> Now that lawmakers ordered Lee Memorial Health System to pay $15 million over its alleged negligence to a patient, hospital officials say they will likely have to make budget cuts, according to The News-Press. Paying the claim could force the Florida hospital to eliminate services, as well as purchase expensive malpractice insurance. Article
> The Pennsylvania Department of Health has banned new patient admissions at Saint Catherine Medical Center for the emergency room and out-patient services, citing inadequate equipment and supplies, reported WNEP. Article
> Southern Maryland Hospital is looking to team up with a larger system, according to Washington Business Journal. The independent hospital hopes an affiliation will help it expand into new specialty services and build new facilities. Article
> The U.S. Department of Justice said Pennsylvania-based Universal Health Services will pay $6.85 million to settle claims it provided substandard psychiatric services in Virginia, The Wall Street Journal reported. Article
> The GOP-controlled House of Representatives Friday approved a budget that would repeal healthcare reform and partially privatize Medicare, reported MedScape Today. However, Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-Wis.) measure faces an uphill battle in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Article
And Finally... Cheney's new heart could make him nicer. Article