13 Ekim 2012 Cumartesi
Cool Temperatures Can't Stop Weekly Business Visit
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Despite cool temperatures representatives from Frederick County Government and members from the Business Development Advisory Council were hosted by Catoctin Breeze Vineyard for a busines visit. Sherman Coleman and Colby Ferguson, both from the Business Development and Retention Division of Frederick County Government were also guests of Mr. Voytek Fizyta. The 24 acre vineyard has been in business for two years and was a dream of Mr. Fizyta when he arived in this country from Poland 31 years ago. Fizyta's grapes will be ready for harvesting later this year, but the Polish immigrant and electrical engineer has already made a variety of honey wines, traditionally known as Mead. The vineyard represents the ninth and newest Frederick County winery, and offers two table wines and three dessert wines.When Fizyta and his wife Alicja, looked to relocate from Potomac five years ago they immediately fell in love with the hilly terrain in Thurmont which provided the perfect spot for growing grapes because of the soil. Perched along hilly terrain, grapes get ample sunlight at Catoctin Breeze Winery. The constant breeze evaporates moisture which is a major problem for East Coast grape growers.The Fizytas outfitted their 1,200-square-foot basement to accommodate making wines. They expect their first significant harvest from the 2011 planting later this year. they are also planning to build a production facility on the premises in the near future. The business is licensed to sell wine directly to consumers and restaurants, using the company's website, www.catoctinbreeze.com
Mount St. Mary's University Roll Out Red Carpet For Business Visit
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MSM President Mr. Thomas H. Powell and Vice President for University Affairs Ms. Pauline A. Engelstatter rolled out the red carpet for a business visit for local County Officials. This visit was part of an ongoing program instituted by the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners to maintain open dialouge between the business community and County leadership. The President along with his Board members and Cabinet spoke of their 204th year history and how MSM is the largest seminary in the U.S.MSM is also the second oldest Catholic University in the U.S. President Powell expressed how happy he was to have a good relationship with the County. There have been many additions and improvements to the University that have been done by local businesses, many of whom are minority businesses. This is part of an ongoing effort to help support the local economy.The outlook for MSM looks bright with enrollment increasing every year. Often referred to as the "Cradle of Bishops" the Mount is home to the National Shrine Grottto of Lourdes. This tourist attraction brings over 100,000 visitors a year. MSM remains strongly commited to it's core values of: Faith, Discovery, Leadership and Community.For more information on Mount St. Mary's University, visit them at www.msu.edu
Permitting Fees at Last Year's Rates to Encourage Business Friendly Climate
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FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County permitting fees were due to automatically increase as of July 1 by 3.2 percent to keep pace with inflation this year. But, with business-friendly goals of utmost concern to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the board recently chose to keep rates the same as last year.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
We're Not Alone
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The trade journal for our industry, Modern Healthcare, had a recent article entitled, "Staff Cuts - Industry claims that fed's debt reduction plans will lead to massive layoffs" and it certainly hit home. After what was announced yesterday at WMHS that we would be separating around 20 employees from the system, but all tolled eliminating 95.1 positions of our 2200 positions, the article was very timely. For 2013, the job loss numbers are projected to range anywhere from 250,000 to 766,000 with hospitals suffering the greatest loss. The article noted that hospitals across the US are streamlining operations in preparation for spending cuts in Medicare. My blog of September 14th, the State of the System, laid out the challenges that we have been experiencing as well as what is on the horizon for WMHS. The State of the System report served as a backdrop for the actions being taken this week. These are not easy times, but certainly we have an obligation to our community to ensure that we are providing health care in a way that we enhance quality, reduce cost and improve the overall health status of the community.
Administration and Executive Compensation
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After that very difficult situation last week, I have heard questions about what is administration doing during this challenging time. What are we sacrificing? In fact, the Cumberland Times-News editor called and asked the same question and subsequently provided his perspective.
In addition to losing two key members of the senior management team and not filling those positions going forward, senior management has had their salaries frozen until raise actions are restored for all employees at WMHS. The duties and responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Human Resources will be divided among all of the remaining executives as those two positions will not be replaced. Someone else will be doing the work currently performed by those executives and those positions will not be filled.
The issue of executive compensation has also come up. It is important to remind folks that executive salaries are set by the WMHS Board of Directors based on survey data obtained by a national executive compensation consultant, Mercer. Mercer provides the Board with data from comparable hospitals and health systems to ensure that the compensation and benefits provided are competitive, but also reasonable. The data is based on similar hospitals and health systems that have net operating revenues in excess of $300 million, as is the case at WMHS, along with those that are comparable in size, scope and structure to WMHS. An executive's time in the position and level of experience also figure into the equation.
The importance of engaging an outside consultant such as Mercer is that it also provides for a statement of reasonableness for the health system's annual filing with the IRS. Because WMHS is a tax-exempt organization, we must meet IRS requirements ensuring that our executive compensation is reasonable and appropriate. Mercer provides that assurance to the Board each year. The IRS, along with the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) in Maryland, reviews executive compensation once the 990s are filed with both regulatory bodies. Boards must then be positioned to defend executive compensation as reasonable and appropriate. One of the other factors that we use at WMHS to determine if our executive compensation is reasonable is by annually reviewing and comparing the administrative expenses for WMHS against all Maryland hospitals. This information is tracked for hospitals by the HSCRC. Year after year, those results show WMHS is among the lowest of Maryland hospitals in spending for administrative expenses. For the most recent reporting period, WMHS was ranked 45 out of the 48 Maryland hospitals.
Executive compensation is always a tough issue, that's why it's best left to the experts.
In addition to losing two key members of the senior management team and not filling those positions going forward, senior management has had their salaries frozen until raise actions are restored for all employees at WMHS. The duties and responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Human Resources will be divided among all of the remaining executives as those two positions will not be replaced. Someone else will be doing the work currently performed by those executives and those positions will not be filled.
The issue of executive compensation has also come up. It is important to remind folks that executive salaries are set by the WMHS Board of Directors based on survey data obtained by a national executive compensation consultant, Mercer. Mercer provides the Board with data from comparable hospitals and health systems to ensure that the compensation and benefits provided are competitive, but also reasonable. The data is based on similar hospitals and health systems that have net operating revenues in excess of $300 million, as is the case at WMHS, along with those that are comparable in size, scope and structure to WMHS. An executive's time in the position and level of experience also figure into the equation.
The importance of engaging an outside consultant such as Mercer is that it also provides for a statement of reasonableness for the health system's annual filing with the IRS. Because WMHS is a tax-exempt organization, we must meet IRS requirements ensuring that our executive compensation is reasonable and appropriate. Mercer provides that assurance to the Board each year. The IRS, along with the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) in Maryland, reviews executive compensation once the 990s are filed with both regulatory bodies. Boards must then be positioned to defend executive compensation as reasonable and appropriate. One of the other factors that we use at WMHS to determine if our executive compensation is reasonable is by annually reviewing and comparing the administrative expenses for WMHS against all Maryland hospitals. This information is tracked for hospitals by the HSCRC. Year after year, those results show WMHS is among the lowest of Maryland hospitals in spending for administrative expenses. For the most recent reporting period, WMHS was ranked 45 out of the 48 Maryland hospitals.
Executive compensation is always a tough issue, that's why it's best left to the experts.
