FTC challenges another hospital acquisition deal; Hospital temporarily shuts down ER for road salt scare;

> President Obama and Congressional leaders on Friday discussed the looming fiscal cliff, but neither side made concessions yet, Politico reported. Some healthcare organizations are considering employee layoffs to prepare for the fiscal cliff. Article

> The Federal Trade Commission is challenging Reading (Pa.) Health System's proposed acquisition of the Surgical Institute of Reading. The FTC claims the deal would hurt competition in Reading. Statement

> The Stanford Stroke Center at Stanford Hospital & Clinics in Palo Alto, Calif., is the first hospital to receive Stroke Care Center Certification from The Joint Commission, the hospital accreditor announced Friday. The distinction recognizes state-of-the-art equipment, infrastructure and staff for diagnosing and treating complex stroke patients. Announcement

> Emerson Hospital in Massachusetts temporarily shut down its emergency room on Saturday after a patient came in with a white powdery substance. The substance turned out to be road salt, reported WCVB. Article

And Finally… Edible deodorant makes you smell like roses and sunshine. Statement