Falling patient volume forces hospital layoffs; Florida lawmakers reject Gov. Rick Scott's Medicaid expansion;

News From Around the Web:

> To ease California's looming doctor shortage, a Democratic lawmaker yesterday introduced a package of bills that would expand services that can be provided by nurse practitioners, optometrists and pharmacists, reported the Associated Press. Article

> Financially strapped New York Downtown Hospital, which is set merge with New York-Presbyterian, has slashed its entire residency program, according to DNAinfo. Article

> After falling patient volume numbers didn't rebound, Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Kentucky laid off 28 employees, including three directors, reported the Murray Ledger. Article

Health Insurance News

> After Gov. Rick Scott did an about-face to support the reform law's Medicaid expansion a few weeks ago, a Florida Senate committee has now rejected the plan. Article

> A lawsuit filed Monday in federal court claims UnitedHealth isn't providing equal coverage for mental-health conditions, instead requiring strict medical criteria and pre-authorizations not needed for primary care. Article

> Debbie Gordon, vice president and chief marketing officer at Network Health in Massachusetts, says insurers must adapt to the opportunities and challenges of consumer empowerment in health insurance exchanges. Guest Commentary

And Finally… Families that rob banks together stay together. Article