May 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER 17 'overpaid' healthcare CEOs Despite many CEOs cutting their base salaries last year due to the pandemic, those moves had little effect on overall CEO pay, according to an annual report from the nonprofit shareholder advocacy group As You Sow. 892 hospitals at risk of closure, state by state More than 500 rural hospitals in the U.S. are at immediate risk of closing because of financial losses and lack of financial reserves to sustain operations, according to a report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. 10 things Gen Z, millennial nurses want from their hospitals A survey released March 1 from the American Nurses Foundation and Joslin Insight showed Generation Z and millennial nurses — who belong to the generations born between 1981 and 2012 — have been hit hard by the pandemic, with many suffering from mental health issues and about 60 percent saying they will leave or are considering leaving their positions. The dangers of 'glass cliff' for women in leadership roles Research shows that women and people of color are more likely to be placed into leadership positions when an organization is in crisis mode, leaving them in a precarious situation, at risk of falling over the "glass cliff" the BBC reported Feb. 6. What does Amazon Care mean for hospitals? Execs from Geisinger and more answer In February, Amazon Care rolled out its virtual health services nationwide and said its in-person services would be rolled out in more than 20 new cities in 2022. The announcement was one of many efforts to disrupt the traditional healthcare that the industry has witnessed from tech and retail companies over the past decade. 2 minutes — and traffic — may have cost Tufts Health $400M A two-minute document filing delay may have caused Tufts Health to lose a $400 million Medicaid contract, according to CBS affiliate WPRI. 7 health systems reported profits over $1B in 2021 While many hospitals face financial hardships and rising expenses from the COVID-19 pandemic, several large health systems ended 2021 with profits above $1 billion. 'We had to beg her to not show up': Hospitals' on-the-ground leaders in your words Earlier this month, I wrote about hospitals' ivory tower problem, in which leaders who spent time in the trenches at some point in their career gradually move into ivory towers shielded from the pain points, dynamics and ideas pulsing throughout their organization — and rarely realize it. 27 thoughts on leadership from women in healthcare In honor of International Women's Day on March 8, Becker's Hospital Review asked women in the healthcare industry to share their insights on leadership. 'Safe, happy and cheap': Inside Mayo Clinic's Hybrid Care Hotel Mayo Clinic's Hybrid Care Hotel in Jacksonville, Fla., challenges the idea that low-risk surgical patients are better off recovering in a conventional hospital setting. 5 overlooked trends CIOs should address Hospital CIOs must stay on top of trends to maintain successful digital strategies, as technology and the culture around it are constantly evolving. Becker's talked with five healthcare CIOs to highlight trends they think other CIOs are overlooking: 'We can't punish our way to safer medical practices': 2 experts on criminalization of medical errors Healthcare workers are burned out and exhausted from juggling pandemic-related stressors and additional burdens linked to workforce shortages for more than two years. These issues pose serious consequences for employees and patients, as numerous studies link clinician burnout and stress to an increased likelihood of medical errors. 10 infection control upgrades needed before next pandemic The U.S. needs to bolster its infection prevention and control infrastructure to prepare for future pandemics and the rise of healthcare-associated infections, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology said in a March 8 report. Michael Dowling, President and CEO, Northwell Health As a baby boomer who worked as a manual laborer for many years before taking on a job in which I work 16-hour days, I admit that I have struggled adapting to the remote-work environment that COVID-19 forced upon us. Claudia Fegan, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Cook County Health Each day, Claudia Fegan, MD, brings her passions about healthcare reform and social justice to her role as chief medical officer of one of the nation's largest public safety-net systems. Matthew Love, President and CEO, Nicklaus Children's Health System Matthew Love accepted the permanent role of president and CEO of Miami-based Nicklaus Children's Health System in January 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began — but he said his focus never wavered. Jeffrey Cohen, MD, Chief Physician Executive for Community Health and Innovation, Allegheny Health Network No longer a city known only for its production of steel and