Protecting patients’ privacy
Health information privacy and security will now be strengthened as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services increases patient protection under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The rule will enhance patients’ privacy rights, increase penalties for nonadherence, and streamline an individual’s ability to authorize the use of his or her health information for research.
Hospitals help support the economy
The American Hospital Association released an issue brief on the statewide and national economic contributions of hospitals. Hospitals in the United States support 15.4 million direct and nondirect jobs while contributing more than $2.3 trillion to the economy annually.
Will bundled payments improve care and reduce costs?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that over 500 organizations will begin participating in its Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative. The four-phase initiative is designed to determine if bundled payments for episodic care will decrease the cost of Medicare while improving coordinated care for beneficiaries.
STTI seeks award candidates
The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), seeks nominations for the 2013 International Awards for Nursing Excellence, including the new Clinical Partnership Award.
Earn CE credit by reading this peer-reviewed, continuing education article from
Nursing Management and taking the test.
Technology at the bedside: How connected are you?
Richard Hader, PhD, NE-BC, RN, CHE, CPHQ, FAAN