News From Around the Web
> More hospitals are implementing maternity practices that keep mothers and babies together after birth, which is key for increasing breastfeeding rates and lowering healthcare costs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Announcement
> As the struggle continues over expanded role for nurses, a new state law that took effect this week in Washington allows more physician assistants to work with doctors, the Puget Sound Business Journal reported. Article
> HCA reports its second-quarter profit rose 8 percent due to higher patient volumes, according to its earnings report released yesterday. Report
Health Finance News
> Price increases on personal expenditures for healthcare goods and services are at their lowest levels in nearly half a century, reported AHA News Now, but the data has been the subject of debate. Article
> Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the healthcare sector rose quarter-over-quarter, with the value of deals exploding, according to Irving Levin & Associates, but the volume is lower compared to the second quarter of 2012, and hospital deals were down significantly. Article
And Finally… Why spent $180 when you can sit in a NYC park for free? Article