12 Ekim 2012 Cuma
Permitting Fees at Last Year's Rates to Encourage Business Friendly Climate
To contact us Click HERE
FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County permitting fees were due to automatically increase as of July 1 by 3.2 percent to keep pace with inflation this year. But, with business-friendly goals of utmost concern to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the board recently chose to keep rates the same as last year.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Contract Lawyer - Transactional Finance Practice Group Job in Miles and Stockbridge P.C. - Baltimore, MD
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Job Title: Contract Lawyer - Transactional Finance Practice Group
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Transactional
Level: Mid Level
Description: Miles & Stockbridge P.C. is seeking a mid-level to senior temporary contract lawyer with experience in commercial and public finance. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of experience representing national and regional banks, asset-based lenders, mezzanine lenders, financial institutions and other business creditors in commercial loan transactions. Experience also should include public finance, representing issuers, underwriters, developers, borrowers, and trustees, in tax-exempt bond financings. The lawyer will draft and negotiate documents covering all aspects of finance transactions, including loan documents, purchase and sale agreements, and leases. Major law firm experience and MD bar membership are required.
Please send cover letters and resumes via email to Dina Billian, Esq., dbillian@milesstockbridge.com, Recruitment Manager & Pro Bono Coordinator, Miles & Stockbridge P.C. EOE.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Miles and Stockbridge P.C.
Contact Details
Name: Dina Billian
Title: Recruitment Manager & Pro Bono Coordinator
Email: dbillian@milesstockbridge.com
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Transactional
Level: Mid Level
Description: Miles & Stockbridge P.C. is seeking a mid-level to senior temporary contract lawyer with experience in commercial and public finance. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of experience representing national and regional banks, asset-based lenders, mezzanine lenders, financial institutions and other business creditors in commercial loan transactions. Experience also should include public finance, representing issuers, underwriters, developers, borrowers, and trustees, in tax-exempt bond financings. The lawyer will draft and negotiate documents covering all aspects of finance transactions, including loan documents, purchase and sale agreements, and leases. Major law firm experience and MD bar membership are required.
Please send cover letters and resumes via email to Dina Billian, Esq., dbillian@milesstockbridge.com, Recruitment Manager & Pro Bono Coordinator, Miles & Stockbridge P.C. EOE.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Miles and Stockbridge P.C.
Contact Details
Name: Dina Billian
Title: Recruitment Manager & Pro Bono Coordinator
Email: dbillian@milesstockbridge.com
Litigation Associate Job in DeCaro Doran Siciliano Gallagher and DeBlasis LLP - Bowie, MD
To contact us Click HERE
Job Title: Litigation Associate
Location: Bowie
State: MD
Practice Area: Civil Litigation, Worker's Compensation
Level: Mid Level
Description: Candidates for Litigation Associate positions should have a minimum of 3-5 years experience in civil litigation and/or Worker's Compensation areas. Candidates must be motivated and possess excellent analytical and writing skills. Maryland and D.C. bar required; preference given to candidates with Virginia bar.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: DeCaro Doran Siciliano Gallagher and DeBlasis LLP
Contact Details
Name: Linda Colevas
Title: Office Administrator
Email: lcolevas@decarodoran.com
Fax: 301-352-8691
Address: 17251 Melford Boulevard, Suite 200
City: Bowie
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 20715
Location: Bowie
State: MD
Practice Area: Civil Litigation, Worker's Compensation
Level: Mid Level
Description: Candidates for Litigation Associate positions should have a minimum of 3-5 years experience in civil litigation and/or Worker's Compensation areas. Candidates must be motivated and possess excellent analytical and writing skills. Maryland and D.C. bar required; preference given to candidates with Virginia bar.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: DeCaro Doran Siciliano Gallagher and DeBlasis LLP
Contact Details
Name: Linda Colevas
Title: Office Administrator
Email: lcolevas@decarodoran.com
Fax: 301-352-8691
Address: 17251 Melford Boulevard, Suite 200
City: Bowie
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 20715
Electrical Engineer Associate Job in Edell Shapiro and Finnan LLC - Rockville, MD
To contact us Click HERE
Job Title: Electrical Engineer Associate
Location: Rockville
State: MD
Practice Area: Patent
Level: Mid Level
Description: Our firm seeks an associate with an electrical engineering or similar degree. Candidate should have experience in wired (optical and electrical) and wireless networking technologies and equipment with 2+ years experience in patent application drafting and prosecution. Candidate must have substantial experience drafting patent applications including conducting disclosure meetings with inventors. Our firm provides a competitive compensation and benefits package with salaries commensurate with experience and ability.
Interested candidates should send resume, transcripts and writing samples to: dmr@usiplaw.com
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Edell Shapiro and Finnan LLC
Contact Details
Email: dmr@usiplaw.com
Location: Rockville
State: MD
Practice Area: Patent
Level: Mid Level
Description: Our firm seeks an associate with an electrical engineering or similar degree. Candidate should have experience in wired (optical and electrical) and wireless networking technologies and equipment with 2+ years experience in patent application drafting and prosecution. Candidate must have substantial experience drafting patent applications including conducting disclosure meetings with inventors. Our firm provides a competitive compensation and benefits package with salaries commensurate with experience and ability.
Interested candidates should send resume, transcripts and writing samples to: dmr@usiplaw.com
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Edell Shapiro and Finnan LLC
Contact Details
Email: dmr@usiplaw.com
Contract Litigation Defense Attorney Job in Goodell DeVries Leech and Dann LLP - Baltimore, MD
To contact us Click HERE
Job Title: Contract Litigation Defense Attorney
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Litigation, Defense
Level: Mid Level
Description: Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP, a defense litigation firm based at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, is seeking an attorney admitted to the Maryland bar with at least 2 years of litigation experience to join our toxic tort/asbestos defense team for a long-term contract position to work 30 hours/week. The responsibilities include: monitor trial dockets, prepare motions and pleadings, cover depositions, prepare status reports to clients and have direct communications with clients, conduct fact and discovery investigations, and other similar litigation responsibilities. Any experience with insurance defense or construction is a plus but not required. This position does not offer benefits. Qualified candidates can submit their resume in confidence to Andrea Korphage at: AKorphage@gdldlaw.com or fax: 410-951-0481
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Goodell DeVries Leech and Dann LLP
Contact Details
Name: Andrea Korphage
Email: AKorphage@gdldlaw.com
Fax: 410-951-0481
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Litigation, Defense
Level: Mid Level
Description: Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP, a defense litigation firm based at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, is seeking an attorney admitted to the Maryland bar with at least 2 years of litigation experience to join our toxic tort/asbestos defense team for a long-term contract position to work 30 hours/week. The responsibilities include: monitor trial dockets, prepare motions and pleadings, cover depositions, prepare status reports to clients and have direct communications with clients, conduct fact and discovery investigations, and other similar litigation responsibilities. Any experience with insurance defense or construction is a plus but not required. This position does not offer benefits. Qualified candidates can submit their resume in confidence to Andrea Korphage at: AKorphage@gdldlaw.com or fax: 410-951-0481
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Goodell DeVries Leech and Dann LLP
Contact Details
Name: Andrea Korphage
Email: AKorphage@gdldlaw.com
Fax: 410-951-0481
11 Ekim 2012 Perşembe
Permitting Fees at Last Year's Rates to Encourage Business Friendly Climate
To contact us Click HERE
FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County permitting fees were due to automatically increase as of July 1 by 3.2 percent to keep pace with inflation this year. But, with business-friendly goals of utmost concern to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the board recently chose to keep rates the same as last year.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
This Shouldn't Be Happening
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Last week, I blogged about the National Urban League's campaign against Nike over a sneaker and said that they should be focusing on more substantial issues such as black-on-black crime. Over the weekend, while I was in Hilton Head, an 8-year-old boy was gunned down on Saturday morning while he was playing in a neighbor's front yard with other children. It just so happens that the yard he was playing in was owned by the father of one of his playmates who had fired shots at two other guys the night before. The Saturday morning attackers were a father (age 38) and son (age 19) who came to retaliate against the playmate's father. The two decided on Saturday morning to drive by and spray the neighborhood with an automatic weapon hitting and killing the 8 year old. Killing a little kid out playing in the yard. A third grader who loved to read and was full of life and in Hilton Head where this stuff isn't supposed to happen. If the Urban League wants an issue to tackle, here's one neatly packaged for them to champion.
