Literature Review
Behind the stethoscope: Exploring nursing ethics
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMBehind the stethoscope: Exploring nursing ethics Noozhawk, Santa Barbara County, by Green Shoot Media; 4/22/24 The American Nurses Association developed a Code of Ethics for Nurses in the 1950s. It has been revised over the years to respond to technological advances and changes in society and the nursing field. Gallup takes a poll every year asks how the public ranks various professions for having high honesty and ethics. For 22 straight years, nurses come in as the most respected in terms of honesty and ethics. In 2024, 78% of the poll takers perceived them as honest.
Medicare Advantage fight shifts to 340B arena
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMMedicare Advantage fight shifts to 340B arena Modern Healthcare, by Alex Kacik; 4/22/24Hospitals' fight to boost Medicare Advantage reimbursement has extended to plans' pay for 340B drugs. The hospitals’ plea to adjust Medicare Advantage pay stems from regulation aimed at making providers that participate in the drug discount program whole after the Supreme Court reversed 340B rate cuts that were in place from 2018 to 2022.
CHS to sell Tennessee hospital
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMCHS to sell Tennessee hospital Becker's Hospital Review, by Molly Gamble; 4/18/24 Community Health Systems is preparing to sell off a 351-bed hospital in Tennessee. The Franklin, Tenn.-based health system announced April 18 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell 351-bed Tennova Healthcare – Cleveland (Tenn.) to Hamilton Health Care System in Dalton, Ga., for $160 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024. Earlier this year, CHS CEO Tim Hingtgen said the 71-hospital company was evaluating interest for sales that could yield more than $1 billion in proceeds. In 2023, CHS sold hospitals in West Virginia, Arkansas, and Florida.
Providence employees awarded $98M in wage suit
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMProvidence employees awarded $98M in wage suit Modern Healthcare, by Hayley Desilva; 4/22/24 A jury awarded more than $98 million to Providence Health and Services employees in a class action lawsuit over claims the health system illegally denied meal breaks and pay for time worked. King County Superior Court Judge Averil Rothrock, who presided over the case, also ruled Thursday that the health system willfully withheld wages, which under Washington state law could entitle workers to double the amount of damages awarded.
Today's Encouragement: Every day may not be good ...
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMEvery day may not be good, but there is something good in every day. - Alice Morse Earle
Analysts not ruling out Cigna, Humana merger
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMAnalysts not ruling out Cigna, Humana mergerBecker's Payer Issues, by Rylee Wilson; 4/22/24A merger between Humana and Cigna could still be in the cards according to one analyst, Bloomberg reported April 22. "The math now works for a [Cigna and Humana] fusion," Jeffries analyst David Windley wrote April 22. Since the two companies abandoned a proposed merger in December, Cigna's stock prices have risen by 37% and Humana is down 31%, according to Bloomberg. Cigna could strike a deal to acquire Humana for around $420 per share, Mr. Windley wrote in a note to clients. An acquisition would add to Cigna's growth if it does not pay more than $470 per share for the company, according to Jeffries.
Debates begin in the Assembly on the “end of life” bill; Catherine Vautrin calls for a “spirit of humanity, listening and respect”
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMDebates begin in the Assembly on the “end of life” bill; Catherine Vautrin calls for a “spirit of humanity, listening and respect”Times.News - France; The Minister of Labor, Catherine Vautrin, and the president of the special commission, Agnès Firmin Le Bodo, on April 22 at the Assembly; 4/22/24At the opening of the work of the special committee of the National Assembly, ... on the “end of life” bill, the Minister of Health, Catherine Vautrin, called on the deputies to have a parliamentary debate which takes place in “a spirit of humanity, listening and respect.” ... At the heart of the questions is the fact of offering certain patients the means of committing suicide ... This “assisted dying” will be reserved for adult patients, born in France or residing in the country for a long time, and able to clearly express their wishes. ... “I have heard fears to which I hope we can respond point by point, a strong demand for clarity and precision, an expectation of vigilance with regard to the sensitivity of the subject”, assured Ms. Vautrin. ... Hoping for a debate full of “humility, seriousness and respect for all convictions” ... [From MP Carline Fiat,] “We can disagree but we have to be careful with the words we say,” she told the deputies present in this committee.
Health systems creating new IT C-suite roles
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMHealth systems creating new IT C-suite roles Becker's Hospital Review, by Naomi Diaz; 4/19/24 In response to evolving demands within the healthcare landscape, hospitals and health systems are reconfiguring their C-suites and leadership teams to align with organizational priorities. Among the recent developments, several institutions have introduced new roles to their executive teams. [Click on the title's link for examples.]
