April 26, 2023

Salt Palace Convention Center

2023 Utah State of Reform Health Policy Conference

Conference Overview

The 2023 Utah State of Reform Health Policy Conference will foster a dialog about the opportunities and challenges facing healthcare in the state of Utah during a time of increasing change. This conference will bring together industry experts and policymakers from across the state. Join us on April 26th, 2023 to discuss the most important healthcare activities taking place today.

State of Reform pulls together practitioners, thought leaders, and policymakers – each working to improve our healthcare system in their own way – into a unified conversation in a single place. It is sure to be one of the most diverse gatherings of senior healthcare leaders in Utah, and one of the most important statewide events in Utah healthcare.

With hundreds of attendees from all corners of healthcare and health policy, this is an event that can’t be missed! Please let us know if you have any questions, or would like to get involved!

Topical Agenda

Here is our 2023 Utah State of Reform Health Policy Conference Topical Agenda! This represents input from hours of conversations with our Convening Panel and stakeholders across the spectrum of Utah healthcare over the last number of months.

If you have suggestions for speakers, please feel free to drop us a line. We would love to hear your thoughts on this!

Please note that all agenda times are local.

We are honored to have such a diverse group of leaders from across the health care community joining us to help build our 2023 Utah State of Reform Health Policy Conference! Take a look at the names of folks we are lucky enough to partner with heading into our event on April 26th!

Want to be a speaker? Want to join the convening panel? Just have questions? If so, drop us a line and let us know you’re interested.

First Last TitleOrganization
GregBellPresident/CEOUtah Hospital Association
EricCragunPartner, Population HealthIntermountain Healthcare
RyLee CurtisDirector, Community EngagementUniversity of Utah Health
Rep. JimDunniganChairHouse Political Subdivisions Committee
CatherineFieldSenior Vice President Humana
StephenFoxleyDirector, Public Affairs and Government Relations Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah
HenryGardnerCorporate RelationsUtah Technology Council
NathanGardnerVice President of Business Development Ariel and Company
PamGoldVP of Sales and Account ManagementUnitedHealth Group
RobertHarrisonPartnerStilling & Harrison
BrandonHendricksonPresidentMolina Healthcare of Utah
KrisannHumphreys BaconSenior AdvisorDepartment of Health and Human Services
ShellyMartinCOOUSMM
DerekMonsonVice President, PolicyThe Sutherland Institute
RyanMorleyPartner SpringTide Ventures
DavidPerryPrincipal and Founder Perry IQ
JohnPoelmanManaging PrincipalLeavitt Partners
AlanPruhsExecutive DirectorAssociation for Utah Community Health
GregReidSr. Public and Community Relations ManagerSelect Health
Rich SaundersChief Innovation OfficerOffice of Gov. Spencer Cox
MattSlonakerExecutive DirectorUtah Health Policy Project
JenniferStroheckerMedicaid Director Department of Health and Human Services
LauraSummersSenior Health Care AnalystKem C. Gardner Policy Institute
ReggieWallaceBusiness Development ManagerCarelon Behavioral Health
ChadWestoverHealth Plan CEOUniversity of Utah Health
Jamie WisslerExecutive Director OneUtah Health Collaborative
BrianZehnder, MDCEO/Medical DirectorExodus Healthcare Network, PLLC

Our 2023 Utah State of Reform Health Policy Conference Detailed Agenda is a list of over 40 speakers and experts from across the spectrum of care.

The agenda and speaker list are driven by input from our Convening Panel of leaders in Utah healthcare which makes it possible to look forward to a great event on April 26th!

For now, let us know if you have any questions about the conference. We look forward to seeing you in-person in Salt Lake City!

Time
Title
7:30 - 8:30

Networking Breakfast

The networking breakfast will take place before the start of the conference to allow attendees to grab a light refreshment and connect with their fellow colleagues before we kick things off for the day.

8:30 - 9:30

Opening Keynote

The One Utah Health Collaborative remains one of the most intriguing solutions to solving many of Utah’s healthcare issues, from rising healthcare costs to systemic health disparities. This Opening Keynote will feature a panel of Collaborative stakeholders from different sectors to discuss its key priorities, planned goals, and how the future of healthcare will be affected by the Collaborative’s work.

