity” is a person’s deeply felt, inherent sense of being male or female, neither, both, in between, or a third gender. A person’s gender identity may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth, or to a person’s

primary or secondary sex characteristics. • The term “cisgender” is used to describe a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. • The terms “genderqueer,” “gender neutral,” “gender nonconforming,” and also “non-binary” are used to describe a person whose gender identity does not identify within a binary (male or female) understanding of gender. • Since gender identity is internal, a person’s gender identity is not necessarily visible to others based on how someone looks, dresses, or talks. Never assume what a person’s gender identity is by how they present themselves, Understanding these terms will allow you to provide the person with the same dignity and

respect that you would expect them to provide you. Pronouns: When you introduce yourself for the first time, introduce yourself with your pronouns…“My name is Chris Smith. I use he/ him/his pronouns. Please tell me how I can help you.” Introducing yourself with the pronouns that you use tells the patient they can introduce themselves with their pronouns as well. If the person does not introduce themselves with their pronouns, it is okay to ask. Then, refer to the person using their correct pronouns in every interaction, verbal and written. This will reinforce using their pronouns so that you do not mistakenly misgender them. What do you do if you make a mistake and use the wrong pronoun? Take

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

responsibility for it and then commit yourself to respect the other person. You can say, “I’m sorry, I know you use He/Him pronouns. I’ll get it right next time.” Remember, some people do not use pronouns, but instead want to be referred to by their names. Interviews/Questionnaires/Written Communications: • All forms that require personal information should: include choice of pronouns, she/her, he/ him, they/them; not be gendered; not presume people are in a different sex relationship, and not presume they are having sex. • Use words like parent, instead of father and mother, and spouse instead of husband and wife. • Transgender people need gynecologists even if they present as male. People who are in same sex relationships who identify as women do not want to be asked each time they go to a gynecologist whether they are having sex. If they say no, then the inevitable next question is: “why not?” This causes them to out themselves. • For relationship status, include “partner” in addition to single, married, widow, widower. • Use gender neutral pronouns in your written materials, instead of his or hers, use them or theirs. Put your pronouns in the signature blocks of your email addresses, social media accounts, and business cards.

• Do not assume someone identifies as a man when you are speaking with them on the phone because their voice is low, vice versa. • To make your written communications more inclusive, add inclusive proofing tools to your applications.

Honor LGBTQ+ relationships as you would any relationship. Same sex couples deserve the same treatment as different sex couples. Healthcare providers should not hold same sex couples to a different standard than different sex couples. This means honoring the designation of a same sex spouse, partner, or LGBTQ+ person in visitation agreements, guardianship agreements, financial powers of attorney, health care directives, directives to control remains, HIPAA forms, and as emergency contacts. Different sex married couples do not have to show their marriage licenses to prove they are married to visit their

spouses or make decisions, yet this still happens all too often to same sex couples. The same holds true for unmarried LGBTQ+ partners. Healthcare providers should not ask for three sets of proof for decision making or relationship recognition when only one set is required for non-LGBTQ+ people. Doing so could expose the provider to equal protection claims and sex discrimination claims. Be careful to not inadvertently “out” an LGBTQ+ person or a person living with HIV. Every LGBTQ+ person is not “out,” especially older LGBTQ+ people and transgender people. For transgender people “outing” them can be unsafe. According to the 2015 US Transgender Survey, in 2014, nearly one-half (46 percent) of the transgender respondents reported being verbally harassed and one in ten (nine percent) reported being physically attacked. Because only 13 percent of transgender Texans have identity documents that match who they are, every interaction with a healthcare provider provides an opportunity for the person to be outed or misgendered in front of others. Providers should be mindful not to ask questions about someone’s legal name or sex shown on an I.D. that does not match how they present in the presence of others who should not be privy to such intimate information about someone’s identity. Patients have privacy rights, equal protection rights and free speech rights. Outing a patient could violate any or all of these rights separate and apart from any HIPAA or Texas Medical Records Privacy Act rights. Providers who serve people living with HIV should also ensure that if they are subpoenaed to turn over patient records, they should engage a lawyer to determine whether, how and when the provider will comply with the subpoena. Most subpoenas are overbroad and because of HIV criminalization laws, turning over such patient information could result in a lawsuit against the provider.

