CASA 2025 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Our program features a wide range of expert-led sessions that cover the latest trends, best practices, and cutting-edge strategies tailored to the unique needs of ASC professionals. Whether you're looking to enhance your clinical expertise, improve operational efficiency, or stay ahead of industry changes, we’ve got you covered.

This year, we are offering two 

CASC TESTING - sponsored by HST Pathways

          

CASA is pleased to announce that it will host an official CASC exam testing site immediately following the conference!
The exam will take place on:

📅 September 5, 2025
⏰ 1:00 p.m.
📍 Sheraton San Diego Resort, San Diego, CA

This is a prime opportunity for ASC professionals to earn this distinguished credential in a convenient and supportive setting. To take the exam in San Diego, you must apply through the CASC website between July 1–31, 2025.

DESCRIPTIONS

Precon 1 - Mission Ready: Tactical Strategies for Administrators Part 1 - John Goehle; Mary Ryan; Debra Stinchcomb

Attention, ASC leaders! Are you prepared to take command of your surgery center’s operations with confidence and precision? This high-impact preconference session is your strategic briefing on compliance, finance, quality management, and human resources—critical areas that every ASC administrator must master to stay ahead of the curve.
Led by top industry experts, this session is designed to strengthen your leadership skills for daily operations and covers the 5 key areas in the Certified Administrator Surgery Center (CASC)® exam. Whether you’re a seasoned officer in ASC management or a rising leader, this is your call to action to sharpen your expertise and elevate your command of the field.
Join us and fortify your knowledge—because strong leadership is mission-critical!

Precon 2 - DON Bootcamp for Success: Mastering the Role in ASCs - Michele Green; Shelley Hargraves; Debbie Mack; Kristi McCarthy; Stephanie McIntosh

Prepare to lead with confidence in this comprehensive, in-depth course tailored for Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Directors of Nursing (DON). Designed to provide the essential tools and knowledge needed for success, this bootcamp covers the critical roles and responsibilities of the DON, equipping participants with the leadership skills to drive excellence in patient care and team performance.
This interactive course combines expert-led presentations, real-world scenarios, and practical tools to empower ASC DONs with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their roles. Whether you are a new DON or seeking to enhance your expertise, this session is your roadmap to success.

From Service to Strategy: Lessons in Leadership from Veteran ASC Leaders - Panel: Moderator Chuck Meisel; Matt Luke, Stephanie McIntosh, Kyle Michaelis

Join a dynamic panel of Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) leaders who bring their unique perspectives as military veterans to the healthcare landscape. This session will explore how their experiences in the armed forces have shaped their abilities in strategic planning and daily operations, fostering a deep understanding of diversity and the critical roles of teams in achieving success. Panelists will share insights on how their military background has informed their leadership approach, emphasizing intentional decision-making, adaptability, and resilience. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to apply these lessons in their own leadership roles, enhancing team collaboration and operational excellence.
Perfect for healthcare leaders, administrators, and professionals seeking inspiration and practical advice, this session highlights the transformative power of veteran leadership in ASCs.

Leadership in Action: Strategies from the Battlefield to the Boardroom - General Lee Quintas

Great leadership is the force multiplier that transforms organizations from mediocrity to excellence. Join us for an exclusive session led by Leopoldo “Lee” Quintas, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General with over 35 years of distinguished service.
Drawing from his extensive military career, where he commanded at every level from tank commander to division command, General Quintas will share invaluable insights on leading with purpose, empathy, and example. Discover how to cultivate a thriving organizational culture where teamwork excels, challenges are met with resilience, and individuals reach their full potential.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring to refine your leadership skills, this session will provide actionable tools to elevate your impact and steer your organization toward success.

CASA Business Update - Oren Shill, CASA Board President

This is a key opportunity to hear business updates from CASA leadership.

CA and National Legislative Session

This popular session will discuss recent national and state legislative and regulatory activities. As we move out of the Public Health Emergency, healthcare will have a continued focus in the legislature at both the federal and state levels. Ryan Pierini and Alison Ramey, CASA Legislative Advocates, will update attendees on the issues affecting California ASCs, and Bill Prentice, ASCA CEO, will highlight the national perspective.

Super Sonic Success - Jack Becker

This action-packed keynote is a results-based adventure, leaving teams inspired to improve continually both professionally and personally, exactly as elite fighter pilots do. Jack’s simple and repeatable process will teach your team how to repeat successes and not repeat failures. Your team will simply make fewer mistakes! Perfect for every level throughout your organization.
Make your team agile and cohesive with this process of continual improvement. From management and sales teams to construction crews or anyone else striving to achieve peak performance, Jack allows teams to go behind closed doors to learn why U.S. fighter pilots are the best in the world. Make your team a Top Gun with Supersonic Success!

Tactical Best Practices for Launching a New Service Line - Andrea Gallardo; Ryan Micheletti

Learn to identify and address critical clinical considerations and gaps in the development and implementation of a new service line in your ASC. The goal is to ensure your new service line meets patient care standards, regulatory requirements, and enhances overall clinical outcomes.

