TSHHRAE 2011 Annual Conference
FAST BREAK TO EXCELLENCE

October 13-14, 2011
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, San Antonio, TX

Actions Speak Louder Than Words:
Understanding the Importance of Nonverbal Communication
Jan Hargrave – Body Language Specialist

It’s a scientific fact that a person’s body gestures give away his true intentions. Actually, over ninety percent of all face-to-face communication is nonverbal; thus, the silent messages of the body often reveal more than the spoken word in conveying true feelings and attitudes. Jan Hargrave, expert in the field of nonverbal communication and author of Let Me See Your Body Talk, Freeway of Love, Judge the Jury, Strictly Business Body Language, and Poker Face, helps you discover how to:

• Make a positive impression.
• Persuade another to adopt your viewpoints.
• Communicate ethical nonverbal behaviors.
• Detect the “micro-expressions” of deception.
• Recognize cultural nonverbal diversity and global customs.
• Develop nonverbal leadership competencies.
• Read others—what they say and, more importantly, what they try desperately not to say.
• Comprehend behaviors that ensure inclusiveness in any environment.

Clear, practical and fun, this seminar offers a wealth of detailed information
concerning the “hidden messages” of those around you as well as yourself. Jan Hargrave’s fascinating presentation gives you the advantages you need to make in-depth character assessments, as well as an increased ability to develop ethical nonverbal behaviors in all professional relationships. Knowledge of this information can spell the difference between success or failure in every encounter.

Run, Wring, Whip or Manage? Meeting the Challenge of Substance Use Disorders in the Workplace
Michael Van Doren, Program Director - Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses

Identifying employees, especially licensed health professionals with substance use disorders or SUDs, in the workplace can be a most perplexing challenge. And what actions to take once an employee has ben identified with an active SUD can be equally difficult. State approved peer assistance programs like the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses or TPAPN can help provide the positive structural compass for health care employers to operate by and for change to occur, including the monitoring and boundaries needed to help ensure safe practice. This presentation will provide a look at the science behind the behaviors seen with SUDs and an overview to best practices and rationale for identification, referral and retention.

Affirmative Action Planning
Shafeeqa Giarratani - Attorney, Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP

Strategies for Maintaining Positive Employee Relations in a Changing Labor Environment
Josephine Zamora – Partner, IRI Consultants

Participants will learn about pertinent national labor relations trends, current union tactics and emerging federal legislative, regulatory and administrative changes that may impact their organizations. The session also will address the importance of engaging employees in a direct relationship and promoting a positive work environment, and will highlight strategies to help fortify organizations from the threat of union organizing campaigns.

Participants will learn about:

• The labor movement's effort to ease employee organizing through federal and state legislation and regulation
• Unions' use of traditional, alternative and social media strategies and tactics to organize employees and promote their agenda
• Strategies to proactively prepare their organizations to maintain a union-free environment
  

82nd Texas Legislature - Did They Bend the Cost Curve?
Michelle Apodaca, J.D. – VP, Government Relations, Texas Hospital Association
John Berta – Senior Director, Policy Analysis, Texas Hospital Association

This session will give an insider’s viewpoint of the political landscape of the Texas Legislature; the Texas Budget; what changes may be made in the way the Texas Medicaid program is funded; how your Medicaid reimbursement rates will change; highlights of the expansion of Medicaid Managed Care statewide; key Medicaid hospital billing and cost containment initiatives filed; and Texas’ perspective on the implementation of federal health care reform.

Legal Developments from Over the Past Year
James Kizziar, Jr. – Attorney, Bracewell and Giuliani LLP
Sandra Ramos White - Counsel, Bracewell and Giuliani LLP

Developments in Labor and Employment Law 2010-2011. This session will review legislative, administrative and court developments in labor and employment laws during 2010 and 2011 and provide participants with detailed information on significant changes in the law. This session will also provide insight on compliance with the developing law and recommend policy and procedure changes. This session will include, among other developments, the issuance of HIPAA regulations, regulations implementing the ADA Amendments, and NLRB developments regarding social networking and provision of notice to employees regarding the union organizing rights.