Hospitals in Maryland deliver care to every person who comes through their doors. But it seems for some of our patients, those doors only swing in one direction. A recent National Public Radio piece on this issue caught my attention. It points out dozens of children in Maryland’s foster care system are languishing in hospitals when they no longer need hospital-level care. Sadly, we often face barriers transitioning young patients – particularly those with behavioral health concerns—to facilities or community-based services better suited to their needs.

You work every day to provide a safe and happy setting for patients to get great care. Yet sometimes violence erupts, often directed at caregivers in the hospital. Stemming violence against caregivers is a priority for hospital and health system leaders. In collaboration with the Maryland Nurses Association, MHA compiled best practices and resources and we’ve been in touch with your teams to connect them with state’s attorney liaisons in each county.

Hospital billing and collection practices are in the news a lot lately, often misinformed and sensational. Maryland legislators are paying attention. Legislative action is coming this General Assembly session on hospitals’ cost transparency, financial assistance policies, and account collection practices.

Maryland’s hospitals and health systems are getting it right. More validation keeps rolling in. The message is resonating in Annapolis, where it really counts.