State lawmakers target rising healthcare costs via legislation on hospital facility fees
Editor's Note An increasing trend in healthcare billing has seen patients facing unexpected "hospital facility fees," even for routine services at clinics not physically connected to a hospital, Stateline April 25 reports. These fees, which can range significantly, are tacked on by hospitals to cover operational costs and have been…
FDA medical device Class 1 recalls trend upward
Editor's Note The number of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Class 1 recalls—the most serious classification—for medical devices has been trending upwards. Regulatory News, a publication of the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS), reported the news April 25. According to the report, Anne Reid, program director of the Office…
Data cast doubt on recommendation to delay weight-loss meds prior to surgery
Editor's Note A recent analysis of insurance claims data suggests weight-loss medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists do not increase risks associated with undergoing anesthesia. As reported April 22 in MedPage Today, these finding that contradicts a June 2023 recommendation from the American Society of…
AAMI guidance covers sterile processing of dilators, ultrasound probes
Editor's Note A new guidance document covering the entire process for the selection, labeling, and sterile processing of dilators and ultrasound probes is available from The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Released April 17, AAMI TIR99:2024; Processing Of Dilators, Transesophageal And Ultrasound Probes In Health Care Facilities…
Surgical site infections often caused by preexisting bacteria
Editor's Note Most healthcare-associated surgical site infections are not caused by pathogens acquired in the hospital, but by previously harmless bacteria already present on patients’ skin prior to being admitted, according to a study published April 10 in Science Translational Medicine. Surgical site infections account for the highest annual costs…
The Joint Commission launches new telehealth accreditation program
Editor's Note Effective July 1, telehealth providers can apply for a new Joint Commission accreditation designed to ensure safe, high-quality care. Announced April 23 by The Joint Commission, the new Telehealth Accreditation Program is designed for organizations that exclusively provide care, treatment and services via telehealth. Hospitals and other healthcare…
FDA announces class 1 recall for disposable biopsy needle kit
Editor's Note Microscopic stainless steel debris on the insides of biopsy needles prompted the FDA to issue a class 1 recall—indicating risk of death or serious injury—for Elekta Instrument’s Disposable Biopsy Needle Kit, which is used with the Leksell Stereotactic System for brain tissue sampling during neurosurgery, the disposable biopsy…
Report: Consistent, purposeful manager-team engagement reduces RN turnover
Editor's Note Ensuring regular recognition and check-ins with team members is an effective strategy for nurse leaders hoping to reduce staff turnover, according to a press release published April 3 by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). Presented earlier this month at AONL’s annual conference, the inaugural edition of…
Death, hospital readmission less likely for women treated by female doctors
Editor's Note A new study showing women treated by female doctors are less likely to die or be readmitted to the hospital adds to the growing body of evidence that women and minorities tend to receive worse medical care than men and white patients, NBC News reported April 22. Published…
FDA announces class 1 recalls for infusion pumps, anesthesia workstation
Editor's Note Reports of spontaneous backup battery failure in Dreager Inc.’s Perseus A500 anesthesia workstation and multiple failures in InfuTronix, LLC’s Nimbus infusion pump systems prompted the FDA to classify manufacturer recalls as class 1, the most serious categorization indicating risk of serious harm or death. According to an April…
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- FDA announces class 1 recalls for heart devices, ventilators
- Carbon-conscious health systems phase out desflurane anesthesia gas to reduce emissions
- Joint Commission releases annual Sentinel Event Data Report
- Study: Surgical team diversity improves patient outcomes
- Colorectal cancer rates declining in older adults, rising among children, teens
- Industry leaders share main growth opportunities for ASCs
- US News & World Report best ASCs ranking now available
- Study: Standard preoperative fasting instructions sufficient for diabetic patients