Heinz condiments, Pittsburgh's innovation economy is taking off. And Allegheny Health Network is positioning itself at the center of that growth, according to Jeffrey Cohen, MD, the Pittsburgh-based system's chief physician executive for community health and innovation. Elie Bahou, PharmD, Chief Pharmacy Officer, Providence Hospitals have had to adjust the way they operate at an unprecedented speed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pharmacy department is no exception. Dara Bartels, CEO, Mile Bluff Medical Center When Dara Bartels became CEO of Mile Bluff Medical Center on Dec. 1, she brought with her financial acumen and a passion for rural healthcare. Rick Evans, Senior Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Experience Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital As I have written about over the last few months, many healthcare organizations including my own, are redefining our approaches to assessing and improving patient experience. This reevaluation of our approach stems from several factors.  Peter Banko, President and CEO, Centura Health Peter D. Banko serves as President and Chief Executive Officer at Centura Health. Kate Walsh, President and CEO, Boston Medical Center Kate Walsh considers two pieces of advice to inform her leadership style — one practical and one spiritual. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Michael J. Dowling: Embracing a hybrid workplace for non-clinical staff As a baby boomer who worked as a manual laborer for many years before taking on a job in which I work 16-hour days, I admit that I have struggled adapting to the remote-work environment that COVID-19 forced upon us. Cook County Health chief medical officer encourages healthcare leaders to be staunch patient advocates Each day, Claudia Fegan, MD, brings her passions about healthcare reform and social justice to her role as chief medical officer of one of the nation's largest public safety-net systems. How Nicklaus Children's CEO recruits talent, harnesses finance experience Matthew Love accepted the permanent role of president and CEO of Miami-based Nicklaus Children's Health System in January 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began — but he said his focus never wavered. Inside the 'game-changing ideas' at Allegheny Health's innovation lab No longer a city known only for its production of steel and Heinz condiments, Pittsburgh's innovation economy is taking off. And Allegheny Health Network is positioning itself at the center of that growth, according to Jeffrey Cohen, MD, the Pittsburgh-based system's chief physician executive for community health and innovation. Providence chief pharmacy officer on how his team has succeeded through the COVID-19 pandemic Hospitals have had to adjust the way they operate at an unprecedented speed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pharmacy department is no exception. CFO / FINANCE IU Health, facing profit questions, gives med school $416M Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health donated $416 million to the Indiana University School of Medicine, more than any donations it's given the school in the last decade, as it faces questions about its prices and profits, Indiana Business Journal reported recently. 3 health systems that recorded annual operating losses Despite seeing stable or higher revenue year over year, several health systems that recorded results in March ended 2021 with significant operating losses. 'How do regular people with low income pay for that?': $36K hospital bill goes viral on TikTok A video discussing the cost of delivering a baby in California has gone viral on TikTok. 2 minutes — and traffic — may have cost Tufts Health $400M A two-minute document filing delay may have caused Tufts Health to lose a $400 million Medicaid contract, according to CBS affiliate WPRI. Altru won't be sold, CEO says Following rumors that Grand Forks, N.D.-based Altru Health System may be acquired after the sudden departure of President Steven Weiser, MD, the system's new CEO told the Grand Forks Herald in a March 5 article that Altru is not for sale. CEO/STRATEGY 17 'overpaid' healthcare CEOs Despite many CEOs cutting their base salaries last year due to the pandemic, those moves had little effect on overall CEO pay, according to an annual report from the nonprofit shareholder advocacy group As You Sow. Want to cut back but not ready to retire? Popular semi-retirement plans may be the solution After the pandemic's push toward flexible work and employee wellbeing, more organizations are embracing phased retirement plans for workers nearing the end of their careers, The Wall Street Journal reported March 15. 