> Hackensack University Medical Center has applied to become a Medicare accountable care organization (ACO), the organization announced Monday. It was not part of the final list of Pioneer ACOs. If accepted, the ACO involving five of its patient-centered medical homes will launch April 1. Statement
> In Indiana, Community Health Network will acquire the county hospital system, Howard Regional Health System, reported the Indianapolis Star. Article
> The University of Colorado Hospital and Poudre Valley Health System will operate as University of Colorado Health under a joint agreement, according to The Denver Post. It will be one of the region's largest locally owned health systems with annual net revenue of $1.5 billion. Article
> Clostridium difficile hospitalizations remained steady between 2008 and 2009, after 300 percent jump since 1993, according to the latest data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Data
> The Illinois Hospital Association tapped a state senator as its executive vice president of policy and advocacy, reported the Crain's Chicago Business. Article
And Finally... Dentist headed to prison for shoddy paper-clip dental work. Article