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Connections: March 2020

SharePoint Replaces Box.com

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has decided to transition away from using Box.com to collaborate and share information with members. Box.com was not supported by most health care facilities, which in some instances hindered communication. After a period of research and testing, the AHA has selected SharePoint as the new platform for collaborating and sharing files with external customers and members. 

Before this transition, many chapter leaders had already uploaded documents to Box.com. ASHE will migrate those uploaded documents to SharePoint. Users may begin or continue uploading documents to their chapter folder in SharePoint. 

During the week of February 24, 2020, each chapter president received a link to their chapter’s new SharePoint site. This link will become the chapter’s permanent link to SharePoint and should be stored in a safe place, and may be shared with others as needed, such as other members in the chapter who are responsible for submitting awards application documents. Please find some general questions and answers regarding SharePoint below.

What is SharePoint?
SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform that integrates with Microsoft Office.

How will ASHE use SharePoint?
ASHE will use SharePoint as a document management, collaboration and storage tool.

How will ASHE chapter leaders use SharePoint?
For those chapters participating in the chapter awards program, chapter leaders will use SharePoint to upload documentation related to the application process. Also, the tool will be used to share larger files with chapter leaders as needed.

Is SharePoint easy and is it similar to Box.com?
SharePoint is the easiest collaboration tool. Chapters’ use of SharePoint will be the same as their use of Box.com. Chapter leaders will have access to their chapter’s folders on SharePoint and will upload files as they previously did. Most people are familiar with MS Office apps such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Because of its integration with Microsoft, it is easy to learn SharePoint.

What do ASHE leaders need in order to use SharePoint?
Chapter leaders and other chapter members utilizing the chapter’s folder must have an active Microsoft account. All chapter leaders will be provided a SharePoint manual to help them navigate the new tool.

How will chapter leaders access their ASHE SharePoint account?
Chapter leaders will receive an invitation that they can use to log into their chapter’s site. The invitation will be sent to their email address. When the recipient accepts the invitation, they may log in using either a Microsoft account or a work or valid chapter email.

Can I access SharePoint from work or home?
You don't need to install any software to use SharePoint. Instead, just connect through your web browser. Sign in to your work or chapter account at office.com/sign-in.

When will Box.com be removed?
Box.com is no longer be available. If your chapter has already uploaded files to support your 2020 awards application, ASHE will migrate those files to your SharePoint account.

More information will be shared with chapter leaders in the coming weeks. If you have questions regarding this new tool and how ASHE chapters will use it, please contact Avis Gordon at agordon@aha.org or 312-422-3806.
 

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ASHE Awards Application Deadline – April 1, 2020

The ASHE Chapter Awards Program provides affiliated chapters with additional opportunities to promote their programs and events to ASHE members and to receive additional recognition for their work in the previous year. The chapter recognition program is open only to affiliated ASHE chapters. Participating chapters are recognized for their accomplishments at the Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition and on the ASHE website.

The ASHE Chapter Awards Program applications and supporting documentation are due April 1, 2020. Please access the awards application by clicking here and upload your application and all supporting documents to SharePoint under your chapter name. No paper submissions are accepted.

If you have questions, please contact Avis Gordon at agordon@aha.org or 312-422-3806.

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2019 Chapter Awards Vouchers (Work Completed in 2018)

If you participated in the chapter awards program in 2019, you have until May 1, 2020 to submit your vouchers. All vouchers, except vouchers to attend the Annual Conference, were emailed to the chapter presidents in December of 2019. Instructions on how to redeem Annual Conference vouchers are coming soon.
 
If you have not received your vouchers or for more information, please contact Avis Gordon at agordon@aha.org or 312-422-3806.

Platinum Elite and Platinum Awards:

  1. A maximum of:

    Four complimentary one-year vouchers to take the CHFM exam
    OR
    Two vouchers for the CHFM exam and one voucher for the CHC exam
    OR
    Two vouchers for the CHC exam.
     
  2. Two complimentary vouchers to attend the ASHE Annual Conference (instructions on how to redeem these vouchers coming soon).
  3. Four complimentary one-year ASHE memberships, which must be awarded to non-ASHE members within the local chapter area.
  4. Two complimentary ASHE publications from a select list of titles.

Silver Awards:

  1. A maximum of: 

    Two complimentary one-year vouchers to take the CHFM exam
    OR
    One voucher to take the CHC exam.
     
  2. One complimentary voucher to attend the ASHE Annual Conference (instructions on how to redeem these vouchers coming soon).
  3. Two complimentary one-year ASHE memberships, which must be awarded to non-ASHE members within the local chapter area.

Bronze Awards: 

  1. One complimentary one-year voucher to take the CHFM exam.
  2. One complimentary one-year ASHE membership, which must be awarded to a non-ASHE member within the local chapter area.

For information on how to obtain these vouchers, please contact Avis Gordon at agordon@aha.org or 312-422-3806.

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Request ASHE Materials for Your Meetings and Events

Chapter leaders can now request ASHE materials to distribute to their chapter members and guests. Help promote ASHE awareness and membership and provide information about health care facilities management products and services by displaying these materials at your next event or chapter meeting. If you are interested in receiving brochures and giveaways for your meeting, please click here to request information.

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Grainger adds software solution to streamline, simplify regulatory compliance

Regulatory compliance is always top of mind for health care facilities managers, and a recent partnership between Grainger and HealthCare Facility Compliance will help to simplify and ensure compliance for health care organizations across North America.

