Artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare, but how is it being used in hospitals today, and what could new state policy mean for the future?

In this episode of In Session, Nicholle Karim, Vice President of Policy Development at NCHA chats with Ryan Blackledge, Vice President of Government & External Affairs and Jason Wright, VP of Business Platforms & Digital Solutions at Cone Health to explore how AI is improving patient care, supporting clinical decision-making, and helping healthcare teams work more efficiently. 

We also take a closer look at House Bill 565, what it aims to accomplish, and the potential opportunities and challenges it presents for patients, providers, and hospitals across North Carolina.

Whether you're a healthcare leader, policymaker, or curious about the growing role of AI in medicine, this conversation offers practical insights into one of healthcare's most rapidly evolving topics.

As North Carolina enters the short legislative session, key healthcare priorities are in focus.

In this episode of NCHA's In Session podcast, co-hosts James Tucker, NCHA's Interim Vice President of Government Relations and Legislative Counsel and Anthony Okunak, Vice President of Finance and Financial Policy, discuss Medicaid rebase funding, and new federal Medicaid work requirements. They break down what these changes mean for hospitals, patients, and the state’s healthcare system, especially in rural communities facing ongoing financial pressure.

The conversation also highlights the importance of maintaining coverage, reducing administrative burden, and working collaboratively to manage costs without compromising access to care.

Stay informed on the policy decisions shaping healthcare across North Carolina. Follow us on X at @NCHAGovRel for more advocacy updates. 

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North Carolina’s population is growing and aging. According to NCHA’s 2024 RTI Workforce Report, in the year 2000 there were more than five working-age adults for every person 65 and older in North Carolina. By 2035, there will be less than three working adults for every person 65 and older. In the latest episode of NCHA's In Session podcast, Berni Sczcepanski, chief people officer of FirstHealth of the Carolinas talks workforce development and sustainability with Tatyana Kelly, senior vice president of planning, strategy and member services.

To learn more about resources and careers in healthcare, visit IDoCareNC.org. Apply for FirstHealth of the Carolinas' FirstFutures here.

In North Carolina, at least 360 hospital patients medically cleared for discharge face delays due to limited availability of post-acute care placements. In this episode of In Session, Alicia Barfield, Director of Policy Development, is joined by Katie Flanagan, Assistant Vice President of Care Coordination at Duke University Health System and Chair of the NCHA Transitions of Care Committee. Together, they explore the barriers patients face when transitioning to skilled nursing facilities and other care settings.

Katie shares insights into:

Challenges skilled nursing facilities encounter, such as staffing shortages and capacity issues.

The impact of prior authorization and insurance-related delays on Medicaid and Medicare Advantage patients.

Potential solutions for improving care transitions, including innovative models from other states.

Discover actionable strategies to address discharge bottlenecks and improve care for North Carolinians. Tune in now to learn how hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and insurers can work together to create better outcomes for patients.

Every day in North Carolina, over 360 hospital patients cleared for discharge face delays due to limited care placement options. On this episode of In Session, host Alicia Barfield sits down with Katie Flanagan, Assistant Vice President of Care Coordination at Duke University Health System and Chair of the NCHA Transitions of Care Committee. Together, they uncover the barriers causing these delays and explore solutions to improve care transitions.

Join us for this crucial conversation on how hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and payers can work together to ensure patients get timely access to the care they need.

In part two of our deep dive into the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP), host Anthony Okunak continues the conversation with David Pope, President & CEO of Scotland Health Care System.

Learn how HASP funding enables hospitals like Scotland Health to go beyond care delivery—launching community health initiatives, expanding access to urgent care, and investing in workforce education. David shares inspiring examples, including a self-sustaining Maternal and Child Health initiative and a groundbreaking partnership to train future nurses at no cost.

Join Anthony Okunak, NCHA Vice President of Finance and Financial Policy, as he sits down with David Pope, President & CEO of Scotland Health Care System, to discuss the transformative impact of the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP).

Discover how HASP supports North Carolina hospitals, ensuring access to high-quality care in rural and underserved communities without relying on state tax dollars. David shares real-life success stories, including expanded maternal health initiatives, workforce education programs, and enhanced primary care access—all made possible through HASP.

Nicholle Karim, NCHA's Vice President of Policy Development, sits down with Brian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer of the ECU Health enterprise, to uncover what it takes to lead a 9-hospital rural health system.

From balancing daily operations with strategic goals to overcoming unique challenges faced by rural communities, Brian shares insights into the priorities, policies, and strategies that drive better health outcomes in Eastern North Carolina.

Doug Heron, NCHA Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Communications and Policy sits down with Nicholle Karim, Vice President of Policy Development, Anthony Okunak, Vice President of Finance and Financial Policy, and Blair Burr, Director of State Government Relations to discuss what's ahead for the 2025 Legislative Session.