We're Not Alone
To contact us Click HERE
The trade journal for our industry, Modern Healthcare, had a recent article entitled, "Staff Cuts - Industry claims that fed's debt reduction plans will lead to massive layoffs" and it certainly hit home. After what was announced yesterday at WMHS that we would be separating around 20 employees from the system, but all tolled eliminating 95.1 positions of our 2200 positions, the article was very timely. For 2013, the job loss numbers are projected to range anywhere from 250,000 to 766,000 with hospitals suffering the greatest loss. The article noted that hospitals across the US are streamlining operations in preparation for spending cuts in Medicare. My blog of September 14th, the State of the System, laid out the challenges that we have been experiencing as well as what is on the horizon for WMHS. The State of the System report served as a backdrop for the actions being taken this week. These are not easy times, but certainly we have an obligation to our community to ensure that we are providing health care in a way that we enhance quality, reduce cost and improve the overall health status of the community.
Hacking by the Chinese
To contact us Click HERE
Last Tuesday, the WMHS website was hacked with images of topless women being displayed. The problem was quickly identified and corrected. From the time of notification, the correction was done within 10 minutes by our IT team. What was so amazing was that the attack came from Chinese hackers. Our team has since blocked all Chinese IP addresses to prevent future attacks. It truly makes one wonder as to why the Chinese hacked into a health system's website tens of thousands miles away.
You know with all of the recent attacks on websites by the Chinese, as well as all of the technology such as iPads and iPhones being assembled in China, are we going to wake up one morning and all of our communication networks will have been taken over by the Chinese? Pretty scary.
You know with all of the recent attacks on websites by the Chinese, as well as all of the technology such as iPads and iPhones being assembled in China, are we going to wake up one morning and all of our communication networks will have been taken over by the Chinese? Pretty scary.
Argo
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Now how cool is this? The movie, "Argo" starring Ben Affleck that opens on Friday is about a CIA operative named Tony Mendez. Everyone at WMHS who has walked by the beautiful work of art of the Potomac River vista in the Cancer Center hallway should recognize the name since that work's artist is Tony Mendez. They are one in the same. Ben plays Tony in the movie, and it is based on a true story. Tony was recognized years ago for his service to his country as a CIA operative for many years and for his work in Iran, receiving the highest award given by the CIA, the Intelligence Star. More recently, much of his work has since been declassified since the receipt of the Intelligence Star became public. He has written two books and the "Argo" story was in one of the books. WMHS is the proud owner of three of Tony's paintings; the others are in the Chapel and in the former Peds area. In addition to being a famous CIA operative, Tony is a wonderful artist. I have had the pleasure of visiting his western Maryland studio and to see his work, as well as the work of his wife, also a former CIA operative and now photographer, and his son Toby, who is a gifted sculptor. In fact, his son's sculpted the statues at Camden Yards. Congratulations, Tony, on your service to our country and your success as an artist.
10 Ekim 2012 Çarşamba
Cool Temperatures Can't Stop Weekly Business Visit
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Despite cool temperatures representatives from Frederick County Government and members from the Business Development Advisory Council were hosted by Catoctin Breeze Vineyard for a busines visit. Sherman Coleman and Colby Ferguson, both from the Business Development and Retention Division of Frederick County Government were also guests of Mr. Voytek Fizyta. The 24 acre vineyard has been in business for two years and was a dream of Mr. Fizyta when he arived in this country from Poland 31 years ago. Fizyta's grapes will be ready for harvesting later this year, but the Polish immigrant and electrical engineer has already made a variety of honey wines, traditionally known as Mead. The vineyard represents the ninth and newest Frederick County winery, and offers two table wines and three dessert wines.When Fizyta and his wife Alicja, looked to relocate from Potomac five years ago they immediately fell in love with the hilly terrain in Thurmont which provided the perfect spot for growing grapes because of the soil. Perched along hilly terrain, grapes get ample sunlight at Catoctin Breeze Winery. The constant breeze evaporates moisture which is a major problem for East Coast grape growers.The Fizytas outfitted their 1,200-square-foot basement to accommodate making wines. They expect their first significant harvest from the 2011 planting later this year. they are also planning to build a production facility on the premises in the near future. The business is licensed to sell wine directly to consumers and restaurants, using the company's website, www.catoctinbreeze.com
Mount St. Mary's University Roll Out Red Carpet For Business Visit
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MSM President Mr. Thomas H. Powell and Vice President for University Affairs Ms. Pauline A. Engelstatter rolled out the red carpet for a business visit for local County Officials. This visit was part of an ongoing program instituted by the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners to maintain open dialouge between the business community and County leadership. The President along with his Board members and Cabinet spoke of their 204th year history and how MSM is the largest seminary in the U.S.MSM is also the second oldest Catholic University in the U.S. President Powell expressed how happy he was to have a good relationship with the County. There have been many additions and improvements to the University that have been done by local businesses, many of whom are minority businesses. This is part of an ongoing effort to help support the local economy.The outlook for MSM looks bright with enrollment increasing every year. Often referred to as the "Cradle of Bishops" the Mount is home to the National Shrine Grottto of Lourdes. This tourist attraction brings over 100,000 visitors a year. MSM remains strongly commited to it's core values of: Faith, Discovery, Leadership and Community.For more information on Mount St. Mary's University, visit them at www.msu.edu
Permitting Fees at Last Year's Rates to Encourage Business Friendly Climate
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FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County permitting fees were due to automatically increase as of July 1 by 3.2 percent to keep pace with inflation this year. But, with business-friendly goals of utmost concern to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the board recently chose to keep rates the same as last year.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Wolters Kluwer Law & Business Book Visit
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Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young, C. Paul Smith, and David Gray along with Helen Riddle and Sherman Coleman of The Business Development and Retention Division met with Mr. Miles White, Senior Distribution Manager for a business visit hosted by Wolters Kluwer Law & Business. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business is one of the world’s largest publishers of legal text. The company has been located in Frederick, Maryland since 1986. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, a unit of Wolters Kluwer, is a leading provider of research information and workflow solutions in key specialty areas. The strength of the company’s four individual brands- Aspen Publishers, CCH, Kluwer Law International, and Loislaw enable customers to obtain comprehensive, in-depth solutions as well as expert authored content for legal, professional, and education markets. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business enables tax, finance, and healthcare professionals to be more effective and efficient by providing information software and services that deliver vital insights, intelligent tools, and guidance of subject matter experts. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business is based out of Amsterdam. The local Frederick facility employs 125 staff, most of who reside in the Frederick area. The warehouse for this facility is 80,000 square feet. Over 4,000 titles are housed at the Frederick facility and close to 2 million publications are shipped yearly. For more information about Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, visit their website at www.wolterskluwer.com
TOPLINE COUNTERTOPS INC, HOST BUSINESS VISIT
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Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young, C. Paul Smith, City Officials and The Business Development and Retention Division were guests of a business visit hosted by Topline Countertops, Inc. located at 801 N. East Street in Frederick.Topline Countertops Inc. is a family owned and operated business that started operation in May of 1991. Mr. Bruce Lindsay who hosted the visit is the President of the company with over 28 years of experience in the industry and takes a hands -on approach with every aspect of the business. Originally Topline Countertops Inc. only provided laminate and solid surface countertops but has since expanded its services to include quartz and granite. The 12,000 square foot facility has 10 fulltime employees and provides services to many area contractors and builders. Topline Countertops Inc. has the largest selection of surfacing materials in Frederick and caters to homeowners, builders, and remodelers. For more information about Topline Countertops Inc. and how they can give your kitchen definition with a beautiful counter, visit their website at www.toplinecountertops.com.
