Quality & Behavioral Health Conference, Oct. 12-13, 2023
THA's Quality & Behavioral Health Conference brings together clinical leaders and behavioral health professionals for two days of education covering the latest industry issues -- a must-attend event for clinicians and administrators working to provide the highest quality health care across the continuum.
Register Here
Join THA and your quality and behavioral health colleagues Oct. 12-13, 2023 at the Sheraton Austin. This two-day conference brings together two programs, the Quality and Patient Safety and Behavioral Health Conferences, forming one robust educational event with two distinct tracks of education for both quality and behavioral health care professionals.

Register Today
If you have any issues with registration, please email servicecenter@tha.org
The above registration is for hospital staff only.
If you are interested in registering as a vendor, click here to download the prospectus or contact Vicki Dale at vdale@tha.org
Featured Speakers

Amer Kaissi, Ph.D., Professor, Health Care Administration, Trinity University, San Antonio

Gloria Dunn, M.D, Physician Educator and Member, Care Collaboratory, Covington, LA

Carrie Kroll, Vice President of Advocacy, Public Policy and Political Strategy, Texas Hospital Association, Austin

Sara González, Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
Program Cost
In-Person Conference
Early (on or before June 30) | Regular (July 1- Sept. 27) | Late (after Sept. 27) | |
Main Conference | |||
Member | $350 | $375 | $425 |
Non-Member | $375 | $425 | $475 |
Virtual Conference
Early (on or before June 30) | Regular (July 1- Sept. 27) | Late (after Sept. 27) | |
Main Conference Individual | |||
Member | $225 | $250 | $275 |
Non-Member | $300 | $375 | $400 |
Cancellations
The registration fee, less a 20 percent administrative charge, is refundable if notice of cancellation is received in writing by 5 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2023. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after this date. Should the conference be canceled, there will be a 100% refund of registration price. To cancel, send an email to registrar@tha.org or fax to 512/692-2653.
Transferring to Virtual Registration
Should you need to transfer your in-person registration to a virtual registration, you may do so and be refunded the difference in registration costs if notice is received in writing by 5 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2023. You may still transfer your in-person registration to a virtual registration following this date, but you will not be refunded the registration difference.
If you wish to transfer your in-person registration to an existing virtual group registration, we will refund you the in-person registration fee, less a 20% administrative charge, if notice is received in writing by 5 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2023. You may still transfer your in-person registration to an existing virtual group registration following this date, but you will not be refunded the in-person registration.
Questions?
Contact the Service Center at servicecenter@tha.org or 512/465-1057.

