National Association Executives Share Next Steps on Reform with Nashville Health Care Industry Leaders

NASHVILLE – A panel of top executives spoke to an audience of more than 300 Nashville health care industry leaders today about the current and future impact of health care reform on their more than 1,500 collective member organizations that represent life sciences companies, hospitals, device manufacturers and governors from across the nation.

“The opportunity to hear from executives representing leading national associations is invaluable to our Nashville health care industry,” said Council President Caroline Young. “As the health care reform law is put into action, the Council will continue to provide our members access to information on significant policy developments and the leaders in Washington driving them.”

Moderated by Fawn Lopez, vice president-publisher at Modern Healthcare and Modern Physician, the panel featured experts from government and industry associations who discussed their organizations’ positions on reform and next steps for implementation. Participants included Charles N. Kahn III, president and CEO, Federation of American Hospitals; Gary Karr, executive vice president, Public Affairs, AdvaMed; Brent Del Monte, vice president of Federal Government Relations, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO); Steve Lieberman, deputy director for Policy and Data Analysis, National Governors Association (NGA).

“Health reform faces many obstacles prior to full implementation, but assuming it goes forward, it will afford all Americans the opportunity to have essential health care coverage,” Kahn said. “The Federation’s members have long been supporters of health coverage for all Americans and look forward to this aspiration becoming a reality.”

Karr added, “American medical device manufacturers bring life-saving, life-changing innovations to patients every day. As the health reform process moves forward, the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) will continue to engage with patients, physicians, hospitals and other stakeholders to make sure the U.S. can continue to lead the world in improved patient care.”

Panelists explored a number of issues that affect government and industry. “Done right, health care policy can further promote break-through research and discovery in the biotechnology industry that will lead to cures, thus saving consumers and the government money, while at the same time saving lives,” said Del Monte.

Lieberman said, “Health care reform assigns the states a central role in implementing the fundamental changes in how health care is offered and financed. During the current period of fiscal stress, states are grappling with Medicaid expansions, new requirements for regulating health insurance, and choices about creating Exchanges. While the health of their citizens remains a top priority for Governors, states are adopting different approaches to implementing health reform.”

View panel member interviews and event photos below.

Today’s program was the fourth in the Council’s Health Care Reform Series, which offers insights on key provisions of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including policy development, implementation and potential outcomes. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is the presenting sponsor of the series and this program.

Supporting sponsors for this program are Bass, Berry & Sims and LifePoint Hospitals; and associate sponsor is Katcher Vaughn & Bailey Public Relations.

About the Nashville Health Care Council
The Nashville Health Care Council, founded in 1995 as an initiative of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, is an association of health care industry leaders working together to further establish Nashville’s position as the nation’s health care industry capital. Worldwide, Nashville’s health care industry generates more than $70 billion in revenue and over 400,000 jobs, and is Nashville’s largest and fastest growing employer. For more information on the Council, please visit www.nhccstaging.wpenginepowered.com.

###

Photo credit: (c) 2011, Harry Butler, Nashville.