CDC: 23 states received potentially contaminated steroids; Mandatory flu vaccines leads to 95% participation;

> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified 23 states (California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia) as having received potentially contaminated steroids related to the meningitis outbreak. It noted that patients in additional states may be affected. CMS guidance (.pdf)

> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last week approved the HealthPathWashington project, a Washington state initiative to improve care coordination for costly dual-eligible patients, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced last week. Announcement

> Having mandatory flu vaccines for health workers led to 95 percent employee participation at U.S. healthcare institutions, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Vaccinated health workers can protect patients, as 20 percent of workers get the flu every season. Statement

> Thanks to inadequate billing controls, North Kansas City (Mo.) Hospital failed to comply with 35 of the 38 reviewed Medicare claims, according to an Office of the Inspector General report released Friday.  As a result, the hospital received $251,000 in overpayments in 2009 and 2010. Report

And Finally… Sometimes, all you need is a nut. Article