> Now that Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear rejected University Hospital in the new KentuckyOne Health system, the University Hospital system is still looking for a partnership to secure needed finances, reported WDRB. "We're looking at different structures, maybe not a full asset merger, but maybe a joint venture or management contract," President James Ramsey said. Article
> Partners HealthCare System and Tufts Health Plan struck a new contract to help control healthcare costs in Massachusetts by limiting payment hikes to Partners hospitals and doctors to the rate of inflation, reported The Boston Globe. Under the new agreement, provider reimbursements will drop by about $105 million. Article
> According to research in the March issue of the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the use of antimicrobial scrubs may reduce bacterial burden on healthcare worker apparel, and therefore, decreases the risk of MRSA transmission to patients. "If widespread antimicrobial scrub use were added to existing infection prevention strategies, a further decrease in hospital-acquired infections may occur by limiting the cross transmission of pathogens via apparel," the lead author said in a statement today. Press release
> To deal with influx of pain patients in the emergency department, Orlando Health and Florida Hospital are implementing a plan in which doctors educate patients about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs and addiction and refer patients to community resources such as rehabilitation facilities, if necessary, the providers announced yesterday. Press release
> Almost all (93 percent) of Florida physicians support legislation to replace current medical malpractice system and eliminate up to $40 billion per year in unnecessary medical costs in the state. The proposed patient-focused system would give injured patients fair compensation through a quicker, less complicated process. Press release
And Finally... Baby born in stuck hospital elevator. Article