NPA Summer Conference

This year's MDE Course will equip both novice and experienced PACE medical leaders with a deep understanding of the essential competencies for effective medical leadership. There will be a particular emphasis on clinical challenges, interdisciplinary team (IDT) engagement, and the role of medical leadership within the PACE model of care. Presentations will offer insights into the medical director's role in ensuring clinical excellence through strong medical direction and oversight of participant care across various aspects.

We are seeking session proposals that address both foundational and advanced topics relevant to medical directors, such as leadership, regulatory compliance, provider network, quality improvement, and the integration of clinical and administrative functions. All sessions should provide practical, actionable takeaways that benefit both new and experienced medical directors.

We invite your proposals on the topics listed below, as well as other topics that align with the program objectives.

Leadership and Team Management

• Effective medical leadership strategies in the PACE setting.
• Engaging with IDTs, building team dynamics, and promoting collaboration.
• Leadership challenges specific to the medical director role, including change management and conflict resolution.
• Practical tools for building strong IDT relationships.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Improvement

• Strategies for navigating complex regulations in the PACE program.
• Practical advice on quality improvement initiatives and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Care coordination with contracted providers.

Medical Management and Clinical Oversight

• Effective approaches to medication management within the PACE program.
• Overseeing clinical care and ensuring high-quality medical outcomes.
• Addressing regulatory aspects of clinical oversight in PACE and managing medication-related challenges.

Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems

• Real-world experience in selecting and managing EHR systems for PACE programs.
• Assessing the functionality and integration of different EHR systems and addressing challenges.
• Work-arounds for EHR limitations in PACE settings, including tips for managing clinical and compliance needs.
• Case studies or best practices for optimizing EHR usage.

Practical Tools and Resources

• Practical take-aways – such as checklists, playbooks or templates – that new medical directors can use in their role.
• Creating actionable frameworks for common challenges faced by medical directors in PACE.

Financial and Operational Aspects of PACE

• Addressing financial and operational challenges, including coding, reimbursement models and budgeting.
• Strategies for managing the balance between clinical care and the regulatory realities of the PACE program.
• Discussion of Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) codes and Risk Adjustment Factor (RHC) systems and their impact on financial outcomes.

To provide the best educational experience for attendees and appeal to all types of learners, NPA offers a multifaceted approach to educational offerings that will include the following session types:

• problem-solving sessions, where speakers pose a problem and lead attendees through exercises to develop solutions;
• panel presentations, with a moderator and no more than three panel members;
• experimental/case studies, where speakers review a case study and lessons learned;
• interactive presentations; and
• group discussions.

If you or someone in your organization is interested in presenting at the MDE Course, please complete this form by March 27. For more information, contact Mia Phifer, Chief Quality and Compliance Officer.

As leaders in person-centered, community-based care for older adults, PACE organizations are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change. The Quality Symposium provides a platform to share effective, data-driven quality improvement (QI) initiatives that have made a measurable impact.

We invite proposals from speakers who can offer practical insights, outcomes and lessons learned. Suggested topics for consideration include the following:

• Improving Clinical Outcomes: Case studies demonstrating measurable improvements in participant health, safety or satisfaction.
• Enhancing Care Coordination: Strategies to strengthen interdisciplinary team (IDT) communication and collaboration.
• Supporting Caregivers and Families: Initiatives that engage and empower caregivers to improve participant care.
• Data-Driven Quality Improvement: Innovative use of QI methodologies (e.g., PDSA cycles, Lean, Six Sigma) in PACE settings.
• Fostering a Culture of Quality: Building sustainable QI practices within IDTs.
• Participant Feedback in Action: Translating participant experiences and feedback into actionable program improvements.
• Technology and Innovation in Care Delivery: Tools or approaches that optimize care management and workflow efficiency.
• Measuring Impact and Outcomes: Effective strategies for tracking and communicating QI results to stakeholders.

Presenters are encouraged to share case studies, practical tools and actionable tips that advance care quality and operational excellence in PACE programs.

If you or someone in your organization is interested in presenting at the Quality Symposium, please complete this form by March 27. For more information, contact Mia Phifer, Chief Quality and Compliance Officer.