Nominations & Elections
Activity | Timeline | Approximate Dates |
Call for nominations | 90 days prior to annual meeting (Mar/Apr) | December/January |
Distribution of ballots to active members | 45 days prior to annual meeting (Mar/Apr) | |
Collection of ballots from general membership | 30 days | |
Tally of ballots by individual not associated with LAHQ (neither LAHQ member or family member of LAHQ member) | 15 days prior to annual meeting | |
Notification of elected officers by Nomination & Election Committee Chair | 10 days prior to annual meeting | |
Induction of elected officers at the annual meeting | Annual lConference | March/April |
About LAHQ |
About LAHQ
Since 1976, the Louisiana Association for Healthcare Quality has been a guidepost for healthcare quality professionals. We were founded in 1976, later incorporated in 1982, and officially named the Louisiana Association for Healthcare Quality in 1995. LAHQ enjoys a diverse membership that includes professionals from many quality-related disciplines such as utilization, risk, case management, patient safety and infection control.
Our mission
Mission LAHQ will champion improvement in healthcare quality and safety through communication, advocacy, leadership, and education. Purpose The purpose of LAHQ is to support the development and professional growth of healthcare quality management professionals through education, networking and unity. |
History of LAHQ
In 1976, Public Law 92603 mandated Utilization Review (UR) in hospitals. Hospitals began to comply with this mandate by designating nurses, medical records professionals and other personnel as UR Coordinators. These professionals soon recognized the need for communication. To our good fortune, a few had the vision and determination to do something about it.
FIRST MEETING: Anna Prescott with the support of Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans, hosted a luncheon meeting for three nurses in the area. At this meeting they agreed on the need for sharing and networking. Others in the New Orleans area joined and began meeting on a monthly basis.
There was no formal organization for a while, just a chairman. The group opened the meetings to all Utilization Review Coordinators in the New Orleans area. They had guest speakers in for meetings.
These professionals were not satisfied to limit the networking and communication to the New Orleans area and in their wisdom, they knew knowledge must be shared with others in the state. In November 1978, Anna Prescott sent out notices to all hospitals in Louisiana. With the help of some very good volunteer speakers, they offered the first Educational Seminar for UR Coordinators on January 8, 1978 and at the same time, put forth an intensive effort to get others involved around the state. The registration was very minimal, just enough to cover the cost of mail-outs and other incidentals, associated with the seminar. Ochsner Foundation Hospital provided backing in case additional funds were needed to cover expenses.
It was at this seminar that the Louisiana Association of Utilization Review Coordinators was formally organized. Officers were elected, bylaws were written, and the Charter was drawn up. The state was divided into four regions to correlate with the Professional Standards Review Organization (PSRO) regions at that time (Region I Shreveport, Region II Lafayette, Region III Baton Rouge and Region IV New Orleans).
The Association’s Charter/Articles of Incorporation was approved by the State of Louisiana on August 13, 1981-“Louisiana Association of Utilization Review Coordinators”. The Louisiana Association of UR Coordinators was able to impact upon PSRO and they accepted the recommendation to employ RNs and RRAs to conduct reviews.
In 1981 the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH) mandated quality assurance in hospitals. For the most part this fells to the UR Coordinators. About this time, the National Association of Quality Assurance Professionals (NAQAP) was founded and began to see affiliation of state organizations. Joanne Kughn and Suzanne Hansen from New Orleans represented Louisiana on key committees at the national level. Anna Prescott became the NAQAP Region III Representative from 1981 – 1983.
By 1982 the organization recognized the need to amend the Articles of Incorporation and rename the organization Louisiana Association of Quality Assurance Professionals (LAQAP) to be consistent with the duties and qualification of its members. This was approved by the Secretary of State on November 5, 1982.
Past Board Members
In 1978 the officers of the “Louisiana Association of Utilization Review Coordinators” were:
President – Anna Prescott | Treasurer – Jackie Hano |
Secretary – Marjorie Krahe | Region IV Representative – Jeannine Holifield |
In 1979 the officers were:
President – Anna Prescott | Treasurer – Jackie Hano |
Vice President – Jeannine Holifield | Secretary – Marjorie Krahe |
In 1980 the officers were:
President – Jeannine Holifield | Treasurer – Jackie Hano |
Past President – Anna Prescott |
Governance: Bylaws as approved by the membership and consistent with guidelines of the national organization.