'We had to beg her to not show up': Hospitals' on-the-ground leaders in your words Earlier this month, I wrote about hospitals' ivory tower problem, in which leaders who spent time in the trenches at some point in their career gradually move into ivory towers shielded from the pain points, dynamics and ideas pulsing throughout their organization — and rarely realize it. Board member calls for change in leadership at Minnesota health system linked to racist incidents Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando is calling on Minneapolis-based Hennepin Healthcare to fire employees and demote supervisors over what she called "deeply rooted" racism within the organization, the Star Tribune reported March 3. Viewpoint: The problem with interim CEOs Interim CEOs should be the last option for a company and usually indicate poor succession planning, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, PhD, professor at New Haven, Conn.-based Yale School of Management, wrote in a Yale Insights article. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP The dangers of 'glass cliff' for women in leadership roles Research shows that women and people of color are more likely to be placed into leadership positions when an organization is in crisis mode, leaving them in a precarious situation, at risk of falling over the "glass cliff" the BBC reported Feb. 6. Single women at disadvantage for leadership at work Although working mothers have always known it is more challenging to ascend the leadership ranks at work, new studies suggest that single women also sit at a disadvantage, Bloomberg reported March 10. 4 figures showing the effect of female leaders Women's participation in the workforce was hit hard during the pandemic, affecting organizations across the nation and reducing female representation in leadership positions. When women at the top leave, everybody loses out, according to a March 8 report from the Harvard Business Review. It's lonely at the top for female leaders Women, especially women of color, are less likely to feel included and taken seriously as they enter leadership roles, a new survey from the Society for Human Resource Management found. 5 healthcare companies get 'F' in racial and gender pay equity Of 57 companies examined on a 2022 "Racial and Gender Pay Scorecard," 24 companies received an "F" grade, including five in healthcare. INNOVATION 10 top healthcare companies for innovation, per Drucker Institute Ten healthcare companies were ranked among the most innovative in 2021 by the Drucker Institute, according to a ranking published in The Wall Street Journal. Atrium Health's new innovation district to be called 'the Pearl' The new innovation district in Charlotte, N.C., has been named "the Pearl" by leaders from Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology. Sanford Health wants other systems to use its homegrown AI tool for nurse scheduling Sanford Health will soon schedule its more than 10,000 nurses using its internally developed artificial intelligence tool, the Sioux Falls, S.D.-based system said Feb. 24 on its website. OSF HealthCare innovation CMO sees C-suite, innovation team relationship as integral to growth Despite being a midsize health system, OSF HealthCare pumps a lot of time, effort and investment into innovation and technology. Its chief medical officer for innovation and digital health, John Vozenilek, MD, discussed with Becker's how the system approaches innovation. Providence exec leaving for Amazon Aaron Martin, former chief digital officer at Renton, Wash.-based Providence, is leaving the health system March 25 to join Amazon as a vice president of health, Bloomberg reported March 11. CIO/HEALTH IT What Cerner's CEO envisions for EHRs 10 years from now Healthcare would benefit from more exploration of the vast amounts of EHR data available to clinicians and researchers, Cerner CEO David Feinberg, MD, wrote in a March 7 company blog post. FBI, CISA warn of Russian exploitation of multifactor authentication, PrintNightmare vulnerability The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a joint advisory March 15 that Russian state-sponsored cyber actors gained network access through exploitation of default multifactor authentication protocols and a known vulnerability in Windows Print Spooler. Intermountain 1st organization to earn triple stage 7 under new HIMSS model Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare on March 14 became the first organization in the world to achieve triple stage 7 under the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's new requirements. 5 overlooked trends CIOs should address Hospital CIOs must stay on top of trends to maintain successful digital strategies, as technology and the culture around it are constantly evolving. Becker's talked with five healthcare CIOs to highlight trends they think other CIOs are overlooking: HHS taps new CIO as AI chief departs The Department of Health and Human Services' first chief artificial intelligence officer departed the agency, and a new CIO was appointed, FedScoop reported March 2. CMO/CARE DELIVERY 'Can anyone blame nurses for turning the tables?' Expensive reliance on traveling nursing is a symptom of a longer-running, self-inflicted disaster: hospitals' failure to hire and support enough nurses to weather crises, an op-ed contends in The Washington Post. 1 in 3 clinicians considering leaving role by 2024, study shows Thirty-one percent of clinicians participating in a global study said they were considering leaving their current role by 2024, with nearly half of participating U.S. clinicians reporting these plans, according to a report released March 15 by analytics firm Elsevier Health. 