A Voice for Hospital Care: Steve Speil’s Legacy

As the Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) prepares for a pivotal year ahead, this special episode takes a moment to reflect on the progress made in health care policy and the challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Join host Chip Kahn as he sits down with retiring Executive Vice President of Policy, Steve Speil, to discuss his nearly four decades of experience in health care policy and his reflections on his remarkable 27-year tenure at FAH.

Steve’s career has spanned transformative decades in health care, from his early days in Massachusetts state health planning to tackling the evolving complexities of hospital policy in Washington, D.C. His insights in health care policy and the hospital community's resilience shine a light on how far we've come—and the work still ahead to ensure patients have access to 24/7 care.

In this episode, Chip and Steve discuss: 

• Steve's Career Journey Leading to FAH: From a Master in Public Health to law school and a career spanning Massachusetts state health planning, the Dukakis administration, AdvaMed, and ultimately the Federation of American Hospitals.
• Early Days at FAH: A look back at the early years of Steve’s time at FAH, navigating key regulations like IPPS and legislation including the Balanced Budget Act.
• Changing Landscape of Health Policy: Steve reflects on accomplishments during his tenure and insights into how hospital policy has evolved, now facing increased burdens.
• Opportunities Ahead: Steve discusses the continued resilience of hospitals in the face of challenges and the critical role of organizations like FAH in supporting hospitals and the communities they serve.

Guest bio: 

In his capacity as Executive Vice President of Policy, Steve Speil manages the Federation’s broad portfolio of payment policy issues. He serves as the association’s chief liaison on these issues with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Working closely with the senior finance and policy executives in the Federation’s member companies, Steve develops and carries out both issue-specific and general strategic plans designed to advance the finance and payment related regulatory and legislative interests of the FAH.

Prior to joining the Federation, Steve served as Associate Vice President, Policy Coordination and Communication for the Health Industry Manufacturers Association (now AdvaMed), the national trade group representing the medical technology industry. Before moving to Washington, Steve held a succession of increasingly senior management and policy positions in Massachusetts. During his time in the Bay State, Steve served as Legal Counsel to the Lieutenant Governor, Legislative Counsel for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Executive Director of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission, and Legal Counsel and Policy Director in the Office of State Health Planning. Steve also taught health law and policy as an Assistant Professor at Simmons College Graduate Program of Health Administration.

At the federal level, Steve served in the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs. He also worked in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of General Counsel.

Steve earned a J.D. degree from American University’s Washington College of Law; a Master in Public Health degree in Health Administration from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology/Zoology from the University of Michigan.