U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Christopher Lopez approved Scottsdale-based HonorHealth's purchase of three Dallas-based Steward Health Care Arizona hospitals during an Oct. 3 hearing. 

As Epic Systems continues to dominate the healthcare EHR market, a new challenger is stepping forward with a lawsuit accusing the industry giant of unlawfully controlling access to U.S. medical records. The lawsuit, filed by startup Particle Health, claims Epic is using its market power to stifle competition and limit the flow of patient data.

A number of hospitals and health systems are reducing their workforces or jobs due to financial and operational challenges. 

Pediatric health systems are figuring out how to best use digital tools like artificial intelligence to engage patients and enhance the work of clinicians.

At four hospitals, 46 patients experienced Burkholderia multivorans infections from contaminations within ice machines, the CDC said in its Oct. 3 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 

Erica Walker was appointed COO of West Boca Medical Center in Boca Raton, Fla.

Amy Hurley has been appointed CEO of Lawrenceville, Ill.-based Lawrence County Memorial Hospital, part of Evansville, Ind.-based Deaconess Health System.

Reno, Nev.-based Renown Health has opened the Renown Transplant Institute, Northern Nevada's first kidney transplant program.

Raleigh, N.C.-based UNC Health Rex, a satellite campus part of Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health, has shared plans to close its Wellness Center of Wakefield in Raleigh on Nov. 15.

Here are 52 organizations launching or expanding nursing programs:

John Donnelly, COO of Nassau Health Care Corp., which operates East Meadow, N.Y.-based Nassau University Medical Center, has been dismissed from his role by NHCC and NUMC Chair Matthew Bruderman, Newsday reported Oct. 1. 

In November, Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions-represented employees approved a new four-year national labor contract following a strike involving tens of thousands of workers in multiple states. Employees also approved their local collective bargaining deals.

Partnering with other health systems entails flexibility and alignment, Julie Freischlag, MD, CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, N.C., told Becker's.

The National Action Alliance for Patient and Workforce Safety launched in September 2024, representing a major step in the federal government's renewed commitment to improving patient safety and workforce well-being industrywide.

The International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance have reached a tentative agreement on wages, leading to the suspension of the East Coast and Gulf Coast port strike. 

CMS announced a series of assistance measures and flexibilities for Medicare fee-for-service providers and suppliers impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

The following hospital and health system CFO moves have been shared with or reported by Becker's this year:

HHS' Office for Civil Rights has imposed a $240,000 civil monetary penalty on Providence Medical Institute, located in Southern California, due to possible violations of the HIPAA security rule.

During a visit to Wisconsin, Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan left open the possibility of the agency intervening in ongoing litigation involving Epic Systems, ABC affiliate WKOW reported Oct. 3. 

Hospitals across the nation are conserving IV fluids amid a new shortage of supplies — the latest example of fallout from Hurricane Helene.