News

The Department of Labor Dec. 19 proposed rescinding a 2018 final rule which modified the definition of “employer” under federal law such that more individuals, including sole proprietors, were eligible to participate in association health plans based on geography or industry.

The departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury Dec. 18 released a final rule that increases the administrative fee for disputes initiated under the No Surprises Act independent dispute resolution process from $50 to $115 per party per dispute.

Positive psychology exercises can make a big difference on health care workers’ mental health, writes Bryan Sexton, director of the Duke Center for the Advancement of Well-being Science.

Beginning the new year by making healthy choices is the focus of AHA's latest social media toolkit encouraging vaccination against the flu and COVID-19.

A recent New York Times op-ed falsely claims hospitals are not living up to their mission, but the author ignores the myriad benefits hospitals provide to their communities, writes AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Dec. 15 released an advisory on ways health care organizations can enhance their cybersecurity protection.

The Department of Health and Human Services Dec. 18 released new data on Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program enrollment changes since renewals for these programs started earlier this year, showing enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP is down significantly compared to peak enrollment during the pandemic.

The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission Dec. 18 jointly issued the 2023 merger guidelines describing how the agencies review mergers and acquisitions to determine compliance with federal antitrust laws.

On this episode, John Haupert, 2023 AHA board chair, talks with Joanne Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and the incoming AHA chair. They reflect on challenges, opportunities and advancements in health care during the past year and discuss what’s ahead for next year.

The departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury Dec. 15 reopened the federal independent dispute resolution portal to process all dispute types, including previously initiated batched disputes, new batched disputes and new single disputes involving air ambulance services.

Chicago-based RUSH University Medical Center launched its Community Health Workers Hub in 2018 to provide CHWs with the support they need to help combat health and life expectancy inequities throughout the city of Chicago.

The American Organization for Nursing Leadership on April 9 will present its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Mary Beth Kingston, executive vice president and chief nursing officer at Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health.

Two experts discuss how Northwestern Medicine’s Scholars of Wellness program is easing mental stress and burnout among its staff and could benefit hospitals and health systems across the nation.

State Medicaid agencies can apply next spring for funding and technical assistance to participate in the Transforming Maternal Health Model, a new 10-year payment and care delivery model that will develop and implement a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care for women with Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage.

At its December meeting this week, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission expressed concern about the financial viability of Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals if Congress fails to delay cuts scheduled to take effect Jan. 19.

Despite significant and ongoing challenges this year, hospitals and health systems can be proud of the job they do each and every day to care for our families, our friends and our neighbors.

Federal health officials are encouraged to nominate eligible commissioned officers for the AHA’s Federal Health Care Executive Awards for Excellence and Special Achievement, recognizing significant and lasting impact on military and/or public health care delivery.

Convening Leaders for Emergency and Response, AHA’s hub for emergency response and disaster preparedness resources, has released a “tip sheet” to help health care organizations effectively communicate with staff, patients and the larger community during a public health emergency.

A bipartisan group of senators  Dec.

CMS will conduct robust oversight to ensure Medicare Advantage organizations are complying with new access requirements for care and medications. Learn more.