> You can now read the text of the Department of Justice's opinion on HIPAA, which says the government can't prosecute provider employees who break privacy laws. Story (pdf)
> There are strong indications from Albany that New York lawmakers will pass an infection reporting law. Story
> St. Vincent's Medical Center said it has selected Emerging Health Information Technology, owned by Montefiore Medical Center, to implement its CPOE system. Release
> Advocate Health Care, a big regional chain in Chicago, reports a pretty profitable 2004, earning $143 million on $2.8 billion in revenue. Story
> Public health officials are investigating after the West Roxbury VA Hospital in Boston said an employee has been diagnosed with TB. Story
> Federal officials continue to investigate claims that Guidant knowingly distributed a faulty defibrillator. HHS is now involved. Story
> The Scripps Health System entered into a 5-year deal with Stentor to use the vendor's iSite Picture Archive and Communications System. Release
> A perspectives piece in the New England Journal of Medicine this week examines the sensitive subject of physicians who refuse to provide care as a matter of conscience. Story
> Illinois will post performance data on outpatient and ambulatory surgery center procedures starting in 2007. Blog
> A Los Angeles study finds an alarming increase in meth use among HIV-positive males. Story
And Finally... Don't take on the powerful florist lobby under any circumstances -- a hospital's proposed flower delivery charge quickly wilts under heat. Story