News From Around the Web
> The Behavioral Health Information Network of Arizona, touted as the first statewide behavioral health information exchange in the nation, has gone live with its first two customers--Jewish Family and Childrens Services and Quality Care Network, both in Phoenix, Health Data Management reported. Article
> Boston Medical Center fired a transcription service after a healthcare provider reported the records of about 15,000 patients at the hospital were posted without password protection on the vendor's website used by physicians, the Boston Globe reported. According to the Globe, the records contained patients' names, addresses and medical information, including what drugs they were taking, but did not include Social Security numbers or financial information. Article
Health Finance News
> Massachusetts hospital groups and unions want more transparency in hospital finances--and support legislation that would require hospitals to report all investments, after accusations state hospitals kept money in offshore accounts. Article
Provider News
> California could save $1.8 billion in healthcare costs over the next 10 years if nurses were allowed more scope of practice, according to a new report issued by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute. The institute concluded that due to the increase of 3.3 million Californians covered under the the Affordable Care Act and Medi-Cal, allowing nurse practitioners (NPs) to practice independently from doctors was "one of the most effective steps" the state can take to increase access to primary care providers. Article
> In the aftermath of deadly tornados that tore across the South this week, hospitals must prepare for high-impact weather events to remain intact and operational during severe natural disasters, according to a report from the American Meteorology Society (AMS) Policy Program. Healthcare facilities can manage risk through three approaches aimed at reducing vulnerabilities, according to the report, which was created to help hospitals understand the risks facilities face during a natural disaster, resolve vulnerabilities and prepare for the continuity of health services. Article
And Finally... Cause of divorce? Intolerable smog. Article