Linda Rouse O’Neill promoted to Senior Vice President for Supply Chain Policy
The Health Industry Distributors Association announced that Linda Rouse O’Neill has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President for Supply Chain Policy.
“In 12 years at the forefront of HIDA’s advocacy, Linda has positioned distributors and HIDA as trusted partners for policymakers in Washington,” said Matt Rowan, HIDA’s President and CEO. “Her work enhances the nation’s preparedness and resilience efforts by building collaboration between government and medical products distributors and manufacturers.”
O’Neill’s issue portfolio includes the full spectrum of supply chain issues impacting the medical products industry and includes engagement with an expansive range of federal agencies focused on healthcare, preparedness, transportation, and related commercial issues. She also engages with allied trade associations to magnify the collective impact of industry advocacy efforts.
Her recent accomplishments include convening HIDA’s first-ever Pandemic Preparedness Summit and engaging major shipping ports to alleviate ongoing transportation issues.
O’Neill’s prior experience includes Director of Federal Affairs at Premier, legislative assistant to Senator Craig Thomas (R-WY), and Senior Specialist for Government Affairs and Policy at the National Rural Health Association.
Henry Schein Medical helps champion the advancement of ambulatory surgery centers
Henry Schein Medical recently participated in the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association’s (ASCA) National Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. as part of Henry Schein’s commitment to amplify the value of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and their role in helping to drive down heath care costs and deliver quality patient care.
In an effort to build relationships with the policymakers who make the decisions that directly impact the ambulatory surgery center community and its patients, Scott Jackson, Vice President of Surgical Solutions at Henry Schein, along with 91 members of the ASC community representing 31 different states, met with representatives and their health staff to discuss the issues that are currently impacting ASCs and their patients. In particular, meetings addressed the Outpatient Surgery Quality and Access Act of 2023, which, if enacted, will ensure Medicare beneficiaries’ continued access to high-quality outpatient surgery.
“Ambulatory surgery centers have such a positive impact on the health care ecosystem, and being able to stand alongside ASCs to advocate on behalf of the surgery center community in the United States was an incredible experience,” said Jackson. “It is important that ASCs have their voices heard. By working together on the federal, state, and local levels, we can create change, and help make an impact on legislation that will elevate and advance the ASC industry.”
According to ASCA, approximately 6,100 Medicare-certified ASCs provide care to America’s patients across the country. ASCA’s 2023 National Advocacy Day event was the first in-person event of its kind since 2019.
B. Braun launches online e-university platform for healthcare providers
B. Braun Medical Inc., a leader in smart infusion therapy and pain management, unveiled B. Braun e-University, an online education platform for healthcare providers designed to improve clinical practice and patient care. This user-friendly, web-based platform, accessible across devices, complements B. Braun’s full offering of value-added live and virtual clinical and technical training. The learnings in B. Braun e-University help providers stay current with education, even during changeover and shortages in the education departments of some healthcare facilities.
B. Braun e-University currently hosts over 50 on-demand and microlearning video courses covering Infusion Systems, IV Fluids and Irrigation, IV Sets and Access Devices, Vascular Access, Closed System Drug Transfer Devices, Compounding, Drug Preparation and Pain Control. The open platform allows the user to explore the content for a customized learning experience.
Continuing Education (CE) courses are also accessible through B. Braun e-University. The current selection includes: “Are You Ready for Smart Pump – EMR Interoperability,” Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion, and Pediatric and Neonatal Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Education. Additional courses for credit will be added based on customer needs.
In addition to B. Braun e-University, which focuses on hospital and outpatient markets, the Company has collaborated with the Association for Vascular Access to provide free online education on improving Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion for healthcare schools (AVA- B. Braun PIV Education).