NY hospitals to screen new moms for depression; Minority patients less likely to receive pain meds in ER;

News From Around the Web

> Southcoast Health System, a hospital chain based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, plans to combine with one of Rhode Island's biggest health systems, The Boston Globe reports. Article

> New York City public hospitals will now screen all new mothers for maternal depression, according to the New York Daily News. Article

> A new study finds that minority patients are less likely to receive painkillers for abdominal pain when they seek care at hospital emergency departments. Study announcement

Health IT News

> The second round of HIPAA compliance audits likely will include more enforcement actions, according to Anna Spencer, a partner at law firm Sidley Austin LLP. Article

Health Insurance News

> The federal government plans to spend $32 million in a campaign to boost health coverage among children eligible for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Article

And finally… Plumber's snake. Article