Strategic Safeguards: Preventing Wrong Events - Jackie McDougall; Robin Rizzetto

In this presentation, leaders will explore the root causes of wrong events in ambulatory surgery centers, implement effective strategies to prevent these wrong events, and develop a culture of safety and accountability to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Basic Training: Fundamentals for Your Clinical Competencies - Stephanie LeGrande

A robust competency program equips your team with the essential tools to deliver high-quality care and meet regulatory requirements. This presentation will explore the importance and structure of competencies in an ASC setting, offering practical insights and strategies for enhancing staff competencies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

AI-Driven Success: Transforming Revenue Cycle Management - Panel Moderator Nick Latz; Mel Gunawardena; Conor McGinn

AI is transforming revenue cycle management (RCM), offering new ways to optimize workflows, improve decision-making, reduce manual work, and boost profitability. This panel will provide ASC leaders with actionable strategies to integrate AI into daily operations, with a focus on practical applications that drive financial performance. 

Achieving Financial Health through Managed Care - Scott Allen

Managed care contracting plays an important role in the financial success of surgical organizations. Join us as we break down complex managed care contracting strategies into a checklist for success, packed with specific examples, expert tips and step-by-step best practices. Enhance your ASC’s financial success with managed care contract strategies that build a solid foundation for your financial success! 

Will We Get Paid? The Art of Trust and Validation When Scheduling High-Cost Cases at your ASC - Michael McClain; Katie Sypher

In this talk, we'll explore potential high-exposure cases, discussing why and how their pre-surgical planning differs, and the importance of having a specific presurgical vetting process when adding them to your Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). We will discuss the most common areas of risk, as well as potential pitfalls and the impact to an ASC's financial health. We will also look at the ideal process, and outline how to incorporate the "Three C’s of Success” into your presurgical vetting process, so you can develop effective strategies to make sure YOU get paid.

Managing Conflicts & Challenging Employees/Navigating Legal Challenges with Firing, Harassment, and Helping Challenging Employees Leave on their Own - speaker tbd

This session provides insights into effectively managing conflicts and handling challenging employees in the workplace. It covers the legal complexities involved in firing employees, addressing harassment claims, and navigating sensitive situations when dealing with underperforming or difficult staff. Additionally, it explores proactive strategies for encouraging challenging employees to leave voluntarily, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant transition. The session aims to equip managers with the tools to balance organizational needs with legal protections.

Developing New Leaders/ Increasing Recruitment and Retention - Tara Darnell; Carole Bennet

This session focuses on strategies to identify, develop, and nurture new leaders within organizations. It will explore effective recruitment methods with an emphasis on attracting diverse talent and discuss retention techniques to keep employees engaged, motivated, and committed to the organization. The session will also highlight best practices for leadership development programs and ways to create a culture that encourages growth, leadership potential, and long-term retention.

Managing Employee Accommodations & Leaves of Absence in California - Greg Blueford; Jason Geller

This lesson will explore the complex legal framework surrounding employee accommodations and leaves of absence in California, focusing on both federal and state laws. It will address how employers can effectively navigate the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and other applicable regulations to ensure compliance while supporting their employees’ needs.

Trash Talk: The Basics of a California-Compliant Waste Management Program - Kimberly Wirtz

The ASC “generator” of regulated waste (medical and hazardous) is ultimately responsible for proper handling and liable for any mishandling of this waste. California’s waste management regulations can be confusing, challenging, and costly. This presentation will provide guidance on navigating these regulations and offer practical strategies to improve waste management practices and compliance in the ASC setting.

A Culture of Security: Preventing DEA Schedule Medication Diversion in the ASC - Gregory Tertes

People generally believe that DEA Controlled Medication Diversion is something that won't affect them. However, in the role of a Pharmacist Consultant, one encounters signs of diversion at a client routinely. Sometimes, it's a new client with imprecise paperwork, while other times, it's a long-time client with constant vigilance experiencing unusual incidents. Often, it involves a missing Fentanyl at the end of the day. The goal is to share expertise and experiences to demonstrate how to establish a "Culture of Security." This way, individuals can not only identify diversion but also create a strong deterrent to anyone attempting to exploit a loophole in their practices.

Anatomy of a Deposition - Will Miller; Tersa Lech

The presentation will address being able to identify the risk management ramifications of a requested deposition, developing protocols and procedures to prepare for a deposition, and developing protocols and strategies to reduce risk and provide competent deposition testimony in the healthcare setting.

From Risk to Readiness: The Impact of Life Safety on ASC Certification Success - Jeremy Ralston

This engaging and informative session explores the critical role of life safety in achieving and maintaining ASC certification success. The presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the standards set forth by AAAHC, CMS, TJC, and NFPA, emphasizing the importance of proactive life safety management. Through real-world scenarios and case studies, participants will gain practical insights into identifying risks, implementing effective life safety strategies, and maintaining ongoing compliance to ensure patient safety and certification success.

Survey Ready: Mastering Preparation, Strategies and Communication - Vanessa Sindell; Debra Stinchcomb

It’s that time again! Properly preparing for your survey can significantly influence its outcome. In this course, we will cover effective strategies for survey preparation, discuss common challenges faced during surveys, and provide tips for improving communication with accrediting organizations.

Protocol for Reporting Incidents in CA Surgery Centers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance and Accuracy with Accrediting Bodies Panel - Moderator Ann Hurd; Accrediting Body Representatives

Accurate and timely reporting of incidents is critical to maintaining compliance, patient safety, and operational integrity in California surgery centers. This panel, featuring experienced representatives from accreditation bodies, will walk through the essential steps in reporting specific incidents, ensuring that your facility meets regulatory requirements while safeguarding both patients and staff. In addition, panelists will review real-life scenarios to illustrate common challenges and best practices in the reporting process.

For inquiries regarding the program or exhibiting opportunities, please contact April Ligtenberg at registration@casurgery.org or call 714-330-2343.