In-Person Venue
Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel and Conference Center
1101 Woodlawn Avenue
Georgetown, Texas 78628
Reduced room rate for conference attendees: $189/night
Reservation cut-off date: September 29, 2023
Phone Reservations: 737/444-2700 (*Ask for the THA Room Block Rate)
Target Audience Includes:
- Administrators;
- Directors of nursing and nursing staff;
- Quality improvement professionals;
- Social work directors;
- Directors of behavioral health and clinical services;
- Managed care staff; and
- Compliance staff
Agenda
THURSDAY, OCT. 12: MAIN CONFERENCE DAY 1
8-9 a.m.
Breakfast and Registration
9-10:15 a.m.
Opening General Session
Outcomes of the 88th Legislative Session
Sara González, Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy; and Carrie Kroll, Vice President of Advocacy, Public Policy and Political Strategy, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
Members of the THA advocacy team will provide an overview of the legislative outcomes that emerged from the 88th Texas Legislature and their direct impact on quality and behavioral health. This session offers a keen analysis of state and national trends, encompassing legislative and regulatory dynamics that have shaped these critical fields.
ACHE: 1.25 hours, CME: 1.25 hours, CNE: 1.25 hours. CPE: 1.5 hours
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Break with Exhibitors
10:45-11:45 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
-
- QPS Breakout
Emergency Preparedness: Regulatory Requirements for CMS and Joint Commission Compliance
Laura Dixon, J.D., RN, CPHRM, President, Healthcare Risk and Consulting, LLC, Denver, CO
This session addresses CMS regulations regarding emergency preparedness, including the recent updates to include emerging infectious diseases. All covered facilities are required to have a written program to address the various natural and man-made emergencies that may impact delivery of care and patient safety. This program will cover the required elements for compliance with CMs regulations, including mandatory testing and training of all personnel. There will also be a brief discussion of references and resources from The Joint Commission.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours, CPE: 1.2 hours
- QPS Breakout
-
- Behavioral Health Breakout
Mental Health Workforce Shortage
Mandy Westerman, LCSW, Regional Vice President, Behavioral Health, Universal Health Services, Houston; Alison Mohr-Bohlware, LMSW, Director of Policy, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, Austin; and Laura Stone, M.D., President, Texas Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Medical Director, Day Treatment Program, The Center for Pediatric Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
Join our education panel session to delve into the pressing issue of the mental health workforce shortage in Texas. Explore the underlying causes, potential solutions, and the far-reaching implications of this crisis on individuals and communities alike. Engage with experts as they discuss strategies to bridge the gap and ensure access to vital mental health support across Texas.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours, CPE: 1.2 hours
- Behavioral Health Breakout
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Lunch
12:30-1:30 p.m.
General Session
Innovative Efforts to Recruit Providers
Susan Greenwoood, BSN, RN, FACHE, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Hendrick Health; and Laura Pressler, RN, Trauma Educator and Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator, United Regional Health Care System, Wichita Falls
This panel will discuss pioneering approaches to addressing the provider shortage in Texas and the creative strategies, partnerships and incentives that are driving innovative recruitment efforts in the state. Join us to gain insights into the successes, challenges and lessons learned from these efforts to ensure quality health care access to all Texans.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
-
- QPS Breakout
Root Cause Analysis and Actions: Strategies and Best Practices
Justin Burton, MBA, RN, CPPS, CPHQ, NE-BC, Patient Safety and Quality Executive, SaferCare Texas
This session is designed to equip health care professionals with an understanding of effective Root Cause Analyses and Actions best practices specifically suited for addressing complex challenges within hospital settings. Join us to explore a successful RCA2 case study, and take away practical insights to elevate your hospital’s problem-solving capabilities and patient care outcomes.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours, CPE: 1.2 hours
- QPS Breakout
-
- Behavioral Health Breakout
Integrated Behavioral Health
Laurel Williams, D.O., Professor, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston and Medical Director, Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium
This session will review the transformative initiatives orchestrated by the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium. The speaker will review the multitude of programs under the TCMHCC umbrella designed to seamlessly integrate vital mental health services into both primary care and school environments. Discover how these collaborative efforts are forging a path towards early intervention and revolutionized mental health care in Texas.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours
- Behavioral Health Breakout
2:30-3 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
3-4 p.m.
General Session
Trauma-Informed Care
Gloria Dunn, M.D., Physician Educator and Member, Care Collaboratory, Covington, LA
Join us for this session highlighting the vital role of trauma-informed care in enhancing both patient outcomes and provider wellness. Attendees will discover how understanding and integrating trauma sensitivity into health care practices can lead to improved patient engagement, better treatment adherence and enhanced overall well-being. Dr. Dunn will review the latest research and practical strategies, empowering attendees to cultivate a culture of compassion, resilience, and healing within your health care setting.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours
4-5 p.m.
Afternoon General Session
Pediatric Behavioral Health
Marni Elyse Axelrad, Ph.D., Clinic Chief of Psychology Service, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston; and Jessica Knudsen, CEO/President, Clarity Child Guidance Center, San Antonio
Explore the latest trends in acute care and behavioral health hospital settings, gaining insight into the pressing needs of young patients. The panelists will review the legislative impact on pediatric behavioral health care, analyzing outcomes from the 88th Texas Legislative Session. In addition, innovative solutions aimed at bridging gaps in pediatric behavioral health services will be discussed.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours
