Congress Eyeing Bipartisan CHIP Deal Ahead of Budget Deadlines
Lawmakers are working toward a bipartisan extender package to renew CHIP funding as dozens of states feel the budgetary pinch.
Joint Commission Releases List of 2018 National Patient Safety Goals
The NPSGs cover eight different accreditation programs: ambulatory, behavioral care, critical access hospital, home care, hospital, laboratory services, nursing care center, and office-based surgery.
6 Things Healthcare Execs Should Do to Prepare for Cyber Threats
The ECRI Institute’s annual list of health technology dangers can prompt healthcare leaders to address cyber vulnerabilities.
CHIME Redirects Patient Identification Efforts
The National Patient ID Challenge did not achieve CHIME’s goals, and the association opted to move those resources to other patient identification strategies, according to the association’s announcement.
CMS Emergency Prep Rule Is Now Enforceable By Surveyors
Facilities have had over two years to prepare for this rule, and the agency has already said it won’t be accepting excuses for noncompliance.
Study: Concurrent Surgeries Safe for Patients
A review of more than 2,000 neurosurgical cases found no greater risk of post-operations complications for patients operated on by surgeons conducting overlapping surgeries.
Vaccine Shortage Complicates Efforts To Quell Hepatitis A Outbreaks
The San Diego outbreak, and a number of others in California and across the United States, have generated a spike in demand for hepatitis A vaccine and put a squeeze on supplies, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some States Roll Back ‘Retroactive Medicaid,’ A Buffer For The Poor — And For Hospitals
Providers say the shift will saddle patients with hefty medical bills and leave hospitals to absorb more uncompensated care when patients can’t pay
Senators Introduce Bill to Reduce ‘Colossal and Completely Preventable Waste’
The bipartisan effort calls for the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to come up with a plan to reduce the waste, which is estimated to cost billions of dollars a year.
Hospitals to Sue CMS Over 340B Drug Program Cuts
Despite opposition from many stakeholders, a bipartisan contingent of Congress, and CMS’ own advisory panel, the agency is moving forward with its plan to drastically cut payments for drugs acquired through the 340B drug discount program, according to the 2018 OPPS final rule, released November 1.