We are so thrilled to be back reporting in Maryland after a brief hiatus! In our first 2023 edition of “What They’re Watching” in Maryland, we include some of Reporter James Sklar’s reporting on the Maryland Legislature, which began meeting on Jan. 11th. We will continue to monitor key health-related legislation as it moves during … Read more
Marylanders now have access to an updated COVID-19 booster vaccine that is designed to better protect against symptoms of subvariants Omicron BA.4 and BA.5. The BA.5 subvariant makes up almost 90% of all COVID-19 strains now in circulation. The new boosters are available in time for fall, typically a time of year when cases of … Read more
To combat the critical health care workforce shortage in Maryland, hospital leaders across the state formed a task force to study challenges in the workforce pipeline and provide comprehensive recommendations. Convened by the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) in November 2021, the Task Force on Maryland’s Future Health Workforce released an extensive report this month on … Read more
With ongoing health care workforce shortages, the rise of telehealth, and an increasingly diverse population now on Medicaid as a result of the pandemic, COVID continues to impact our communities in ways yet to be seen. Four experts, including newly-appointed House Health and Government Operations Committee Chair Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, came together during last month’s … Read more
Maryland’s unique Total Cost of Care (TCOC) model continues to shape the state’s recovery from the pandemic, especially among hospitals and other health facilities. Bob Atlas, President and CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association; Katie Wunderlich, Executive Director of the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC); and Joe DeMattos, President & CEO of the Health … Read more
The Maryland General Assembly adjourned Sine Die on April 11, 2022. During the 90-day session, the legislature considered myriad Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) and hospital field priorities. Collectively with our members, MHA secured several wins, including measures to strengthen the hospital workforce and direct new funding to recruit and retain much-needed staff. MHA secured $80 … Read more
Governor Larry Hogan announced the end of a statewide mask mandate in state buildings this week, following several emergency orders in response to the Omicron variant surge. The mandate will end on Feb. 22, although “masks will continue to be strongly recommended for employees and visitors who are unvaccinated.” The mandate lift would … Read more
Maryland hospitals are experiencing a staggering workforce shortage that limits their capacity to meet the needs of all Maryland residents. These challenges come after nearly two years on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time when the total demand for hospital care—for COVID and everything else—is without precedent. We are pleased that … Read more
Governor Larry Hogan issued a number of emergency orders on Tuesday to address rapidly increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations in Maryland. Aside from declaring a state of emergency, the governor called for the creation of alternate care sites, holds on nursing license expirations, and interstate health care license reciprocity. Data from the Department of Health … Read more
Maryland hospitals are nearly full, and emergency departments are stretched incredibly thin. Hospitals are seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases and have fewer clinicians ready to care for all patients. The statewide number of COVID inpatients at Maryland hospitals is now more than 2,000—surpassing the previous all-time high of 1,952 COVID inpatients reached nearly one … Read more