News From Around the Web
> The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration wants companies to electronically file workplace injury reports, the Associated Press reports. OSHA announced the plan on Thursday as part of a proposed rule that would dramatically change the way companies file safety records, according to a person familiar with the proposal. Article
> New software developed by researchers from the University of Texas and the University of Washington has the ability to predict seizures, according to research set to be published in the International Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics. "Ultimately, a portable device with discrete electrodes, perhaps worn under a cap or hat would utilize this algorithm to give the patient an early warning of an imminent seizure," an announcement touting the study says. Announcement
Health Insurance News
> The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has quietly announced it's considering exempting some labor unions and businesses from paying a temporary reinsurance fee under the healthcare reform law. In rules issued last week the agency said certain self-insured, self-administered health plans could be exempted from the fee in 2015 and 2016. Article
> In 15 states, only one insurer dominates with the majority share of the health insurance market, according to a new study from the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA used 2011 data to examine state and metropolitan areas, finding 10 states--Alabama, Hawaii, Michigan, Delaware, Alaska, South Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Louisiana and Rhode Island--have the least competitive insurance markets. Article
Provider News
> Doctors can make patients feel more comfortable and improve their hospital stay just by sharing a few facts about themselves and making sure the patients know their name, according to a new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. Article
And Finally… Don't call it a comeback. Article