Modern Healthcare Staff Harris Meyer Former Senior Reporter See All Staff Page Recent Stories Some hospitals aim to improve community health by hiring ex-offenders Many hospital systems are hesitant to hire ex-offenders, at least partly because state policies have oscillated between punitive and rehabilitative approaches. Supreme Court case to test states' power to regulate employer plans The case could expand ERISA preemption to a wide range of state health policy initiatives. Employer group purchasing of healthcare attracting interest of more hospitals Self-funded employers are joining purchasing cooperatives because they are increasingly dissatisfied with the cost-control efforts of insurers and third-party administrators. HHS eases HIPAA enforcement on data releases during COVID-19 The move is intended to support public health agencies that need access to COVID-19 related protected health information. Utah suspends Medicaid work requirement due to COVID-19 Medicaid advocates said Utah's Medicaid work requirement was not viable with the pandemic-related collapse of the job market. Public compliance with COVID-19 precautions soars, survey shows The percentage of Americans who are sheltering in place and engaging in social distancing soared in late March as the public began taking the coronavirus pandemic more seriously. Differences between Democrats and Republicans remain significant. Appellate court allows Texas to ban abortions during pandemic State GOP officials say a temporary ban on abortions is needed to prioritize supplies for COVID-19 caregivers. Judge: Medicare patients can appeal hospitals' observation status decisions Nursing homes and advocates hope the ruling will prompt the CMS to reconsider its observation status policies. Some healthcare workers need stronger COVID-19 protections Housekeepers, nursing aides and other employees need stronger support and benefits during the pandemic, experts say. Banner, AdventHealth among the few partnering with docs on ASCs Banner Health and AdventHealth are moving aggressively to open ambulatory angioplasty labs, possibly in partnership with their employed cardiologists. Medicare payment change will shift lucrative heart procedures out of the hospital A CMS payment change has spurred a rush by ambulatory surgery center companies, independent cardiology groups, hospitals, private equity investors and insurers to enter into or expand their ambulatory cardiovascular business. California HMO pioneer Howard Davis dies Davis established the first pilot for Medicaid managed care in California. His family still runs Brand New Day, a Medicare Advantage special needs health plan available in 12 California counties. HHS sued to block elimination of non-bias protections in grants Three advocacy groups claim the changes would hurt LGBTQ children and couples that want to adopt or serve as foster parents. GOP-led states diverge on easing Medicaid access during COVID-19 Arizona and Iowa asked the CMS to temporarily waive premiums and pause dis-enrollments citing the coronavirus pandemic, while Oklahoma and Utah advanced work requirements. Wayne NeSmith, ex-Florida Hospital Association chief, dies In 2001, NeSmith spearheaded a merger between the Florida Hospital Association and two other hospital trade groups to form the state's largest healthcare lobbying group. Load More Sponsored Content
