News From Around the Web
> Maine's attorney general is drafting legislation that would require hospitals that receive half or more of their operating revenues from the state or federal government to open board meetings to the public, the Portland Press Herald reported. Article
> UPMC is negotiating a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board to resolve a complaint that it hindered union activities at two of its hospitals, reported the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Article
> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is launching an initiative to improve care coordination for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRN), the agency announced Monday. Participating ESRD Seamless Care Organizations will assume clinical and financial responsibility for a group of ESRD beneficiaries, similar to the ACO model. Announcement
> As more healthcare providers establish a social media presence, some are using social networks to engage with other physicians, while others use them to communicate with patients, according to the The Wall Street Journal. Article
Provider News
> The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has released final rules that will make it easier for hospitals to refinance their debt. The changes will allow the FHA to modify loans or provide financing to hospitals that are not contingent on construction or other infrastructure modifications. Article
> As the trend toward utilizing more nonphysician practitioners grows, practices in some states are finding that stringent supervision requirements for physician assistants limit their efforts to expand patient access. Article
And Finally… Be careful before unfriending someone. Announcement