On Friday, Oct. 12, the Texas Hospital Association will present Rep. Craig Eiland (D-Galveston) with the Texas Hospital Advocacy Tribute Award in recognition of his legislative accomplishments on behalf of health care. The presentation will be held at 10:30 in the second floor conference room of the Administration Building. The award honors state legislators and other public officials who have been supportive of issues important to hospitals and health systems.
“Craig Eiland distinguishes himself each legislative session by utilizing his knowledge of complex health care issues to ensure sound public policy helps hospitals provide the very best care possible,” said Dan Stultz, M.D., FACP, FACHE, THA president/ chief executive officer. “His dedication to these challenging issues shows his commitment to the people of his district as well as a resolve to do what is right for patients and Texas hospitals.”
Through his knowledge of complex provider reimbursement issues, Rep. Eiland spearheaded meaningful legislation to require health plan administrators and other third parties to comply with prompt pay laws. Rep. Eiland also addressed amendments to a variety of health care delivery bills, educated other House members on intricate policies and regulations, and worked closely with THA to ensure hospital financial and administrative issues were addressed. Eiland has long been a champion for Galveston’s UTMB, and worked tirelessly after Hurricane Ike to ensure the sustainability of the medical center, which has returned to its pre-Hurricane Ike Level 1 Trauma Designation.
Long known as an expert by colleagues on insurance matters, Rep. Eiland has played a key role on the House Insurance Committee since his second legislative session. He is also a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Rep. Eiland was first elected to the House in 1994. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Baylor University and is a graduate of Baylor Law School.