FYI Weekly

Healthcare News for Virginia’s Hospitals and Health Systems

September 18, 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:

VHHA Foundation Hosts Webinar on Sustaining Hospital Peer Recovery Specialists

Peer recovery specialists (PRS) are important members of hospital teams who meet patients with substance use disorders in hospital emergency departments. They work with interdisciplinary teams, guiding patients on a self-directed journey, offering recovery resources and support and improving outcomes. This week, the VHHA Foundation hosted a webinar to provide hospital teams with insights on sustaining those roles for daily effectiveness and long-term impact. The webinar content clarified the role of PRSs, covered the process of billing reimbursement through the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), and offered additional funding opportunity suggestions.

VHHA Hosts Meeting of Healthcare Safety & Security Workgroup

This week, VHHA held a meeting of the Healthcare Safety & Security Workgroup. The workgroup includes hospital safety and security leaders focused on sharing experiences, ideas, and best practices regarding current and future safety, security, violence prevention, and response activities in Virginia hospitals and health systems. The meeting agenda focused on issues related to workplace violence prevention standards and protocols. Contact Abraham Segres at asegres@vhha.com with questions about the group.

VHHA Hosts Meeting of Chief Nursing Officers and Nurse Leaders Forum

This week, VHHA held a meeting of the Chief Nursing Officers and Nurse Leaders Forum. The meeting agenda included presentations focused on nurse staff well-being best practices, AI and virtual tools for nurses, a workforce update, and legislative agenda planning, among other topics. Contact Abraham Segres at asegres@vhha.com with questions about the group.

VHHA Hosts Meeting of Payor Advisory Committee

This week, VHHA held a meeting of the Payor Advisory Committee. The Committee is a forum for hospital payor relations and revenue cycle leaders to discuss priority issues and ongoing payor-related challenges. Contact Carrie Monger at cmonger@vhha.com to inquire about the committee.

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 its 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.

The 2026 Virginia Behavioral Health Summit is Next Week (Sept. 24) in Richmond, Register Now

Register now for the 2026 Virginia Behavioral Health Summit, which is scheduled for Sept. 24 at The Westin-Richmond. The theme for this year’s Summit is “Innovating with Purpose: Building a Resilient Behavioral Health System.” The annual Summit is a daylong event that brings together providers, patient advocates, administrators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to explore practical strategies for strengthening behavioral healthcare across the Commonwealth. Summit sessions will focus on topics including behavioral health treatment, workforce and wellbeing initiatives, patient and staff safety, crisis response, and innovative approaches to care delivery. Register for the Summit here.

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.

Today (Sept. 18) is the Deadline to Submit Nominations for 2026 VHHA Outstanding Service Awards

VHHA is accepting nominations for the 2026 VHHA Outstanding Service Awards, which will be presented at the 2026 Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Leaders Summit in November. The awards recognize individuals who have made a real difference to Virginia’s hospitals and health systems, and to healthcare in general through selfless, energetic, and passionate service. Awards are presented in the following categories: the Distinguished Service Award (given to past or present chief executive officers), the Meritorious Service Award (given to non-CEO healthcare leaders), and the Excellence in Governance Award (given to members of hospital or health system governing bodies). Each award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to contribute to Virginia’s hospitals and health systems. The deadline to submit nomination materials is Sept. 18. The nomination form with submission instructions can be accessed through this link. Read more about VHHA awards and see lists of past recipients here.

Virginia Seeks Federal Flexibility for Use of Rural Health Transformation Program Funds

The Administration of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is reportedly asking federal officials to consider a more expansive definition of rural localities in connection with Rural Health Transformation Program funding. Rural Health Transformation Program funding is intended to support healthcare programs promoting care access, workforce needs, and innovation. Certain conditions of the program rules limit the use of funding to designated rural communities. Virginia, like many other states, has communities that are rural in nature yet not designated as rural by federal officials. Leaders with the Virginia Rural Health Transformation initiative are pursuing federal permission to allow program funds to flow to more rural communities in the Commonwealth. The Rural Health Transformation Program was established last year as part of the H.R. 1 budget reconciliation package, which also includes significant health policy changes and funding reductions, in an effort to mitigate impacts on rural healthcare. It has $50 billion in funding to be disbursed among states over five years. Virginia’s first year award is $189 million, of which $122 million was recently announced as approved for Virginia by the Administration of President Donald J. Trump and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The VHHA Foundation is partnering on the Virginia Rural Health Transformation work to administer grant funding for several key initiatives that are part of the broader transformation framework.

VDH Urges People to Get Informed About Personal Status During Sickle Cell Awareness Month

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Newborn Screening Month in September, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging Virginians to know their sickle cell disease status and “understand the lifesaving role of newborn screening.” Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder passed from parents to children. When both parents have sickle cell trait, there is a one in four chance with each pregnancy that the child will have the disease. A simple blood test can determine whether a person has sickle cell trait. Sickle cell disease and other blood disorders are among the 30-plus conditions all infants born in Virginia are screened for through the Virginia Newborn Screening Program (VNBSP). As a part of VNBSP, babies are also screened for early hearing detection and critical congenital heart disease. Newborn screening provides timely diagnosis and intervention and connects families with healthcare providers that specialize in genetic diseases like sickle cell. Read more here.

FTC Rescinds 2021 Policy Statement on Health App Breach Notification

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently rescinded a 2021 policy statement regarding the expectation for mobile health apps with access to personal health record information to notify consumers in the event of a breach of unsecured identifiable health information. A subsequent 2024 policy update by the FTC applies to health apps and connected health devices, leading to the recent rescission action. Read more here.

VDH Issues Vaccine Recommendations for Respiratory Virus Season

Ahead of respiratory virus season, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has expressed support for the 2026-2027 respiratory vaccine recommendations for children and adults endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). VDH encourages healthcare providers to draw on their clinical training and professional judgment, along with the latest evidence and scientific information, when talking with patients, parents, and caregivers about vaccinations. The VDH recommendations follow recent action by the federal government to revise previous vaccine recommendations across a range of immunization options.

VHCF: Apply for Grant Funds to Support Medicaid Outreach, Enrollment

The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) recently announced a new request for applications (RFA) to expand the Project Connect program through an 18-month special grant focused on increasing access to Medicaid outreach and enrollment assistance as Virginia prepares for new federal requirements under H.R. 1. For nearly 30 years, VHCF has partnered with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to help eligible Virginians enroll in Medicaid through Project Connect, a statewide network of community-based outreach workers who provide education and enrollment assistance. Under the new RFA, VHCF will award 18-month grants to double the Project Connect workforce, adding approximately 13 additional outreach workers statewide to help eligible Virginians navigate the new federal requirements. The RFA application deadline is Oct. 15, with award notification scheduled for Dec. 18, and grant funding starting in 2027. View more information here and access this link to register for a pre-application webinar to be held Sept. 21 at 11 a.m.

AHA 2027 Dick Davidson NOVA Award Application Period Open Through Oct. 8

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is now accepting applications for the 2027 Dick Davidson NOVA Award, which recognizes hospital achievements in improving community health status in collaboration with other community stakeholders. Five winning organizations will be recognized at the 2027 AHA Healthier Together Conference, May 4-6, in Anaheim, CA. The application deadline is Oct. 8.

State Health Agencies Hosting Town Halls on New Medicaid Work Requirements

New Medicaid work requirements are coming to Virginia in less than four 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 13 in-person town hall meetings on the coming changes in communities across the Commonwealth during September and October. 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 535,000 Virginians are in the state Medicaid expansion population. Of those, nearly 111,000 are deemed “caretaker adults.” Another 424,000 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.

VHHA to Host In-Person Just Culture Workshop in Partnership with ECRI on Sept. 22

VHHA, in partnership with ECRI, invites hospital leaders to register to attend an in-person workshop at VHHA offices in Glen Allen, VA on Sept. 22 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) focused on implementing Just Culture principles across their organizations. By fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to speak up, learn from mistakes, and contribute openly, leaders can strengthen patient safety and workforce engagement. This one-day, in-person course equips healthcare leaders and professionals across roles with the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to implement and sustain Just Culture principles within their organizations. Workshop attendees will receive all course materials, lunch, and be eligible to complete the Managers and Influencers course exam asynchronously following completion of the program. View registration details here.

Register for Upcoming Webinars in MDRO Private Laboratory Education Series

In collaboration with the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group, the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services is 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. Future webinars are scheduled for Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. on “Best Practices for Interpretation and Reporting” and Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. on the “Importance of Surveillance and the Role of Public Health.”

Register for APIC-VA Educational Conference Oct. 15-16 in Lynchburg

The Virginia Chapter of APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) is hosting the 51st Annual APIC Virginia Conference Oct. 15-16 in Lynchburg. The conference theme is “Moving Mountains: Influencing the Future of Infection Prevention.” Register for the conference and see event details here. APIC-VA is a multi-disciplinary voluntary organization committed to mentorship of members, support of best practices, and ultimately, improvement of the quality of healthcare. Its members include nurses, physicians, technologists, public health administrators, military personnel, and others involved in infection control and epidemiology.

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.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast Features VCU Health Heart Transplant Surgeon and Artist This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Josue Chery, Surgical Director of Heart Transplantation at the VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center, for a conversation about heart surgery, organ transplantation, and how his lifelong passion for painting informs his approach to medicine, patient care, and the artistry of cardiac surgery. 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.

Graves	Cockram	Gochenour
Meador	Spoelhof	Davidson
Carty	Zelenak	Cline

Staff members from several Virginia hospitals have been appointed to state boards by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. They include Gretchen Graves, Art Therapist at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, to the Advisory Board on Art Therapy; Bobby Cockram, Vice President of Advanced Practice Providers at Inova, to the Advisory Board of Physician Assistants; Daniel Gochenour, Manager of Respiratory Therapy Services at UVA Health, to the Advisory Board on Respiratory Care; Joe Meador, Chief Financial Officer at Augusta Health, to the Board of Medical Assistance Services; Brian Spoelhof, Director of Pharmacy, Medication Management and Systems at UVA Health, to the Board of Pharmacy; Krista Davidson, Director of Rehab Services at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, to the Board of Physical Therapy; Jessica Carty, Clinical Social Worker at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, to the Board of Social Work; Dr. Ashley Zelenak, a pediatric emergency physician at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, to the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth; and Carl Cline, President of Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital, who has been reappointed to the Advisory Board for the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. See more here.

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