Earn CE Credits Across 11 Disciplines at OHA Annual Meeting

Applications are now open for the AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award, which recognizes and shares the accomplishments of rural hospitals that demonstrate responsiveness, innovation and excellence in developing, implementing and sustaining programs and services. One winner and up to three finalists will be selected; honorees will be hospitals investing in programs, care redesign, collaboration, or technology-driven solutions to address emerging challenges in rural, remote and frontier areas of the United States and its territories. The award will be presented at the 2027 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, held Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2027, in Orlando, FL. Apply here.

At the American Hospital Association’s 2026 Annual Meeting earlier this month in Washington, D.C., Mike Abrams, OHA president and CEO, facilitated a fireside chat with Rep. Greg Landsman, D‑Ohio, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Subcommittee on Health. The discussion focused on congressional efforts to address the financial and operational challenges facing hospitals, including the urgent need to reduce health care costs, curb prior authorization delays that disrupt patient care and hold commercial insurers accountable. Rep. Landsman also shared pointed guidance for health care leaders engaging policymakers, emphasizing the power of real‑world experience. “The stories you…

Residents in Lorain County can receive free naloxone overdose rescue kits delivered to their homes through an initiative led by Lorain County Public Health. Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses and can be safely administered by bystanders in an emergency. Kits, which include training, can be ordered online or picked up in person. Additional harm-reduction resources, including fentanyl test strips and syringe exchange services, are also available through local programs. Learn more here.

The Ohio Department of Medicaid is continuing its statewide rollout of the Next Generation MyCare program, with expansion underway in more than 20 counties across Ohio through Aug. 1. The program is designed to provide members with enhanced support and services while improving care coordination, clinical coverage and administrative processes for providers. Health care providers interested in serving MyCare members must be enrolled with the state and contracted with participating health plans, though those already enrolled and contracted do not need to take additional steps. Claims submission processes remain largely consistent with existing managed care billing, with options including direct data entry…