FYI Weekly

Healthcare News for Virginia’s Hospitals and Health Systems

October 16, 2026

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Each day, VHHA actively works on behalf of its members, their employees, and Virginians to advance the interests of Virginia’s hospitals and health systems. In the past week, these are some developments of interest to Virginia hospitals and health systems:

VDH, Riverside Health, VHHA Host Event Encouraging the Public to Get Flu Shots

This week, Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. B. Cameron Webb joined leaders from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Riverside Health, and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) at an event in Newport News held to promote the importance of flu shots and seasonal immunizations against COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Seasonal immunizations are an effective way for people to protect themselves and those around them from the harmful effects of illness during respiratory season. Each year, the dawn of fall coincides with the arrival of the cold, flu, and respiratory illness season that spans October through May, with peak illness typically occurring from December through February. During the moderately severe 2025-2026 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 32-57 million Americans contracted the flu, resulting in 15-25 million medical visits, 390,000-800,000 hospitalizations and 24,000-81,000 deaths. In addition to impacting public health, flu season also has a significant financial cost — a Global Healthy Living Foundation analysis found that the 2023-2024 flu season cost the U.S. economy nearly $29 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity. Dr. Webb was among those who rolled up his sleeve to receive a flu shot during the event held at the Riverside Internal Medicine Warwick facility in Newport News to demonstrate that getting a flu shot is a quick, simple, and safe process. Other healthcare leaders sharing that message at the Newport News event included Riverside Regional Medical Center President and Riverside Health Senior Vice President of the Acute Care Division Dr. Michael Oshiki, Riverside Medical Group Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sally Ryan, and VHHA President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. Read more here, view event photos here, and watch a livestream video of the event through this link.

VHHA Hosts Meeting of Board of Directors’ Executive Committee

This week, VHHA hosted a meeting of the Board of Directors‘ Executive Committee to discuss matters of importance to hospitals and health systems including issues of state and federal public policy and their impact on the healthcare delivery system.

VHHA Seeks Hospital Staff Input in 2026 Member Feedback Survey

The 2026 VHHA Member Feedback Survey is an annual opportunity for individuals who work in VHHA member hospitals and health systems to share their insights and observations about VHHA, its work, programming, and engagement activities. Survey responses help VHHA improve service to members. Please take a moment to complete the survey and share feedback about VHHA here.

VHHA Encourages Hospital Staff to Consider Applying for Sorensen Political Leaders Program

As part of its active partnership with the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, VHHA encourages hospital staff and leaders to apply for the 2027 Political Leaders Program. Applications are being accepted until Nov. 16. The 2027 cohort program will run from March-December. Visit this link for more information and to access the program application. In 2020, VHHA entered into a partnership with Sorensen to support its programming and help identify healthcare leaders who are strong candidates for the Political Leaders Program. The program draws applicants from across the state and focuses on Virginia politics and governing, policy issues and solutions, regional needs, ethical servant leadership, and efforts to unite the Commonwealth. This program is primarily focused on individuals who are 10-plus years removed from college. Prospective program applicants from VHHA hospitals or health systems are encouraged to contact VHHA President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton at sconnaughton@vhha.com to discuss this opportunity and the ways in which VHHA can support applicants.

Register for the 2026 Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Leaders Summit in November

Register today for the 2026 Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Leaders Summit, whose theme is “100 Years Strong: Honoring Our Past. Shaping The Future.” The Summit will be held Nov. 4-6 at The Omni Homestead Resort as part of the continuing celebration of the 100th anniversary of VHHA this year. For more than a century, Virginia’s hospitals and health systems have served as the heartbeat of communities, providing compassionate care and leading through times of challenge and opportunity. This year’s Summit brings together VHHA and hospital officials from across the Commonwealth to celebrate a century of service, honor the leaders who have shaped healthcare in Virginia, and look ahead to the next 100 years. Visit this link to register and view event details.

VHHA in the News

VHHA actively engages with the news media to share public messaging and coordinate member media appearances to showcase the important work done by Virginia hospitals. That work is reflected in recent coverage from Modern Healthcare and WTVR.

DHS Proposed Rule Seeks $70,000 Fee on Foreign Students Pursuing U.S. ‘Optional Practical Training’

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued a proposed rule to create fees for foreign students seeking Optional Practical Training by working in the U.S. in positions related to their field of study after graduation. The proposal calls for a $70,000 initial OPT authorization and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT authorization. The proposal could have impacts for hospitals that work with international graduates with degrees in nursing, medicine, and pharmacy services. Public comments on the proposed rule are being accepted through Nov. 9. In September, U.S. President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation to renew a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants seeking to enter the nation and work. That action was separate from a DHS proposal to establish a $103,265 fee “for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, which would be imposed in addition to all other applicable fees or payments.” Legislation has been filed in Congress to exempt physicians and healthcare workers from the $100,000 fee. Earlier this year, a DHS final rule took effect to modify the H-1B non-immigrant visa process to implement a weighted selection process in lieu of the previous lottery system for selecting visa recipients. Read more here.