9 Ekim 2012 Salı
Changes in Health Status
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A few weeks ago, our Director of Community Health and Wellness, Nancy Forlifer, made a presentation to our board as to the progress that our community has made related to improvements in a number of health status related areas. Between 2011 and 2012, Allegany County has made improvements in high school graduation rates, less children in single-parent households, less adults smoking, motor vehicle crash deaths, sexually transmitted diseases, preventable hospital days and a reduction in the teen birth rate. We are still one of the three worst locations in Maryland for Behavioral Health related visits to the Emergency Department. Those joining Allegany County are Baltimore City and Dorchester County on the eastern shore of Maryland.
It is important to note that our priorities for Allegany County continue to be tobacco cessation (especially with pregnant women), obesity, behavioral health, access to care, substance abuse, heart disease, health literacy, prenatal care, dental care, cancer care, flu shots and screening for Diabetes. One fact that Nancy shared that got everyone's attention was in Allegany County, if 5% more people attended some college and 5% more people had an income higher than twice the poverty level, we could save 24 lives, prevent 372 cases of Diabetes and eliminate $2.7 million in Diabetes costs every year. Socioeconomic factors and health status are amazingly linked. If socioeconomic status in a region improves so does their health status.
It is important to note that our priorities for Allegany County continue to be tobacco cessation (especially with pregnant women), obesity, behavioral health, access to care, substance abuse, heart disease, health literacy, prenatal care, dental care, cancer care, flu shots and screening for Diabetes. One fact that Nancy shared that got everyone's attention was in Allegany County, if 5% more people attended some college and 5% more people had an income higher than twice the poverty level, we could save 24 lives, prevent 372 cases of Diabetes and eliminate $2.7 million in Diabetes costs every year. Socioeconomic factors and health status are amazingly linked. If socioeconomic status in a region improves so does their health status.
This Shouldn't Be Happening
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Last week, I blogged about the National Urban League's campaign against Nike over a sneaker and said that they should be focusing on more substantial issues such as black-on-black crime. Over the weekend, while I was in Hilton Head, an 8-year-old boy was gunned down on Saturday morning while he was playing in a neighbor's front yard with other children. It just so happens that the yard he was playing in was owned by the father of one of his playmates who had fired shots at two other guys the night before. The Saturday morning attackers were a father (age 38) and son (age 19) who came to retaliate against the playmate's father. The two decided on Saturday morning to drive by and spray the neighborhood with an automatic weapon hitting and killing the 8 year old. Killing a little kid out playing in the yard. A third grader who loved to read and was full of life and in Hilton Head where this stuff isn't supposed to happen. If the Urban League wants an issue to tackle, here's one neatly packaged for them to champion.
We're Not Alone
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The trade journal for our industry, Modern Healthcare, had a recent article entitled, "Staff Cuts - Industry claims that fed's debt reduction plans will lead to massive layoffs" and it certainly hit home. After what was announced yesterday at WMHS that we would be separating around 20 employees from the system, but all tolled eliminating 95.1 positions of our 2200 positions, the article was very timely. For 2013, the job loss numbers are projected to range anywhere from 250,000 to 766,000 with hospitals suffering the greatest loss. The article noted that hospitals across the US are streamlining operations in preparation for spending cuts in Medicare. My blog of September 14th, the State of the System, laid out the challenges that we have been experiencing as well as what is on the horizon for WMHS. The State of the System report served as a backdrop for the actions being taken this week. These are not easy times, but certainly we have an obligation to our community to ensure that we are providing health care in a way that we enhance quality, reduce cost and improve the overall health status of the community.
A Failure of Management?
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I once had a boss who said that having to lay off employees was a failure of management. I agreed with that sentiment and have always gone to great lengths to avoid separating employees from the organization. So if that's the case, one might ask then why the recent separations at WMHS? I guess the short answer is that health care is changing and doing so very rapidly.
Recognizing that many changes were on the horizon, last year we began not filling vacant positions that we felt could be held open. And if a position needed to be filled, it had to be approved by me. When it was all said and done, we eliminated 55 positions through attrition and turnover without affecting people. We also have added many positions to better address the changes that shift inpatient care to care in a variety of outpatient settings. Some of these new positions were filled by our employees who wanted to be part of the changes coming in health care, creating vacant positions that could be eliminated.
After last week's actions, it is projected that approximately 20 of our 2200 employees may not have a comparable position available at WMHS because of their specialization. If the number was one, that would still be too many individuals without a job. Our approach with these individuals has been to be as fair as possible with a separation package that provides them an income and health benefits for the coming months. As we go forward, our goal is to minimize any similar actions and not impact people in the future. Based on what is on the horizon with changes to Medicare and Medicaid, as well as with private payors, if that goal can be accomplished, then I am sure we will be well ahead of the game.
In closing, I don't see last week's actions as a failure of management. Payment reform is well underway in a dramatic fashion in Maryland and on a national level. And no matter who is elected President, there will continue to be changes to a Medicare program that has become financially unsustainable.
Recognizing that many changes were on the horizon, last year we began not filling vacant positions that we felt could be held open. And if a position needed to be filled, it had to be approved by me. When it was all said and done, we eliminated 55 positions through attrition and turnover without affecting people. We also have added many positions to better address the changes that shift inpatient care to care in a variety of outpatient settings. Some of these new positions were filled by our employees who wanted to be part of the changes coming in health care, creating vacant positions that could be eliminated.
After last week's actions, it is projected that approximately 20 of our 2200 employees may not have a comparable position available at WMHS because of their specialization. If the number was one, that would still be too many individuals without a job. Our approach with these individuals has been to be as fair as possible with a separation package that provides them an income and health benefits for the coming months. As we go forward, our goal is to minimize any similar actions and not impact people in the future. Based on what is on the horizon with changes to Medicare and Medicaid, as well as with private payors, if that goal can be accomplished, then I am sure we will be well ahead of the game.
In closing, I don't see last week's actions as a failure of management. Payment reform is well underway in a dramatic fashion in Maryland and on a national level. And no matter who is elected President, there will continue to be changes to a Medicare program that has become financially unsustainable.
International Health Care
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Yesterday, I read Paul Levy's Blog, Not Running a Hospital. His blog was regarding health care spending as a percentage of Gross National Product. Although the percentages vary for all countries depending on who is capturing the data, the average is about 8% even, with the U.S. at about 14%. For most countries, their spending is too low and we are too high.
Anyway, Paul's blog reminded me of a recent opportunity to speak with various people from Italy. When they found out my profession, everyone with whom I spoke volunteered, "Our (Italian) health care is terrible.” Really? But it's national health care whereby everyone receives their care at little or no cost. In conversation with the Italians, I heard the same complaints that you hear about Canadian and British health care--you wait forever for everything. According to these Italians, everyone is covered including immigrants from all over the world, who some Italians say are invading their country, taking jobs in an already very dismal Italian economy and grossly delaying the care of Italians when it is needed. Interesting. One with whom I spoke was a bartender from Egypt who is now living in Florence, Italy. He needed immediate surgery but there was going to be a six-week scheduling delay in Florence. He returned to Egypt and was operated on the next day.
In Paul's blog, he quotes a colleague from Denmark who asks, "Why does everyone come to Denmark to see our system thinking that it's wonderful; it's awful." I hope that in the US, we "go to school" on how health care programs have been designed in other countries and consider what works and what doesn't as we change how it is delivered in the US. So far, the changes that we have instituted at WMHS have improved the quality of care and reduced the cost. I hope that the state and Federal governments, along with the other payors, allow that to continue.
