IHA Daily Briefing: July 28

REMINDER: IDPH Aug. 3 Briefing on Proposed Perinatal and Maternal Levels of Care Changes
In response to the Illinois Dept. of Public Health's (IDPH) recent announcement that it is planning to move forward with proposed regulations that would re-write the state's Regionalized Perinatal Healthcare Code, IDPH has agreed to host a webinar for hospitals on Monday, Aug. 3, from noon-1 p.m. CT. Registration for the webinar can be found here.

During the presentation, IDPH will provide an overview of the proposed requirements for certification of hospitals both as a perinatal center and a maternal care center, as well as information on the new levels of care. There will be an opportunity for hospitals to ask questions and provide feedback. Hospital teams not able to attend will be provided with a copy of IDPH's slides. IDPH will be accepting pre-rulemaking comments from hospitals and other stakeholders on these rules through Aug. 13.

Staff contact: Lance Kovacs

American Red Cross Declares Second-Ever National Blood Supply Crisis
The American Red Cross has declared the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low. The Red Cross said blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand-which is up during the summer trauma season. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, further straining the nation's blood supply.

In its media statement, the Red Cross said it now has less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood, which is the most commonly transfused blood type. To help ensure blood is available for patients facing the most critical, life-threatening emergencies across the country, the Red Cross said it has begun limiting distributions of type O blood to individual hospitals.

The Red Cross urges all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to give blood as soon as possible. To make an appointment, click here or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

SAMHSA Finds Declines in Use of Alcohol, Drugs in Latest Annual Survey
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released the results from its latest national survey on substance use and mental health, which SAMHSA said showed "encouraging trends among adolescents and young adults." Notably, the survey found that fewer adolescents 12-17 and young adults 18-25 used alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs between 2021 and 2025. In addition, 27.6% of adolescents received mental health treatment in the past year, while 21.6% of adults 18 or older received treatment. Findings also showed declines among both groups in major depressive episodes, thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts, and substance use and alcohol use disorders.

Spotlight on IHA Business Resources: Actuarial Services
Understanding and planning for risk are essential amid current financial uncertainty and ongoing operating pressures. Actuarial services, through IHA's Illinois Risk Management Services (IRMS), can assist hospitals and health systems with financial projection, strategic planning, and more to help identify solutions to today's toughest healthcare challenges.

IRMS' actuarial team has the flexibility and knowledge to serve all property and casualty insurance line needs, supported by IHA's healthcare expertise and resources. IRMS actuarial clients span small, self-insured entities and single-parent captives to national commercial insurance carriers.

IRMS Actuarial Services offers several advantages, including:

• Certified actuarial staff who are credentialed members of the Casualty Actuarial Society, American Academy of Actuaries, and Society of Actuaries;
• Specialized expertise in workers' compensation and medical malpractice in the healthcare arena;
• Personalized service to aid you in developing a risk-retention plan that's right for your vision of the future;
• Full explanations of our actuarial methods-without jargon or complicated data; and
• Competitive rates due to IRMS' low overhead, with excess revenue returning to IHA for advocacy and policy work on your behalf.

Whether you are fully self-insured and need funding estimates, are fully commercial and only need help with your FASB 2010-24, or anywhere in between, IHA's actuarial team can assist you. Learn more by reaching us directly at 262-754-1600.

Staff contact: Mike Delvaux