Hospital group appeals FTC challenge of ProMedica partnership; Partners HealthCare acquisition under scrutiny;

> The American Hospital Association yesterday filed an amicus brief, appealing a Federal Trade Commission decision that challenged a partnership between ProMedica and St. Luke's Hospital in Ohio. The AHA noted that for many hospitals, especially stand-alone facilities, merging may be the only way to stay competitive amid industry changes. Amicus brief (.pdf)

> According to a report, the Ohio nurse who threw a kidney in the trash didn't realize it was in chilled, protective slush, revealing poor oversight and communication at the University of Toledo Medical Center, the Associated Press reported. The unfortunate incident follows new data revealing nearly 18 percent of kidneys were discarded last year. Article

> The Massachusetts attorney general is closely looking at Boston-based Partners HealthCare System's bid to acquire South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Mass., and how it would affect competitors, The Boston Globe reported. Town councilors also have raised concerns that Partners' acquisition of South Shore Hospital would lead to layoffs and inferior care quality. Article

> The Kansas State Medicaid Fraud Control Unit last week reported civil and criminal recoveries of nearly $66 million and 44 convictions, according to a review released Wednesday by the Office of Inspector General. Opportunities for improvement include establishing annual training plans and protocols to report identities of convicted providers. Report

And Finally… Robber smuggles $3 million artwork on a bus. Article