BCBS of FL buys health plan; NM hospitals join infection-control project;

> In yet another sign of the health plan consolidation going on nationwide, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida has announced plans to acquire Florida Health Care Plan, a provider-owned managed-care plan, for $85 million. Article

> Six New Mexico hospitals are taking part in a new infection control project focused on healthcare-associated infections. Article

> Humana has completed its acquisition of Medicare Advantage plan Metcare Health Plans for $14 million. Article

> Registered nurses of the UW Medical Center are picketing at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, fighting over issues such as rest between nurse shifts and a 4 percent pay hike which they see as inadequate. Article

And Finally... Man, that thing sounds so cool and kitschy, I would have stolen it. Article