We commend the Commission’s decision not to accelerate cuts to essential Medicare and Medicaid supplemental payments that presently support many services for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

While NAPH supports deficit reduction as one component of the nation’s future economic stability, NAPH strongly opposes the proposal in this draft to accelerate cuts in vital Medicare and Medicaid payments to safety net hospitals and health systems.

The National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Siegel succeeds Christine Capito Burch, who is retiring from NAPH after serving 20 years as Executive Director.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) recently presented its Honorary Life Membership Award to Christine Capito Burch, executive director of the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH), for her contributions to hospitals and health care in America.

The 140 safety net hospitals and health systems that make up NAPH's membership know that the historic vote March 21 by the House of Representatives will save lives and improve access for tens of millions of Americans all across the nation. Now, safety net hospitals and health systems should immediately begin to gear up for reform.

With the introduction of the House amendments to the Senate-passed bill, a realistic compromise has been put on the table. NAPH strongly urges Congress to pass this historic legislation without further delay.

As the recession continues to batter state budgets, uncompensated care costs soar and services like Medicaid remain targets for massive funding cuts though millions of Americans are joining the safety net programs.

Christine Capito Burch, Executive Director for the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH), announced that she will retire in mid-2010. The NAPH Executive Committee will engage in a national search for a successor.