Stay in the know with Becker's Hospital Review's weekly roundup of the nation's biggest healthcare news. Here's what you need to know this week.
1. Boston Children's Hospital's $1B expansion receives final approval
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Public Health Council voted Oct. 20 to approve Boston Children's Hospital's proposal to begin construction on a $1 billion expansion project, according to WBUR radio.
2. President Obama throws support toward public option, defends ACA: 5 speech highlights
At a speech in Miami, President Barack Obama said a public option, increasing the number of states with Medicaid expansion and upping enrollee tax credits could aid the ACA, ABC News reports.
3. Home health company owner, medical director sentenced for roles in $34M fraud scheme
New Orleans-based Christian Home Health's owner and medical director were sentenced to prison Oct. 19 for their roles in a $34 million Medicare fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice.
4. Full-page ad bashes CHS-owned hospital over billing, quality
A group demanding Lower Keys Medical Center reverts to public ownership took out a full-page ad in a local paper calling on the state attorney to investigate LKMC over claims of fraudulent billing, FL Keys News reports.
5. IBM Watson to generate $500M this year
After a slow start, IBM's artificial intelligence technology, Watson, is expected to grow in the coming years, according to the New York Times.
6. 400 healthcare workers rally at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
Four hundred healthcare workers and their supporters rallied at Pomona (Calif.) Valley Hospital Medical Center at noon on Oct. 19 to pressure hospital executives who they say have put profits and executive pay above quality and affordable medical care.
7. Former health clinic CEO sentenced to 18 years in fraud case
The former CEO of two Alabama health clinics was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice.
8. 1.4M to lose health coverage as payers flee exchanges
A significant number of Americans who purchased coverage through the ACA exchanges last year have learned their policy will cease to exist in 2017, forcing them to find new coverage as options dwindle.
9. CHS to sell controlling interest in home health business for $128M
Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems signed a definitive agreement to sell a controlling interest in CHS Home Health to Louisville, Ky.-based Almost Family, a provider of home health nursing services.