> Hospitalists were paid an average of more than 8 percent more in 2011, compared to last year's salaries, according to the fourth annual Today's Hospitalist Compensation & Career Survey. Meanwhile, healthcare execs saw an average 3 percent salary bump at hospital systems and 2.8 percent increases at independent and subsidiary hospitals. Press release
> A California judge dismissed a 2008 lawsuit, clearing an attorney and accountants of allegedly covering up a former hospital CEO's fraud, reports the Ventura County Star. The ruling claims Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, Calif., waited too long to make allegations against its former lawyer. The hospital plans to appeal. Article
> The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) awarded $34 million to hospitals, academic medical institutions, and healthcare research organizations for projects aimed at eliminating healthcare-associated infections, the agency announced yesterday. Press release
> Even though workplace violence against emergency nurses remains high, most nurses do not file a formal report, according to the Emergency Department Violence Surveillance Study from the Emergency Nurses Association. Sixty-six percent didn't formally report physical violence, and 86.1 percent didn't formally report verbal assaults. Survey (.pdf)
> The universal healthcare system in Vermont could cost up to $9.5 billion a year by 2020, reports the Associated Press. According to the new cost estimates, simplifying claims processing would save hospitals, doctors' offices, and other providers between $45 million and $90 million by 2019. Article
And Finally... Determined pregnant woman passes driving test while in labor. Article