News From Around the Web
> The Connecticut House of Representatives this week approved a bill that gives nurse practitioners greater independence to diagnose and treat patients without doctor supervision, the Hartford Courant reports. Article
> Medicare patients with dementia are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, according to a study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. Study abstract
> The American Hospital Association expressed its support for legislation that would establish a $250,000 cap on noneconomic damages in medical liability cases. Letter (.pdf)
Provider News
> Medication nonadherence remains a significant problem, but physicians can turn that around by paying better attention to prescription costs and patient follow-up, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Article
> Three-quarters of physician practice administrators say they can't afford to give staff significant raises, according to a recent survey from Physicians Practice. Article
> Many physicians and medical groups are more aggressive in the way they collect debts from their patients, Kaiser Health News reported. Article
And Finally… In sickness and in health. Article