RyLee Curtis: Community Engagement Director, University of Utah Health

Jennifer Strohecker: Medicaid Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Jaime Wissler: Executive Director, One Utah Health Collaborative

Rebecca Nielsen: Managing Director, Leavitt Partners, a Health Management Associates Company (moderator)

9:45 - 10:45

Political Insights into the UT Legislature

In the aftermath of Utah’s 2023 legislative session, stakeholders are monitoring the implementation of a variety of new health policy reforms that will have significant impacts on the healthcare sector. This expert-rich panel will discuss the key things you need to know about the new health policy reforms that emerged from this year’s session.

Stephen Foxley: Director, Public Affairs and Government Relations, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah

Brian Shiozawa, MD: Associate Vice President for Health Policy, University of Utah Health

Rachel Craig: Legislative Coordinator, Association for Utah Community Health

Paul Ray: Legislative & Government Services, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

9:45 - 10:45

Improving Crisis Response & Early 988 Experiences

Following the implementation of the national 988 crisis hotline last year, Utah has been continuing its work to fortify the crisis response system. This year, lawmakers passed legislation to create assertive community treatment teams and expand the reach of mobile crisis response. To discuss Utah’s recent efforts on crisis response, we’ve convened this panel of experts with extensive experience in the field.

Mark Rapaport: Chief Executive Officer, Huntsman Mental Health Institute

Janida Emerson: Chief Executive Officer, 4th Street Clinic

Ross VanVranken: Chair of Commission, Utah Crisis Response Commission

9:45 - 10:45

Value Based Care: Solutions for Better Care at Lower Costs

Utah health leaders have resolutely declared their commitment to the proliferation of value-based care in recent years. The work of the One Utah Health Collaborative has compelling implications for stakeholders across the healthcare sector. We’ve brought together a group of Utah’s foremost VBC experts to talk about their work to improve care quality while reducing costs and what to expect heading into the future.

Scott Barlow: Chief Executive Officer, Revere Health

Ezra Segura: Market President, Aledade

Eric Cragun: Executive Director of Government Programs, Castell Health

Kate de Lisle: Associate Principal, Leavitt Partners, a Health Management Associates Company (moderator)

11:00 - 12:00

Legislators Discuss Healthcare Policy

Utah lawmakers passed a plethora of healthcare policy reforms during its session earlier this year. To talk through their experience with this year’s session, what the newly passed legislation means for health policy stakeholders, and their health policy priorities heading into the future, we’ve curated this panel of seasoned health policy leaders from the legislature.

Sen. Jacob Anderegg: Member, Senate Health and Human Services Committee

Rep. Ken Ivory: Chair, House Health and Human Services Committee

Rep. Rosemary Lesser: Member, House Health and Human Services Committee

11:00 - 12:00

Medicaid Redeterminations & Closing the Coverage Gap

Continuous Medicaid coverage became decoupled from the federal public health emergency this month, meaning the eligibility redetermination process for the program is well underway. How can stakeholders from various siloes best collaborate to minimize gaps in coverage during this process? More generally, how can Utah increase the overall health insurance coverage rate of its population? This diverse group of experts will offer their insight on how to increase coverage in light of Medicaid redeterminations.

Chad Westover: Chief Executive Officer, University of Utah Health Plans

Jennifer Strohecker: Medicaid Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Matt Slonaker: Executive Director, Utah Health Policy Project

Russ Elbel: Assistant Vice President, Medicaid, SelectHealth

Mary Walter: Managing Director – Quality and Accreditation, HMA (moderator)

11:00 - 12:00

Advancing Technologies in Healthcare

The advancement of health technology has revolutionized healthcare, and only more innovations are emerging as technology progresses. What does developing technology mean for Utah’s healthcare sector? How will new innovations improve healthcare delivery, and what are the potential consequences of these innovations? This panel of health IT experts will take up these questions and more.

Mark Newman: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Nomi Health

Afu Taumoepeau: Founder & Chief Executive Officer, OP Media, Inc.

Ryan McLelland: Chief Technology Officer, Utah Health Information Network

Dave Dirks: Vice President of Strategy, Intermountain Healthcare

12:00 - 12:45

Networking Lunch

1:00 - 2:00

Financing Social Determinants

The need for addressing social determinants of health like housing and income is widely recognized as a central priority for Utah’s healthcare sector. But these interventions cost money—so what is the most efficient way to utilize available funding to address the social determinants? Attend this panel to hear from leading experts about the most effective strategies for funding the social determinants.

