News

Hundreds of hospitals have nixed questions about mental health on applications, and most state boards have followed suit. Stefanie Simmons of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation talks about the progress and the need for more.

We welcome opinion pieces on important issues affecting hospitals, clinicians, and patients, but there are some guidelines. Here’s what you need to know.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate have introduced legislation to give hospital employees protections similar to those in the airline industry. Previous bills haven’t made it through Congress, but advocates hope for a different outcome.

The Trump administration has cut funding on programs that help with preparedness and prevention, and there’s concern about lost capabilities.

Lawmakers are looking to streamline the process of prior authorization for treatments from MA plans. Previous efforts stalled, but lawmakers in both parties want to see changes.

The Trump administration is cutting programs that help hospitals and health systems respond to emergencies. Critics fear that scaling back federal emergency programs will hamper response efforts.

Two academic health systems name chief executive officers, and other leaders take new roles.

Rick Majzun, president and COO of the pediatric system, talks about aiming high, juggling multiple roles, and dealing with uncertainty in funding.

The health technology conference in October will be spotlighting artificial intelligence. Rich Scarfo, president of HLTH, says the focus reflects the growing importance of AI in the industry.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology is hearing reports of layoffs in those programs. Leaders of the association and the Leapfrog Group warn about risks to patients.

President Trump’s administration is rolling back the guidance issued under President Biden. Critics say it will endanger patients and leave doctors more puzzled about when they can act in emergencies.

The American Diabetes Association and The Leapfrog Group are honoring hospitals who are giving top-notch care to those with diabetes. It’s the second year the groups have presented the awards.

The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement went live in 2023, and while full interoperability hasn’t happened, some see important gains.

With little federal activity on AI in the industry, some states are moving forward on issues such as transparency and consumer protection, analysts say.

Under the deal, UnityPoint would add Siouxland Medical Center into its footprint. The hospital has more than 400 beds and is the only level II trauma center in western Iowa.

As the use of AI expands, many nurses are eager for tools to help them do their jobs. But some worry about accuracy and see solutions developed without the input of nurses.

Leaders of top nursing organizations advise health systems on ways they can improve well-being and boost their chances at hiring and keeping good nurses.

A new study released by the American Hospital Association looks at the cost in lost work and investments in security measures. But the toll on staff morale and patients could be even more significant.

Bernard “Bernie” Sherry takes the reins of the North Carolina hospital system. Other leaders are entering new roles.

James Uthmeier, the state’s top prosecutor, says he’s following the agenda of President Trump. The Trump administration is also calling for more clear information on prices.

The Ohio hospital system’s emergency rooms are now fully open, and patients are being told to arrive for scheduled surgeries unless they hear otherwise.

Hospitals aren’t making enough progress in improving the workplace, and it’s driving nurses from the bedside, according to the leaders of organizations representing nurses.

Health systems are wrestling with supplies and expect more oversight on the federal 340B drug pricing program. Lauren Forni of Bluesight talks with us about the challenges pharmacies are facing.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the government is no longer advising the shot for pregnant women and healthy kids. Critics are worried about a loss of access and are urging insurers to maintain coverage.

The National Institutes of Health has ended hundreds of grants to colleges and hospitals. For Meharry Medical College, a historically Black school, the reduction is devastating.

Jamie Youssef will lead Ascension Texas, and other leaders are tackling new roles.

Health systems have said the House package would leave millions without coverage and could lead to hospital closures. They’re hoping to persuade the Senate to avert the cuts.

Union Health and Terre Haute Regional Hospital are hoping to come together. Federal regulators oppose the deal, but HCA Healthcare says Terre Haute could close if the merger is denied.

The two institutions will build a new children’s cancer center. They say they’re excited about expanding research capabilities and are aiming high.

The Ohio-based system says its call center was affected and customers are getting calls from individuals claiming to work for Kettering and seeking payment.