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The latest stories from AHA Today.

Medicaid enrollment increased an average 13.8% in fiscal year 2015, largely due to coverage expansions under the Affordable Care Act, while spending increased an average 13.9%, according to the latest annual survey of state Medicaid directors by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the…
The Institute for Diversity in Health Management and Health Research & Educational Trust are reminding hospital leaders to complete a survey about their hospital’s efforts to address health care disparities and improve diversity management practices. Hospital CEOs received the survey last…
The AHA today expressed disappointment with a federal court decision that will exclude all drugs with an “orphan” designation from the 340B Drug Pricing Program for rural and cancer hospitals. AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels said in a statement that denying rural and…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed rule to revise the requirements for long-term care facilities incorporates important themes and integrates many current best practices, AHA told the agency in comments submitted today. “At the same time, we have concerns…
The AHA today voiced support for the Institute for Safe Medication Practices’ draft guidelines for safe electronic communication of medication information.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will host an Oct. 27 webinar on the Physician Quality Reporting System for physicians and other eligible professionals who bill for outpatient services provided in critical access hospitals using CAH Method II. During the 60-minute webinar, which…
Pam Thompson, CEO of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and AHA senior vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer, yesterday announced she will retire June 30, 2016. “Widely respected in health care, Pam has built a strong and thriving organization,” said AHA…
A new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guide provides specific Medicare and Medicaid contacts for health care providers with questions following the Oct. 1 transition to ICD-10. Claims-related questions should be directed to the provider’s Medicare Administrative Contractor or…
Overall hospital prices declined 0.2% in September and were only 0.7% higher than a year ago (which represents a historical low since 1998), according to data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prices for the subgroup of general medical and surgical hospitals declined 0.2% in…
By Jennifer Towne Patient safety and quality initiatives in a hospital unit are one thing. Developing a system-wide approach to improving patient safety is a whole other thing.  Leaders at Cherry Hill, N.J.-based Kennedy Health set about to do just that – decrease hospital-…