Literature Review
Double your cybersecurity spending, CIO warns amid Change Healthcare attack
03/04/24 at 03:15 AMDouble your cybersecurity spending, CIO warns amid Change Healthcare attack Becker's Health IT, by Naomi Diaz; 2/29/24What does the Change Healthcare ransomware incident mean for healthcare organizations? Doubling your cybersecurity spending, according to one health system CIO. Will Weider, CIO and senior vice president of Wausau, WI-based Aspirus Health, shared five thoughts on LinkedIn Feb. 29 about the incident, saying, "Whatever you planned to spend to improve cybersecurity, double it." Additionally, Mr. Weider stated that in light of this incident, healthcare organizations should: ...
‘Playbook’ offers strategies for home health, hospice firms to jump into value-based care
03/04/24 at 03:00 AM‘Playbook’ offers strategies for home health, hospice firms to jump into value-based care McKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 2/28/24 Don’t drag your feet. As entities like Medicare Advantage and Accountable Care Organizations continue to grow and thrive, the time is now for home care to step into value-based care, according to home care consultants at Transcend Strategy Group. “The next two or three years are going to be very critical,” Tony Kudner, chief strategy officer at healthcare consultancy firm Transcend Strategy Group, said in an interview Tuesday with McKnight’s Home Care Daily Pulse. “Now is the time to build out the larger organizational competencies that value-based care is going to require.”
Rhode Island: Physician-assisted suicide bill reintroduced in state legislature
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMRhode Island: Physician-assisted suicide bill reintroduced in state legislature The Brown Daily Herald, by Maya Kelly; 3/1/24House Bill 7100 would legalize prescription of lethal medications to patients wiht less than six months to live. ... [Read this article for more history.] ... Joan Teno, an adjunct professor of health services, policy and practice, noted that medical professionals are “strictly protected” by the bill: if a healthcare provider does not wish to prescribe a lethal medication, they are under no obligation to do so. Physicians are also immune from accusations of unprofessional conduct as long as the patient meets all requirements.
The unique perspectives of healthcare leaders under 40
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMThe unique perspectives of healthcare leaders under 40Becker's Hospital Review, by Kelly Gooch; 2/2024Becker's asked some of our "rising stars" under 40 to answer the following question: As a young leader in healthcare, what unique perspectives or approaches do you bring to your role that you believe are particularly valuable in driving innovation and addressing the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers?
Perceptions of interprofessional practitioners regarding pediatric palliative transports
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMPerceptions of interprofessional practitioners regarding pediatric palliative transports Am J Crit Care; by Harriett Swasey, Diana Morrill, Sandra Mott, Shannon Engstrand, and Jean Anne Connor; 3/1/24 Background: Pediatric palliative transport (PPT) is the practice of offering critically and terminally ill children requiring life-sustaining measures the opportunity to be discharged from the hospital to home or a hospice facility for end-of-life care. Although studies have shown PPT to favorably affect both children and their families, limited research exists on the perspectives of health care practitioners.
Ziggy Marley recalls dad Bob Marley's last words to him before his death
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMZiggy Marley recalls dad Bob Marley's last words to him before his death NBC News TV 10 Boston; by Randi Richardson; 2/28/24, updated 2/29/24 Ziggy Marley was 12 years old when his father, Bob Marley, died, and he cherishes their last memory together. ... He recalled being in his dad's intensive care hospital room a few days before the singer died from malignant melanoma. "I was, like, peeping through the window," Ziggy Marley, now 55, said. "And he was like, 'Come here.' So, I went in, and he was like, 'Hey ... well, young Bob, I have a song for you.' And he said these words: 'On your way up, take me up. On your way down, don’t let me down.'"
Revolutionizing healthcare: New legislative measures reshape services and access in 2023
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMRevolutionizing healthcare: New legislative measures reshape services and access in 2023 BNN, by Israel Ojoko; 2/28/24[Oklahoma Senate] Recent legislative actions have significantly altered the healthcare landscape, addressing issues in hospice care, long-term care training, pharmacy services, physician licensure, Medicaid, and substance abuse services.
Message from HHS about an ongoing active cybersecurity threat to your IT resources
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMMessage from HHS about an ongoing active cybersecurity threat to your IT resourcesEmail from CMS; 3/1/24 Note: This joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) is part of an ongoing #StopRansomware effort to publish advisories for network defenders that detail various ransomware variants and ransomware threat actors. These #StopRansomware advisories include recently and historically observed tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) to help organizations protect against ransomware. Visit stopransomware.gov to see all #StopRansomware advisories and to learn more about other ransomware threats and no-cost resources.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are releasing this joint CSA to disseminate known IOCs and TTPs associated with the ALPHV Blackcat ransomware as a service (RaaS) identified through FBI investigations as recently as February 2024.