Anyway, Paul's blog reminded me of a recent opportunity to speak with various people from Italy. When they found out my profession, everyone with whom I spoke volunteered, "Our (Italian) health care is terrible.” Really? But it's national health care whereby everyone receives their care at little or no cost. In conversation with the Italians, I heard the same complaints that you hear about Canadian and British health care--you wait forever for everything. According to these Italians, everyone is covered including immigrants from all over the world, who some Italians say are invading their country, taking jobs in an already very dismal Italian economy and grossly delaying the care of Italians when it is needed. Interesting. One with whom I spoke was a bartender from Egypt who is now living in Florence, Italy. He needed immediate surgery but there was going to be a six-week scheduling delay in Florence. He returned to Egypt and was operated on the next day.
In Paul's blog, he quotes a colleague from Denmark who asks, "Why does everyone come to Denmark to see our system thinking that it's wonderful; it's awful." I hope that in the US, we "go to school" on how health care programs have been designed in other countries and consider what works and what doesn't as we change how it is delivered in the US. So far, the changes that we have instituted at WMHS have improved the quality of care and reduced the cost. I hope that the state and Federal governments, along with the other payors, allow that to continue.
8 Ekim 2012 Pazartesi
Tax Lawyer Job in Gordon Feinblatt LLC - Baltimore, MD
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Job Title: Tax Lawyer
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Tax
Level: Senior Level
Description: We are seeking a qualified attorney with an LL.M in taxation and at least seven years of experience in the tax structuring of complex commercial and real estate transactions for privately and publicly held clients. Candidate must have a history of business generation.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Contact Details
Title: Human Resources Director
Email: rseabrease@gfrlaw.com
Fax: 410-576-4246
Address: 233 East Redwood Street
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Tax
Level: Senior Level
Description: We are seeking a qualified attorney with an LL.M in taxation and at least seven years of experience in the tax structuring of complex commercial and real estate transactions for privately and publicly held clients. Candidate must have a history of business generation.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Contact Details
Title: Human Resources Director
Email: rseabrease@gfrlaw.com
Fax: 410-576-4246
Address: 233 East Redwood Street
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
Government Contracting Lawyer Job in Gordon Feinblatt LLC - Baltimore, MD
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Job Title: Government Contracting Lawyer
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Government Contracts
Level: Mid Level
Description: We are seeking a qualified candidate with at least 5 years of experience with respect to government contracts law, especially as it relates to the defense and intelligence communities, including negotiation and preparation of prime contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements and joint ventures, procurement issues, certification issues, and representation in connection with mergers and acquisitions. History of business generation preferred.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Contact Details
Title: Human Resources Director
Email: rseabrease@gfrlaw.com
Fax: 410-576-4246
Address: 233 East Redwood Street
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Government Contracts
Level: Mid Level
Description: We are seeking a qualified candidate with at least 5 years of experience with respect to government contracts law, especially as it relates to the defense and intelligence communities, including negotiation and preparation of prime contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements and joint ventures, procurement issues, certification issues, and representation in connection with mergers and acquisitions. History of business generation preferred.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Contact Details
Title: Human Resources Director
Email: rseabrease@gfrlaw.com
Fax: 410-576-4246
Address: 233 East Redwood Street
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
Labor and Employment Lawyer Job in Gordon Feinblatt LLC - Baltimore, MD
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Job Title: Labor and Employment Lawyer
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Labor and Employment
Level: Mid Level
Description: We are seeking a partner, counsel or senior associate attorney with significant first chair experience in a wide range of labor and employment law matters. Candidate must have a history of business generation.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Contact Details
Title: Human Resources Director
Email: rseabrease@gfrlaw.com
Fax: 410-576-4246
Address: 233 East Redwood Street
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Labor and Employment
Level: Mid Level
Description: We are seeking a partner, counsel or senior associate attorney with significant first chair experience in a wide range of labor and employment law matters. Candidate must have a history of business generation.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Contact Details
Title: Human Resources Director
Email: rseabrease@gfrlaw.com
Fax: 410-576-4246
Address: 233 East Redwood Street
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
ERISA Lawyer Job in Gordon Feinblatt LLC - Baltimore, MD
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Job Title: ERISA Lawyer
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: ERISA
Level: Mid Level
Description: We are seeking an attorney with experience in ERISA/employee benefits matters. Our practice includes single employer and multiemployer retirement and welfare plans and involves compliance and transactional work. Candidate should have experience first chairing projects and assuming significant responsibility for clients.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Contact Details
Title: Human Resources Director
Email: rseabrease@gfrlaw.com
Fax: 410-576-4246
Address: 233 East Redwood Street
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: ERISA
Level: Mid Level
Description: We are seeking an attorney with experience in ERISA/employee benefits matters. Our practice includes single employer and multiemployer retirement and welfare plans and involves compliance and transactional work. Candidate should have experience first chairing projects and assuming significant responsibility for clients.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Contact Details
Title: Human Resources Director
Email: rseabrease@gfrlaw.com
Fax: 410-576-4246
Address: 233 East Redwood Street
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
Commercial Real Estate Attorney Job in Lerch Early and Brewer Chtd. - Bethesda, MD
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Job Title: Commercial Real Estate Attorney
Location: Bethesda
State: MD
Practice Area: Commercial, Real Estate
Level: Mid Level
Description: Lerch Early, a full service commercial law firm in Bethesda, Maryland seeks candidates with 4 or more years of prior experience in complex commercial real estate transactions to join its practice in representing developers, investors and landlords in all aspects of commercial real estate acquisitions, sales, leasing and finance.
Qualified candidates will have outstanding academic credentials along with experience in drafting purchase and sale agreements, leases, financing documents, development agreements, easements, condominium documents, and other transactional documents.
The position requires significant client contact and strong client relationships as well as robust business development skills, and has excellent growth potential.
Additionally, candidates must demonstrate meaningful ties to the community.
Successful candidates for all positions at our firm demonstrate high standards of professional excellence, are committed to outstanding client satisfaction (both external and internal), are hard-working and are pleasant to work with.
The firm is an equal opportunity employer. Send resume with cover letter to recruitment@lerchearly.com.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Lerch Early and Brewer Chtd.
Contact Details
Email: recruitment@lerchearly.com
Location: Bethesda
State: MD
Practice Area: Commercial, Real Estate
Level: Mid Level
Description: Lerch Early, a full service commercial law firm in Bethesda, Maryland seeks candidates with 4 or more years of prior experience in complex commercial real estate transactions to join its practice in representing developers, investors and landlords in all aspects of commercial real estate acquisitions, sales, leasing and finance.
Qualified candidates will have outstanding academic credentials along with experience in drafting purchase and sale agreements, leases, financing documents, development agreements, easements, condominium documents, and other transactional documents.
The position requires significant client contact and strong client relationships as well as robust business development skills, and has excellent growth potential.
Additionally, candidates must demonstrate meaningful ties to the community.
Successful candidates for all positions at our firm demonstrate high standards of professional excellence, are committed to outstanding client satisfaction (both external and internal), are hard-working and are pleasant to work with.
The firm is an equal opportunity employer. Send resume with cover letter to recruitment@lerchearly.com.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Lerch Early and Brewer Chtd.