Logo: LAHQ logo was designed by Elizabeth Suire.
LAQAP affiliated with NAQAP in 1982. Louisiana was the second state to affiliate with the national organization.
In 1982-1983 the officers were:
President – Susan Hanson | Treasurer – Susan Litton |
Vice President – Karen Farley | Region I – Jan Haffey |
Past President – Anna Prescott | Region II – Liz Suire |
Secretary – Mary Burns | Region III – Fran Couner |
Parliamentarian – Jean Batiste | Region IV – Mary Long |
The 1982 State Educational Conference was held in Lafayette, La., on September 9 and 10. The theme was “Quality Assurance – Coming Out of the Basement”.
In 1983 – 1984 Anna Prescott became President Elect of NAQAP.
The 1983-1984 LAQAP Governing Board was as follows:
President – Susan Hanson | Parliamentarian – Jean Batiste |
Vice President – Karen Farley | Region I - |
Past President – Anna Prescott | Region II – Celina Hynie |
Secretary – Marjorie Krahe | Region III – Juanita Dugar |
Treasurer – Susan Litton | Region IV – Carole Adamczyk |
The 1983 State Educational Conference was held on November 17 & 18 in Baton Rouge. The theme was “Reimbursable Quality Care: How Will The Cards Fall.”
Anna Prescott became President of NAQAP for 1984-1985. During her tem in office, she wrote the criteria for the Clair Glover Award, started communication for NAQAP Representation to the board of JCAH; began the National Quality Assurance Day, started the Study Guide for Certification, started the policy of having a Parliamentarian at NAQAP Board and Membership Meetings and hired a part time editor for the Journal of Health Care Quality. As you can see, Anna brought about some historical changes, from which we are still benefiting.
The 1984-1985 LAQAP Governing Board was as follows:
President – Susan Hanson | Parliamentarian – Jean Batiste |
President Elect – Karen Farley | Region I - |
Past President – Anna Prescott | Region II – Celina Hynie |
Secretary – Susan Litton | Region III – Juanita Dugar |
Treasurer – Susan Litton | Region IV – Carole Adamcyk |
In 1984 LAQAP co-hosted the NAQAP Region III Educational Seminar: “DRG Issues & Answers for Quality Assurance Professionals,” in New Orleans.
The first individuals from Louisiana who successfully passed the certification exam were: Sue Hanson, Anna Prescott, Joan Katieva, and Paula Manning.
LAQAP laid the groundwork for our first association newsletter as a means for networking with the membership. The newsletter was and still is, the responsibility of the President Elect.
Our Federal Tax I.D. was received in 1984.
The 1985-1986 LAQAP Governing Board was as follows:
President – Karen Farley | Parliamentarian – Juanita Dugar |
President Elect - Paula Manning | Region I – Ronald Gautheir |
Past President – Susan Hanson | Region II – Patricia Whatley |
Secretary – Susan Litton | Region III – Nancy Nolan |
Treasurer – Anna Prescott | Region IV – Carole Adamcyk |
Anna Prescott served as Past-President of NAHQ from 1985-1986.
The 1985 Educational Conference was held on April 18 & 19, in Lafayette. The Theme was “Knowledge: The Key To Success.”
In October 1985 LAQAP participated in the first state poster session at the national meeting in Las Vegas. Our poster was a pictorial display of Louisiana. Favors to spark interest in our state: buttons, pins, maps, tabasco sauce and travel brochures were handed out. LAQAP received an award for the poster and ultimately, we hosted the national meeting in New Orleans in 1990.