What the UnitedHealth Group Antitrust Investigation means for Amedisys, home health industry
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMWhat the UnitedHealth Group Antitrust Investigation means for Amedisys, home health industry Home Health Care News, by Andrew Donlan; 3/1/24 Since the news surfaced Tuesday that the Department of Justice had opened an antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), additional questions have bubbled up. Namely, those questions surround the home health provider Amedisys Inc. (Nasdaq: AMED), which agreed to be acquired by UnitedHealth Group’s Optum in June of last year.
Minnesota's ethical dilemma: Assisted suicide debate intensifies amid disability concerns
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMMinnesota's ethical dilemma: Assisted suicide debate intensifies amid disability concerns BNN, by Waqas Arain; 2/28/24 Discover the complex narratives and ethical dilemmas surrounding Minnesota's proposed End-of-Life Option Act, as advocates and opponents clash over the autonomy of terminally ill patiens and the potential risks to vulnerable groups.
IntellaTriage strengthens position as market leader through NurseLine acquisition
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMIntellaTriage strengthens position as market leader through NurseLine acquisitionFOX WTNZ TV 43; 2/29/24IntellaTriage, the leading provider of after-hours nurse-first triage services for hospice and home health, is excited to announce its strategic acquisition of NurseLine, a prominent nationwide provider of hospice and home health triage services. The transaction was completed for an undisclosed sum and marks a significant step in IntellaTriage's commitment to enhancing patient care and streamlining healthcare delivery.
Elevate Podcast Episode #32: Domestic violence, abuse, trauma in hospice
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMElevate Podcast Episode #32: Domestic violence, abuse, trauma in hospiceHospice News, by Mick Stahlberg; 2/28/24This episode features a discussion about the ways that pervasive experiences of domestic violence, abuse and trauma affect hospice and palliative care patients. Hospice News Reporter Holly Vossel speaks with Carole Fisher, president of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), and Dr. Cameron Muir, chief innovation officer at NPHI, about the different ways hospices can shape their trauma-informed care delivery approaches.
Aspirus Health completes St. Luke's Duluth acquisition
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMAspirus Health completes St. Luke's Duluth acquisitionModern Healthcare, by Alex Kacik; 3/1/24Aspirus Health finalized its acquisition of St. Luke's Duluth, forming a 19-hospital system spanning northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. ... As part of the transaction, Aspirus will invest at least $300 million over eight years in St. Luke’s and will expand its health plan to St. Luke’s service area within two years. In addition, Aspirus will honor all physician, labor and union contracts, the system said in a news release Friday. Editor's Note: Both Aspirus Health and St. Luke's Duluth provide hospice care.
Today Encouragement: The smallest step ...
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMSometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step. - Naeem Callaway
Podcast: Dr. Robert Carolla’s reflections on life and mortality
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMPodcast: Dr. Robert Carolla’s reflections on life and mortality Springfield Daily Citizen; 2/28/24 Dr. Carolla, a pioneer in his field, sheds light on the delicate balance between life and mortality that oncologists navigate daily. Through his work with the Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks and national recognition from StoryCorps broadcasts, he and his wife, Peg, have touched countless lives with their compassion and dedication. Dr. Carolla’s journey offers a profound perspective shift on life, death, grief and the human experience.
Frontpoint Health acquires High Plains Senior Care, expanding Texas footprint and Medicare Advantage partnerships
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMFrontpoint Health acquires High Plains Senior Care, expanding Texas footprint and Medicare Advantage partnerships BNN, by Salman Akhtar; 2/29/24 Frontpoint Health, a leader in Home Health and Hospice services, has officially acquired High Plains Senior Care Group (HPSC), marking a significant expansion into over 176 counties across Texas. This strategic move not only broadens Frontpoint's geographical reach but also strengthens its collaborations with Medicare Advantage plans in the Southeast, promising accelerated growth and enhanced care for Medicare Advantage patients.
Staffing, capacity gains ‘catapult’ growth at VITAS
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMStaffing, capacity gains ‘catapult’ growth at VITAS Hospice News, by Jim Parker; 2/28/24Capacity gains driven by a slate of new hires has propelled VITAS Healthcare to pre-pandemic performance. A bonus program implemented last year has accelerated hiring, which in turn has relieved some of the capacity constraints that have been a stumbling block for several quarters running.The initiative included a one-time retention payment that ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 per employee for nurses, nurse managers, home health aides and social workers.
