HJBR Jul/Aug 2019

38 JUL / AUG 2019  I  Healthcare Journal of baton rouge   Healthcare Briefs Air quality improvement is a cooperative effort. Industry develops air quality action plans and operates under regulations and controls to pre- vent emissions. There are also steps the public can take to improve air quality and reduce emissions. Those steps include walking, biking, carpooling, using mass transit, ridesharing, and not using gasoline- powered engines. Not idling and fueling vehicles after 6 p.m., combining errands, bringing lunch to work, and walking into a restaurant instead of idling in a drive-thru can also reduce emissions. Free Training Awards CME Credits to Physicians in Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Louisiana physicians are encouraged to regis- ter now to become buprenorphine-waivered to treat Opioid-Use Disorder (OUD) through one of three online educational course offered by Loui- siana Healthcare Connections. There is no cost to participate in the training. Physicians who complete it will receive Continu- ing Medical Education (CME) credits, a copy of the ASAM National Practice Guidelines, a refer- ence guide, and other clinical resources. Buprenorphine has been proven to be a clin- ically effective therapy for OUD in populations, including pregnant women. The upcoming courses, conducted by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), will feature curric- ulum designed for women’s health providers in partnership with the American College of Obste- tricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Physicians will receive four hours of online train- ing at their own pace and four hours of live, inter- active training. The live training will be held from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in St. Louis, Missouri; or the live training may be attended remotely by stream- ing it to a device on September 13 or November 8. For more information about the course, or to register to attend, visit www.LouisianaHealthCon- nect.com/ASAMtraining. Cardiovascular Institute of the South is First in LA to Use BASILICA Dr. Peter Fail, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), is the first in the state to use a new innovative catheter technique called the BASILICA procedure for patients with aortic stenosis, or failing aortic valves. The BASILICA procedure prevents the concern of coronary artery obstruction during transcath- eter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). During the procedure, the interventional cardiologist weaves an electrified wire through the catheter and splits the failing valve’s leaflet in two, allowing blood flow into the coronary artery before the new valve is deployed. “This treatment option is a breakthrough, espe- cially for patients needing a valve-in-valve proce- dure,” said Fail. “It greatly decreases the risk of coronary artery occlusion during TAVR, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our patients.” Louisiana Healthcare Connections Recognizes Nursing Staff for National NursesWeek In support of National Nurses Week, Louisiana Healthcare Connections recognized its more than 150 registered and licensed practical nurses for helping families and individuals across the state achieve better health. Celebrated annually May 6-12, National Nurses Week 2019 had the theme “Four Million Rea- sons to Celebrate,” in support of the four mil- lion nurses in the nation. During National Nurses Week, Louisiana Healthcare Connections led a number of nurse appreciation activities, includ- ing providing prizes and special recognition pro- grams, to celebrate the positive impact of nurses on the health of its members. “Our nurses have a direct impact on the lives of our members through personalized, one-on-one education and outreach, physician collaboration, and community partnerships,” said Kendra Case, RN, chief operating officer. “Together, our team of nurses are leading the charge for the delivery of innovative, patient-centered care for one of Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations. They are one of our most valuable resources, and we are grateful for their tireless commitment and com- passion for the health of our members.” More than 25 percent of Louisiana Health- care Connections’ 600+ employees are nurses, including much of the company’s executive lead- ership team. The Louisiana Nurses Foundation has named Louisiana Healthcare Connections the Outstanding Non-Hospital Employer of the Year for the last three consecutive years for ensur- ing that its nurses achieve a healthy work-life bal- ance through employee recognition programs, innovation awards, and professional growth and development opportunities. Many of the mem- ber programs at Louisiana Healthcare Connec- tions are designed and led by nurses, including a nurse-driven Medical Management Escalation Team and one of the first integrated care man- agement teams. Through efforts like these, Lou- isiana Healthcare Connections members ben- efit from streamlined care coordination, social determinants of health support, and improved outcomes. Blue Cross Hires Becca Mix as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel Mary Rebecca Mix has joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana as vice president, dep- uty general counsel. Mix brings nearly 20 years of Peter Fail, MD Mary Rebecca Mix