10 things Gen Z, millennial nurses want from their hospitals A survey released March 1 from the American Nurses Foundation and Joslin Insight showed Generation Z and millennial nurses — who belong to the generations born between 1981 and 2012 — have been hit hard by the pandemic, with many suffering from mental health issues and about 60 percent saying they will leave or are considering leaving their positions. Why hospitals are likely to lean on travel nurses after pandemic threat ends Hospitals' reliance on travel nurses to fill workforce gaps is certain to continue after the COVID-19 pandemic threat ends as organizations grapple with demand for care unrelated to the virus and the departure of nurses from full-time staff jobs, Bloomberg News reported March 15. Nurses to Joint Commission: Require safe staffing levels for accreditation Nurses across the country are calling on The Joint Commission to require "safe staffing ratios" as a condition of accreditation for healthcare facilities, the Chicago Tribune reported March 15.

March/April 2022 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control ON THE COVER Why don't hospitals just pay full-time nurses more? Hospitals' reliance on travel workers is nothing new. The pandemic intensified it and highlighted the gap between full-time workers' pay and lucrative temporary contracts. 10 top patient safety concerns for 2022 Staffing shortages are the top threat to patient safety in 2022, according an annual report on patient safety concerns from ECRI, an organization that conducts independent medical device evaluations, published March 14. Children's Hospital Colorado's 1st mental health-in-chief on the now or never moment facing the US Last May, Children's Hospital Colorado declared a state of emergency in pediatric mental health after seeing its emergency department and inpatient units "overrun with kids attempting suicide" and suffering from other mental health conditions. As part of the declaration, the hospital made a commitment that it would address the worsening crisis. One of the major shifts included creating a new leadership role, the mental health-in-chief. What will make workers want to stay in healthcare? Answers from 22 execs Healthcare workers have left their roles or profession altogether in droves amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Why do some people lose smell, taste from COVID-19? 1 explanation A mechanism has been identified that may explain why some people with COVID-19 lose their sense of smell, according to research published Feb. 1 in Cell. 38 top-rated hospitals hit with Medicare penalties CMS will trim 764 hospitals' Medicare payments in fiscal year 2022 for having the highest rates of patient injuries and infections. Thirty-eight of those hospitals are simultaneously ranked as the best in the country by CMS, according to Kaiser Health News. Nurses accuse PeaceHealth of retaliation after raising safety concerns Nurses who worked at hospitals owned or operated by Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth are accusing the health system of retaliating against them when they raised concerns about patient and worker safety, NBC News reported Feb. 6. Don't let the term fool you — 'Endemic' can be dangerous The word "endemic" is one of the most misused of the pandemic, contributing to a dangerous complacency about COVID-19's potential future toll, Aris Katzourakis, PhD, professor of evolution and genomics at St. Hilda's College Oxford in the U.K., wrote in a Jan. 24 op-ed published in Nature. 10 infection control upgrades needed before next pandemic The U.S. needs to bolster its infection prevention and control infrastructure to prepare for future pandemics and the rise of healthcare-associated infections, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology said in a March 8 report. Nurses to Joint Commission: Require safe staffing levels for accreditation Nurses across the country are calling on The Joint Commission to require "safe staffing ratios" as a condition of accreditation for healthcare facilities, the Chicago Tribune reported March 15. If 1 in 5 healthcare workers have quit, where have they gone? A frequently cited statistic is that nearly 1 in 5 healthcare workers have quit their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an October 2021 Morning Consult report. Healthgrades' 50 top hospitals for 2022 Healthgrades has recognized 250 hospitals nationwide for exceptional care via its America's Best Hospitals awards released Feb. 8. 