Home Health & Hospice secures over $1 million in grants for innovative health care initiatives
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMHome Health & Hospice secures over $1 million in grants for innovative health care initiatives VB VermontBiz, by The University of Vermont Health Network Home-Health & Hospice; 2/29/24Home Health & Hospice (HHH) is pleased to announce the receipt of two grants from the Vermont Agency of Human Services, totaling $1.18 million. Vermont received funding through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to enhance, expand, and strengthen home and community-based services (HCBS) and allocated a portion of those funds to offer grants to HCBS providers that serve Medicaid members.
Joyce Slocum, TPR president and CEO, in hospice care
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMJoyce Slocum, Texas Public Radio president and CEO, in hospice careTexas Public Radio, by TPR Staff; 3/1/24Joyce Slocum, TPR's president and CEO, was hospitalized this week due to complications from colon cancer. In a statement on Thursday, TPR and Slocum's family added that she has transitioned to hospice care. "TPR must share the difficult news that President & CEO, Joyce Slocum, was hospitalized this weekend due to complications from a recurrence of her colon cancer, and has now transitioned to hospice care," the statement read. "Her family and the TPR staff are grateful for the outpouring of support and love for Joyce."
3 predictions for the future of post-acute care
03/04/24 at 03:00 AM3 predictions for the future of post-acute careBecker's Hospital Review, by Mariah Taylor; 2/28/24Robust in-home care, advances in technology and seamless access to nursing facilities are some of the ways leaders anticipate post-acute care may change in the next 50 years. Here, three leaders give their predictions and hopes for the industry in the future.
The ransomware groups targeting healthcare
03/04/24 at 03:00 AMThe ransomware groups targeting healthcare Becker's Health IT, by Naomi Diaz; 2/29/24Russia-based ransomware gang ALPHV/Blackcat, aka BlackCat, has made headlines due to its attack on Change Healthcare, but the group has been targeting healthcare for a while. "This group in particular has been very aggressive targeting healthcare and has been responsible for numerous high-impact attacks," John Riggi, the American Hospital Association's national adviser for cybersecurity and risk, told Becker's. BlackCat, which uses a ransomware-as-a-service model, is known as the "second most prolific ransomware-as-a-service variant in the world," according to the Justice Department.
CMS upends Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits data reporting for payers
03/04/24 at 02:00 AMCMS upends Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits data reporting for payers DLA Piper, by Daivd Kopans and Sua Yoon; 2/27/24 On February 21, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance via a memorandum to Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organizations, and Demonstration Organizations (collectively, Plans) that upends how these Plans have been reporting (or not reporting) encounter information for their covered supplemental benefits. The guidance in the memorandum is effective retroactively to January 1, 2024. [In this article] is a Q&A explaining the top points of the guidance and highlight its impact on companies across industries.
Death and redemption in an American prison
03/03/24 at 03:55 AMDeath and redemption in an American prisonKFF Health News / NPR, by Markian Hawryluk; 2/19/24Publisher's note: This is a "must read" article about Steven Garner, including circumstances regarding how he was sentenced to life without parole at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, his 26-year service in their hospice program, his release two years ago, and his hospice work since.Notable mentions: Warden Burl Cain; Jamey Boudreaux, Louisiana ~ Mississippi Hospice & Palliative Care Organization; Cordt Kassner, Hospice Analytics; Kim Huffington, Sangre de Cristo Community Care.
Commentary: Virginia hospice care coalition a model for other states to emulate
03/03/24 at 03:50 AMCommentary: Virginia hospice care coalition a model for other states to emulateThe Roanoke Times, by Steve Cone; 2/16/24 Here in Virginia, eight nonprofit hospice care organizations are working together with a private sector sponsor on a statewide initiative called the Virginia Hospice Awareness Campaign to publicize the benefits of hospice. This approach should serve as a model for other states to emulate. (Two of the nonprofits in the campaign serve the Roanoke and New River valleys and Alleghany Highlands: Good Samaritan and ConnectionsPlus.)
HCA unveils executive performance incentive pay for 2024
03/03/24 at 03:45 AMHCA unveils executive performance incentive pay for 2024 Becker's Hospital Review, by Laura Dyrda; 2/27/24 Nashville, TN-based HCA Healthcare revealed its plans for the 2024 Executive Officer Performance Excellence Program in a Feb. 26 Form 8-K filed with the SEC. Top executives for the 182-hospital health system will be eligible to earn performance awards based on achieving specific targets, weighted as: