Trump administration officially releases plans to block Title X providers from abortion referrals
A proposed rule from the Trump administration to block family planning providers who receive Title X funding from making abortion referrals would still allow those providers to discuss information about abortions with patients who request information.
Providers would not be allowed to share physical space or other resources, such as office staff, with an abortion provider. But they would be permitted—although not required—to provide "non-directive counseling" about abortion and provide a list of providers who offer comprehensive health services, including some which provide abortion services.
It's all part of the proposed rule change to Title X funding (PDF) rules, which were officially announced by President Donald Trump at the Susan B. Anthony List's 11th annual Campaign for Life Gala on Tuesday evening. Sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review last week—but not actually released until Tuesday night—news of the proposed rule change was quickly lauded by antiabortion groups as an effective attack against Planned Parenthood and decried by critics as a "gag rule" on health information. (FierceHealthcare)
HHS CTO Bruce Greenstein heads back to the private sector
The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) chief technology officer is leaving for the private sector after a year on the job.
Bruce Greenstein, appointed as HHS CTO last June, has been named LHC Group’s chief innovation and technology officer, the company announced on Tuesday. Based in Louisiana, LHC Group is a national provider of in-home healthcare services with 780 locations across 36 states.
Deputy CTO Ed Simcox will take over day-to-day operations of the office, according to an HHS spokesperson. (FierceHealthcare)
Partners, Care New England finalize acquisition deal
Partners Healthcare and Care New England Health System have finalized an acquisition agreement after more than a year of negotiations.
The Boston Globe reports that Care New England CEO James Fanale, M.D., said the health system—Rhode Island's second largest—worked to strengthen its financial outlook over the last year. “Now while we will work through this important regulatory process, I am confident our affiliation with Partners will help us further invest in quality local care for the community, building upon the tremendous successes already in place," he said.
The two health systems are also in discussions with a third health system called Lifespan, which is Rhode Island's largest health system.
The deal must still be examined by federal regulators. (Boston Globe article)