What the ‘fundamentally contradicting’ Medicaid Access Rule includes
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMWhat the ‘fundamentally contradicting’ Medicaid Access Rule includes Home Health Care News, by Andrew Donlan; 4/22/24 The White House teased the finalized Medicaid Access Rule early Monday, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) later revealed more intricate details attached to the rule. [The] timeline of the rule is now clear. Specifically: ... [Click on the title's link for more]
Health disparities across states: 6 new findings
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMHealth disparities across states: 6 new findings Becker's Clinical Leadership, by Kelly Gooch; 4/18/24 The Commonwealth Fund released a new report April 18 examining racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access, quality and outcomes across the U.S. The report, titled "Advancing Racial Equity in U.S. Health Care: The Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Health Disparities Report," examined state health system performance for five racial and ethnic groups — (non-Hispanic) Black; white; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander; and Hispanic (any race). [Click on the title's link for (1) Six summary findings, and (2) To download the report.
Professor shines light on life incarcerated
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMProfessor shines light on life incarcerated
Viral moment: Hospice worker reunites with former mentor for touching bedside serenade
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMViral moment: Hospice worker reunites with former mentor for touching bedside serenade FaithIt, by Kelsey Straeter; 4/23/24In Austinburg, Ohio, at the Austinburg Nursing & Rehab Center, a video capturing a deeply moving moment has gone viral, striking a chord with over half a million viewers. The footage shows hospice worker Joshua Woodard singing a heartfelt rendition of “How Great Thou Art” to his former mentor, Mary Redmond, just days before her peaceful passing. ... Decades ago, Mary Redmond was not only a cherished voice and piano teacher in her community but also a vibrant member of the local arts scene, starring in productions such as “Hello, Dolly!” and “The Music Man.” ... One of those lives was a young Joshua Woodard ... She became his first voice coach, leaving a lasting impression that endured through the years.
[Maine] Attention Section 43 Hospice Services Providers: Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) implementation delayed until further notice
04/24/24 at 03:00 AM[Maine] Attention Section 43 Hospice Services Providers: Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) implementation delayed until further noticeState of Maine Department of Health and Human Services; 4/22/24 As of March 15, 2023, MaineCare temporarily excluded hospice services from EVV requirements as a delayed enforcement of our approved State Plan requirements. On December 1, 2023, we announced our plan to implement EVV requirements for hospice services starting July 1, 2024. following enactment of P.L. 2023, ch. 576 (LD 2055), An Act to Prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services from Implementing Electronic Visit Verification for Hospice Providers Within the MaineCare Program Unless Mandated by the Federal Government, the Department is delaying the implementation of EVV requirements for hospice services until further notice.
WHO unveils 10 patient safety rights
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMWHO unveils 10 patient safety rights
Mercy Hospital surgeon teaches high school students future of surgical medicine
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMMercy Hospital surgeon teaches high school student future of surgical medicine CBS News TV 13 Sacramento, CA; 4/21/24 A unique experience for high school students, taking a step into the world of robotic surgery. Mercy Hospital hosted students to learn the ins and outs of the future of surgical medicine.
Executive compensation at HCA, CHS, Tenet and UHS: 7 things to know
04/24/24 at 03:00 AMExecutive compensation at HCA, CHS, Tenet and UHS: 7 things to know Becker's Hospital Review, by Alan Condon; 4/16/24 Most of the top-earning executives, including CEOs and CFOs, at four of the largest for-profit health systems in the U.S. saw their overall compensation increase in 2023, according to proxy statements recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Seven things to know about executive compensation at HCA Healthcare (Nashville, Tenn.), Community Health Systems (Franklin, Tenn.), Tenet Healthcare (Dallas) and Universal Health Services (King of Prussia, Pa.): ... [Click on the title's article for salary figures.]
Breaking News: Labor Department announces final overtime rule
04/24/24 at 02:00 AMBreaking News: Labor Department announces final overtime rule McKnights Senior Living, by Kimberly Bonvissuto; 4/23/24 The Department of Labor on Tuesday announced a final rule that expands overtime protections to millions of salaried workers beginning this summer. The overtime rule increases the salary thresholds necessary to exempt a salaried executive, administrative or professional employee from federal overtime pay requirements. Effective July 1, the salary threshold will increase to the equivalent of an annual salary of $43,888 and will increase to $58,656 on Jan. 1. The July 1 increase updates the current annual salary threshold of $35,568, which is based on a 2019 overtime rule update.
20M fewer Medicaid enrollees means trouble for providers
04/24/24 at 02:00 AM20M fewer Medicaid enrollees means trouble for providersModern Healthcare, by Nona Tepper; 4/23/24Over the past year, states have removed more than 20 million beneficiaries from Medicaid after suspending eligibility redeterminations during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Thousands of those people are Clinica Family Health patients. The Lafayette, Colorado-based community health center felt the pain of lost reimbursements when patients went from having Medicaid coverage to being uninsured, a fate that has befallen almost one-fourth of these former Medicaid enrollees nationwide, according to KFF. Clinica Family Health responded with cutbacks but is still in the hole.