The 1986-1987 LAQAP Governing Board was as follows:
President – Paula Manning President Elect – Anna Prescott
Past President – Karen Farley Secretary – Audrey Thibodeaux
Treasurer – Juanita Dugar Parliamentarian – Marjorie Krahe
Region I – Joan Pully Region II – Patricia Whatley
Region III – Susan Litton Region IV – Joanne Kughn
The 1987-1988 LAQAP Governing Board was as follows:
President – Anna Prescott President Elect – Patricia Whatley
Past President – Paula Manning Secretary – Audrey Thibodeaux
Treasurer – Susan Clay Parliamentarian – Marjorie Krahe
Region I – Joan Pulley Region II – Jane Williams
Region III – Patricia Schilling Region IV – David McGregor
Region V – Linda Cooley
The 1988 State Educational Conference was held May 5-6, in Baton Rouge. The theme was “Survival 1988”.
The 1988-1990 LAQAP Governing Board was as follows:
President – Patricia Whatley President Elect – Marjorie Krahe
Past President – Anna Prescott Treasurer – Susan Clay
Parliamentarian - Secretary –
Region I – Tammy Miers Region II – Jane Williams
Region III – Patricia Schilling Region IV – David McGregor
Region V – Linda Cooley
The 1989 State Educational Conference was held in Baton Rouge. The main speaker was Patricia Lefkowitz-Ziegler.
The 1990-1991 LAQAP Governing Board was as follows:
President – Marjorie Krahe President Elect – Peggy Alvis
Past President – Patricia Whatley Secretary – Adry Thibodeaux
Treasurer – Cindy Cummings Parliamentarian – David McGregor
Region I – Lori Hughes Region II – Kathy LaFleur
Region III – Pat Schilling Region IV – Joann Kughn
Region V – Carol Paul/Susanne Edwards
There was no 1990 State Education Conference; and, the 1991 State Education Conference was combined with the National Association of Quality Assurance Professionals held at the Fairmont Hotel, New Orleans on September 15-19, 1991. The theme was “In Tune with Quality.” This Conference had the largest attendance to date and was held as the epitome of NAQAP Educational Conferences for years!
The 1991-1992 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Peggy Alvis President Elect – Pat Schilling
Past President – Marge Krahe Secretary – Margaret Gettys
Treasurer – Cindy Cummings Parliamentarian – Anna Prescott
Region I – Lori Hughes Region II – Kathy LaFleur
Region III – Patricia Austerfield/Patricia Schilling
Region IV – Joann Kughn Region V – Darlene Deshotels
A mini seminar was held in Shreveport, LA on March 8, 1992 at Willis-Knighton South. The speaker was Joann Kughn.
The 1991 State Educational Conference was held at the Sheraton New Orleans North Hotel on May 23 & 24.
The 1992-1993 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Pat Schilling President Elect – Patricia Jackson
Past President – Peggy Alvis Secretary – Mindy Landry
Treasurer – Joan McConnell Parliamentarian – Anna Prescott
Region I – Lori Hughes Region II – Marjorie Krahe
Region III – Kathy LaFleur Region IV –
Region V –
No information available for the 1992 and 1993 State Education Conference.
The 1993-1994 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Patricia Jackson President Elect – Eileen Bezigian
Past President – Pat Schilling Secretary – Mindy Landry
Treasurer – Joan McConnell Parliamentarian – Anna Prescott
Region I – Lori Hughes Region II – Marjorie Krahe
Region III – Kathy LaFleur Region IV –
Region V –
The 1994 Educational Conference was held on April 14 & 15 at the Sheraton Hotel in Bossier City. The theme of the Conference was “Join the Quality Team On The Red River.”
The 1994-1995 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Eileen Bezigian President Elect – Margaret Gettys
Past President – Patricia Jackson Secretary – Mindy Landry
Treasurer – Joan McConnell Parliamentarian – Anna Prescott
Region I – Lori Hughes Region II – Denise Graves
Region III – Pat Schilling Region IV – Beverly Briant
Region V – Denise Deshotels
The 1995 Educational Conference was held on April 6 & 7 at the Superdome Holiday Inn in New Orleans. The theme of the Conference was “Join Us For Education & All That Jazz.”
The name change for the Association was initiated to reflect the National change. The name was changed to Louisiana Association for Healthcare Quality (LAHQ).