Understand LGBTQ+ people face insurance exclusions that can have grave consequences. Categorical exclusions for gender affirming care are common in Texas. For example, the State Employee Health plans contain blanket exclusions that prohibit any services “furnished in conjunction with the sex change process” or “gender reassignment surgery and related services.” Texas’s Medicaid program excludes “sex change operations,” and many private plans also include such exclusions. The clinical effectiveness of gender affirming care is beyond dispute. It is supported by extensive medical evidence that has been subjected to rigorous study and is supported by every major medical health organization—including the American Medical Association, the Endocrine Society, and the American Psychiatric Association. And there are serious health consequences when people are unable to access health care to treat a serious medical condition. As the AMA has recognized, untreated gender dysphoria can result in “clinically significant psychological distress and can lead to tragic health care consequences.” Such denials of care are particularly pernicious and irreparable for transgender youth who may experience lifelong negative outcomes due to untreated gender dysphoria. Moreover, it is economically sound to eliminate such exclusions. There are substantive increases in cost related to such exclusions that far outweigh the cost of providing treatment because when transgender people are denied care, there will inevitably be increases in costs related to treatment for depression, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion Understanding the lived experience of LGBTQ+ people as well as the law is critical for healthcare executives’ effective decision making.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

Putting your health above it all.

Creating healthier communities for over 90 years.

At Texas Health, we will be there for you and your loved ones. With an experienced staff and technologically advanced care, our dedication is to your health. Whether you need 24-hour emergency care or wellness services, we’re equipped to handle your health care needs. Advanced Surgical Procedures ■ Behavioral Health Cancer ■ Diabetes ■ Digestive Health Emergency Department ■ Heart & Vascular Neurosciences ■ Orthopedics ■ Weight Loss Surgery Women & Infants ■ Wound Care

To learn more, visit MethodistHealthSystem.org. Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System. Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

1-877-THR-WELL | TexasHealth.org

Our Mission

To extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

christushealth.org

A Catholic health system in the United States, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia with more than 60 hospitals, 600 services and facilities, 45,000 associates and 15,000 physicians.

EVENT ENCORE

Event Recap: Interdependence of Public, Private, and Federal Healthcare Delivery February 24, 2022 by Amanda Brummitt, FACHE Public, private, and federal healthcare delivery no longer have hard boundaries and patients often seek care across the different systems. Panelists were Aaron Bujnowski, FACHE of The Chartis Group, Jason Fisher of South Texas Veterans Health Care System and Eric D. Jacobsen of Veterans Affairs North Texas explained why these organizations should and do work together to create a healthier community. And, moderator by George T. Roberts, Jr., FACHE Northeast Texas Public Health District directed a great discussion and offered public health insight. To paraphrase a key point of the conversation, Bujnowski said, “We are all working towards the good of the community, so it makes sense to work with competitors to accomplish what the community needs.” At times, we don’t have adequate supplies, beds, or timely clinic appointments. It makes sense to be able to share resources and refer patients, so they get the care that they need. That’s why we are all here – to care for patients. Interoperability During Disasters The Veterans Administration (VA) is the largest integrated delivery system in the United States. In the COVID-19 environment, they used their purchasing power to acquire supplies and redistribute to community agencies that were desperate for supplies. Our North Texas VA helped many DFW area hospitals with supplies including Parkland. They also sent staff to hot spots around the country and utilized staff from around the country. Information Technology The pandemic sped up utilization of telemedicine, especially for psychiatric care. Most patients seem to prefer it. Organizations rapidly improved IT infrastructure to meet the need and drive site of care changes. No show rates dropped across the board with telecare, except for Veterans that are currently un-homed. Their no-show rate

