CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=4","20131013232758","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1381706878"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <title> Advocacy | THA.com </title><link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="/web/20131013232758cs_/http://www.tha.com/css/main.css"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20131013232758js_/http://www.tha.com/js/jquery.min.js"></script> </head> <body> <form name="aspnetForm" method="post" action="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=4" id="aspnetForm"> <input type="hidden" name="__VIEWSTATE" id="__VIEWSTATE" value="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"/> <div id="site-container"> <div id="header"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/"><img src="/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/tha-logo.gif" alt="THA logo"/></a> <div id="tp-menu"> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/">THA Home</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=1">About THA</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=25">Contact Us</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/">Members Only</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/board/">Board Only</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="nav"> <span id="ctl00_spnNav"><ul><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=4">Advocacy</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=5">Quality/Safety</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=6">Communications</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=9">Information Services</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=7">Education</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=20">Rural Health</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=12">Solutions Group</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=3">Other Services</a></li></ul></span> </div> <div id="content-top"></div> <div id="content-container"> <div id="content-left"> <div id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_fillNav"><h3><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=4">Advocacy</a></h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=4">State Government Affairs</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=23">Federal Government Affairs</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=17">Friends of THA PAC</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/publications/legislative-bulletin/Default.aspx">Legislative Publications</a></li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://snapshotinteractive.com/clients/THA_PAC_2013/index.html">Contribute to Friends of THA</a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/special-topics/coalition/">Coalition Information <img src="/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/site/lock.gif"/></a></li><li><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/special-topics/new-requirements-for-hospitals/">New Requirements for Hospitals Passed During 2013 Legislative Session <img src="/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/site/lock.gif"/></a></li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.votesmart.org/">Find Your Legislator</a></li></ul><br/></div> </div> <div id="content-right"> <h1 id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_header">Advocacy</h1> <div id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_body"><div id="page-image"> <img alt="Tennessee Capitol hill" src="/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/cap-hill.jpg"/></div> <p> Understanding issues is half the battle. THA knows having relationships that open doors to constructive dialogue is what wins legislative battles. THA's strong ties with the Tennessee General Assembly, coupled with its healthcare expertise, continually benefit Tennessee hospitals. Members can count on THA to represent their collective interests.</p> <style type="text/css"> ul li {padding-bottom:12px;}</style> <h2> 2013 Legislative Priorities</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/files/2013/2013-tha-legislative-priorities.pdf">2013 Legislative Priorities</a>, February 27, 2013</li> <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/publications/archive/lb/2013/2013-tha-legislative-report.pdf">2013 THA Legislative Report</a>, May 22, 2013 <img border="0" height="12" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/site/lock.gif" width="12"/></li> </ul> <h2> Medicaid Expansion</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/files/medicaid-expansion/medicaid-expansion-talking-points-20130524.pdf">Updated Talking Points-Medicaid Expansion</a>, May 14, 2013</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/headlines/Default.aspx?hid=82">Media Statement on Governor's Medicaid Announcement</a>, March 27, 2013</li> <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/files/medicaid-expansion/tha-board-commitments-to-governor-3-26-13.pdf">THA Board Commitments to Governor</a>, March 26, 2013 <img border="0" height="12" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/site/lock.gif" width="12"/></li> <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/files/medicaid-expansion/medicaid-expansion-in-tennessee-myth-vs-fact.pdf">Medicaid Expansion in Tennessee: Myth versus Fact</a>, March 22, 2013</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/headlines/Default.aspx?hid=81">Statewide Poll Shows Tennesseans Favor Medicaid Expansion</a>, February 26, 2013</li>  <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/files/medicaid-expansion/medicaid-expansion-presentation-for-member-use-20130222.ppt">Medicaid Expansion Presentation for Member Use</a>, February 22, 2013 <img border="0" height="12" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/site/lock.gif" width="12"/></li> <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/files/medicaid-expansion/2013-medicaid-resolution-govt-entities-20130222.doc">Template for Medicaid Expansion Resolution for Government Entities</a>, February 22, 2013 <img border="0" height="12" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/site/lock.gif" width="12"/></li> <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/files/medicaid-expansion/2013-medicaid-resolution-chambers-20130222.doc">Template for Medicaid Expansion Resolution for Chambers of Commerce</a>, February 22, 2013 <img border="0" height="12" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/site/lock.gif" width="12"/></li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/files/medicaid-expansion/medicaid-expansion-by-the-numbers-20130215.pdf">Medicaid Expansion by the Numbers</a>, February 15, 2013<br/> A breakdown of the financial impact and projections for job loss and Medicaid enrollment.