ALSO NOTED: Former VA secretary gets gov contract;Study refutes prison-HIV link; and much more...

> Former Bush administration VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi, now the CEO of medical services company QTC, stands to benefit from a billion dollar contract his company signed with the government during his tenure, The Los Angeles Times reports. Article

> While a high number of inmates in U.S. prisons have HIV, few of them contract the disease while in jail, a new study argues. Article

> A growing number of hospitals are attempting to boost efficiency by adopting the principles of lean manufacturing, a management strategy devised by Toyota. Execs fleeing Detroit are finding a receptive audience. Article

> UnitedHealth may face continued scrutiny over the stock option package granted to Dr. Bill McGuire and other executives, the AP reports. Article

> The Louisville-based Faulkner Real Estate group is spinning off a new company that will specialize on healthcare projects. Faulkner Healthcare says it plans to develop "long-term relationships" with providers. Article

> About 35,000 doctors across the country have chosen not to accept health insurance, relying instead on direct dealings with patients. Article

And Finally... The investigation into alleged fraud at UMDNJ has cost taxpayers $8 million so far, more than than is said to have been at stake in the billing scandal. Article