Hawaii governor supports single-payer approach; OIG to review Maryland health exchange;

News From Around the Web:

> Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D) favors a single-payer insurance approach, and since the state's health insurance exchange has faced multiple problems, lawmakers might consider the single-payer option, reported the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Article

> The Office of Inspector General has launched an investigation into Maryland's flawed health insurance exchange, including how the state spent millions of dollars in federal money, the Baltimore Sun reported. Article

> A bill in Indiana would let Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield launch a pilot program to test online doctor visits that could last up to six months and involve roughly 200 online visits, according to Insurance News Net. Article

Health Provider News:

> The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission expressed concern with patient-centered medical home recognition standards and bonuses, which practices receive for treating patients in a medical home. Article

> The Association of American Medical Colleges has released a set of 25 guiding principles to help organizations assess hospital rankings and scorecards. Article

Health IT News:

> The federal government levied its first fine--for $215,000--against Skagit County, Wash., for failing to act after a September 2011 self-reported breach compromised the electronic health information of almost 1,600 individuals. Article

> Case report volumes for public health departments are forecasted to double when federal requirements for automated electronic laboratory reporting of notifiable diseases go into effect next year. Article

And Finally... No more human food for these bears. Article