Regulations/Legal
US uninsured rate reaches all-time low
Editor's Note The number of Americans without health insurance coverage has hit a record low of 8% this year, exceeding the previous low of 9% in 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services July 3 reports. Since 2020, 5.2 million people have gained coverage, including 4 million adults and…
COVID-19 infection risk on airlines
Editor's Note In this study, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, calculate the chances of catching COVID-19 on a US plane flight. The study estimates that from June 2020 through February 2021, the probability of getting COVID-19 on a totally full flight lasting 2 hours was more than…
AHA releases part 2 of 3-part workforce guide series
Editor's Note The American Hospital Association (AHA) released part two of a three-part series of its workforce guide focused on strategies, resources, and case studies from hospitals and other health systems, Becker’s Hospital Review July 29 reports. The report, released July 27, is intended to help hospitals and health system…
Effect of state COVID-19 vaccine mandates on staff vaccinations
Editor's Note This cohort study of nursing homes in 38 states, led by the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, finds that states with a COVID-19 mandate had an increase in staff vaccinations compared with states with no mandates and no worsening of staffing shortages following the mandates.…
FDA: Class I recall of Covidien’s Palindrome, Mahurkar hemodialysis catheters
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 28 identified the recall by Covidien, LLC (Medtronic) of its Palindrome and Mahurkar hemodialysis catheters as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of a catheter hub defect that connects both extension catheters. There is a potential…
Is nurse staffing legislation in the public’s interest?
Editor's Note This study led by nurse researchers Linda Aiken, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Karen Lasater, PhD, RN, FAAN, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, finds that if New York state enacts nurse staffing legislation currently under consideration, many lives would be saved and shorter hospital stays…
CMS updates Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for 2022
Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on July 27 updated its Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for 2022—giving 429 hospitals a five-star rating, based on their performance across five quality categories, the July 27 Becker’s Hospital Review reports. There also were: 890 hospitals that received a…
The Joint Commission suicide prevention EP to now include LTAC hospitals
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on July 27 announced that it is revising its National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) Standard NPSG.15.01.01, element of performance (EP) 1, to now include long-term acute care (LTAC) hospitals, effective January 1, 2023. The change will allow The Joint Commission to score environmental risk assessment…
FDA adds AEDs, chest drains to device shortage list
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 19 added automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and chest drains/suction canisters and autotransfusion systems to its list of medical device shortages during COVID-19. The shortage of chest drains/suction canisters and autotransfusion systems is because of increased demand. The shortage of AEDs…
Kay Ball: Mentoring the next generation
Widely known for her research on laser technology and for her legislative work advocating for smoke evacuation in the OR, Kay Ball, PhD, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, FAAN, a perioperative consultant and adjunct professor at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, sat down with OR Manager to discuss the role of education…
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- Ambient AI healthcare documentation gains traction as capabilities expand
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- Healthcare giants prioritize shareholder payouts over patient care
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