MHA Society for Supply Chain Management

Smith elected to MHA post

Ed Smith, executive director of supply chain management for the University of Mississippi Medical Center, was elected president of the Mississippi Hospital Association's Society of Purchasing and Materials Management. As a nationally recognized leader in the field, he is often asked to speak at various venues regarding the changing health-care environment as it relates to expense management. Under his leadership, the UMMC supply chain team has received national recognition for its operational turn-around and positive impact to UMMC's core mission of excellence in education, research and health care.

UMC begins Vendor Diversity Initiative

The UMMC Supply Chain Management department has initiated a project to create a comprehensive vendor diversity program focused on Mississippi-owned businesses. The program has been presented to several state senators and US Congressmen as well as IHL board members.

The plan has received overwhelming support among Mississippi's small and minority business owners and is recognized as one of the most inclusive voluntary programs in the state. In 2009, UMMC spent more than $23 million with Mississippi's small and minority businesses, which is up from nearly $17 million in 2008.

The program was designed by Ed Smith, executive director of supply chain, and Monica Greer, manager of supply chain contracts. Dr. David Powe, associate vice chancellor for administrative affairs, announced that the program will provide fair and equitable opportunities for small, minority and women owned entities to be considered for business with UMMC.

For more information, please contact Monica Greer at MGreer@matmgmt.umsmed.edu.

Steris launches customer support Web site for device processor

Steris Corp. has launched a customer support Web site for its System 1 processor, used to process endoscopes, bronchoscopes and other medical devices. The site includes a "certificate of medical necessity" that customers must complete by June 18 to continue receiving accessories and parts while they transition to legally marketed alternatives to the system, as well as a transition guide and rebate brochure.

Last December, the Food and Drug Administration told health care facilities that use the Steris System 1 that they must transition to other processing systems within three to six months, citing unapproved changes to the system. In response to concerns from the American Hospital Association and others, the agency later gave facilities until August 2011 to transition to legally marketed alternatives, which include a new Steris IE system approved by the FDA this month.

Steris announces transition plan for its System 1 device processor

Steris Corp. on April 20 announced an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration that includes a transition plan and rebate program for customers of its Steris System 1, used to process endoscopes, bronchoscopes and other medical devices. The transition plan includes continued support of System 1 through Aug. 2, 2011, for customers who complete by June 18, 2010 a "certificate of medical necessity."

In addition, it allows customers who return their System 1 to receive a pro-rated cash rebate, or a trade-in allowance toward the purchase of new Steris equipment or products. The agreement, which still must be approved by a federal district court, can be found in a Form 8-K filed April 20 with the Security and Exchange Commission.

Last December, the FDA told health care facilities that use the Steris System 1 that they must transition to other processing systems within three to six months, citing unapproved changes to the system. In response to concerns from the American Hospital Association and others, the agency later gave facilities until August 2011 to transition to legally marketed alternatives to the Steris System 1, which include a new Steris 1E system approved by the FDA this month.