7 ways to immediately reduce nurse strain Hospitals and health systems are increasingly partnering with nursing schools or offering academic financial assistance to bolster the nursing pipeline. While an influx of nursing students will eventually help address workforce issues, there will be at least a two-year lag before these investments pay off, and with a growing nursing shortage, hospitals can't afford to wait. 'Cap hospital CEO pay,' travel nurses say As hospitals and lawmakers urge federal authorities to investigate travel staffing agencies for price-gouging, some travel nurses want the scrutiny redirected toward health systems' C-suites. INFECTION CONTROL Sharp drop in patient safety, infection control amid pandemic: 3 new findings Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, metrics tracking healthcare-associated infections and other complications of care indicate significant deterioration of multiple patient safety measures, according to an analysis published Feb. 12 by The New England Journal of Medicine. Experts call for universal vaccine in anticipation of future variants Chasing the latest circulating COVID-19 variant with a targeted vaccine isn't a viable pandemic strategy, experts say, instead calling for an Operation Warp Speed approach for the development of a universal vaccine, The Washington Post reported Feb. 15. Don't let the term fool you — 'Endemic' can be dangerous The word "endemic" is one of the most misused of the pandemic, contributing to a dangerous complacency about COVID-19's potential future toll, Aris Katzourakis, PhD, professor of evolution and genomics at St. Hilda's College Oxford in the U.K., wrote in a Jan. 24 op-ed published in Nature. APIC unveils new campaign as HAIs rise, calls for better infection prevention programs With new metrics indicating rising healthcare-associated infections amid the pandemic, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology is calling on healthcare organizations to assess infection prevention capacity and strengthen prevention programs. Flu vaccination trends in US: 4 stats to know The nation's flu vaccination rate has increased slightly over the past two seasons, though this growth has been slower than in past years, likely due to pandemic disruptions, a Feb. 7 report from ValuePenguin found. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES CDC, CMS call for rebuilding health system after patient safety measures drop As patient safety declines amid the pandemic, the U.S. must rebuild a healthcare delivery system in which safety is embedded in every step of a process, with clear metrics that are aggregated, assessed and acted on, according to an analysis published Feb. 12 by The New England Journal of Medicine. This unexpected symptom appears to be tied to omicron With its rapid emergence and wide range of symptoms, omicron appears to be tied to one symptom that wasn't as frequently reported with past coronavirus variants. 3rd person cured of HIV after stem cell transplant, scientists say A U.S. woman of mixed race has become the third person in the world believed to be cured of HIV, scientists said Feb. 15, according to The New York Times. Vaccination during pregnancy protects infants after birth, lowers long COVID-19 risk: 2 new findings Infants born to mothers vaccinated for COVID-19 while pregnant were less likely to be hospitalized for the virus within the first six months of life, a new CDC study found. A separate report found vaccination lowers the risk of becoming a COVID-19 long-hauler. Lung transplant safe for COVID-19 patients, Northwestern Medicine finds The first 30 consecutive patients who underwent a lung transplant due to COVID-19 complications at Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine had positive outcomes, according to findings recently published in JAMA. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE Why some don't want to confirm their COVID-19 diagnosis Some physicians say they're seeing more patients who want to avoid polymerase chain reaction testing for COVID-19 out of fear of the potential disruptions it could cause to their livelihoods, NPR reported Feb. 1. License wait times reach crisis levels for healthcare workers Licensing agencies were understaffed and used antiquated workflows pre-pandemic. Now, facing an influx of applicants, the delays are affecting healthcare workers' ability to get to work and patients' access to care, NBC News reports. Natural light could be key to patient-centered hospital design A new trend in patient-centered hospital design centers on making spaces more welcoming and comfortable through natural light, Wired reported Jan. 5. MUSC Health inks digital front door collab to ease patient scheduling, intake Charleston-based Medical University of South Carolina on Dec. 1 began a partnership with healthcare automation company Notable to improve the digital patient experience. Mayo urges respect for healthcare workers amid increase in patient hostility Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wis., which serves Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, is asking for respect and patience from patients amid an increase in hostility toward healthcare workers, according to the La Crosse Tribune. