Law & Legislation
Delaware’s oversight board loses ability to modify, veto hospital spending
Delaware’s hospital oversight board, formed in 2024 to reduce hospital spending in the state, is on the ropes. According to Spotlight Delaware, the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board has “lost one of its principal enforcement levers” after the state’s House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill Thursday that would…
Indiana Hospital Association warns of members’ mounting financial difficulties, calls for legislative action
A new analysis prepared by healthcare consulting firm Kaufman Hall for the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) details a worsening financial outlook for the state’s hospitals, with the association calling for help from legislators. IHA says the analysis shows “margins remain below national averages,” and quoted numerous hospital leaders who warn that…
ASCA’s Kara Newbury breaks down ASC wins in CMS’ 2026 Final Payment Rule
In its 2026 Final Payment Rule, CMS added 573 codes to the ASC Covered Procedures List (ASC-CPL). It’s a big win for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) and its advocacy efforts. Kara Newbury, JD, ASCA’s chief advocacy officer, first and foremost views the rule through the lens of Medicare…
CMS Rural Health Transformation funding announced for all 50 states
Last week, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will award all 50 U.S. states funding under its Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program “to strengthen and modernize health care in rural communities across the country.” The initiative is intended to provide what the government estimates is…
CMS Rural Health Transformation program announces 2026 funding awards to all 50 states
On Dec. 29, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will award all 50 U.S. states funding under its Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program “to strengthen and modernize health care in rural communities across the country.” The initiative is intended to provide what the government estimates is…
ASCs look abroad for staffing, but new $100,000 visa fee threatens access to global talent
Editor's Note Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are increasingly recruiting international healthcare workers to offset ongoing physician and nursing shortages, yet rising visa costs and regulatory hurdles are making the process more challenging, Ambulatory Surgery Center News October 30 reports. Ann-Rose Johnson-Lewis, director of legal services at WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions, told…
Senator pushes for national nurse-to-patient ratios, sounds alarm on patient safety
Editor's Note Senator Bernie Sanders and nurse leaders are demanding immediate federal action to address what they describe as a national nurse staffing crisis that is driving moral distress among nurses and putting patients at risk, Nurse.org October 27 reports. A US Senate HELP Committee hearing spotlighted compelling testimony from…
Session: Advocacy in action—Empowering your teams toward successful legislative integration, safety excellence
Editor's Note Advocacy begins where safety meets purpose. That was the resounding message from UF Health Shands’ Michele Brunges, MSN, RN, CNOR, CHSE, director of surgical services; Katherine Hayes, BSN, RN, CNOR-CARD, nursing professional development specialist for perioperative services; and Kristy Perry, MSN, RN, CNOR, clinical coordinator of the north…
CDC layoffs cripple national injury and overdose tracking, leaving prevention efforts in doubt
Editor's Note Sweeping layoffs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have gutted the agency’s ability to track overdoses, injuries, and violent deaths, Axios October 15 reports. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, once a cornerstone of public health surveillance, now operates with roughly one-third of…
Global medical community rejects Trump’s Tylenol-autism claims: Statements compilation
Editor's Note Medical and scientific groups across the US and abroad swiftly pushed back against President Donald Trump’s September 22 announcement that acetaminophen use in pregnancy may cause autism, with experts warning the claims are unsupported and potentially harmful. Trump, joined by HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, also suggested…
Free Daily News
- Delaware’s oversight board loses ability to modify, veto hospital spending
- Lehigh Valley Health Network opens third 'neighborhood hospital'
- Analytics firm shares data and insight about shrinkage of inpatient-only list
- Duluth, Minn., legislators call on hospitals to 'establish protections' for patients and staff against ICE
- City shuts off Georgia hospital’s water supply due to unpaid bills
- Indiana Hospital Association warns of members’ mounting financial difficulties, calls for legislative action
- Toronto clinic looks to prevent delirium in high-risk patients
- OBL-centered perspective on the 2026 ASC Final Payment Rule
- ASCA's Kara Newbury breaks down 2026 CMS Final Rule, discusses 2027 initiatives
- Analysis: Hospital credit rating activity ‘moderates’ in 2025