HHS Secretary Visits Virginia Beach for Healthcare Workforce Roundtable with U.S. Rep. Kiggans

This week, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Virginia Beach to host a roundtable session on addressing shortages in the healthcare workforce. The event also featured U.S. Representative Jennifer Kiggans, who is a U.S. Navy veteran, a former member of the Virginia General Assembly, and an adult-geriatric primary care nurse practitioner by training.

WHO Responds to Case of ‘Pneumonia of Undetermined Etiology’ Linked to Russian Lab Death

In a recent statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it “has not identified evidence of ongoing transmission associated” with the illness-related death of Russian worker at a plague research laboratory, adding that “a key uncertainty remains the absence of a confirmed diagnosis in the deceased laboratory worker.” Last week, news organizations around the globe reported that “dozens” of people have been placed into quarantine after the death of a “28-year-old female laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia” who perished “after being diagnosed with a pneumonia of ‘unknown’ origin.” Those reports were attributed to information from Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare. The WHO said that in response to requests for verification of media reports, “the National Focal Point for the International Health Regulations (2005) (NFP) of the Russian Federation confirmed the death and informed WHO that no case of plague had been registered recently in Irkutsk Oblast, that preventive and control measures had been implemented in accordance with national sanitary legislation, and that the laboratory testing of contacts detected no high-threat pathogens.” The WHO further noted that “authorities also reported that no biosecurity incidents had occurred in the laboratory,” adding that test results for high-threat pathogens have been negative, no other cases of severe pneumonia linked to the incident have been identified, and all contacts received medical monitoring in quarantine and have been asymptomatic. The WHO said it “will continue to monitor the situation and assess any potential public health implications as further information becomes available.”

VHCF Offers Virtual Training Workshops on Medicaid Changes

The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) is offering upcoming training workshops to help organizations prepare for Medicaid changes to come. They include SUNLight, a new virtual training workshop to help organizations prepare for coming Medicaid changes, and the Classic SignUpNow workshop that is a session on Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities. Read more about these training opportunities here.

State Health Agencies Hosting Town Halls on New Medicaid Work Requirements

New Medicaid work requirements are coming to Virginia in less than three months. As of January 2027, certain adult Medicaid enrollees will be required to take part in a community engagement activity such as working a job or participating in an educational or training program to remain eligible for Medicaid coverage. Adults ages 19-64 who are in the Medicaid expansion population will be expected to spend at least 80 hours each month working a job, participating in a work training program, actively engaged in an educational or career training program, or doing community service under the new federal standard. That requirement is among several meaningful changes to Medicaid policy established in federal law last year. Another federal Medicaid policy change will require adults in the expansion population to have their coverage eligibility re-evaluated more frequently — every six months rather than annually. These federal policy changes have implications for hospitals and health systems that care for Medicaid enrollees who are subject to the new federal work requirements. To inform providers and Medicaid-eligible adults likely to be impacted by the new rules, the Virginia Office of the Health and Human Resources Secretary, the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), and the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) are hosting a series of town hall meetings on the coming changes in communities across the Commonwealth this fall. Visit this link for location information and registration details. DMAS has also posted resources online about the Medicaid work requirements. The Medicaid work rules do not apply to enrolled children under 18 or adults older than 65, pregnant women and recently postpartum mothers, parents, and caregivers to young children or a person with a disability, and individuals with certain disabilities. Recent state data shows that more than 527,000 Virginians are in the state Medicaid expansion population. Of those, nearly 109,000 are deemed “caretaker adults.” Another 418,000 expansion enrollees are not in that category. VHHA is actively engaged with state agencies and officials in the work to prepare for the impact of coming Medicaid policy changes, including work requirements.

Register for Upcoming Webinar in MDRO Private Laboratory Education Series

In collaboration with the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group, the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services has been providing a three-part webinar series intended for clinical microbiology laboratory testing personnel to provide education and improve understanding of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). The first webinar in the series on the “Importance of Identification for Diagnosis and Treatment” was held in August. The second webinar on “Best Practices for Interpretation and Reporting” was held in September. The third webinar installment is on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. on the “Importance of Surveillance and the Role of Public Health.”

Register for Oct. 21 VONL Virtual Conference on ‘Empowering Nurses for the Future’

Registration is open for the Virginia Organization for Nurse Leaders (VONL) 2026 virtual fall conference scheduled for Oct. 21. The theme for the daylong event is “Leadership in Motion: Empowering Nurses for the Future” and the agenda includes sessions on digital acceleration in health and higher education and leadership journey and career growth pathways for nurses. Sessions will be recorded and available for viewing. Register here.