Contact Details
Email: recruitment@lerchearly.com
7 Ekim 2012 Pazar
Litigation Associate Job in Hogan Lovells US LLP - Baltimore, MD
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Job Title: Litigation Associate
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Litigation
Level: Mid Level
Description: The Baltimore office of Hogan Lovells seeks a junior to mid-level associate with a minimum of two years of litigation experience to work with our litigation practice. Preference for candidates with law firm experience. Candidates should have excellent academic credentials and strong research and writing skills. Please complete the on-line application and be prepared to attach a resume, law school transcript and a cover letter addressed to: Elizabeth W. Kirkley, Office Administrator, Hogan Lovells US LLP, 100 International Drive, Suite 2000, Baltimore, MD 21202 or JoinHoganLovellsMD@hoganlovells.com.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Hogan Lovells US LLP
Contact Details
Name: Elizabeth W. Kirkley
Title: Office Administrator
Email: JoinHoganLovellsMD@hoganlovells.com
Address: 100 International Drive, Suite 2000
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
Apply Online: To Apply online click on the Source link
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Litigation
Level: Mid Level
Description: The Baltimore office of Hogan Lovells seeks a junior to mid-level associate with a minimum of two years of litigation experience to work with our litigation practice. Preference for candidates with law firm experience. Candidates should have excellent academic credentials and strong research and writing skills. Please complete the on-line application and be prepared to attach a resume, law school transcript and a cover letter addressed to: Elizabeth W. Kirkley, Office Administrator, Hogan Lovells US LLP, 100 International Drive, Suite 2000, Baltimore, MD 21202 or JoinHoganLovellsMD@hoganlovells.com.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Hogan Lovells US LLP
Contact Details
Name: Elizabeth W. Kirkley
Title: Office Administrator
Email: JoinHoganLovellsMD@hoganlovells.com
Address: 100 International Drive, Suite 2000
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21202
Apply Online: To Apply online click on the Source link
Associate (Business and Finance Department) Job in Saul Ewing LLP - Baltimore, MD
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Job Title: Associate (Business and Finance Department)
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Business, Finance
Level: Mid Level
Description: Seeking business and finance associate with 3 to 4 years transactional experience to join fast-paced corporate group. Opportunity for entrepreneurial practice in a collegial environment. M&A experience a plus. Candidate must have excellent academic record. Maryland Bar admission required.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates should apply online and include a cover letter, resume, transcript and writing sample. Recruiters should contact Meri Kahan at mkahan@saul.com.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Saul Ewing LLP
Contact Details
Name: Meri Kahan
Email: mkahan@saul.com
Apply Online: To Apply online click on the Source link
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Business, Finance
Level: Mid Level
Description: Seeking business and finance associate with 3 to 4 years transactional experience to join fast-paced corporate group. Opportunity for entrepreneurial practice in a collegial environment. M&A experience a plus. Candidate must have excellent academic record. Maryland Bar admission required.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates should apply online and include a cover letter, resume, transcript and writing sample. Recruiters should contact Meri Kahan at mkahan@saul.com.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Saul Ewing LLP
Contact Details
Name: Meri Kahan
Email: mkahan@saul.com
Apply Online: To Apply online click on the Source link
Laterals Job in The Law Firm of Paley Rothman - Bethesda, MD
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Job Title: Laterals
Location: Bethesda
State: MD
Practice Area: Business
Level: Mid Level
Description: Seeking experienced laterals with book of portable business and excellent credentials. Our outstanding reputation and experience in a wide variety of practice areas enables us to represent businesses and individuals throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area and around the country. We are open to considering various kinds of business practices. This is a great opportunity to grow your own practice and join a well established, prominent firm in a collegial atmosphere. To apply, forward in confidence to Dan Hodin at dhodin@paleyrothman.com or via fax at 301-654-0165.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: The Law Firm of Paley Rothman
Contact Details
Name: Dan Hodin
Email: dhodin@paleyrothman.com
Fax: 301-654-0165
Location: Bethesda
State: MD
Practice Area: Business
Level: Mid Level
Description: Seeking experienced laterals with book of portable business and excellent credentials. Our outstanding reputation and experience in a wide variety of practice areas enables us to represent businesses and individuals throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area and around the country. We are open to considering various kinds of business practices. This is a great opportunity to grow your own practice and join a well established, prominent firm in a collegial atmosphere. To apply, forward in confidence to Dan Hodin at dhodin@paleyrothman.com or via fax at 301-654-0165.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: The Law Firm of Paley Rothman
Contact Details
Name: Dan Hodin
Email: dhodin@paleyrothman.com
Fax: 301-654-0165
Commercial Real Estate and Business Transactions Associate Job in Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP - Baltimore, MD
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Job Title: Commercial Real Estate and Business Transactions Associate
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Commercial Real Estate, Business Transactions
Level: Mid Level
Description: Rosenberg Martin Greenberg, LLP, a forty-five lawyer firm in downtown Baltimore, is seeking an associate with 2-4 years of commercial real estate and/or business transactions experience in a large law firm or its equivalent. We are looking for an outstanding lawyer who is personally compatible with a congenial group of attorneys and staff to work on a broad range of matters, including: structuring, documenting, directing and coordinating real estate acquisitions, leasing, sales and financings; and structuring and drafting commercial agreements and partnership, corporate and limited liability company documents. We are seeking a candidate with a strong academic background. The ability to manage multiple matters and to communicate effectively with clients, other attorneys and colleagues is essential.
Compensation and benefits are competitive. The work is challenging and the environment is informal. Please send your resume, in confidence, to Barry C. Greenberg, at Rosenberg Martin Greenberg, LLP, 25 South Charles Street, Suite 2115, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, or blawposition@rosenbergmartin.com.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP
Contact Details
Name: Barry C. Greenberg
Email: blawposition@rosenbergmartin.com
Address: 25 South Charles Street, Suite 2115
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21201
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Commercial Real Estate, Business Transactions
Level: Mid Level
Description: Rosenberg Martin Greenberg, LLP, a forty-five lawyer firm in downtown Baltimore, is seeking an associate with 2-4 years of commercial real estate and/or business transactions experience in a large law firm or its equivalent. We are looking for an outstanding lawyer who is personally compatible with a congenial group of attorneys and staff to work on a broad range of matters, including: structuring, documenting, directing and coordinating real estate acquisitions, leasing, sales and financings; and structuring and drafting commercial agreements and partnership, corporate and limited liability company documents. We are seeking a candidate with a strong academic background. The ability to manage multiple matters and to communicate effectively with clients, other attorneys and colleagues is essential.
Compensation and benefits are competitive. The work is challenging and the environment is informal. Please send your resume, in confidence, to Barry C. Greenberg, at Rosenberg Martin Greenberg, LLP, 25 South Charles Street, Suite 2115, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, or blawposition@rosenbergmartin.com.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP
Contact Details
Name: Barry C. Greenberg
Email: blawposition@rosenbergmartin.com
Address: 25 South Charles Street, Suite 2115
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 21201
Business & Financial Services Associate Job in Shulman Rogers Gandal Pordy and Ecker P.A. - Potomac, MD
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Job Title: Business & Financial Services Associate
Location: Potomac
State: MD
Practice Area: Transactions, Securities, Mergers and Acquisition
Level: Mid Level
Description: Do you want to join a law firm with many attorneys who previously worked in the largest and most prominent law firms in DC and have made the move to begin to build their own practices?
90+ attorney, entrepreneurial law firm with dynamic business and finance practice is seeking an associate with 3+ years of experience with business and finance transactions, securities and mergers & acquisitions. The ideal candidate should be capable of drafting business transaction and entity formation documents such as shareholder agreements, operating agreements for LLCs, commercial contracts and business acquisition documents. A rare career opportunity for a corporate lawyer to learn and develop within a highly successful firm. For consideration, submit resume to:
Ms. Maura Bowen
SHULMAN, ROGERS, GANDAL, PORDY & ECKER, P.A.
