Politics

The American Nurses Association and union groups are backing measures in Congress, which have stalled in the past. Lawmakers have debated similar measures at the state level.

The government plans to offer lump-sum payments in a dispute that reached the Supreme Court. But health systems aren’t happy about future cuts.

CMS finalizes the physician fee schedule and outpatient payments, drawing plenty of criticism.

Among other steps, the Department of Health and Human Services will develop a safety program to address unsafe healthcare practices involving artificial intelligence.

Labor groups rejoiced when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law. For hospitals, they avoid the prospect of cities moving to raise wages more quickly.

A new report by America’s Essential Hospitals sheds more light on the difficult financial environment. The scheduled reduction in a key federal program would make things worse.

Federal agencies will allow remote prescriptions to continue through 2024. Advocates say they are gearing up to ensure telehealth provisions can last even longer.

Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems stepped up and delivered more aid, the American Hospital Association says in a new report.

Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon, talks about the state’s nurse staffing law, building partnerships, financial difficulties and what keeps her awake at night.

A coalition of 30 organizations has asked the Labor Department for clarification. They note some temp agencies are using independent contractors for nursing roles.

Keith Ellison says he’s going to look at the deal involving Essentia Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System and the proposed merger of St. Luke’s Duluth and Aspirus Health.

A federal court rejected the Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to block the Louisiana system’s acquisition of three hospitals from HCA Healthcare.

Prostate cancer cases have increased after years of decline. Evan Goldfischer, president of LUGPA, talks about the need to increase awareness and outreach.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to Staten Island University Hospital to express thanks for the support of medical providers since Russia’s invasion.

Advocates want healthcare workers to get federal protection, similar to airline employees. Healthcare leaders say more doctors, nurses and other staffers have been attacked in recent years.

Beginning in October, a key program offering federal funds to safety net hospitals is slated for a reduction of $8 billion. More than 250 hospitals have asked Senate and House leaders to block the cuts.

Advocates for health systems say a CMS proposal is insufficient, as hospitals continue to grapple with higher costs.

The American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, and the Medical Group Management Association say the reductions would hurt providers.

A presidential advisory panel recommends the White House take action to lower the number of harmful events in hospitals. Patient advocates offered praise.

The government has proposed new steps to ensure providers aren’t denying services. Advocates say people with disabilities too often encounter hurdles to get care.

The 30-second spot, which is slated to appear nationally starting today, warns that reduced federal aid will hurt patient care.

A bipartisan bill would potentially give the Department of Health and Human Services a role in weighing the impact of hospital and healthcare consolidations.

The government says the proposal will help residents and staff. Nursing homes and hospitals say the move could force some facilities to close.

The Oregon measure sets minimum levels in all hospitals. Other states are looking at nurse staffing levels, and lawmakers in Congress have introduced legislation.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services named the first prescription drugs selected for negotiation. The president has made lowering healthcare costs a top priority, but the impact of this remains to be seen.