ASC Connection (eSupport) Educational Webinars

CMS requirements and quality reporting can be challenging for perioperative leaders in the ASC setting. Participants will receive current information on the quality program with updates on the 2025 final rule, what reporting is required, and the definitions/frequently asked questions for the indicators.

Presented by: Gina Throneberry RN, MBA, CASC, CNOR
ASC Association

Surgical smoke is a well-documented hazard, yet no national regulations mandating smoke safety in operating rooms exist. Despite warnings from OSHA and NIOSH since 1988, the lack of federal standards underscores the need for increased awareness and state-level legislation to protect both surgical teams and patients. Nurses play a key role in advocating for change and can drive progress by championing smoke evacuation policies in their facilities. This webinar will examine the latest advancements in surgical smoke legislation, emphasize the vital role of nurses in advocating for policy change, and outline practical steps for preparing and implementing state-level smoke evacuation laws.

Presented by: Emily Jones, MSN, RN, CNOR
AORN

The ASC CMS Conditions for Coverage are updated infrequently, but the changes made in June 2022 to Standards 416.42 (Anesthetic Risk and Evaluation) and 416.52 (Patient Assessment and Admission) have caused ongoing confusion. In this session, participants will gain a clear understanding of the key components of these standards and learn how to demonstrate compliance, both during Pre-op procedures and within the patient’s medical record.

Presented by: Apryl McElheny, MBA, MSN, RN, CASC, CIC
VMG Health

Incident reporting plays a critical role in healthcare compliance and patient safety. While it’s easy to recognize when things go as planned—such as patient admission, care, or discharge—it is equally important to handle unexpected events. Documenting deviations in patient care is essential, but it’s just the first step in analyzing and preventing future occurrences. This webinar will guide participants through the essential steps of documenting and analyzing incidents, emphasizing how a comprehensive approach to reporting can lead to improved patient care, enhanced safety protocols, better compliance with healthcare regulations, and actionable insights to prevent recurrence.

Presented by: Crissy Benze, MSN, BSN, RN
VMG Health

This webinar will explore the critical pharmacy-related regulatory and compliance challenges faced by Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs). Attendees will learn how to develop and implement robust medication processes, including Look-Alike Sound-Alike (LASA) and High Alert medication protocols, aimed at improving patient safety and minimizing errors. The session will cover best practices for managing medication waste, ensuring compliance with relevant procedures and regulations. Additionally, participants will learn strategies for achieving and maintaining USP <800> compliance, with a focus on safely handling hazardous drugs. The webinar will conclude with practical approaches to managing drug shortages and backorders, ensuring continuity of care and minimizing disruptions to patient treatment.

Presented by: Nick Bockmann Pharm.D.
The Fawks Company

Navigating the complexities of state licensing, accreditation, and Medicare certification can be challenging. Our expert consulting team has had the privilege of working with numerous ASC facilities nationwide, helping them successfully pass a wide range of regulatory surveys. Join us for an informative webinar as we share the most frequently cited deficiencies from the past year. Learn practical strategies to avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your facility’s survey readiness.

Presented by: Crissy Benze, MSN, BSN, RN
VMG Health

This dynamic webinar is designed to deepen the understanding of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) and equip attendees with practical tools to improve financial performance. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of essential RCM terminology, including a glossary of key acronyms, to ensure consistent language is used. Participants will also gain a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of monthly financial reports, with a clear breakdown of key metrics and their impact on overall performance. Additionally, proven strategies will be shared for creating compelling RCM presentations for board meetings, emphasizing the critical data stakeholders need to understand to make informed decisions.

Presented by: Nancy Stephens
VMG Health

Robert Marinich & Patricia Smith
Synergen Health

Understanding patient complaints and grievances is crucial for upholding Patient Rights and strengthening a facility’s QAPI program, including effective risk management. In this webinar, participants will learn to distinguish between a complaint and a grievance and will explore effective strategies for addressing both within the QAPI process, empowering them to reduce incidents and resolve concerns quickly.

Presented by: Debra Stinchcomb, MBA, BSN, RN, CASC
VMG Health

This webinar offers a comprehensive overview of the ASC Employee Health Program, covering essential topics such as staff vaccination initiatives, COVID-19 protocols, and current tuberculosis requirements. It also addresses fundamental infection control practices and policies crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all staff. Designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance employee well-being, this course focuses on improving both staff health and compliance within the facility.

Presented by: Vanessa Sindell, MSN, BSN, RN, CAIP
VMG Health

Building on the 2023 webinar Streamlining Communication from Clinic to ASC, this webinar will focus on the postoperative phase of the surgical scheduling journey. While the patient’s surgical date may have passed and discharge has occurred, the scheduling process doesn’t end there. Explore the critical next steps in effective communication, emphasizing the importance of post-discharge follow-up, continuous improvement, and maintaining streamlined communication throughout the entire surgical process. Participants will gain valuable insights into how to optimize postoperative communication and enhance overall patient care.

Presented by: Laurie Brown, MBA, COMT, COE, CPC
Apryl McElheny, MBA, MSN, RN, CASC, CIC
VMG Health

This webinar will explore essential inventory management and control strategies within an ASC’s supply chain, a key factor impacting the ASC’s financial health and profitability. Participants will gain valuable insights into effective inventory controls, case costing, accounting best practices, inventory planning, accurate reporting, and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory management.

Presented by: Nancy Stephens
Vanessa Sindell, MSN, BSN, RN, CAIP
VMG Health

Explore critical life safety issues across the United States, focusing on common deficiencies found during the Life Safety Code survey and how to proactively address them. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of risk assessments, including how to conduct them effectively and why they are essential for mitigating potential hazards. Additionally, attendees will learn about the importance of regular Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) to  ensure compliance and ongoing safety. This webinar will equip participants with  insights and tools to enhance safety, reduce risk, and remain compliant with regulatory standards.

Presented by: John Crowder, Jr., PG, CHFM, CFP
VMG Health