12505 Park Potomac Avenue, Sixth Floor
Potomac, MD 20854
Fax (301) 230-2891
email: mbowen@shulmanrogers.com
website: www.shulmanrogers.com
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Shulman Rogers Gandal Pordy and Ecker P.A.
Contact Details
Name: Maura Bowen
Email: mbowen@shulmanrogers.com
Fax: 301-230-2891
Address: 12505 Park Potomac Avenue, Sixth Floor
City: Potomac
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 20854
Location: Potomac
State: MD
Practice Area: Transactions, Securities, Mergers and Acquisition
Level: Mid Level
Description: Do you want to join a law firm with many attorneys who previously worked in the largest and most prominent law firms in DC and have made the move to begin to build their own practices?
90+ attorney, entrepreneurial law firm with dynamic business and finance practice is seeking an associate with 3+ years of experience with business and finance transactions, securities and mergers & acquisitions. The ideal candidate should be capable of drafting business transaction and entity formation documents such as shareholder agreements, operating agreements for LLCs, commercial contracts and business acquisition documents. A rare career opportunity for a corporate lawyer to learn and develop within a highly successful firm. For consideration, submit resume to:
Ms. Maura Bowen
SHULMAN, ROGERS, GANDAL, PORDY & ECKER, P.A.
12505 Park Potomac Avenue, Sixth Floor
Potomac, MD 20854
Fax (301) 230-2891
email: mbowen@shulmanrogers.com
website: www.shulmanrogers.com
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Shulman Rogers Gandal Pordy and Ecker P.A.
Contact Details
Name: Maura Bowen
Email: mbowen@shulmanrogers.com
Fax: 301-230-2891
Address: 12505 Park Potomac Avenue, Sixth Floor
City: Potomac
State: MD
Country: USA
Zipcode: 20854
6 Ekim 2012 Cumartesi
Taking Your Meds
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Last week there was an article in Fierce Healthcare entitled, "Med adherence could save $8.3 billion in healthcare costs." The article was sent to me by a physician friend who is a passionate advocate of getting patients to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing. When you read the article, it is amazing to learn that by diabetic patients simply taking their prescribed medications they would save the $8.3 billion in healthcare costs. The tough part is getting folks to take their meds. It was reported this AM on the news that 1 in 3 patients do not take their maintenance medications, in general. I have been "blessed" with the gout and take medication to prevent an attack every day. If I don't take my meds faithfully, within a few days I will have an attack. In that short period of time, the uric acid builds up in my joints, crystalizes and the pain begins until I take another med to stop the attack and the associated pain. I can't imagine suffering though that pain by not taking my daily dose of Allopurinol. I recognize that affordability is a major issue for those who don't take their meds on a regular basis. However, providers, payors, government, pharmacies and drug companies are trying to make drugs affordable, even giving them away to high risk patients who can't afford them in order to keep them out of the hospital. The non-compliant patient is a whole other story and technology will become a major player related to patient adherence in the near future. The FDA is already working with implantable microchips that confirm when medications have been ingested. I am not a big fan of the "nanny state" but government and other payors have a lot at stake to ensure adherence among patients.
Medicare as the Focus of the Presidential Campaign
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Mitt Romney's selection of Paul Ryan as VP candidate virtually catapulted Medicare to the center of the stage for the Presidential race. The issue of what to do with Medicare has already been that "third rail" issue with no one wanting to upset the senior citizens who are active voters in every election. There will continue to be lots of scare tactics on both sides during the campaign, making it tough for individuals to sort out as to what is accurate and what isn't.
As I have continued to blog, Medicare is unsustainable financially so there are no quick and painless fixes to the problem. Spending has to be controlled so moving away from volume based system to a value-based system will be key. We have to have incentives aligned between providers. Right now at WMHS, we are paid under a value-based model focused on better quality at a reduced cost while many of our physicians are still paid under a volume based model. Malpractice reform needs to be a part of the fix as it is detailed in the Romney / Ryan plan, but not in the Obama plan. The President continues to leave the issue up to the states and, for Maryland providers, as long as we have a trial lawyer as senate president, there will never be any change in Maryland's tort reform laws. The Obama plan rewards hospitals for quality, a system that all Maryland hospitals are under and it is making WMHS better at what we do and more efficient in the care that we are providing to our patients. Quite honestly, I see the attention that Medicare is receiving during this election cycle as being very positive for our seniors, for providers and for our future.
As I have continued to blog, Medicare is unsustainable financially so there are no quick and painless fixes to the problem. Spending has to be controlled so moving away from volume based system to a value-based system will be key. We have to have incentives aligned between providers. Right now at WMHS, we are paid under a value-based model focused on better quality at a reduced cost while many of our physicians are still paid under a volume based model. Malpractice reform needs to be a part of the fix as it is detailed in the Romney / Ryan plan, but not in the Obama plan. The President continues to leave the issue up to the states and, for Maryland providers, as long as we have a trial lawyer as senate president, there will never be any change in Maryland's tort reform laws. The Obama plan rewards hospitals for quality, a system that all Maryland hospitals are under and it is making WMHS better at what we do and more efficient in the care that we are providing to our patients. Quite honestly, I see the attention that Medicare is receiving during this election cycle as being very positive for our seniors, for providers and for our future.
What A Turnaround
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I have previously blogged about Maryland Hospitals being incentivized or penalized based on quality. Last year was the first year that hospitals fell under such a program. Nationally, hospitals will be a part of a similar program beginning in October 2012.
The impact on WMHS for FY 2012 based on 2011 performance was a $1.2M decrease in our rates. Based on a zero sum game formula, some hospitals were winners (not us) and some were losers, as was the case with WMHS. All Maryland hospitals pay into a fund and by performing better than expected on potentially preventable conditions (Medicare calls them hospital acquired conditions) such as hospital acquired infections, falls with injury and pressure ulcers, hospitals are awarded monies. Also factored in are patient satisfaction scores (HCAHPS) and core measure results. We were penalized $782K based on our quality-based reimbursement scores and over $400K for our potentially preventable conditions. Yesterday, we received this year's results based on last year's performance. After a lot of hard work and attention to detail, WMHS rates will be increased by over $200K; a turnaround of over $1.4M between last year and this year. We cannot rest on our laurels, as all hospitals in Maryland are striving to do better. Our goal is to exceed last year's performance by continually improving our core measure performance and our patient satisfaction scores and eliminating our potentially preventable conditions. Great job to our change agents at WMHS!
The impact on WMHS for FY 2012 based on 2011 performance was a $1.2M decrease in our rates. Based on a zero sum game formula, some hospitals were winners (not us) and some were losers, as was the case with WMHS. All Maryland hospitals pay into a fund and by performing better than expected on potentially preventable conditions (Medicare calls them hospital acquired conditions) such as hospital acquired infections, falls with injury and pressure ulcers, hospitals are awarded monies. Also factored in are patient satisfaction scores (HCAHPS) and core measure results. We were penalized $782K based on our quality-based reimbursement scores and over $400K for our potentially preventable conditions. Yesterday, we received this year's results based on last year's performance. After a lot of hard work and attention to detail, WMHS rates will be increased by over $200K; a turnaround of over $1.4M between last year and this year. We cannot rest on our laurels, as all hospitals in Maryland are striving to do better. Our goal is to exceed last year's performance by continually improving our core measure performance and our patient satisfaction scores and eliminating our potentially preventable conditions. Great job to our change agents at WMHS!