went up during the pandemic. It will be vital to figure out how to meet the needs of this population. Documentation Sharing of information is vital across the systems for the best continuity of care, including social and emotional needs of the patients. The federal organizations currently have some interoperability to see certain components within electronic health records but would like to see more. The Mission Act and Choice Act allow some transfer of patient information between the public and private sector. A lot is still currently scanned into the record. Across the panelists, they welcome more interoperability. Costs & Reimbursement Organizations are re-evaluating cost structures and where their teams are physically working to be more efficient and unlock talent. Large organizations can share resources across the entity, but smaller organizations are being taxed with high costs of agency staff because of staffing shortages. Repurposing underutilized services and running as efficiently as possible helps. Private equity has played a role in providing funding to capitalize projects around technology for projects like home care and remote care. Better operability of electronic health records will help with reimbursement when working between systems. Future Homogenization of Patient Populations Patients with certain health disparities need care across multiple providers throughout the system to meet needs outside of just the medical needs such as social and psychological, but that are potentially root causes of the chronic illness. These issues can’t be met by a single health system.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

EVENT ENCORE

Breakfast with the Assistant Vice President March 1, 2022 Submitted by Kean Villarta On Tuesday, March 1, ACHENTX held its “Breakfast with the AVP” Event with Travis Gill, JD, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity and Access at UT Southwestern Medical Center. As AVP, Travis has oversight of UT Southwestern’s Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Title IX, and Diversity and Inclusion programs and efforts. After a light breakfast and networking, attendants enjoyed a fireside chat with Travis where he shared his story, journey, and work with UTSW. Travis credits his community which experienced environmental racism as well as a role model who was an attorney for inspiring him to attend law school. After experiencing lack of inclusiveness at a law firm, Travis went to work in the DE&I space at state universities before transitioning to the academic healthcare setting. At UTSW, Travis has worked with Title IX initiatives, addressing domestic violence, advocating for social workers, and securing partnerships with local organizations to address community concerns. When asked for advice for other professionals, Travis shares one must be slow to judgment and always document important conversations and encounters. One must also be open to having candid conversations and challenge the assumptions that DE&I offices are “only for minorities” everyone has a part in pushing forward the diversity and inclusion efforts. Special thanks to UT Southwestern for hosting the event.

EVENT ENCORE

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

EVENT ENCORE

Second Quarter Education Event Addresses Timely Workplace Issues April 28, 2022 Submitted by Audrianne Schneider, FACHE Medical City Las Colinas hosted the second quarter education event on April 28, featuring two panels that focused on the effects of bias and developing an environment of civility and respect in healthcare organizations. From clinicians to HR experts, Panel I experts discussed diversity in the workforce and in our communities and the effects bias can have on the efforts to address the needs of diverse populations. The dialogue focused on the need to identify and understand internal biases, both conscious and unconscious and the impacts bias has on decision making. This is especially important for healthcare leaders as this understanding can positively affect employment and policy decision making, resulting in increased diversity of those holding leadership positions and equipping us to better serve our communities. After dinner and networking, Panel 2 experts discussed ways to develop an environment of civility and respect in healthcare organizations, providing real-time examples to equip leaders to identify, intervene and prevent workplace bullying, incivility and disrespect. The primary themes in this panel focused on: • Defining what incivility means (physician, verbal, emotional) • Acknowledging if there is an issue • Steps to address (i.e., process, guidelines and accountabilities) • Creating a safe environment for people to speak up and clarity about “no tolerance.”

Kyllan Cody, FACHE closed the session by thanking the panelists and announcing a donation in honor of their service to the ACHE North Texas Leadership Legacy Fund. Panel 1 Reginald “Reggie” Carter, Managing Director, JENGA Capital Funds Katie Bata Heeter, FACHE, Vice President Human Resources Strategic Business Services, Baylor Scott & White (Moderator) Dresdene Flynn-White, FACHE, Managing Director, Acquired Leadership Solutions Dr. DeLancey Johnson, DBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, sHRBP, Senior Vice President, Office of Talent Management at Parkland Hospital System in Dallas, Texas Merredith Simpson, Director, Human Resources Methodist Charlton Medical Center Panel 2 Dr. Jim Allard, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, VP and Chief Nursing Officer at Medical City Dallas; ACHENTX DE&I Committee Chair (Moderator) Tina Bowers, Vice President, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Children’s Health, Dallas Texas Felicia Miller, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CHHR, Executive VP and Chief Talent Officer, Parkland Health Dallas Dr. Tamala Norris, Vice President Clinical Operations & Group Chief Nursing Officer United Surgical Partners International, Inc.

