American Hospital Association Chooses Freeman Leader as Delegate

Joplin, Mo. – Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Paula F. Baker has been elected by the Board of Trustees of the American Hospital Association (AHA) as an at-large delegate and member of Regional Policy Board 6. The AHA has nine Regional Policy Boards that provide grassroots perspective and insight on public policy requiring AHA advocacy. They also give the Board an opportunity to inform the Regional Policy Board members (delegates) and the state hospital association executives about AHA activities and programs. In addition, through the Regional Policy Boards, AHA members and state associations make the Association aware of their concerns and needs.

Regional Policy Boards make recommendations and analyses that are used by the AHA Board in its policy deliberations. Regional Policy Board 6 represents seven states – Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Baker and William Mahoney, President and CEO of Cox Medical Center Branson, are the only delegates from southwestern Missouri currently serving on the policy board.

“I’m honored to be elected to the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board,” said Baker. “For many years, Freeman has been a leader in quality, innovative healthcare solutions in our state and region, and I look forward to serving in this position of leadership on the Regional Policy Board to continue to be a voice for the people of our communities.” 
Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for healthcare leaders and is a source of information on healthcare issues and trends. The AHA is the national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, healthcare networks, their patients and their communities. The AHA comprises early 5,000 hospitals, healthcare systems, networks, other healthcare providers and 43,000 individual members. Through representation and advocacy activities, AHA ensures that members' perspectives and needs are heard and addressed in national health policy development, legislative and regulatory debates, and judicial matters. Advocacy efforts appeal to the legislative and executive branches and include the legislative and regulatory arenas.

Freeman Health System – Celebrating 90 Years
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2014, Freeman earned 90 individual awards for medical excellence and safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman #1 Hospital in Southwest Missouri in 2014-15, and The Leapfrog Group gave Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo. #FreemanTurns90