Grainger, the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products, has added HCFC’s CRx software to its health care product portfolio, expanding the software’s reach among health facilities.

CRx software is a tablet-based solution designed for health care customers looking to improve facility efficiency, patient experience, emergency readiness and safety monitoring in compliance with The Joint Commission Life Safety, Environment of Care and Emergency Management standards.

The software is built to integrate with work order systems and offers:

  • The ability to plot assets on floor plans;
  • A comprehensive document repository;
  • Detailed inspection checklists; and
  • The capability to receive reports from third-party inspection vendors.
  • Several health care facilities have reported various improvements after implementing the software.

Holy Name Medical Center (HNMC), Teaneck, N.J., adopted the software as its all-in-one compliance solution when it was still patent-pending. The software’s dashboard shows and tracks deficiencies for every Element of Performance, due or past due.

In a 2018 article, HNMC reported that it kept records current by documenting the information at the time of inspection or at the time activities are performed. The medical center’s work orders are automatically created, with pictures and notes captured at the time of inspection. It then notifies staff if risk analysis is required and, if so, suggests necessary interim life safety measures (ILSM) activities based on the risk-analysis results. When work orders are closed, inspection status is automatically updated and stops the ILSM. The dashboard reminds staff of required tasks, shows when tasks are completed, updates work orders and preventive maintenance data, and files and inserts information into the appropriate e-binders.

Atlantic General Hospital also implemented the full CRx system in the summer of 2019 as an all-in-one solution for facility and emergency management regulatory compliance following a regulatory survey. Glenn Lebedz, CHEP, CHFM, director, support services at Atlantic General Hospital, says that moving from a paper system to a fully integrated, hosted solution allows the hospital to maintain continual regulatory compliance and transparency.

“CRx provides us a with a single depository for all regulatory compliance documentation and provides an alert when updates are needed,” Lebedz says. “Additionally, all compliance documentation, such as work orders, inspections, repair orders, ILSMs, and infection control risk assessments, are housed together in a single, cohesive package for verification.”

Kym Orange, Sr. Manager Healthcare Strategy and Sales Offer Enablement Grainger, says the addition of CRx software to its portfolio will allow more health care organizations to streamline and simplify regulatory compliance.

“Since launching our health care segment in 2011, we have invested significant time in learning the complex nature of health care environments,” Orange says. “Our new relationship with HealthCare Facility Compliance is the next step in providing additional value to help keep our health care customers operational, safe and compliant.”

To schedule a demo, contact your Grainger Representative or visit www.hcfcompliance.com.

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ASHE is Your Source for Professional Development and Training

Stay on top of today’s trends with ASHE education. We can help you prepare for your next inspection, earn valuable certifications and stay abreast of the latest changes in codes and regulations. Join our team of passionate educators for face-to-face programming or online learning. ASHE members receive a discount on all education.

This year ASHE is offering new opportunities to earn CECs including ASHE Academy, which features two separate weeklong sessions. ASHE Academy allows you to personalize your learning by course, location (Nashville - May and Las Vegas - November) and duration. Save 15% when you sign up for two or more classes, plus bring a colleague and that person saves $75. Some restrictions apply.

Be sure to take part in ASHE’s Education Showcase programming. Join like-minded peers at AHA’s headquarters in Chicago for select one-day programs at a special low price. Use promo code ASHECHAPTER when you register to get ASHE member pricing!

To learn more and register for ASHE Academy, Education Showcases or our other educational programs, visit the ASHE Education website. 

In addition to our expanded programming in 2020, there is still time to register for 2020 PDC Summit in San Antonio, TX (March 22-25).

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Is Your Chapter Interested in Hosting ASHE Education?

Enhance your 2020 chapter meeting or conference by hosting an ASHE education program. Our 2020 calendar is already filling up, so please be sure to submit your request(s) online or email Melissa Binotti Heim at mheim@aha.org for program details and pricing. 

Why host?

Please note that:

  • All requests should be submitted 90 days before the desired program date via the request form.
  • Education programs are provided on a first come first served basis and are subject to faculty availability.
  • There is a minimum fee for 1-25 attendees for all programs (except for the Health Care Construction Workshop, which has a minimum fee for 1-40 attendees).

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2020 Important Dates

March
22-25 - International Summit & Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design & Construction (PDC), San Antonio, TX

April
1 - Deadline for Chapter Awards Program and Elite Award Application (for work completed between January and December 2019) 

May
1 - Last day to claim 2019 chapter vouchers (membership, publications, CHFM/CHC, for work completed in 2018).
27 - Notification to all chapter presidents as to status of awards application submittal

June
25 - Issue of Connections to chapter leaders

July
25 - Issue of Connections to chapter leaders

August
2 - Chapter Leadership Forum and Chapter Awards Program 
3-5 - ASHE Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition (Chicago, IL) 

September
17 - Issue of Connections to chapter leaders 
30 - Waivers for participation in 2020 Chapter Awards Program added to chapters’ Box.com account (Work completed in 2019)

November
19 - Issue of Connections to chapter leaders 

December
31 - Chapter Annual Reports due

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Upcoming ASHE Events

ASHE Annual Conference

Boston, MA
July 17 - 20, 2022
#ASHEAnnual

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Learn more about all of ASHE's education opportunities.

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