2024 Maryland State of Reform Health Policy Conference

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.

Keynote to be announced soon!

Paraprofessional healthcare providers like community health workers (CHWs) and long-term care providers are critical parts of the healthcare system. This panel tackles the big questions surrounding the nontraditional provider workforce. Questions like, how can Maryland’s health sector continue to grow the non-traditional provider workforce, and what incentives are needed to integrate these workers into traditional service models? Join this group of experts as they discuss long-term sustainability and growth opportunities for this segment of the workforce.

As Maryland continues to strengthen their public health infrastructure, experts are exploring how the state can support the public health workforce based on lessons learned over the past few years. Join this panel for a robust discussion about improving public health in Maryland and the role health data plays in this development.

Schools are a critical point of intervention in the healthcare system. The Maryland Council on Advancement of School Based Health Centers has developed recommendations for optimizing the role of school-based health centers in the state. This panel will discuss the council’s recommendations and the movement towards financial stability for school-based health centers.

Maryland remains a refuge for those seeking reproductive health services. But now advocates are taking the next step to protect patients and providers. Maryland just passed several bills safeguarding sensitive and politically controversial health data. Maryland is now the first in the nation to use untapped insurance premium funds to support financially strapped patients seeking abortions. Come listen to experts discuss these bills and how Maryland can continue to be a leader in this space.

This year, the Maryland General Assembly considered several bills for workforce reciprocity with other states. Are these reciprocity agreements the silver bullet needed to rebuild the state’s diminishing workforce of providers? Hear from the experts as they discuss licensure compacts and other potential solutions to workforce challenges.

CMS recently announced new flexibilities available for managed care organizations to address social determinants of health. Will Maryland take advantage of this opportunity? What other strategies can the state pursue to prevent factors like poverty and housing insecurity from inhibiting Marylanders’ health? Listen to this panel discuss the pros and cons of this waiver opportunity and what is needed to implement this program.

Maryland has tried several different approaches to improving the state’s behavioral health system. This panel will discuss Maryland’s Hub & Spoke program, the Residential Treatment Waiver and the 988 line. Some of these programs are just getting started, while others are nearing their end or just concluded. Hear from experts about the different programs created to address behavioral health, where things stand now, and what’s next.

Long ER wait times and an increase in hospital boarding has created an access problem for Maryland patients. A Maryland Hospital Association-led work group—in collaboration with Health Management Associates—recently produced a report with recommendations for how to address emergency department wait times and hospital throughput issues. This panel will discuss the strategies recommended by the work group, what they’ll entail, and what implementation of these strategies might look like moving forward.

We’ve convened a group of Maryland’s top Medicaid leaders for a discussion about the recent changes to the safety net program and how the state is planning to reform Medicaid policy going forward. Join this panel to hear directly from state leaders about all things Medicaid.

This year, the Maryland General Assembly considered a swath of bills combating the negative impact of online gaming and gambling on behavioral health. Experts are considering different ways to address the challenge including commissioning studies and launching public awareness campaigns. Come hear about this issue and how officials and advocates are working together to address this growing problem.

Lawmakers proposed a bill this year that would create a public health approach to firearm violence reduction. During this panel, experts will discuss how they are working to fully understand the gun violence epidemic. Hear about the growing research in this area and the laws and programs that are proving to be effective.

Join state lawmakers as they look back on this year’s legislative session. These legislators will discuss the major healthcare legislation passed this year and what can be done as Maryland moves into the implementation stage. They will also share their hopes and ideas for future legislative sessions.

Keynote to be announced soon!