About In Session: Keeping a pulse on North Carolina Healthcare Policy
Welcome to In Session, the North Carolina Healthcare Association’s podcast where we dive deep into critical issues impacting hospitals, patients and the overall health of our communities. Whether you’re a legislator, policy advisor, or community leader, this series is designed to keep you informed about the challenges and opportunities in healthcare today.
Right Care, Right Time, Right Setting: Understanding North Carolina's New IVC Law
In this episode of NCHA’s In Session podcast, we explore North Carolina’s evolving involuntary commitment process and how House Bill 1104 builds on recent reforms to improve access to timely mental health care while addressing public safety.
29 Jul 2026
The Future of AI in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare, but how is it being used in hospitals today, and what could new state policy mean for the future?
In this episode of In Session, Nicholle Karim, Vice President of Policy Development at NCHA chats with Ryan Blackledge, Vice President of Government & External Affairs and Jason Wright, VP of Business Platforms & Digital Solutions at Cone Health to explore how AI is improving patient care, supporting clinical decision-making, and helping healthcare teams work more efficiently.
We also take a closer look at House Bill 565, what it aims to accomplish, and the potential opportunities and challenges it presents for patients, providers, and hospitals across North Carolina.
Whether you're a healthcare leader, policymaker, or curious about the growing role of AI in medicine, this conversation offers practical insights into one of healthcare's most rapidly evolving topics.
23 Apr 2026
Welcome Back
In this episode of NCHA’s In Session podcast, co-hosts James Tucker, NCHA’s Interim Vice President of Government Relations and Legislative Counsel and Anthony Okunak, Vice President of Finance and Financial Policy, discuss Medicaid rebase funding, and new federal Medicaid work requirements.
26 Jun 2025
Strengthening North Carolina's Healthcare Workforce
Berni Sczcepanski, chief people officer, discusses workforce development and sustainability with Tatyana Kelly, senior vice president, as they examine North Carolina's growing and aging population in this interview.
5 Jun 2025
Overcoming Barriers in Post-Acute Care Transitions, Part 2
Katie Flanagan, Assistant Vice President, discusses the barriers patients encounter when transitioning to post-acute care, such as staffing shortages and insurance delays, in an interview with Alicia Barfield.
5 Jun 2025
Overcoming Barriers in Post-Acute Care Transitions, Part 1
Alicia Barfield interviews Katie Flanagan about obstacles in North Carolina's post-acute care transitions, revealing how hospitals, facilities, and payers can collaborate for timely patient care.
15 May 2025
HASP 101: Supporting Healthier Communities, Part 1
Join Anthony Okunak, NCHA Vice President of Finance and Financial Policy, as he sits down with David Pope, President & CEO of Scotland Health Care System, to discuss the transformative impact of the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP).
Discover how HASP supports North Carolina hospitals, ensuring access to high-quality care in rural and underserved communities without relying on state tax dollars. David shares real-life success stories, including expanded maternal health initiatives, workforce education programs, and enhanced primary care access—all made possible through HASP.
15 May 2025
HASP 101: Supporting Healthier Communities, Part 2
In part two of our deep dive into the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP), host Anthony Okunak continues the conversation with David Pope, President & CEO of Scotland Health Care System.
Learn how HASP funding enables hospitals like Scotland Health to go beyond care delivery—launching community health initiatives, expanding access to urgent care, and investing in workforce education. David shares inspiring examples, including a self-sustaining Maternal and Child Health initiative and a groundbreaking partnership to train future nurses at no cost.
17 Apr 2025
Children in DSS Custody
Imagine this: children, often dealing with their own mental health challenges and involvement with child protective services, end up spending days, weeks, and sometimes even longer in hospital emergency rooms. Their long stays in the emergency room are not because they need medical treatment, but because there is nowhere else for them to go. Nicholle Karim, NCHA Vice President, Policy Development sits down with Paula Bird, Vice President, Psychiatry and Mental Health Institute at Novant Health, to discuss the challenges shaping this trend.
27 Mar 2025
What It Takes to Run a Hospital
Nicholle Karim, NCHA's Vice President of Policy Development, sits down with Brian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer of the ECU Health enterprise, to uncover what it takes to lead a 9-hospital rural health system.
From balancing daily operations with strategic goals to overcoming unique challenges faced by rural communities, Brian shares insights into the priorities, policies, and strategies that drive better health outcomes in Eastern North Carolina.
29 Jan 2025
Previewing the 2025 Legislative Session
Doug Heron, NCHA Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Communications and Policy sits down with Nicholle Karim, Vice President of Policy Development, Anthony Okunak, Vice President of Finance and Financial Policy, and Blair Burr, Director of State Government Relations to discuss what's ahead for the 2025 Legislative Session.
24 Jan 2025
Welcome to In Session
NCHA launches a new podcast, In Session. Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Communications and Policy, Doug Heron sits down with new President and CEO, Josh Dobson to discuss the vision for the organization and goals for the upcoming legislative session.
Who has been a guest on In Session: Keeping a pulse on North Carolina Healthcare Policy
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Berni Sczcepanski
Tatyana Kelly
Katie Flanagan
Podcast Authority Score: 9 / 100
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Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about In Session: Keeping a pulse on North Carolina Healthcare Policy
Who hosts In Session: Keeping a pulse on North Carolina Healthcare Policy?
Alicia Barfield host the show. Published by North Carolina Healthcare Association.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does In Session: Keeping a pulse on North Carolina Healthcare Policy take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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