The 1995-1996 LAHQ Governing Board was as follows:
President – Margaret Gettys President Elect – Lori Hughes
Past President – Eileen Bezigian Secretary – Mindy Landry
Treasurer – Joan McConnell Parliamentarian – Marge Krahe
Region I – Roxie Tabor Region II – Denise Graves
Region III – Sheree Daniel Region IV – Peggy Arnoult
Region V – Darlene Deshotels Region VI – Helen Cook
The 1996 State Educational Conference was held on April 11 & 12, at the Holidome Holiday Inn in Lafayette. The theme of the Conference was “Caregiver’s Challenge: Delicate Balance – Managed Care/Quality Care.” The newsletter took a new look and an editorial board was initiated to assist the President Elect. A new membership form was also developed. The association conducted a contest to name the newsletter. The winning name “La Voie” was submitted by Lori Hughes. Region I was divided and Region VI was established. Region II was divided and Region VII was established.
Lori Hughes was appointed to the NAHQ Marketing and Membership Committee.
The 1996-1997 LAHQ Governing Board was as follows:
President – Lori Hughes President Elect – Helen Cook
Past President – Margaret Gettys Secretary – Patricia Schilling
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Frances Bryant
Region I – Roxie Tabor Region II – Kathryn delCambre
Region III – Patty Daniel Region IV – Peggy Arnold
Region V – Stella Craig Region VI – Linda Wheelis
Region VII – Carol Borland
The 1997 State Education Conference was held at the Holiday Inn in Monroe, La on April 3 & 4, 1997. The theme was “The Kaleidoscope of Healthcare Quality.”
Lori Hughes, President, applied for the NAHQ Excellence Award, a first time experience for our association. It was also a learning experience. We did not win, but it did bring out the need to maintain accurate records.
Criteria was written for the Distinguished Member Award and the Governing Board decided to name the award after the founder of our Association “Anna R. Prescott.” Criteria was also written for the Publication Award. The Governing Board named this award after another distinguished member, “Marjorie Krahe.”
The first recipient of the “Anna Prescott Distinguished Member Award” was Anna Prescott. The first recipient of the Outstanding Publisher Award was Marjorie Krahe.
The Governing Board for 1997-1998 was as follows:
President – Helen Cook President Elect – Roxie Tabor
Past President – Lori Hughes Secretary – Pat Schilling
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Frances Bryant
Region I – Sharon Roeger Region II – Kathryn delCambre
Region III – Harriet Bertucci Region IV – Jeannett Higgins
Region V – Stella Craig Region VI – Linda Wheelis
Region VII –
The 1998 State Education Conference was held on April 30 and May 1, at the Holiday Inn in Baton Rouge. The theme of the meeting was “Rx for HealthCare Quality-Red Hot Issues.”
The 1998-1999 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Roxie Tabor President Elect – Harriet Bertucci
Past President – Helen Cook/Lori Hughes (due to registration)
Secretary – Patricia Schilling Treasurer – Anna Prescott
Parliamentarian – Frances Bryant Region I – Lynda Matthews
Region II - Region III – Allison Foard
Region IV – Jeannette Higgins Region V – Stella Craig
Region VI - Region VII –
Lori Hughes was named as the NAHQ Conference Team Member for the 1999 Education Conference.
The 1999 State Educational Conference was held on April 8 & 9 at the Holiday Inn Financial Plaza, Shreveport, LA. The theme of the Conference was “The Challenges of Quality Healthcare in the New Millennium.” On April 10, 1999, the Governing Board had a “retreat” at the Holiday Inn Financial Plaza in Shreveport. The results were a new mission statement, purpose, and goals. Action steps were assigned to board members.
The 1999-2000 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Harriet Bertucci President Elect – Pattie Jackson
Past President – Roxie Tabor Secretary – Lori Hughes
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Frances Bryant
Region I – Lynda Matthews Region II –
Region III – Allison Ford Region IV – Jeannette Higgins
Region V - Region VI –
Region VII – Rose Eaves
The 2000-2001 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Patricia Jackson President Elect – Patricia Schilling
Past President – Harriet Bertucci Secretary – Mary Moore
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Lori Hughes
Region I – Lynda Matthews Region II – Jan Hiatt
Region III – Allison Ford Region IV – Sharon Cusanza
Region V – Wendall Smith Region VI –
Region VII – Patricia Rose Eaves
The State Education Conference for the year 2000 was held on April 6 & 7 in New Orleans at the Pontchartrain Hotel. The theme was “Quality: The Past To The Future.”