Panelists and several from the audience discussed the managerial courage that it takes to do this and shared several scenarios. Overall, it was emphasized that it’s how we respond, how we hold people accountable and how we follow up that determines success/change.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

EVENT ENCORE

2022 Mentorship Program Orientation May 5, 2022

Let’s get social

EVENT ENCORE

ACHENTX Cocktails With the Chiefs May 10, 2022 Submitted by Audrianne Schneider, FACHE Stunning views of the Dallas skyline served as the backdrop for the Cocktails With the Chiefs event on Tuesday, May 10. Close to 100 ACHENTX members and guests gathered to network and connect with friends and colleagues. Many expressed gratitude for the ability to attend in-person events. An insightful discussion about mental health services was moderated by Dr. Fuad Khan with a panel of four behavioral health experts (Bonnie Cook, Preston “Jay” Fraser, Carol Lucky and Jean Scallon), Panel members discussed the ways mental health is currently addressed in our community and country, how it’s accessed and reimbursed, ways to improve and how we work together for positive change. With one in four people suffering from a mental health illness in their lifetime, the need for care is evident (and expected to increase due to the pandemic). Typically, mental health issues begin in the teen years, so employing methods to screen and address mental illness early is key. Another key point involves removing the stigma around mental illness. The panel discussed some innovative ways to address mental illness, including the use of artificial intelligence, improving access to care, incorporating more training for primary care providers to screen, treat and triage and ways to integrate screening into the school systems via “Mental Health First Aid.” The discussion concluded with a “thank you” to the event sponsors, to Corgan for the beautiful venue and a donation to the ACHENTX Leadership Legacy Fund in honor of the panelists and moderators.

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

EVENT ENCORE

Women’s Healthcare Leadership Conference - EmpowHER! June 9, 2022

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

National News Executive Diversity Career Navigator The Executive Diversity Career Navigator is an online resource designed for healthcare leaders from underrepresented groups to successfully navigate their career path to seniorlevel positions. By enhancing diversity in leadership, the EDCN will help cultivate a diverse healthcare workforce that is best equipped to address disparities in care and access—effectively improving health for all. EDCN offers its users access to information, tools and inspiration for navigating their career paths to senior level positions. It is a place for healthcare leaders from diverse backgrounds and at all career levels to learn from others who have successfully navigated their route to C-suite healthcare management. Learn more about EDCN.

Forum on Advances in Healthcare Management Research ACHE is inviting authors to submit proposals to present their research at the 15th annual Forum on Advances in Healthcare Management Research. This session will take place during ACHE’s Congress on Healthcare Leadership, March 27–30, 2023. The lead presenter of each selected proposal will receive a complimentary registration to Congress. Learn more about the selection criteria and submission instructions. Submit your up-to-400-word abstract by July 11, 2022.

WELCOME ACHENTX’S NEWEST MEMBERS FEBRUARY Patty Breckenridge Spencer Clancy Kevin Cooper, MBA Gabrielle N. Cortez Briana Crawford Brian B. Davis, MBA Jennifer DeMotto Morgan Gamble Jaime Goff, PhD Michael Hernandez, MSN, RN, NE-BC Cortland D. Hudson Patricia M. Hunter, RN, MHA Aminata Ka Laura A. Kirk Marissa C. Marrs, MS Macy McClain Lacy L. Milani-Ingalls Okechukwu L. Oledibe, DHA Isabel G. Perez Lauren A. Podina James S. Polis Jibran Saleh George P. Steen Taylor A. Ulmer, MBA Briana Witherspoon Becky Woodford

