News From Around the Web
> Texas-based Harris Health System was awarded a $150,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help in the development of cybersecurity efforts. The grant begins later this month, according to an announcement. Announcement
> A new report published by the Economist Intelligence Unit looks at telehealth efforts in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, pointing out principles that could be applicable to the Gulf Cooperation Council. Adam Green, editor of the report, says that factors such as regulatory harmonization, communication infrastructures and social sensitivities will be key to deployment and access of telehealth in the region. Report (.pdf)
> CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield announced it will award up to $3 million over the next three years to programs aimed at boosting patient access to healthcare services via telemedicine. Announcement
Provider News
> An antibiotic stewardship program that raised the bar for prescribing antibiotics to hospitalized children cut the rate of Clostridium difficile infections among pediatric patients more than threefold, according to research presented at the IDWeek infectious disease conference. Article
Health Insurance News
> Just as the Democratic presidential candidates are preparing to square off over a host of issues in their first debate, Republican Jeb Bush has detailed one of his own major policy platforms--his plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Article
And Finally... Nothing screams "I'm mature," quite like the use of a booster seat. Article