News From Around the Web
> Tampa Bay healthcare providers say the national gender pay gap for nurses is, in their experience, not reflected in the region, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Article
> More than a decade after the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance launched an initiative for energy efficiency in hospitals, half of all beds in the region are covered under its energy management plan, according to the Portland Business Journal. Article
> Although the New York State Nurses Association has heavily lobbied for mandatory staffing ratios for the past two years, lack of enthusiastic support from the much larger 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East may undermine its efforts, according to Capital New York. Article
Health Payer News
> During the first year of the medical loss ratio, insurers paid $1 billion to consumers, according to recent research from the Commonwealth Fund. Rebates dropped to $325 million in 2013, demonstrating an increase in insurer compliance with the rule. Article
> As employers increase their spending on employee wellness programs and lessen the penalties for not participating in the programs, do they hinder their overall return on investment? It's hard to say for sure. Article
And Finally… Llame. Article