Community partnership with Hinds Hospice brings support
04/24/24 at 02:00 AMCommunity partnership with Hinds Hospice brings supportYourCentralValley.com - MedWatch Today; by Juanita Adame; 4/22/24Facing difficult end-of-life decisions for loved ones is difficult. Community Regional Medical Centers has partnered with Hinds Hospice to bring in an extra layer of support to patients and their families inside the hospital. The services are for patients who cannot be cared for at the home during their end-of-life journey. “We started looking at institutions that could partner with us around delivering inpatient hospice care, not only to reduce our length of stay but to be able to provide a higher level of care for patients in hospice,” said Tina Gulbronsen, VP of Capacity Management at Community Medical Centers. “So this change means that there are some patients that can’t be discharged safely because they are in some sort of crisis.”
Support mounts for increased hospice accreditor oversight
04/24/24 at 02:00 AMSupport mounts for increased hospice accreditor oversightHospice News; by Holly Vossel; 4/16/24Calls are growing louder in support of increased accreditation organization oversight that could help curb fraudulent activity in the hospice space. In a proposed rule released in February the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced a number of provisions aimed at addressing conflicts of interest and establishing more consistent standards, processes and definitions among accreditation entities. The proposed increased oversight would be an important step forward in addressing instances of fraud, waste and abuse in hospice, according to members of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA). Regulatory changes such as these would be particularly significant in detecting maleficence in regions like California, which have a rise in program integrity challenges, the organization stated in a recent letter to Congress shared with Hospice News.Notable mentions: Sheila Clark, California Hospice and Palliative Care Association.
Hospice volunteers share their ‘why’
04/23/24 at 03:15 AMHospice volunteers share their ‘why’ The Journal, by Lores Morton; 4/21/2024 From volunteer Lores Morton: Why am I a volunteer for Hospice of the Panhandle? It is for our patient’s caregivers, to give them break relief; to share what may be missing with patient’s spiritual support; to be a memory keeper — legacy; to give simple visitation; and, also, to volunteer administratively for Light Up a Life. ... From volunteer Kelly Orwig, "My why has evolved, but at the core, is that I love people. I love people who need love. Death and dying are natural, but over our lives, we’ve been socialized to fear death to the point that we fear those who are dying. ...."
2024 Marijuana Legalization Review: A guide for employers in a complex legal landscape
04/23/24 at 03:15 AMMarijuana Legalization Review: A guide for employers in a complex legal landscapeForbes, by Alonzo Martinez; 4/19/24As marijuana legalization sweeps across the United States, employers face a complex legal landscape regarding its use among employees. What was once a clear-cut issue of termination for positive drug tests has evolved into a complex assessment, with federal, state, and local laws offering conflicting guidance on how to navigate marijuana use in the workplace.
Lawmakers mull bills to ensure hospice, home health worker safety
04/23/24 at 03:00 AMLawmakers mull bills to ensure hospice, home health worker safety Hospice News, by Holly Vossel; 4/19/24 Lawmakers in Connecticut and Vermont have recently introduced legislation aimed at protecting hospice and home health workers. Some stakeholders worry that the laws may impact care continuity among vulnerable homebound terminally ill populations lacking end-of-life support.
Md. health dept. processed 1.5 million Medicaid enrollees in 12 months; one month left in ‘unwinding’
04/23/24 at 03:00 AMMd. health dept. processed 1.5 million Medicaid enrollees in 12 months; one month left in ‘unwinding’Maryland Matters, by Danielle J. Brown; 4/19/24... Prior to the pandemic people with Medicaid insurance had to reapply annually. Medicaid terminations were paused over the COVID pandemic in order to ensure people were covered during a global health crisis. But starting in 2023, Medicaid re-enrollments were no longer automatic, and people had to reenroll in the program to continue coverage in a period often referred to as the ‘Medicaid unwind.’ ... At the start of the unwinding period, the data show that there were about 1,787,000 people enrolled in Medicaid in March 2023. A year later, there are 1,690,000 people covered by the program. ... But most of the terminations are due to what are called “procedural terminations,” which means that someone either did not start or did not complete their Medicaid reapplication. ... People with procedural terminations have short window after losing coverage when they can reapply to Medicaid and get covered again if they are still eligible.
Increasing Hospice CAHPS scores through enhanced caregiver training
04/23/24 at 03:00 AMIncreasing Hospice CAHPS scores through enhanced caregiver training Hospice News, by Jim Parker; 4/19/24 Improving education and training for family caregivers may give hospices’ quality scores a boost. Maryland-based Hospice of the Chesapeake has introduced a standardized caregiver training program designed to enhance the work they had previously done in this area. After a review of scientific literature, it became clear that nationally, caregiver training was spotty, and this affected families’ perceptions of the care their loved one received, Monica Ferebee, clinical manager of hospice at Hospice of the Chesapeake ... More than 70% of hospice patients are primarily cared for by untrained family caregivers with no medical background, Ferebee found. She led Chesapeake’s change project to address these concerns, and thereby improve performance on Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys.