Quality Advisor

Wishing You a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Candida auris on the Rise: Key CDC Findings for Infection Prevention Leaders

The CDC recently released an important MMWR Surveillance Summary on Candida auris trends in the United States (2022–2024) that has direct implications for hospital quality and infection prevention programs. This emerging, often multidrug-resistant organism continues to spread in health care settings with reported clinical cases more than doubling from 2022 to 2024 and ongoing transmission across acute and post-acute care facilities. The report highlights the critical importance of vigilant surveillance, screening of high-risk patients, adherence to transmission-based precautions and strong interfacility communication to prevent spread. We encourage you to review the full CDC summary to better understand current national trends and recommended prevention strategies.

Rural Health Transformation Workforce Grant Announcement

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced a competitive rural health care workforce grant opportunity funded by the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), with awards ranging from $500,000 to $10 million over four years.

In total, DWD will award up to $150 million in grants through 2030 to non-profit organizations and governmental entities located in and serving any county in Wisconsin except Milwaukee County. Almost $5 million will be available in the first year.

Some eligible uses of the rural health care workforce funds include recruiting and retaining clinical workforce talent in rural areas, providing training and technical assistance to develop and adopt technology-enabled solutions that improve care delivery in rural hospitals and assisting rural communities to “right size” their health care systems by identifying needed services lines, according to DWD’s grant program announcement.

The deadline to apply for year one of the grant is Monday, Aug. 17 at 3 p.m.

WHA is reviewing DWD’s RHTP grant funding opportunity and will share a detailed assessment in the Thursday, July 2 edition of The Valued Voice.

Please contact Christian Moran, WHA senior vice president of finance & payment with any questions.

Caring for Wisconsin's Caregivers    

The Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) is partnering on this transformative five-year initiative to strengthen health workforce well-being across the state. Through resources, tools and training, WHA will support members and stakeholders in building and sustaining effective well-being programs.

For more information or to receive our email communications and to hear the latest news see the Caring for Wisconsin’s Caregivers Initiative webpage. You can also join the Well-Being First Champion Challenge Office Hours (Teams Meeting link) July 15. Drop in anytime between 12–1 p.m.

Superior Health Quality Alliance    

CMS 13th Scope of Work (SOW) Enrollment Extended

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially extended the enrollment deadline for the 13th Scope of Work (SOW). Enrollment is reopened for a limited time for hospitals to partner with Superior Health. This extension provides a valuable opportunity for hospitals that have not yet enrolled to participate in this important initiative focused on improving quality, safety and outcomes across care settings.

Enrollment is time sensitive and we encourage interested hospitals to take advantage of this extended opportunity to collaborate with Superior Health and access these valuable resources.

If you are ready to enroll, please use this enrollment link to begin the process. Please contact Casey Zimpel with enrollment questions or for more information.

This initiative is aligned with CMS Overall Hospital Star Ratings and Value-Based Purchasing programs, supporting hospitals in improving quality, safety and performance outcomes.

WHA is a member of the Superior Health Quality Alliance (Superior Health), an eight-partner organization focused on improving care for Medicare beneficiaries. They collaborate with patients, clinicians, healthcare organizations and communities across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin to support the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) quality improvement objectives.