Calif. hospital sues over unfair competition; Hundreds of layoffs at Long Island College Hospital;

News From Around the Web

> St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, Calif., has sued Santé Community Physicians, accusing the provider of unfair competition, the Fresno Bee reports. Article

> The number of spine surgeries at hospitals rose after the hospitals began purchasing spinal devices from physician-owned distributorships, according to a new report from the Office of Inspector General.  Report (.pdf)

> Long Island College Hospital has laid off hundreds of employees in response to reduced patient volume and service limitations, NY1 reports. Article

Health Payer News

> One of the nation's largest labor unions is influencing Americans to apply for affordable health insurance by phone or on paper to bypass technical problems with the HealthCare.gov website.  Article

> Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) plans to introduce legislation that would delay the individual mandate until after the health insurance exchanges are operating smoothly, reported Politico. Article

And Finally... This vandal was squirrelly. Article