Third Annual Virginia Statewide Advanced Heart Failure Symposium Set for Oct. 24 in Richmond

The Third Annual Virginia Statewide Advanced Heart Failure Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Richmond Marriott. The annual event is held in partnership with representatives from Carilion Clinic, Inova, Sentara Health, UVA Health, and VCU Health. It brings together clinicians across the Commonwealth to explore the latest advancements in heart failure. Continuing education (CE) credit is available to participants. Visit this link to learn more and register.

VCU Health to Host ‘Mastering Modern Obesity Management’ Event on Nov. 7 in Richmond

VCU Health invites healthcare providers and other relevant professionals to join an educational event on “Mastering Modern Obesity Management” scheduled for Nov. 7 at The Westin-Richmond. This continuing education conference is designed to help providers create the most effective weight loss plans for patients. The event will cover the latest in medical and surgical weight loss interventions, including advancements in pharmacotherapy, behavioral health considerations, creating personalized care plans, and surgical interventions. Learn more and register here.

Register Now for the VAFCC Annual Conference Nov. 15-17 in Richmond

Registration is now open for the Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics’ (VAFCC) 2026 Annual Conference that is being held Nov. 15-17 in Richmond. The conference theme — “Many Paths, One Purpose, Better Together: Strengthening the Safety Net” — reflects the importance of collaboration as clinics and community partners work to meet growing needs across the Commonwealth. The conference will bring together free and charitable clinics, healthcare organizations, policymakers, funders, advocates, and community partners to share best practices, strengthen relationships, and advance innovative solutions. At a time when many Virginians face potential loss of coverage due to the expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits and upcoming Medicaid changes under H.R. 1, these conversations are more important than ever. Register for the event through Nov. 6 at this link.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast Features VCU Health Patient who Received Living Kidney Donor Transplant This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Kevin Key, a Virginia man who received a life-saving living-donor kidney transplant at VCU Health’s Hume-Lee Transplant Center. The conversation covers Kevin’s history with kidney disease, a frightening health crisis that landed him on emergency dialysis, a living organ donation from his sister-in-law, National Minority Donor Awareness Month, and more. Listen to the episode here and hear past episodes through this link.

Podcast episodes are also available through these podcast apps and networks: Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, TuneIn, SoundCloud, Blubrry, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Podbay, Pocket Casts, the Virginia Audio Collective, Podcast Health, and the World Podcast Network. The podcast can also be heard on the radio airwaves — episodes air Sundays at 10 a.m. on 100.5 FM, 107.7 FM, 92.7 FM, and 820 AM across Central Virginia and 1650 AM in Hampton Roads. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com.

Brown

Chand

del Campo Merricks

HCA Virginia has named Ben Brown Chief Executive Officer of StoneSprings Hospital Center, effective Oct. 19. Brown has a deep connection to the hospital, having served on the senior leadership team that planned, developed, and opened the facility. As chief operating officer of StoneSprings Hospital Center from 2014 to 2018, Brown helped lead the hospital’s construction and opening, establish its leadership and governance infrastructure, build key clinical services, and develop the operational foundation for its early growth. Brown brings extensive leadership experience across HCA Healthcare’s Capital Division to his new role. Most recently, he served as regional vice president of behavioral health for the Capital and North Carolina divisions, overseeing strategy and operations across a broad network of inpatient and outpatient programs. He previously served as CEO of Dominion Hospital and COO of Reston Hospital Center, where his responsibilities included hospital growth, physician and colleague engagement, patient experience, operational performance and major capital expansion. Read more here.

Inova announced that Dr. Raj Chand, MD, FAAEM, has been named President of Inova Loudoun Hospital, following his service as interim president since Aug. 3. A longtime Inova leader and experienced healthcare executive, Dr. Chand first joined Inova in 2006 as an emergency physician at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Over the past two decades, he has served in a variety of clinical and administrative leadership roles across the health system. Most recently, Dr. Chand served as president of Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, a role he held since 2021 after serving as the hospital’s chief medical officer beginning in 2020. Previously, he served as president of Virginia Emergency Medicine Associates before joining the Fair Oaks leadership team. In 2024, Dr. Chand also served as interim president of Inova’s Medicine Service Line. Dr. Chand earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine and completed his residency in emergency medicine at The George Washington University, where he served as chief resident. Read more here.

Kelly del Campo Merricks has been named President for the Sheltering Arms Foundation at Sheltering Arms Institute. She previously served as Vice President of Philanthropy at Sheltering Arms Institute and held roles at Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Center as Vice President of Philanthropy and Director of Philanthropy. She earned a bachelor of science degree in biology at Washington and Lee University and a master of business administration degree from the VCU School of Business.

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