Special Bulletin

The American Hospital Association (AHA)  sends members Special Bulletins on the latest health care news, legislation, and advocacy opportunities for hospitals and health systems.

Baxter today announced that it is increasing the current U.S. allocation levels of its highest demand IV fluids for direct customers from 40% to 60%, and for distributors from 10% to 60%, effective today, Oct. 9. Baxter also said it is increasing high concentration dextrose and sterile water…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Oct. 4 released its proposed standards for the health insurance marketplaces, including the issuers and brokers who assist marketplace enrollees, for 2026.
Today on a call hosted by the Department of Health and Humans Services, Heather Knight, Baxter executive vice president and group president of medical products and therapies, announced that Baxter will be changing allocation for some IV solution supplies from 40% to 60% effective tomorrow, Oct. 9.
AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack today sent a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to take immediate actions to increase the supply of IV solutions for hospitals and other health care providers that are struggling with shortages following the closure of a Baxter manufacturing plant…
The AHA is continuing efforts on multiple fronts to provide updates on the supply chain issues resulting from the closure of a Baxter manufacturing plant in North Carolina because of damage from Hurricane Helene.
North Cove manufacturing plant in Marion, N.C., was temporarily closed as a result of damage from Hurricane Helene.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Sept. 30 issued an interim final rule (IFR) with a comment period on the fiscal year (FY) 2025 hospital inpatient prospective payment system (PPS) low wage index policy. Specifically, the IFR discontinues the low wage index policy for FY 2025.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Sept. 24 issued a final rule that would carve out significant, anomalous and highly suspect (SAHS) billing from Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) financial calculations for calendar year (CY) 2023. This final rule is part of a larger…
AHA worked with Vizient to analyze data from hospitals across the country; please use the report and AHA tools to share how your organization is focused on patient safety and quality.
The Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services (the Departments) Sept. 9 issued a final rule on the enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008.