</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/files/medicaid-expansion/hospital-employee-flyer-20130219.pdf">Hospital Employee Flyer</a>, February 19, 2013<br/> Special flyer for distribution to employees to encourage and support legislative outreach on behalf of Medicaid expansion.</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=132">Medicaid Expansion Media Coverage</a>, February 8, 2013<br/> Includes links to state and national media coverage on Medicaid expansion.</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/files/medicaid-expansion/medicare-cuts-to-tennessee-13b-economic-impact-20130207.pdf"><strong>News Release</strong>: Medicare Cuts to Tennessee Will Have a $13.3 Billion Economic Impact</a>, Feb 7, 2013<br/> THA news release describing the results of a study that projects the extended impact of the $7.4 billion in current and pending Medicare cuts to Tennessee hospitals.</li> <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/files/2012/2012-implan-summary-of-fiscal-reductions-to-tennessee-hospitals.pdf">2012 Implan Summary of Fiscal Reductions to Tennessee Hospitals</a>, February 7, 2013</li> <li> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=134">Medicare Cuts and Economic Impact by County</a>, February 21, 2013<br/> Details of current and pending Medicare cuts and the local 10-year impact for every Tennessee county with a hospital are available in PDF below. Simply click the county name to access the file.</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/files/medicaid-expansion/tha-member-cover-memo-hosp-cuts-20130130.pdf">THA Member Cover Memo on Hospital Cuts</a>, January 30, 2013 <img border="0" height="12" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/site/lock.gif" width="12"/><br/> Cover memo from THA President Craig Becker distributed on January 30 that requests support from member hospitals in educating their local legislators about the importance of implementing Medicaid expansion.</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/files/medicaid-expansion/tha-new-release-hosp-cuts-20130130.pdf">News Release: Tennessee Hospitals Face Medicare Cuts As High As $7.4 Billion</a>, January 30, 2013<br/> THA news release describing the Association’s position on Medicaid expansion.</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/files/medicaid-expansion/impact-cuts-by-county-20130128.pdf">Impact of Medicare Cuts by County</a>, January 28, 2013<br/> Spreadsheet and notes on the impact of Medicare cuts currently in law and being considered for each Tennessee county.</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/members/files/medicaid-expansion/impact-cuts-by-county-hosp-20130128.pdf">Impact of Medicare Cuts by County and Hospital</a>, January 28, 2013 <img border="0" height="12" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758im_/http://www.tha.com/images/site/lock.gif" width="12"/><br/> Spreadsheet and notes on the impact of Medicare cuts currently in law and being considered for each Tennessee county and individual hospital.</li> </ul> <h2> State Advocacy Links</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/" target="_blank">Tennessee General Assembly Web Site</a></li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.votesmart.org/">Find your Legislator</a></li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/senate/members/" target="_blank">Contact Your State Senators</a></li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/" target="_blank">Contact Your State Representatives</a></li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/billsearch/BillSearch.aspx" target="_blank">Find Bill Information</a></li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.state.tn.us/" target="_blank">State of Tennessee</a></li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.state.tn.us/tenncare/" target="_blank">Bureau of Tenncare</a></li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.michie.com/tennessee/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp" target="_blank">Tennessee Code Annotated</a></li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www.tennessee.gov/sos/rules/" target="_blank">Official Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee</a></li> </ul> <h2> Friends of THA - Political Action Committee</h2> <p> Friends of THA is the political action committee (PAC) of the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) and THA Home Care Alliance. The PAC raises funds that are pooled together and contributed to candidates running for state office who are sensitive to healthcare issues. It is an excellent way to have a positive impact on legislative and regulatory decisions that affect patients, hospitals, health systems and home health operations.</p> <p> Friends of THA is an independent, unincorporated political action committee, also referred to as a PAC. It is not affiliated with any local or national political group or party.</p> <p> <a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=17">More information about Friends of THA PAC</a>.</p></div> <br/> <br/> </div> </div> <div id="footer-2"> <p>© 2010 - Tennessee Hospital Association • 5201 Virginia Way • Brentwood, TN 37027 • Phone: 615-256-8240 • Fax: 615-242-4803 • <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/mailto:webmaster@tha.com">webmaster@tha.com</a></p> <p><a href="/web/20131013232758/http://www.tha.com/Default.aspx?pid=50">Directions to THA</a></p>  <script type="text/javascript"> var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/https://ssl." : "https://web.archive.org/web/20131013232758/http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-1732062-4"); pageTracker._initData(); pageTracker._trackPageview(); </script> </div> </div> </form> </body> </html>