TAPS 2009 Annual Conference: Power Tools for Patient Advocacy

WHEN: September 9 - 11, 2009
WHERE: Marriott Solana in Westlake (DFW) MAP

Conference Objective

Our mission is "to advance the professional development of patient representatives and related patient service professionals by promoting the improvement of patient care and the extension of adequate health care services for all patients."

Our conference objective is to set the stage for the next three to five years as Patient Service Professionals (Advocates) in health care.  Each session will be specific.

• Wednesday Morning - This session was optional, but is now included in the basic regestration price. It will focus the basics of our everyday job responsibilities. 
• Wednesday Afternoon - Gain professional insight as to what the next few years will look like in health care as a whole.
• Thursday Morning - By many accounts, our positions are considered "non-revenue generating positions." In this session, we'll examine the business impact our role has on the organization.
• Thursday Afternoon - By this point, we should have a clear understanding of the expectations which are likely to be placed on us in the next three to five years.  In this session, our focus is to gain insight as to how we can be personally prepared to meet these expectations.
• Friday Morning - We're still working on some of the specifics for Friday morning.  Our goal is to get very specific when it comes to facing the next few years.  We all know that Patient Advocacy can take on many different shapes and colors.  However, we want to outline a plan which is consistent with evolving national standards and expectations for the role of the Patient Advocate.  

Conference Registration Information

Registration fee includes education sessions and materials; scheduled group meals, break refreshments, and reception. You must be a TAPS member with dues paid for fiscal year 2010 (September 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009) to register for this conference at the “Member” rate. Contact Linda Dunahoo at 512-926-6504 if you have any questions regarding your membership.

Register Now, Pay Later - All Payments are currently due

Methods of Payment

To complete your registration, payment may be submitted:

1. By phone by contacting Linda Dunahoo at 512-926-6504

2. By mailing a check to: TAPS, P.O. Box 140693, Austin, TX 78714-0693.

3. Complete your payment online through Pay Pal. Option will be available at the end of the online registration.

4. If you are having to pay for the conference at your own expense, payment options are available by contacting Linda Dunahoo at 512-926-6504 or by e-mail at LDunahoo@TAPS-online.org.

Conference Agenda(UPDATED Sept. 1)

DRAFT - Some minor changes are still possible

Room Reservations

Reservations can be made by calling the Marriott Solana:

• Metro: 817-430-5000
• Toll Free: 1-888-489-2645
• Hotel Fact Sheet
• Photo Tour

Parking

• Complimentary on-site parking
• Complimentary valet parking

Area Airports

• Airport shuttle service, on request, complimentary
• Estimated taxi fare: 25.00  USD  (one way)
• Alternate transportation: Super Shuttle
• Hotel direction: 9 miles NW
• Driving Directions: From DFW A/P: Exit North Entrance and follow Hwy 114 West 9 miles. Exit at Solana BLVD/Kirkwood Blvd. Turn left on E Kirkwood Blvd. Take a left on Village Circle. The hotel is straight ahead.

Dallas/Love Field - DAL

• Please note there is NO Complimentary Shuttle from Love Field
• However, Contact Frank Gonzalez if you are interested in trasportation from Love Field. FranciscoGonzalez@texashealth.org
• Hotel direction: 25.8 miles NW
• Alternate transportation: Super Shuttle
• Estimated taxi fare: 52.00  USD  (one way)
• Driving Directions: Proceed southeast on Cedar Springs Rd towards Aviation Place. Turn right on W. Mockingbird Ln. Slight right onto E. John W Carpenter Fwy. Merge onto TX-183 West. Take TX-114 West. Exit Solana Blvd/Kirkwood Blvd. Turn left on E Kirkwood Blvd. Turn left on Village Circle.

Conference Material

TAPS is going Green this year in efforts to offset conference expenses. Instead of providing each attendee with all of the conference material onsite, this material is now available for download on our website. If you are attending the conference, you should have received an e-mail on September 4 with a direct link to the files. If you did not receive the e-mail, notify Kyle Whitaker at kwhitaker@taps-online.org.

Continuing Education Units Available

CEU's will be available for Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, Social Workers, Case Managers, and Pharmacists. More information to follow.  Contact Suzie Amezquita, at 817-920-6808 or SAmezqui@jpshealth.org

Volunteer Opportunities

• Silent Auction Items
• Door Prizes
• Carpool Coordinator from your Region/City
• Resource Table

Special Needs

Attendees with dietary or other special needs should contact Linda Dunahoo at 512-926-6504, fax 512-382-0309 or email ldunahoo@taps-online.org.

Cancellation Policy

Registration fee paid, less a 25% cancellation charge, is refundable if notice is received in writing before 5:00 pm Tuesday, September 1. No refunds after September 1. Substitutions will be accepted (additional fees may be assessed as appropriate for substitute attendee’s membership status). Cancellation or substitution notifications should be sent to Linda Dunahoo, fax 512-382-0309 or ldunahoo@taps-online.org. No refunds after September 1.

For hotel cancellation, please contact the hotel directly at 1-888-489-2645.