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT Viewpoint: Healthcare needs a 'quintuple aim' The healthcare industry should expand the "quadruple aim" to include a fifth key focus: advancing health equity, three physician leaders wrote in a Jan. 21 op-ed published in JAMA. Children's health measures worsening: 4 study findings The number of children diagnosed with anxiety and depression increased significantly between 2016 and 2020, according to a study examining measures of children's well-being published March 14 in JAMA Pediatrics. CMS delays star ratings update until July: 4 things to know CMS is postponing its next Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings update from April to July to fix a calculation error, the agency said Feb. 11, according to the American Hospital Association. 38 top-rated hospitals hit with Medicare penalties CMS will trim 764 hospitals' Medicare payments in fiscal year 2022 for having the highest rates of patient injuries and infections. Thirty-eight of those hospitals are simultaneously ranked as the best in the country by CMS, according to Kaiser Health News. US sees record number of organ transplants in 2021 In 2021, a record-setting number of organ transplants were performed in the U.S., with more than 40,000 transplants performed annually for the first time in the nation's history, according to preliminary data from the United Network for Organ Sharing. NURSING SPOTLIGHT Why don't hospitals just pay full-time nurses more? Hospitals' reliance on travel workers is nothing new. The pandemic intensified it and highlighted the gap between full-time workers' pay and lucrative temporary contracts. 7 ways to immediately reduce nurse strain Hospitals and health systems are increasingly partnering with nursing schools or offering academic financial assistance to bolster the nursing pipeline. While an influx of nursing students will eventually help address workforce issues, there will be at least a two-year lag before these investments pay off, and with a growing nursing shortage, hospitals can't afford to wait. Viewpoint: 5 common nurse myths While the pandemic has brought renewed attention to nurses' critical role in patient care, the field is still "deeply misunderstood," a former research associate at UC San Diego wrote in a Feb. 3 perspective piece for The Washington Post. International nurses sue staffing agency over quitting penalties, wages A group of international nurses is suing Health Carousel, a healthcare staffing agency, accusing the company of wage theft and other unfair labor practices, Bloomberg reported Feb. 2. 'Cap hospital CEO pay,' travel nurses say As hospitals and lawmakers urge federal authorities to investigate travel staffing agencies for price-gouging, some travel nurses want the scrutiny redirected toward health systems' C-suites.

April 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER 38 top-rated hospitals hit with Medicare penalties CMS will trim 764 hospitals' Medicare payments in fiscal year 2022 for having the highest rates of patient injuries and infections. Thirty-eight of those hospitals are simultaneously ranked as the best in the country by CMS, according to Kaiser Health News. Why don't hospitals just pay full-time nurses more? Hospitals' reliance on travel workers is nothing new. The pandemic intensified it and highlighted the gap between full-time workers' pay and lucrative temporary contracts. Mark Cuban is ready to buck healthcare's status quo Whether they take the form of pharmacy benefit managers or spokespeople, Mark Cuban cuts out middlemen. Hospitals' ivory tower problem Most leaders spent time in the trenches at some point in their career. When they gradually move into ivory towers shielded from the pain points, dynamics and ideas pulsing throughout their organization, they rarely realize it — and that's what makes it dangerous. Game-changing EHR improvements at Intermountain, UCLA, and 6 other systems As the clinician burnout crisis continues, it's important that hospitals are doing all they can to optimize EHR workflows. Here, IT executives from eight health systems across the country share the EHR workflow improvements that have saved their clinicians the most time. Patient received $13K bill after donating his kidney Although living organ donors are not supposed to receive bills for transplant-related care, a Nevada man received a $13,064 medical bill after he donated his kidney, ProPublica reported Feb. 11. Cleveland Clinic investing $1.3B in capital projects Cleveland Clinic is investing $1.3 billion in capital projects in 2022, CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, MD, said in an annual State of Clinic address Jan. 26. 