The LAHQ Guidelines were adopted as the rules and regulation of the Association in June 2000. The bylaws were reviewed and amendments were approved by the Board of Directors in November. The Board approved a name change from the Governing Board to the Board of Directors. The changes were mailed to all members for their vote of approval/disapproval. The changes were adopted.
The 2001 Educational Conference was held on April 5 & 6 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Baton Rouge. The Chairperson for the conference was Danis Daigle. The theme was “Geaux for Quality: Team Healthcare.”
Lori Hughes was appointed to the NAHQ Award Team.
The 2001-2002 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Patricia Jackson/Del Currier (Patricia Schilling resigned)
President Elect – Dell Currier/Sharon Cusanza
Past President – Patricia Jackson Secretary – Claire Haum
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Sheree Daniel
Region I – Lynda Matthews Region II – Jan Hiatt
Region III – Danis Daigle Region IV – Sharon Cusanza
Region V – Stella Craig Region VI –
Region VII – Patricia Rose Eaves
The 2002 Education Conference was held on April 11 & 12 at the Holiday Inn Financial Plaza. Chairman was Roxie Tabor. The theme of the conference was “Teeing Off With Quality.”
Lori Hughes served on the NAQH Award Team.
The 2002-2003 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Del Currier
President Elect – Sharon Cusanza/Ramona Guin (six month term each)
Past President – Patricia Jackson
Secretary – Claire Haun/Shirley Fry (both resigned prior to end of fiscal year)
Treasurer – Lori Hughes Parliamentarian – Sheree Daniel
Region I – Ramona Guin/Vicki Johnson (Vicki assumed position in October)
Region II – Hilda Wiltz Region III – Danis Daigle
Region IV – Sharon Cusanza Region V – Cyril Ekeh
Region VI – Angela Trainer & Helen Cook (Co-officers)
Region VII – Jan Turner
The 2003 21st Educational Conference was held at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Metairie. The theme was “Healthcare Quality And All That Jazz.”
The 2003-2004 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Del Currier/Sharon Cusanza (According to bylaws)
Past President – Del Currier
President Elect – Sharon Cusanza (6 months, Ramona Guin resigned no election held)
Secretary – Loretta Heard Treasurer – Lori Hughes
Parliamentarian – Priscilla Gehrig Region I – Vicki Johnson
Region II – Hilda Wiltz Region III – Danis Daigle
Region IV – Cindy Rider Region V – Cyril Ekeh
Region VI - Region VII –
In 2004 there were two one-day State Education conferences. The State Meeting will be held on April 28th at the Holiday Inn in Gonzalez. The Education Meeting on April 29 was “Keeping the Quality Chain Connected.” On October 8th the fall education conference “Reveling In The Art of Quality” was held at the Holiday Inn in Bossier City.
Sharon Cusanza served on the NAHQ Poster Review Committee.
The 2004-2005 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Sharon Cusanza President Elect – Loretta Heard
Past President – Del Currier Secretary – Anna Prescott
Treasurer – Lori Hughes Parliamentarian – Priscilla Gehrig
Region I – Vicki Johnson Region II – Hilda Wiltz (resigned)
Region III – Danis Daigle Region IV – Cindy Rider
Region V – Mae Williams Region VI -
Region VII –
Sharon Cusanza is served on the 2005 NAHQ Education Committee.
The 2005 State Education Conference was held at the Holiday Inn Holidome-Conference Center, Lafayette, Louisiana on April 29, 2005. The theme of the meeting was “Spring Into Quality.”
