CNYHSA: Central New York Health Systems Agency

CNYHSA May 5, 2011 BOARD MEETING reviewed and adopted a report on the “Terms of Consolidation” from the Joint Task Force on Health Planning to bring about a strengthened health planning model for the region through an alliance with the Health Advancement Collaborative of Central New York (HAC-CNY). Co-leads of the Task Force, CNYHSA Board member Bruce Wood and HAC-CNY Past-President Orrin MacMurray presented the report, outlining a “parent-subsidiary “ organizational structure which maintains the missions of the two organizations but consolidates operations and formulates Board structures with Joint Committees for Nominations, Finance, and Health Planning.

The Board also acted to approve, with condition, Upstate Medical University’s Certificate of Need (CON) application to acquire Community General Hospital, following a presentation on the merits and status of the acquisition by Tom Quinn, President/CEO of Community General.

CNYHSA JANUARY, 2011 BOARD MEETING followed a community forum on Upstate Medical University’s acquisition of Community General Hospital, which featured presentations by John McCabe, MD, CEO, University Hospital and Tom Quinn, President/CEO, Community General. Eight speakers addressed issues, covering employee pension, contract, and labor relations; clinical integration and organizational models; role of medical education; and the decision-making process for the future of both institutions. The CNYHSA Board passed a motion to support the process and development of the proposed affiliation and acquisition, with certain expectations. 

The Board was also updated on its NY State DOH HEAL grant for a collaborative initiative with Health Advancement Collaborative of Central New York (HAC-CNY). It provides $1,000,000 over two years to build the infrastructure for a strengthened health planning model and to conduct 3 health planning studies: emergency room use, long term care demand/supply, and a community needs assessment. HSA Board President Bill Conole noted that the state award is being supplemented by a $115,000 grant from the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York (CHFWCNY) and a $35,000 contribution from Excellus to help underwrite the costs of the re-structuring process.

CNYHSA SEPTEMBER, 2010 BOARD MEETING featured a presentation by Dan Dey, Executive Director, Northern Oswego County Health Services (NOCHSI) on restructuring of primary care services in Oswego County in relation to changes under federal Health Care Reform.  He reported that NOCHSI, Oswego County Opportunities and Oswego Health are consolidating operations under an emerging structure financed with $8 million from HEAL-NY.  HSA Executive Director Tim Bobo briefed the Board on the state’s previous day's announcement of early termination of the Central NY HIV Care Network contract (and all Network contracts throughout the state) due to drastic budget cuts.  Steve Waldron discussed transition activities needed to address elimination of Network funding, effective 12/31/10. The Board also received the agency’s 2009-2010 Audit Report from Bill Wildridge, of Fust, Charles, Chambers.

CNYHSA MAY, 2010 BOARD MEETING was highlighted by presentations on Health and Medical “Homes.” John Epling, MD, MSEd, Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Upstate Medical University spoke on the “Patient-Centered Medical Home.” He noted that the concept has evolved from a focus on holistic primary care values to include Quality and Safety issues as well as improved payment mechanisms. Person-centered aging services under facility neighborhood care and green house models were addressed by Loretto President Michael Sullivan. Certificate of Need applications to implement these models as alternatives to the anticipated closure of Rosewood Heights Health Center in Syracuse and Loretto Oswego were also reviewed and approved by the CNHSA Board at the meeting.

CNYHSA FEBRUARY, 2010 BOARD MEETING featured an address to nearly 50 attendees by Thomas Jung, Director, Health Facility Planning, NY State Department of Health Mr. Jung’s remarks highlighted highlighted future health care issues, in the “post-Berger" right-sizing era:  evolving reimbursement systems; use of quality indicators and prevention incentives; testing of “hybrid” models of care; and Certificate of Need (CON) reform. He cited the importance of local health planning and “community-centric” vs. “facility-centric” approaches and promoted CNYHSA participation in these activities.  The Board was also briefed by Paul Kronenberg, MD, CEO of Crouse Hospital and Tom Quinn, President/CEO of Community General Hospital on the efforts of their institutions to pursue a merger of the two Syracuse hospitals with the goal of creating a high quality, integrated health care delivery system.  A new HSA Board member, Kimberly Sullivan-Dec, Vice President, Liberty Resources, was also elected at the meeting.

NEW SHORTAGE AREA DESIGNATIONS  In 2009 and 2008, CNYHSA was successful in securing or supporting 9 federal Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) designations.  Primary Care HPSA’s were approved by US Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: Rome, Utica, and Camden in Oneida County, Hamilton in Madison County, Watertown in Jefferson County, Lowville in Lewis County, and Massena in St. Lawrence County.  Hamilton and Jefferson counties were also designated as Mental Health HPSAs.  These designations provide incentives for underserved areas in recruiting practitioners and in qualifying for federal and state grants. 

CNYHSA has over 35 years experience in conducting HPSA analyses in Central New York and other regions in New York State. A complete listing and map of current HPSA’s can be found by clicking on the “Resources” button.