Politics

The White House and Democrats reached a tentative deal to prevent a government shutdown. Health systems are hoping to avoid another interruption to virtual care and home hospital programs.

The tax credits expired at the end of December and millions are expected to lose coverage, and that’s going to pose problems for some hospitals.

The American Medical Association and other groups are pushing back against immigration activity in emergency departments and hospitals.

A 37-year-old ICU nurse, Alex Pretti was killed by federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis. Nursing groups called for a thorough and transparent investigation.

The path forward is clear: invest in primary care and ensure every American has a lifelong relationship with a primary care physician, Shawn Martin writes.

As many as 14 hospitals are in danger of shutting down without more support from the state, according to a report by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.

Nicole Stallings, president and CEO of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, talks with Chief Healthcare Executive® about financial pressures and fears of possible hospital closures.

A year after a case was found in Texas, the numbers continue to grow, especially in South Carolina. Experts criticize the government for a lack of action.

Lawmakers in Congress have introduced a “prompt pay” bill that has attracted support from hospitals.

At a time when there’s skepticism of the medical establishment, nurses can play a key role in helping patients and reducing confusion.

The American Cancer Society hailed progress in reducing cancer deaths. But advocates are worried about reduced spending on cancer research.

Nursing unions have walked off the job at three hospital systems. Nurses say they need better staffing and pay, but hospitals say the demands are reckless.

Hospitals are seeing more patients with the flu, even as the government’s revised childhood vaccine schedule no longer recommends flu shots for all children.

R. Shawn Martin, CEO of the American Academy of Family Physicians, talks with us about misinformation, changes in federal guidance and declines in vaccinations.

Erik Wexler, president and CEO of the Catholic health system, talks about the work to improve the system’s financial performance.

The Department of Health & Human Services says it no longer recommends the flu shot and some other shots for all children. The shots will still be available, but critics worry about more confusion and fewer vaccinations.

A judge issued an order temporarily blocking the Trump administration from moving ahead with the program. Hospitals said the rebate model would impose added costs.

These features garnered the most interest from readers in the past year.

Rising costs make it harder for Americans to get care, and variance even in the same market may draw more scrutiny in the coming year.

The federal government has indicated that it expects health systems to make it easier for consumers to understand prices. Carol Skenes of Turquoise Health talks about the growing expectations.

The Education Department excluded nursing from its list of professional degrees, and critics say it could worsen the shortage of nurses. Nearly 150 lawmakers want the department to revise its listing.

The White House has said kids are getting too many shots and has directed the Health Department to examine what other countries are doing. Medical groups worry about the spread of preventable diseases.

Some executives say they’re optimistic about outperforming competitors, but more are uneasy about policy changes in the year ahead.

The Department of Health & Human Services is threatening to block hospitals from Medicare and Medicaid funding if they provide such care.

Charlene MacDonald will take over the trade group representing for-profit hospitals beginning Jan. 1. She brings significant experience in Washington.