Literature Review

HHS issues new rule to strengthen nondiscrimination protections and advance Civil Rights in health careHHS Press Office; 4/26/24Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) advancing protections against discrimination in health care. By taking bold action to strengthen protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability, this rule reduces language access barriers, expands physical and digital accessibility, tackles bias in health technology, and much more.

Millions of American kids are caregivers Now: ‘The hardest part is that I’m only 17’The Wall Street Journal; by Clare Ansberry; 4/27/24An estimated 5.4 million children help care for relatives, as families can't afford or find other in-home care. ... Leo Remis gos to high school, plays videogames, and helps take care of his disabled mom. ... More than 70% of young caregivers are caring for a parent or grandparent, according to a caregiving report. Many miss school, feel more isolated and worry about the future. Juggling homework with cooking and giving injections can be overwhelming and lead to anxiety.Editor's Note: Access to this article might require a subscription. Click here for alternate access.

6 top execs that have recently left Optum Becker's Payer Issues; by Jakob Emerson; 4/23/24In 2024, at least six top executives previously with UnitedHealth Group's Optum have announced their departures for new positions with companies across the country. [Click on the title's link for names positions.] Optum executive departures in 2023 are here.

On the Scene: Suncoast Hospice Foundation GalaTampa Bay Business & Wealth; by Jo-Lynn Brown; 4/26/24 The Suncoast Hospice Foundation held its 22nd annual gala, at The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, in St. Petersburg. The foundation raised more than $346,000 at this year’s sold-out event, surpassing previous records of fundraising. 

Harmony House of Western Massachusetts unveils new home for terminally ill WWLP TV 22 News; by Kayleigh Thomas; posted 4/26/24, updated 4/27/24 [Chicopee, MA] After a long hiatus, the Harmony House of Western Massachusetts unveiled its new home for the terminally ill. It comes after the original home closed in 2019 before Covid-19 hit. Once the pandemic began, plans to renovate the new home were put on hold. Now, they’re completely renovated with a fully staffed team to offer companionship, meals, laundry services, and personal and spiritual care.

Five lessons I have learned in my first year as a hospice CEO Sussex World, UK; by Jasmine Cotton; 4/29/24We spoke to Lois Howell, Chief Executive Officer at St Wilfrid's Hospice in Chichester, about the top five lessons she has learnt in her first year as a hospice CEO. ... "I started my role as Chief Executive Officer at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester on March 27, 2023. Prior to this, I worked as the Director of Governance and Risk at the NHS Trust on the Isle of Wight ... These are five things I have learnt in my first year as CEO of a local hospice, ..." 

Signify Health President: ‘We’re just scratching the surface’ on what can be done in the home Home Health Care News; by Andrew Donlan; 4/26/24 Signify Health was purchased by CVS Health for $8 billion in March 2023. Now, it’s one of the core tenants of CVS Healthspire, the health care services segment that CVS executives are banking on to drive future growth for the company. Paymon Farazi, the president of Signify Health, recently joined Home Health Care News’ Disrupt podcast to talk about Signify’s direction over a year after the CVS deal was closed, how the company could work with traditional home-based care providers in the future and where Farazi sees Signify – and health care – headed in the near- and long-term future.

FTC finalizes changes to data privacy rule to step up scrutiny of digital health apps Fierce Healthcare; by Heather Landi; 4/26/24 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized a rule Friday that aims to tighten the reins on digital health apps sharing consumers' sensitive medical data with tech companies. The agency issued a final version of its revised Health Breach Notification Rule to underscore the rule’s applicability to health apps in a bid to protect consumers' data privacy and provide more transparency about how companies collect their health information.

Letter: Volunteers make a difference in community The Meadville Tribune - Meadville, PA; by Melissa Swartwood; 4/27/24Our community is at its best when we come together to help others in a time of need. At Hospice of Crawford County, trained volunteers give their time, attention and compassion to help people and families facing the end of life to live as fully as possible. ... Our volunteers specialize in various areas of service, [many examples given]... As we wrap up Volunteer Month ... Hospice of Crawford County would like to show appreciation for our volunteer team. ... Across the United States, more than 430,000 hospice volunteers give over 19 million hours of service every year. Every single volunteer deserves our appreciation and grateful acknowledgement.Editor's Note: We highlight this example of both thanking hospice volunteers and raising community awareness about hospice volunteer opportunities. From Hospice & Palliative Care Today to your organization, we celebrate and thank your volunteers!

University of Kentucky moves ahead with acquisition of St. Claire HealthCare Spectrum News 1; by Chris Hughes; 4/26/24 The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved plans to move ahead with the acquisition of St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead, expanding its footprint in the eastern part of the state. ... The two institutions are eyeing a targeted closing date of July 1. St. Claire HealthCare is one of the largest employers in the greater Morehead region, with over 1,300 employees, including over 50 physicians and nearly 50 advanced practice professionals representing more than 20 medical specialties. ... St. Claire also provides home health and hospice services in eight counties. 

Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer - Author Unknown

Lindon woman’s dream of having her music on the radio comes true KSLTV 5, Salt Lake City, Utah; by Alex Cabrero; 4/26/24 With weeks left to live, a Lindon woman’s dream of her music airing on the radio is becoming a reality. “They are experiences I have had, but there are no words ever that will describe my journey,” Gracelyn Wilkinson said. Gracelyn Wilkinson’s music, specifically the words to her songs, is about as remarkable as it gets. While she is only 19 years old, she has had the kind of life experiences many people will fortunately never have. ... Gracelyn Wilkinson is now home in Lindon on hospice, where precious time is now measured in days.

Understanding the scope of aggressive incidents in hospitals | Safer Hospitals Chief Healthcare Executive; by Ron Southwick; 4/26/24 Researchers found healthcare workers are facing a verbal or physical incident at least once for every 40 hours worked. Joanne De Santo lennaco of Yale University talks about protecting staff. Even with more attention being placed on violence in hospitals and health systems, healthcare leaders say many incidents don’t come to light. ... Much attention has been focused on incidents involving healthcare workers that have resulted in physical injuries, but she says that fails to capture the hostility healthcare workers routinely encounter, she says.