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has been competing with providers and
These capabilities exist today only
states for supplies.
in patches. Nothing would move the
It’s time for a national
The solution? The federal government
industry faster toward their widespread
hospital supply chain czar
adoption than a private-sector
should hire a subcontractor to act as
coordinator authorized by the federal
a supply chain czar with authority to
coordinate across all stakeholders—
The COVID-19 crisis has brought
government to orchestrate among all
into sharp relief the heroics of our
supply chain stakeholders.
hospitals, suppliers, distributors, online
Jody Hatcher
healthcare providers. It has also laid
marketplaces, GPOs, states and federal
Former president of supply chain
bare the many weaknesses of our
agencies. Precedent is found in the
services at Vizient and a 14-year board
Medicare 340B disproportionate-share
healthcare supply chain that made their
member of the Healthcare Supply
heroism necessary in the first place.
outpatient drug program, operated by a
Chain Association
None of these faults is as glaring as
private subcontractor.
If that degree of oversight is unlikely
the breakdown of the supply chain to
from the Trump administration, then
deliver adequate supplies to ensure Meanwhile, the federal government share insights and best practices.
the health and safety of providers and the industry should unite on its own Ariz. ruling erred on public’s
patients. The industrywide shortage to quickly nurture a more actively right to know data on nursing
of personal protective equipment managed supply chain that provides: homes’ COVID-19 cases
has forced many providers to choose open communications between
between caring for patients and their suppliers, distributors, GPOs and The article “Judge rules against news
own safety. But cracks in the supply customers to prevent under-ordering agencies over nursing home stats”
chain run far deeper than PPE. and hoarding; visibility into hospital (ModernHealthcare.com, June 1)
The root of the problem is a lack inventory, with more accurate demand noted, “A state judge sided with the
of industrywide coordination. Many forecasts, faster order placement, and administration of Arizona Republican
hospitals have largely had to source greater collaboration with suppliers Gov. Doug Ducey, which had argued
supplies on their own. The free-for-all and distributors; analytics supported (information on the number of
prompted stockpiling that worsens by real-time data to forecast supply coronavirus cases and deaths among
the problem, and uneven distribution bottlenecks; and online communities residents of nursing homes, long-term
based on economics rather than need. enabling clinical engineering teams to facilities and retirement homes) is
private under several state provisions.
One of the primary defenses the state
presented is that releasing such data
Final days to submit may be ‘stigmatizing’ for those nursing
homes and impact their competitive
nominations for perception in the community.”
Top 25 Innovators While such public shaming is
probably not something any leader of
any entity desires, such informLation
It’s the final week to send nominations for Modern Healthcare’s
is precisely the kind of thing I would
Top 25 Innovators recognition program for 2020. The deadline is June 15.
want to know if I were placing a family
For the healthcare industry to truly transform, innovation must take hold at
member in an Arizona long-term facility.
all levels and in all sectors. Never has this been more urgent and imperative
The key is whose perspective should
as the industry—and the nation—confront the coronavirus pandemic and
society favor—the probably privately
face the uncertainties of its aftermath.
owned facility or the prospective
Nominations are open to those who hold titles of director or above in a
consumer? In my mind, the question
provider organization (e.g., hospital, health system, clinic, physician group) or
answers itself—the taxpayer-supported
state agencies should represent and
insurer. Researchers and public policy officials are eligible, but nominations
implement the view of the potential
must reflect the real-world impact of their work. This year’s program is also
consumers who are likely taxpayers.
open to healthcare supplier/vendor nominations.
To have a state protecting the business
Entries will be accepted in four categories: consumerism, cost
interest of market-based institutions over
reduction, population health, and quality and safety—and can be made in
public right-to-know information that
more than one category. Key criteria include measurable results and sustained
could significantly impact the public’s
gains/improvements as a result of the nominee’s work and leadership.
market choices represents a “business
The 25 honorees will be recognized in the Aug. 17 issue of Modern
Healthcare and in a special online presentation. capture” of a public function. Shame on
For more information on criteria, required documents, fee and to submit the court for not recognizing that.
nominations, please visit ModernHealthcare.com/Top25Innovators. Les DelPizzo
Baltimore
22 Modern Healthcare | June 8, 2020