HFMA’s Puerto Rico Chapter recently joined forces with Puerto Rico’s College of Health Services Administrators to address challenges and opportunities in the field of health services administration. The relationship was made official when the two groups signed a collaborative agreement on Sept. 15 during the Chapter’s Annual Healthcare Update in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
The College of Health Services Administrators (CASS)
A nonprofit organization, CASS was established by the legislative assembly in 1990 to promote the development and professional competence of Puerto Rico’s health services administration professionals. CASS encourages excellence and innovation in the administration of health services and guarantees compliance with the profession’s legal statutes. All health center administrators in Puerto Rico are required to have an academic degree, hold a professional license and be a member of CASS. This includes CEOs, CMOs, CFOs, health plan administrators, lawyers, clinicians and other healthcare industry professionals.
The collaborative agreement
The Chapter and CASS have worked together previously. CASS has a non-voting position on the Chapter’s board of directors, and the two organizations have shared resources and teamed up on conferences and other events. The new collaborative agreement, however, formalizes that relationship and takes it to a higher level.
“Our alliance is focused on three pillars that will seek to strengthen Puerto Rico’s health services industry — education on financial aspects, scientific research and community impact,” said Jorge L. Santiago Medina, FHFMA, MHSA, president of the Puerto Rico Chapter. “Both organizations are committed to carrying out this agreement effectively and to contributing to the well-being of society in general.”
Santiago Medina said the Chapter is excited for this opportunity to share HFMA standards for the greater good of the healthcare industry.
“We’re looking forward to collaborating on educational programs for middle and executive management that covers revenue cycle, financial indicators, industry analysis as well as other issues,” said Santiago Medina. “We want to lead the financial management topic in Puerto Rico’s healthcare services initiatives and provide tools for decision-making.”
Promoting HFMA’s mission
Santiago Medina noted that the Chapter was especially pleased to have been able to sign the collaborative agreement during its most important event of the year — and that HFMA’s National Chair Dennis Dahlen was present.
“It meant a lot to have Dennis there and to be able to show him that we in Puerto Rico are engaged and actively promoting HFMA’s mission to lead the financial management of healthcare,” said Santiago Medina.