Colby Dailey: Principal, Multiplier Advisors

Caitlin Schneider: Senior Network Director, United Way of Salt Lake

Lisa Nichols: Community Health Assistant Vice President, Intermountain Healthcare

John Poelman: Director of Innovation, One Utah Health Collaborative (moderator)

1:00 - 2:00

Multi-Sector Solutions to Workforce Challenges

The workforce shortage is perhaps the most pressing issue facing the healthcare system, not only in Utah but across the nation. With a variety of workforce-bolstering efforts already being pursued following the pandemic, what does the future hold for Utah’s workforce challenges? And with Utah’s healthcare workforce still in dire need of support, what are the best ways for different sectors to work together to meet workforce needs? Hear expert insight on Utah’s workforce challenges from this qualified group of speakers.

Liz Close, PhD: Executive Director, Utah Nurses Association

Ashley Moretz: Director, Primary Care & Rural Health, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Elizabeth Klc: Director, Utah Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory Council

Teresa Garrett: Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Utah

1:00 - 2:00

Building Trust in Public Health Engagement

The pandemic has eroded the public’s trust in healthcare leadership as public health mandates took center stage. Public health guidance received pushback and caused division between government officials and the community. What are the future implications of this division? We’ve brought together these experts to explore how to reestablish trust between citizens and the government so the state can attain optimal public health outcomes.

Sarah Woolsey: Chief Medical Officer, Association for Utah Community Health

Carrie Butler: Executive Director, Utah Public Health Association

Alysia Ducuara: Executive Director, Get Healthy Utah

Patricia Doxey: Associate Principal, Leavitt Partners, an HMA Company (moderator)

2:15 - 3:15

Efforts to Ensure Health Equity Across the Continuum of Care

Utah’s healthcare system has seen an increasing commitment to health equity in recent years. Equitable health outcomes are a critical priority for stakeholders across the healthcare landscape, but this work doesn’t come without its challenges. Attend this expert-led panel for valuable insights about how Utah can continue its work to close gaps in health outcomes for different demographics and ensure equity is prioritized across the care continuum.

Lily Griego: Regional Director, Region 8, US Department of Health and Human Services

Melissa Freigang: Executive Director, Weber Prosperity Center of Excellence

Dulce Diez: Director, Office of Health Equity, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Tiffany Capeles: Chief Equity Officer, Intermountain Healthcare

Mary Walter: Managing Director – Quality and Accreditation, HMA (moderator)

2:15 - 3:15

Accelerating Interoperability & Data Modernization

Easing access to patient health data and ensuring this data is interoperable between different siloes is a key priority for many Utah stakeholders. An initiative to centralize patients’ health records didn’t make it across the finish line during this year’s session. So what’s next in the movement toward a stronger data sharing ecosystem? Grab a seat at this panel for a robust conversation about how Utah can modernize its health data and ensure the healthcare entities that need it can have timely access.

Rep. Raymond Ward: Member, House Health and Human Services Committee

Donna Roach: Chief Information Officer, University of Utah Health

David Lee: Senior Director, Leavitt Partners, a Health Management Associates Company

Navina Forsythe, PhD: Chief Data Officer, Utah Health Information Network

2:15 - 3:15

Utah's System for Mental Health & SUD: Gaps, Challenges, & Pathways Forward

Utah continues to rank as one of the worst states in the nation for mental healthcare access, and has some of the highest rates of suicide and mental health issues in the nation. With these concerns leading some to turn to substance use, addressing SUD is also a top priority. While much work has already been done to tackle these issues, the problem persists and more attention is needed. Hear from this group of subject-matter experts about the most promising strategies for improving mental healthcare and SUD services.

Rep. Steve Eliason: Member, House Health and Human Services Committee

Laura Summers: Director of Industry Research, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute

Patrick Fleming: Chair, Utah Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory

Greg Bell: Chief Executive Officer, Utah Hospital Association (moderator)

3:30 - 4:00

Closing Keynote

Our Closing Keynote will be given by Tracy Gruber, Executive Director of the recently merged Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Gruber will discuss the progress DHHS has made since the merger and how it has positively impacted the agency’s work.

Tracy Gruber: Executive Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Rebecca Nielsen: Managing Director, Leavitt Partners, a Health Management Associates Company (moderator)

4:00

Reception

Please join us following the Closing Keynote session for a networking reception. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be included, giving attendees a wonderful opportunity to follow up on the discussions we’ve had throughout the day.

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