MHA-affiliated organizations go beyond advocacy to assure better patient care in Maryland and around the world.
Maryland Healthcare Education Institute
The Maryland Healthcare Education Institute (MHEI) offers education programs around the state, and on a contractual basis with specific organizations concentrating on management and leadership issues. The institute also provides a variety of consulting services, ranging from board assessments to syrpreparation for the Joint Commission surveys. In addition, CareLearning.com, an online learning service for hospitals and health systems, is offered through MHEI in cooperation with 30 other state hospital associations and the American Hospital Association.
Maryland Patient Safety Center
Recognized as a national leader in patient safety, the Maryland Patient Safety Center engages patients and providers in improving care and communication; operates a voluntary reporting system of patient safety events and “near misses” that do not result in harm; and offers education and training on patient safety issues.
PRIME
PRIME, MHA’s shared services/group purchasing subsidiary, serves members throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. PRIME’s portfolio is composed of regional and highly competitive national agreements through its affiliation with MedAssets. With hundreds of agreements in place and billions in annual buying power through MedAssets, PRIME represents substantial market power. By offering solutions to challenges that occur within institutions supply chain and revenue cycle, the program delivers real results that control costs, improve margins and cash flow, improve access to capital, optimized operational efficiency and increase regulatory compliance.
Chesapeake Registry Program
The Chesapeake Registry Program was established by PRIME and the Maryland Hospital Association to assist health care facilities with their supplemental staffing needs. It negotiates contracts with approved staffing agencies and, to monitor quality, conducts on-site audits. Three different programs are available including: the Traveler Program; the Per Diem Program; and the Allied Health Program.
Health Policy Leadership Alliance
The Health Policy Leadership Alliance (HPLA) is the political action committee of MHA, created to provide a nonpartisan vehicle for voluntary contributions from health care leaders. Its purpose is to support issues advocacy, participate in the democratic process, and sponsor public education and debate on important and emerging health issues. The ultimate goal of HPLA activities is to foster improvements in health care for the citizens of Maryland. These activities may include direct financial support to political candidates who have demonstrated concern and commitment to health issues, and to forums that bring together public policymakers and health care providers to discuss problems and explore solutions.