Editor's Note Healthcare providers could experience significant cash flow and operational changes under a new voluntary pilot program that fundamentally alters how the nation's second-largest drug payment program operates, according to an August 11 article in Modern Healthcare. As detailed in the article, The Health Resources and Services Administration announced…
Editor's Note Wisconsin nurses—including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)—gain more autonomy under legislation signed August 8 by Governor Tony Evers, according to an August 8 report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Under the new legislation, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, CNRAs and certified nurse-midwives who meet certain qualifications may obtain…
Editor's Note Hundreds of urban hospitals have obtained dual urban-rural Medicare classifications since a 2016 policy change, enabling them to qualify for reimbursement programs intended for rural providers. Fierce Healthcare reported the news August 4. As detailed in the article, a study published in Health Affairs by Johns Hopkins and…
Editor's Note As part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) newly issued 2026 Final Rule, the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) will hold hospitals and health systems accountable for the entire episode of care for major surgeries, from admission through 30 days post-discharge. HIT Consultant reported the…
Editor's Note A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore health-related webpages and datasets removed under a January executive order, according to a July 29 article in Medscape. The ruling follows a lawsuit by Doctors for America and the city and county of San Francisco, which argued that…
Editor's Note The Joint Commission has launched a new strategy to revise its accreditation and certification programs to better reflect the distinct needs of pediatric care. According to a July 29 announcement, the effort responds to requests from the children’s health community and aims to revise or remove standards that…
Editor's Note The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a major initiative to reform the US organ transplant system following disturbing findings about organ procurement practices. Fierce Healthcare reported the news July 21. According to the article, the initiative was triggered by a directive from HHS to…
Editor's Note The nursing profession has an unprecedented opportunity to redesign systems, influence policy, and elevate care—but only if we can shift from traditional models to a future-focused mindset. That's the message of this exclusive preview of the 2025 OR Manager Conference opening keynote with Dan Weberg, PhD, MHI, RN,…
Editor's Note Although the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act is best known for major Medicaid cuts and a temporary Medicare Physician Fee Schedule increase, it also carries significant policy changes that could affect providers, patients, and the physician workforce, MedPage Today reported July 11. The article lists five…
Editor's Note US hospitals and health systems are facing growing financial pressure as inflation drives costs faster than reimbursement can keep up, according to a July 10 article in Health Affairs. Although growing steadily, healthcare spending has been largely stable when measured as a percentage of gross domestic product…