The increasing number of people over the age of 65 has resulted in older adults becoming the “core business” of healthcare in the U.S.  Increasing numbers of senior citizens, longer life expectancy and ever-expanding health insurance costs demand a greater focus on improving the health and medical care of older Americans.

The 2009 TGH NICHE Geriatric Conference will provide participants with information on cutting-edge research, best practices, and lessons learned in the care of older patients in the hospital setting.  The day-long program assembles an interdisciplinary faculty with expertise in the latest evidence-based solutions for quality geriatric care.

This conference is designed to meet the needs of direct health care providers, managers, educators, researchers, and practitioners of any discipline interested in advancing the care of hospitalized seniors.

After participating in this program, participants will be able to:

1. Evaluate strategies to assure a safe environment for hospitalized elders.
2. Identify tools to improve geriatric care on your unit and in your practice.
3. Assess the risk factors and treatments for selected “geriatric syndromes.”
4. Discuss the NICHE program and how it facilitates “patient-centered” care.

Nurses:
The University of South Florida College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.  This activity is for 6.5 contact hours.

Physicians:
The University of South Florida College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of South Florida College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

           
To receive continuing education credit, a pharmacist must attend the accredited sessions and must return the program evaluation instrument.  In order to receive full credit, registrants must register no later than 10 minutes after the start of the meeting and must attend the entire meeting. 

All Participants requesting Pharmacy Credit should expect to receive their statement of credit either on-site or within 4 weeks of the Conference by U.S. Mail.

Florida Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Florida Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselors:  USF Health is an approved provider (BAP#433 – Exp. 3/31/11) of continuing education of clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling.  This program has been reviewed and approved for up to 7.8 contact hours.

Physical Therapists: The University of South Florida College of Medicine is an approved provider of Continuing Education for Physical Therapists pursuant to the Board of Physical Therapy chapter 64b17-9. This program has been approved for up to 7.8 contact hours.

Registered Dieticians – Application Pending
USF Health, CO001, is a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Accredited Provider with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) from 2/22/07 to 2/21/10. Registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs) will receive up to ____ continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/materials. Continuing Professional Education Provider Accreditation does not constitute endorsement by CDR of a provider, program or materials.

Florida Licensed Occupational Therapists:
USF Health is an approved provider (#107, exp. 02/28/11) of continuing education for Occupational Therapy Licensees.  This program has been reviewed and approved for up to 7.8, 50 minute contact hours.  Licensee numbers are required prior to the issuance of certificates

Robin Atkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH
NICHE Coordinator
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, Florida

Sheela Chokshi, MD
Physician Leader
Integrative Medicine Program
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL

Christopher Garrison, MS, ARNP
Director of Undergraduate Clinical Excellence
Instructor
University of South Florida, College of Nursing
Tampa, FL

Keylow King, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL

Deanna Leach, ARNP
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL

Janine Overcash, PhD, ARNP
Assistant Professor of Nursing
University of South Florida, College of Nursing
Tampa, FL

Vincent Perron, MD
Assistant Professor
Division Director, USF Division of Geriatric Medicine
Director, Center For Hospice, Palliative Care and End-of-Life Center @ USF
Medical Director, TGH Palliative Center
Medical Director, ACE Unit at TGH
Tampa, FL

Patricia Quigley, PhD
Deputy Director, Patient Safety Center
James A. Haley VAMC
Tampa, FL

Audrey Swan, RN
Wound Care Nurse
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL

Heleomar Zanga, RN
ACE Unit Manager
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL

Registration Fees:
The registration fee includes program syllabus, continental breakfast, break and lunch.  Upon receipt of your registration a confirmation letter will be sent.

This program is offered free to TGH employees and USF resident physicians. If you are a TGH employee, failure to attend after registering will result in a payroll deduction of $50.00.

TGH employees and USF Residents-Free   

RN’s, LPN’s, Pharmacists, and ancillary personnel:
       $50 in advance      $75 at the door if space available

 Physicians
       $75 in advance       $100 at the door if space available                                 

All refunds are subject to a $15 processing fee if written notice of cancellation is received on or before October 1, 2009.  There will be no refunds after October 1, 2009.

Tampa General Hospital, MacInnes Auditorium
Tampa, Florida

Please notify the CPD Office, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC Box 60, Tampa, Florida, 33612 or call (813) 974-4296 a minimum of ten working days in advance of the event if a reasonable accommodation for a disability is needed.

Events, activities and facilities of the University of South Florida are available without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, age, or Vietnam veteran status as provided by law and in accordance with the University's respect for personal dignity.