State Medicaid fraud unit lacking; Texas hospital files for Chapter 11;

> Although the Missouri State Medicaid Fraud Control Unit reported recoveries of $135 million, 13 convictions and 36 civil settlements from 2008 through 2010, the Office of Inspector General said the unit lacked safeguards to secure case files, according to a report released Thursday. Report

> Doctors are blasting Medi-Cal, California's healthcare program for the poor and disabled, for inadequate compensation, reported the San Jose Mercury News. With the program poised for expansion under health reform, meager pay might not attract enough physicians to treat the influx of new patients, the article noted. Article

> In a move that could blur conflict-of-interest issues, Massachusetts has repealed a 2008 ban on industry-provided meals for physicians and other healthcare professionals, according to the American Medical News. While other gifts from drug- and device-makers remain prohibited, "modest meals and refreshments" are now okay. Article

> Colorado-Fayette Medical Center in Weimer, Texas, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the Schulenburg Sticker reported. The private, nonprofit hospital has lost $5.8 million since 2002. Article

> State University of New York-Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn is laying off workers, reported Crain's New York Business. The financially troubled hospital has not disclosed the amount of lost jobs, although it will start sending employees notification letters this week. Article

And Finally… Yogi must have been looking for a new set of tires. Article