News From Around the Web
> A former hospital chief financial officer and his ex-girlfriend pleaded guilty to diverting $2.5 million from what is now the Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, according to The New Mexican. Under the plea and disposition agreement, Richard Crabtree also must "immediately assist'" in the resolution of another ongoing lawsuit claiming he and others embezzled $3.2 million through false claims. Article
> Following Gov. Jerry Brown's executive order in May for California to become the healthiest state, health leaders this week outlined health targets to meet by 2022 on smoking, vaccinations, depression screenings, the Los Angeles Times reported. Article
> The Society of Neurological Surgeons on Wednesday testified before the Institute of Medicine about a severe workforce shortage. Earlier this week, neurohospitalists reported being at high risk for burnout. Statement
> North Carolina's WakeMed Health & Hospitals has agreed to pay $8 million to resolve allegations it improperly billed Medicare for overnight care when patients had been treated and discharged within the same day, The Charlotte Observer reported. Article
> Kaiser Foundation Hospital in San Diego is among 12 California hospitals facing a combined $785,000 in fines for not complying with requirements to prevent patient safety risks, the California Department of Public Health reported yesterday. The San Diego hospital was fined $75,000 for a surgeon removing the wrong kidney from an 85-year-old man. Statement
Provider News
> Newton-Wellesley (Mass.) Hospital revamped its home-grown electronic approach to informed consent to automate procedure-specific consent. Blog Post
And Finally… Bella is the most popular dog name. You can thank Twilight for that. Announcement