The 2005-2006 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Loretta Heard President Elect – Kathy Brooks
Past President – Sharon Cusanza Secretary – Glenda Bonneval
Treasurer – Lori Hughes Parliamentarian – Anna Prescott
Region I – Vicki Johnson Region II –
Region III – Carolyn Bull Region IV –
Region V – Portia McDaniel Region VI -
Region VII –
2006 Education Conference was held in the Convention Center in Alexandria on April 20 & 21, 2006. The theme of the conference was “Quality the Core of Excellence.” Loretta Heard received the Anna R. Prescott Distinguished Member Award. Kathryn Brooks received the Marge Krahe Publication Award. LAHQ Received the 1st NAHQ Education Award. This was also the year that LAHQ started our First Annual NAHQ Education Review Course for certification given by Nancy Claflin, RN, PhD, CPHQ.
The 2006-2007 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Kathy Brooks President Elect – Carla Dutile
Past President – Loretta Heard Secretary –
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Lori Hughes
Region I – Vicki Johnson Region II –Steven Savant
Region III – Karolyn Bull Region IV –
Region V – Portia McDaniel Region VI -
Region VII –
The education conference was held in Gonzalez, LA on April 18 & 19th 2007. The Theme was “Quality on the Geaux”. On April 20th the Second Annual NAHQ Education Review Course for certification given by Nancy Claflin, RN, PhD, CPHQ
The 2007-2008 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Carla Dutile President Elect – Portia McDaniel
Past President – Kathy Brooks Secretary –
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Lori Hughes
Region I – Vicki Johnson Region II – Steven Savant
Region III –Karolyn Bull Region IV –
Region V – Anita Jordan Region VI -
Region VII –
Education Conference was held at the Clarion Hotel in Shreveport, LA
On April 17 & 18th. The theme of the conference was “Exploring New Horizons in Quality Healthcare.” Third Annual NAHQ Education Review Course for certification given by Nancy Claflin, RN, PhD, CPHQ
Andrea Fontenot received the first Education Stipend Award. Mark Milner received the first Rookie of the Year Award. Danis Daigle received the Committee Chair Award. Lori Hughes received the Distinguished Service Award.
The 2008-2009 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Portia McDaniel President Elect – Steven Savant
Past President – Carla Dutile Secretary – Andrea V. Fontenot
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Kevin Haymon
Region I – Mary Mitchell Region II – Melynda Boothe
Region III – Jeannette Higgins Region IV – Linda McNeill
Region V – Anita Jordan Region VI -
Region VII –
The 27th Education Conference “Quality Pathways” was held at the Hilton Hotel in Lafayette on April 30 & May 1 2009
Fourth Annual NAHQ Education Review Course for certification given by Nancy Claflin, RN, PhD, CPHQ
Melynda Bothe was awarded the Outstanding Region Representative Award and Ashley Rush was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award.
The 2009-2010 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Steven Savant President Elect – Linda McNeill
Past President – Portia McDaniel Secretary – Andrea Fontenot
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Kevin Haymon
Region I – Stacy Humphrey Region II – Melynda Boothe
Region III – Karolyn Bull Region IV –
Region V – Anita Jordan Region VI -
Region VII –
The 28th educational Conference “Parading for Quality” Roll with The Krewe of Q. Fifth Annual NAHQ Education Review Course for certification given by Nancy Claflin, RN, PhD, CPHQ
Kathryn Brooks was award the Anna R. Prescott Distinguished Award. The Outstanding Region Representative Award recipient was Melynda Boothe, and the Rookie of the Year Award recipient was Ashley Rush.