MARCH Noreen Butte, MD Javier E. Castro Maram Ceesay, CPHRM, MBA Arlyn Contreras Matthew Dufrene, MBA David Dzumba, Jr. Gus Farr Cassandra D. Hall Melissa Malone

MAY Lucian D. Narita, DDS Valerie R. Newman Christie Pinto Bala Suvarna Kanthi Potla Dana Runager, MBA Mohamad M. Safa Melissa Seale Bobby Slater Peter Thrasher, II, MBA Marshall Ward

APRIL Jessica Alvarenga Azra Behlim NiKohl M. Cotton Scott Domingue Nick Garza Geoffrey K. Geddie David Hernandez Joshua Hersh Hamed B. Hijjazi, MBA Anjana S. Jagalur Eduardo A. Martinez, MSN, RN Ijeoma C. Nwelue Murphy L. Rayle Keisha Riser Don Smith Angela Stevenson

Rudolph Bauder Marilyn K. Brister Pamela Bryant Ramonda Collins Devonte Dartez Jennifer Faseler TANISHA GRANT Regina M. Gressett Shubham Gupta Neldon Hadfield Nicole L. Harris, BS, MHA Nika Harrison, MPA Heather Huber, CPC Ajith Issac Michael Jackson Constance Jennings Delores Mack Brandy Marrow Beau McNeff Diedre Myers Chris Pedigo Chaley E. Pettit Roger Pricer Elizabeth L. Smith Kasha N. Smith Missy Staben, BS LaTricia Thompson Elsie Turner Thai Vo Shannon Vogel Richard Winters

FEBRUARY Guinxe Gabriel, PharmD, MBA, FACHE Michael Talley, MHA, FACHE

ACHENTX’S

NEWEST

MARCH John L. Ruland, FACHE DeShon Woods, FACHE

FELLOWS

APRIL Brenda Paulsen, FACHE

RECERTIFIED FELLOWS FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

Susan L. Baldwin, FACHE Christi Nguyen, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE Dana B. Rains, FACHE

Jan K. Althouse, FACHE April T. Audain, FACHE Madhura Chandak Bajaj, FACHE Nick Johnson, FACHE Donny Kalluvilayil, FACHE Charlene Kesee, DBA, FACHE Brett D. Kirkham, FACHE Tucker Petersen Justin J. Shiver, FACHE JaNeene L. Skogman-Jones, FACHE Kevin J. Smith, FACHE Corey G. Wilson, FACHE

Barbara E. Anspach, RN, MSN, FACHE Daniel V. Bent, FACHE James C. Edmonson, DNP, FACHE Sean Kamber, FACHE Thomas R. Peck, FACHE Trinette K. Pierre, DHA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE Jeffrey P. Reecer, FACHE Kris Y. Sanders, FACHE

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

All these listed events are scheduled to be held virtually. Please keep monitoring our Weekly Announcements for other virtual and in-person events in the works.

July 12 & 14

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Course

Virtual

July 12, 2022

After Hours Event: Rangers v Oakland

Globe Life Field

July 26, 2022

Breakfast with the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Patrick Brown, FACHE

Methodist Charlton Medical Center

7:30-9am

July 28, 2022

Community Event: Faith in Action

Second Life Resource Center (Baylor Scott & White/Faith in Action warehouse) - Dallas

9am-12pm

August 10, 2022

What To Do When the Government Comes Calling

Via Zoom

12-1pm

August 11, 2022

After Hours Event: Axe Throwing

Lone Star Axe Throwing, Arlington

6-8pm

Click here to learn more or register for an event

6pm-10:15pm both nights

We Appreciate the Support of Our ACHENTX Gold Sponsors

A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2022

ACHENTX Executive Connection - Summer 2022

Articles inside

Event Encore

Membership Annoucements

Texas – Northern Regent’s Message Dr. Trinette K. Pierre

National News

Message from Our ACHE Regent