5-6 p.m.
Reception
FRIDAY, OCT. 13: MAIN CONFERENCE DAY 2
8-8:45 a.m.
Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:45-9:45 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
-
- QPS Breakout
The New Landscape of Chronic Care Management
Shane Grivich, Co-Founder/Chief Strategy Officer, ChartSpan
In this session, attendees will learn how to identify patient care gaps, enabling caregivers to provide more comprehensive and effective care. The speaker will also explore the deeper value-add of an effective chronic care management system, exploring its potential to transform health care delivery. Additionally, you will gain insights into successes in value-based arrangements, demonstrating how chronic care management can enhance patient outcomes while reducing health care costs.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours, CPE: 1.2 hours
- QPS Breakout
-
- Behavioral Health Breakout
Health Equity in Behavioral Health
Katherine Sanchez, Ph.D., LCSW, Director, Diversity and Inclusiveness in Research, Center for Applied Health Research, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas
This session will cover the role that health inequities play in shaping individuals’ ability to seek and receive treatment from behavioral health providers. Through a comprehensive exploration of data-driven insights, our speaker will shed light on the barriers that contribute to disparities in mental health care, offering actionable strategies to help pave the way toward a more equitable and inclusive behavioral health landscape.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours
- Behavioral Health Breakout
9:45-11 a.m.
Closing General Session
Resilience in Leadership: Key Behaviors for Self-Care and Caring for Others
Amer Kaissi, Ph.D., Professor, Health Care Administration, Trinity University, San Antonio
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the chronic stressors that leaders deal with, which inevitably result in burnout and chronic fatigue. Dr. Kaissi will discuss how leaders have the ability to influence and impact their team’s and organization’s resilience. But in order to do that, they have to build and maintain their own self-resilience first. Drawing on the latest research and compelling case studies, Dr. Kaissi shares a practical model of resilience focusing on the importance of realistic optimism; compassion; and gratitude on the one hand, and self-care behaviors such as short reflections; strategic breaks and realistic boundaries on the other.
ACHE: 1.25 hours, CME: 1.25 hours, CNE: 1.25 hours, CPE: 1.5 hours
Virtual Agenda
THURSDAY, OCT. 12: MAIN CONFERENCE DAY 1
9-10:15 a.m.
Opening General Session
Outcomes of the 88th Legislative Session
Sara González, Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy; and Carrie Kroll, Vice President of Advocacy, Public Policy and Political Strategy, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
Members of the THA advocacy team will provide an overview of the legislative outcomes that emerged from the 88th Texas Legislature and their direct impact on quality and behavioral health. This session offers a keen analysis of state and national trends, encompassing legislative and regulatory dynamics that have shaped these critical fields.
ACHE: 1.25 hours, CME: 1.25 hours, CNE: 1.25 hours. CPE: 1.5 hours
12:30-1:30 p.m.
General Session
Innovative Efforts to Recruit Providers
Susan Greenwoood, BSN, RN, FACHE, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Hendrick Health; and Laura Pressler, RN, Trauma Educator and Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator, United Regional Health Care System, Wichita Falls
This panel will discuss pioneering approaches to addressing the provider shortage in Texas and the creative strategies, partnerships and incentives that are driving innovative recruitment efforts in the state. Join us to gain insights into the successes, challenges and lessons learned from these efforts to ensure quality health care access to all Texans.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours
3-4 p.m.
General Session
Trauma-Informed Care
Gloria Dunn, M.D., Physician Educator and Member, Care Collaboratory, Covington, LA
Join us for this session highlighting the vital role of trauma-informed care in enhancing both patient outcomes and provider wellness. Attendees will discover how understanding and integrating trauma sensitivity into health care practices can lead to improved patient engagement, better treatment adherence and enhanced overall well-being. Dr. Dunn will review the latest research and practical strategies, empowering attendees to cultivate a culture of compassion, resilience, and healing within your health care setting.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours
4-5 p.m.
Afternoon General Session
Pediatric Behavioral Health
Marni Elyse Axelrad, Ph.D., Clinic Chief of Psychology Service, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston; and Jessica Knudsen, CEO/President, Clarity Child Guidance Center, San Antonio
Explore the latest trends in acute care and behavioral health hospital settings, gaining insight into the pressing needs of young patients. The panelists will review the legislative impact on pediatric behavioral health care, analyzing outcomes from the 88th Texas Legislative Session. In addition, innovative solutions aimed at bridging gaps in pediatric behavioral health services will be discussed.
ACHE: 1.0 hours, CME: 1.0 hours, CNE: 1.0 hours
FRIDAY, OCT. 13: MAIN CONFERENCE DAY 2
9:45-11 a.m.
Closing General Session
Resilience in Leadership: Key Behaviors for Self-Care and Caring for Others
Amer Kaissi, Ph.D., Professor, Health Care Administration, Trinity University, San Antonio
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the chronic stressors that leaders deal with, which inevitably result in burnout and chronic fatigue. Dr. Kaissi will discuss how leaders have the ability to influence and impact their team’s and organization’s resilience. But in order to do that, they have to build and maintain their own self-resilience first. Drawing on the latest research and compelling case studies, Dr. Kaissi shares a practical model of resilience focusing on the importance of realistic optimism; compassion; and gratitude on the one hand, and self-care behaviors such as short reflections; strategic breaks and realistic boundaries on the other.
ACHE: 1.25 hours, CME: 1.25 hours, CNE: 1.25 hours, CPE: 1.5 hours

Sponsor this Event
Click here for this years list of sponsors
Featuring presentations from industry leaders in quality and patient safety and behavioral healthcare. This exhibit opportunity provides sponsors a unique opportunity to connect with health care leadership teams from hospitals across the state.
Interested in sponsoring? Click here to download the prospectus or Contact Vicki Dale at vdale@tha.org.