ASHE Region 2 Newsletter

Page 2

The Board requested that ASHE staff determine methods that would enhance cooperation between ASHE and the chapters.  Staff is considering a one-day education program that will summarize codes and standards/advocacy issues for presentation at chapter meetings.  This program will be presented with a minimum of faculty effort and will summarize national efforts in these areas.  The Board heard Mac Robinson, AHA Vice President - Personal Membership Groups, give a stimulating AHA advocacy presentation. There are many areas in which ASHE can take the lead in AHA's advocacy effort as AHA is interested in regulation reform in 2001.  A power point presentation will be provided to each Regional Board member for use when traveling to chapters.

The majority of the meeting was devoted to finalizing the 2001-2003 Strategic Plan.  An Executive Summary of the plan will be distributed in May to all members.

ASHE/AHA was named the frequency coordinator for the Wireless Medical Telemetry Systems (WMTS) by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  Vendors are being selected and ASHE is proud to represent the industry with this issue.  More to come on pricing.

ASHE will be offering the Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) exam at the Annual Conference. This will be a special pencil and paper exam.  In addition, the CHFM exam will continue to be offered via computer at selected H & R Block locations.  The CHFM study guide is now available for purchase.  Visit www.ahaonlinestore.org to purchase this guide 

The Board voted to accept the expansion of the Vista Award to include a Healthy Buildings award. Criteria are being established.

Finally, ASHE continues to grow internationally with the acceptance by IFHE of our proposal to host the 2004 International Conference in Orlando, Florida.  In addition, the Board members met with a Japanese delegation.  This is the first step in conducting a Pacific Rim conference on Planning, Design, and Construction in early 2003.

The ASHE and the AIA/AAH have come together to present a two-day workshop that will feature education on the revised 2001 edition of the "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Health Care Facilities," the Joint Commission's Environment of Care Infection Control standards, and the Center for Disease Control's new Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health Care Settings.  This is a great opportunity to gain first hand knowledge on the latest changes in these guidelines.  Two of these programs are being held in our region - June 22 and 23 in New York City and August 17 and 18 in Baltimore, MD.  Check the upcoming events column for additional details.

The mission of the Actions for Professional Excellence (APEx) program is to recognize outstanding achievements, exemplary efforts, and accomplishments in the healthcare field.  It is time to begin gathering the required information and materials for submitting your application for consideration by mid-August.  This is an extremely rewarding program that