This Shouldn't Be Happening
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Last week, I blogged about the National Urban League's campaign against Nike over a sneaker and said that they should be focusing on more substantial issues such as black-on-black crime. Over the weekend, while I was in Hilton Head, an 8-year-old boy was gunned down on Saturday morning while he was playing in a neighbor's front yard with other children. It just so happens that the yard he was playing in was owned by the father of one of his playmates who had fired shots at two other guys the night before. The Saturday morning attackers were a father (age 38) and son (age 19) who came to retaliate against the playmate's father. The two decided on Saturday morning to drive by and spray the neighborhood with an automatic weapon hitting and killing the 8 year old. Killing a little kid out playing in the yard. A third grader who loved to read and was full of life and in Hilton Head where this stuff isn't supposed to happen. If the Urban League wants an issue to tackle, here's one neatly packaged for them to champion.
We're Not Alone
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The trade journal for our industry, Modern Healthcare, had a recent article entitled, "Staff Cuts - Industry claims that fed's debt reduction plans will lead to massive layoffs" and it certainly hit home. After what was announced yesterday at WMHS that we would be separating around 20 employees from the system, but all tolled eliminating 95.1 positions of our 2200 positions, the article was very timely. For 2013, the job loss numbers are projected to range anywhere from 250,000 to 766,000 with hospitals suffering the greatest loss. The article noted that hospitals across the US are streamlining operations in preparation for spending cuts in Medicare. My blog of September 14th, the State of the System, laid out the challenges that we have been experiencing as well as what is on the horizon for WMHS. The State of the System report served as a backdrop for the actions being taken this week. These are not easy times, but certainly we have an obligation to our community to ensure that we are providing health care in a way that we enhance quality, reduce cost and improve the overall health status of the community.
5 Ekim 2012 Cuma
A Very Challenging Week at WMHS
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Today and continuing the rest of this week, we are impacting the lives of a number of people at WMHS as we implement some changes that will result in staffing reductions. We have worked very hard to minimize the number of employees who will be separated from the organization; however, even if one individual is separated, it is too many.
In anticipation of these staffing reductions, we have kept vacant positions open to the extent that we could throughout the year in an effort to eliminate as many positions as possible and not affect people. Fifty-four full and part-time positions have been eliminated, saving the equivalent of full-time 40 jobs. Another 35 employees will have their hours reduced. When it's all said and done, around 20 employees will be eligible for other vacant positions that have been held open and another 20 employees will be separated from the organization and offered severance benefits. This will be a difficult week for our staff as well as our department directors and managers.
We have been asked why this process took so long. That is an easy answer. Our goal from the onset was to minimize the number of employees impacted. We could have rushed through the review process and affected a lot more individuals, but we chose to be more deliberate. My apologies to the staff of WMHS for not communicating our staffing changes sooner than this week. I know the stress that many of our employees have experienced by not knowing what was going to happen. But, I stand by the process that we used.
These will continue to be challenging times for hospitals. We were not the first to separate staff and we won't be the last, but I would like to think that we acted in the best interest of our staff, as well as our community, by being as methodical in the process.
In anticipation of these staffing reductions, we have kept vacant positions open to the extent that we could throughout the year in an effort to eliminate as many positions as possible and not affect people. Fifty-four full and part-time positions have been eliminated, saving the equivalent of full-time 40 jobs. Another 35 employees will have their hours reduced. When it's all said and done, around 20 employees will be eligible for other vacant positions that have been held open and another 20 employees will be separated from the organization and offered severance benefits. This will be a difficult week for our staff as well as our department directors and managers.
We have been asked why this process took so long. That is an easy answer. Our goal from the onset was to minimize the number of employees impacted. We could have rushed through the review process and affected a lot more individuals, but we chose to be more deliberate. My apologies to the staff of WMHS for not communicating our staffing changes sooner than this week. I know the stress that many of our employees have experienced by not knowing what was going to happen. But, I stand by the process that we used.
These will continue to be challenging times for hospitals. We were not the first to separate staff and we won't be the last, but I would like to think that we acted in the best interest of our staff, as well as our community, by being as methodical in the process.
We're Not Alone
To contact us Click HERE
The trade journal for our industry, Modern Healthcare, had a recent article entitled, "Staff Cuts - Industry claims that fed's debt reduction plans will lead to massive layoffs" and it certainly hit home. After what was announced yesterday at WMHS that we would be separating around 20 employees from the system, but all tolled eliminating 95.1 positions of our 2200 positions, the article was very timely. For 2013, the job loss numbers are projected to range anywhere from 250,000 to 766,000 with hospitals suffering the greatest loss. The article noted that hospitals across the US are streamlining operations in preparation for spending cuts in Medicare. My blog of September 14th, the State of the System, laid out the challenges that we have been experiencing as well as what is on the horizon for WMHS. The State of the System report served as a backdrop for the actions being taken this week. These are not easy times, but certainly we have an obligation to our community to ensure that we are providing health care in a way that we enhance quality, reduce cost and improve the overall health status of the community.
Projected Job Loss in Maryland
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Under the current Federal budget projections, Maryland could lose almost 13,000 jobs in health care over the next eight years. As I wrote in yesterday's blog, there are projections of over three quarters of a million jobs lost nationwide in health care over the same period. As the Federal and state governments attempt to rein in health care spending, they will reduce payments to hospitals, doctors and other providers. In our case, those reductions have already started in Maryland and have impacted WMHS. With job loss numbers of that magnitude projected nationally and in Maryland, it will eventually have a trickle-down effect on other businesses that serve health care, as well. It looks like we are in for a rough ride unless something miraculous happens.
Transformation of US Healthcare
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Last week, I received a publication from our external auditors, KPMG. The publication was entitled, "The Transformation of US Healthcare." From time to time, it is especially helpful to check how we are doing against others in the industry. The report identifies six key industry change characteristics that all hospitals should be focusing on and they are as follows: 1) Shifting reimbursement from fee for service to value based; 2) Increasing provider consolidation; 3) Changing sites of service; 4) Enhancing consumer engagement; 5) Transitioning to wellness and prevention; 6) Disrupting new market entrants.
At WMHS, we have embraced all of these characteristics. We are now paid under a value-based model as part of the Total Patient Reimbursement (TPR) model and will eventually evolve to a population health model. We also continue to work with our physicians and advanced practice providers on clinical integration and provider accountability. We have also embraced a new care continuum whereby we are treating patients in the most appropriate setting; not simply admitting everyone and caring for them in the most expensive setting whether they needed it or not. Our patients, like patients across the country, have become much more engaged in their care and are fast becoming tech savvy in their interactions with us and their providers. At WMHS, we have embraced community health and wellness across the system and can see improvements in the health and social needs from last year to this year. Lastly, we continue to see new entrants into the health care market whether they are surgery centers, urgent care centers, entrepreneurial focused physicians, private companies and the list goes on. Everyone is trying to find their niche, as well as maximize their income, in an ever changing environment. The bottom line is that we are very good shape going forward in preparing our health system for tomorrow.
At WMHS, we have embraced all of these characteristics. We are now paid under a value-based model as part of the Total Patient Reimbursement (TPR) model and will eventually evolve to a population health model. We also continue to work with our physicians and advanced practice providers on clinical integration and provider accountability. We have also embraced a new care continuum whereby we are treating patients in the most appropriate setting; not simply admitting everyone and caring for them in the most expensive setting whether they needed it or not. Our patients, like patients across the country, have become much more engaged in their care and are fast becoming tech savvy in their interactions with us and their providers. At WMHS, we have embraced community health and wellness across the system and can see improvements in the health and social needs from last year to this year. Lastly, we continue to see new entrants into the health care market whether they are surgery centers, urgent care centers, entrepreneurial focused physicians, private companies and the list goes on. Everyone is trying to find their niche, as well as maximize their income, in an ever changing environment. The bottom line is that we are very good shape going forward in preparing our health system for tomorrow.
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