The 2010-2011 Governing Board was as follows:
President – Linda McNeill President Elect – Rebecca Hightower
Past President – Steven Savant Secretary – Kelley Gilkey
Treasurer – Anna Prescott Parliamentarian – Jamie Dembowski
Region I – Stacy Humphrey Region II –Melynda Boothe
Region III – Carolyn Bull Region IV – Ashley Rush
Region V – Region VI -
Region VII –
Sixth Annual NAHQ Education Review Course for certification given by Nancy Claflin, RN, PhD, CPHQ
The 2015-2016 Governing Board was as follows:
President –Joan Stokes President Elect – Kelly Gilkey
Past President – Melynda Boothe Secretary – Denise Trahan
Treasurer – Joe Tidwell Parliamentarian – Patricia Fisher
The 2016-2017 Governing Board was as follows:
President –Kelly Gilkey President Elect – Donna Carbajal
Past President –Joan Stokes Secretary – Rachel Brunt
Treasurer – Joe Tidwell Parliamentarian – Melynda Boothe
Events: The 2016 LAHQ Bylaws changes were approved by membership regarding the dissolution of separate Regional Boards and incorporation into the LAHQ state Board structure; removing Regional Representative positions and replacing them with Member at Large positions. This model will allow improved collaboration of quality professionals by eliminating duplicate board positions, pooling resources for educational offerings and improved financial oversight.
The 2017-2018 Governing Board was as follows:
President –Donna Carbajal President Elect – Todd Fletcher
Past President – Kelly Gilkey Secretary – Rachel Brunt
Treasurer – Carey Hotard Parliamentarian – Donna Buxton
Membership Chair: Melder Burton
Members at Large: Donna Stephens, Joe Tidwell, Angel Johnson, Bobbie LeBlanc
QIO Liaison: Rebecca Hightower LHA Liaison: Ken Alexander
Events: Converted to new website (Wild Apricot) and merchant account (PayPal) from ADN, Evalon & CVENT. Allowed customization of website by LAHQ webmaster, event & membership management as well as online payments for membership. Moved domain name (lahq.org) from ADN to Network Solutions under the control of the LAHQ Board. Began "members only" free webinars to reach across the state as well as "The Quality Journey" webinar series by Nancy Claflin. Funds from consolidation of regions into LAHQ used to fund free webinars. Fall conference, Patient Safety: Still a Priority, held at EJGH on October 13, 2017. Spring Conference, The Quality Journey: What’s Next for 2018?, held at LHA conference center on April 20, 2018. LAHQ received two sponsorships for the spring conference: one for the keynote speaker and one for lunch. Bylaws and Protocols underwent a much need legal review to ensure appropriate processes for Board voting members, clarification of fiscal versus board term, protocols for Board members and committee chairs and distribution of funds in the event of LAHQ dissolution.
The 2018-2019 Governing Board was as follows:
President –Todd Fletcher President Elect – Donna Buxton
Past President – Donna Carbajal Secretary – Gail Gaudry
Treasurer – Carey Hotard Parliamentarian – Sylvia Laudun
Membership Chair: Jan Takewell
Members at Large: Donna Stephens, Joe Tidwell, Jan Takewell, David Hall
QIO Liaison: Rebecca Hightower LHA Liaison: Ken Alexander
Events: LAHQ partnered with LHA to process nursing contact hours. Converted merchant account to AffiniPay through Wild Apricot. Fall conference, Voice of the Customer: Putting the Patient’s Needs First, held at EJGH on October 26, 2018. Spring Conference held at LHA conference center on April 12, 2018, LAHQ 2019 Summit on Transforming Care, with two national speakers! Several vendor tables set up for members to view as well as two donations for speaker sponsorships. Membership reached a new high of 111 members! Free "members only" webinars continued to reach members across the state.
The 2019-2020 Governing Board was as follows:
President –Donna Buxton President Elect – Gail Gaudry
Past President – Todd Fletcher Secretary – Danielle Guidry
Treasurer – Carey Hotard Parliamentarian – Jan Takewell
Membership Chair: Tara Stringer Education Chair: Kim Steely
Strategic Planning Chair: Carol Heckenkemper Social Media/Webmaster: Donna Carbajal
Members at Large: CJ Hutto, Christi Owen, Tara M. Roberts, Sheree Stephens
QIO Liaison: Lisa Sherman LHA Liaison: Michelle Smith
Events:About the associationSince 1976, the Louisiana Association for Healthcare Quality has been a guidepost for healthcare quality professionals. We were founded in 1976, later incorporated in 1982, and officially named the Louisiana Association for Healthcare Quality in 1995. LAHQ enjoys a diverse membership that includes professionals from many quality-related disciplines such as utilization, risk, case management, patient safety and infection control. |