Hospital associations file lawsuit against HHS over new website tracking rule
Editor's Note A number of prominent hospital associations have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over guidance that seeks to prohibit them from using tracking tools to monitor visitors on their websites, the American Hospital Association (AHA) November 2 reports. A few highlights of…
Third quarter earnings: UHS, Tenet see financial success; CHS, HCA face challenges
Editor's Note Two major hospital systemsโUniversal Health Services (UHS) and Tenet Healthcareโsaw improved third-quarter profits in 2023, but Community Health Systems (CHS) and HCA Healthcare did not see similar upward trends, HealthLeaders November 3 reports.ย According to the article, rising demand in services at UHS drove third-quarter earnings up 6.8%…
Improvements in HAIs seen in latest hospital safety grades
Editor's Note Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) have improved significantly after infection rates spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the nonprofit safety organization the Leapfrog Group, PRNewswire November 6 reports.ย According to the data, over 85% of hospitals improved performance on at least one of three dangerous infections: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),…
Updated nursing informatics credential announced
Editor's Note The Nursing Informatics credential is getting an update, from โRN-BCโ to โNI-BC,โย the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) reported on November 3. The ANCC manages the Informatics Nursing board certification examination, which provides an assessment of RNs' clinical knowledge and skills in informatics after their initial RN licensure.ย After…
Healthcare employment up in October
Editor's Note Healthcare employment in the US rose by 58,400 from October to November, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, released on November 3. That is compared to the average monthly gain of 53,000 over the prior 12 months, for a total of 17,123,600 seasonally…
New Joint Commission ORYX performance measure reporting requirements
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on November 1 announced the release of the 2024 ORYX performance measure reporting requirements, which will be effective starting on January 1, 2024, for critical access hospitals and hospitals.ย In the new requirements, acute care hospitals and critical access hospitals must join The Joint Commission National…
Progress on breast cancer awareness, additional steps needed
Editor's Note Significant progress has been made in national health efforts to prompt women to look for signs of breast cancer earlier and inform them about their breast cancer risk, but continued efforts are needed, Chief Healthcare Executive October 30 reports.ย Among women younger than 50, breast cancer is the…
New cybersecurity toolkit provides guidance to healthcare sector
Editor's Note The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on October 26 announced a new cybersecurity-focused toolkit with resources for healthcare organizations and the public health sector. The two agencies have been working with the Health Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) Cybersecurity…
ECRI: New survey shows medication, supply shortages are hurting patients
Editor's Note A new survey from ECRI finds that shortages of medications and medical supplies and equipment are harming patients, the nonprofit organization reported in an October 13 news release. ECRI surveyed nearly 200 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, procurement specialists, physicians, and nurses in July 2023. Following are some takeaways from…
AAAHC: Updated toolkit to ensure surgery safety with obese patients
Editor's Note The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) of Deerfield, Illinois, has released its revamped Ambulatory Surgery Considerations for Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Toolkit, ASC Focus October 2023 reports. The new toolkit provides updated guidelines on how healthcare providers can ensure that patients with obesity and/or obstructive…