'Cap hospital CEO pay,' travel nurses say As hospitals and lawmakers urge federal authorities to investigate travel staffing agencies for price-gouging, some travel nurses want the scrutiny redirected toward health systems' C-suites. Gender pay gap for top execs at widest in 9 years The gender pay gap among top executives at S&P 500 companies grew to the widest it's been since 2012, and the C-suite will not see gender payment parity until 2060 at the current rate, according to a new report from Morningstar. What Epic has in store for 2022: 4 things to know The expansion of its data mining tool Cosmos, enhancing ambient voice capabilities of its Hey Epic! Platform and recruiting more patients for clinical trials are among the key business strategies for EHR vendor Epic in 2022. How technology made Mass General Brigham's 'hospital-at-home' program a success Boston-based Mass General Brigham implemented two technologies that were crucial for delivering hospital-level care to patients at home. If 1 in 5 healthcare workers have quit, where have they gone? A frequently cited statistic is that nearly 1 in 5 healthcare workers have quit their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an October 2021 Morning Consult report. 7 ways to immediately reduce nurse strain Hospitals and health systems are increasingly partnering with nursing schools or offering academic financial assistance to bolster the nursing pipeline. While an influx of nursing students will eventually help address workforce issues, there will be at least a two-year lag before these investments pay off, and with a growing nursing shortage, hospitals can't afford to wait. Richard Liekweg, President and CEO, BJC HealthCare Richard Liekweg serves as president and CEO of St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare, an integrated delivery system that generates more than $6 billion in revenue and has 32,000 employees. Chris Carmody, Chief Technology Officer, UPMC Chris Carmody, serves as Chief Technology Officer at UPMC. K. Ron-Li Liaw, MD, Mental Health-In-Chief, Children's Hospital Colorado Last May, Children's Hospital Colorado declared a state of emergency in pediatric mental health after seeing its emergency department and inpatient units "overrun with kids attempting suicide" and suffering from other mental health conditions. As part of the declaration, the hospital made a commitment that it would address the worsening crisis. One of the major shifts included creating a new leadership role, the mental health-in-chief. Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO, Atlantic Health Brian Gragnolati believes in staying out of the way of his staff. "When you give your team broad parameters and you just let people go –– it's amazing the innovation that I've seen at the bedside," he told Becker's. Robert Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health COVID-19 cases are waning throughout the nation. Hospitalizations are down. Mask mandates are being lifted. While we prepare for the pandemic’s next phase, let's also use this time to recommit to transforming healthcare and even accelerating the pace of innovation. Suresh Gunasekaran, President and CEO, UCSF Health Suresh Gunasekaran is humble when reflecting on his accomplishments as CEO of University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and the senior associate vice president for University of Iowa Health Care. "I don't think it's really about me, frankly," he told Becker's. "I think we've always taken a real team approach at UI Health Care." Dominic Nakis, CFO, Advocate Aurora Health Dominic Nakis serves as the CFO of Advocate Aurora Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems with $13.1 billion in annual revenue and about 75,000 employees. Karen Wilding, Chief Value Officer, Nemours Children's Health Karen Wilding began her role as chief value officer of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Nemours Children's Health on Jan. 24, and she said she views her new job as a unique opportunity in healthcare. David Dill, Chair and CEO, LifePoint Health David Dill looks to the advice of his father to inform both his personal and professional decisions: "Always do the right thing — especially when no one is looking." THOUGHT LEADERSHIP The biggest pandemic lessons from BJC HealthCare's CEO Richard Liekweg serves as president and CEO of St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare, an integrated delivery system that generates more than $6 billion in revenue and has 32,000 employees. Becker's 12th Annual Meeting Speaker Series: 4 Questions with Chris Carmody, Chief Technology Officer, UPMC Chris Carmody, serves as Chief Technology Officer at UPMC. Children's Hospital Colorado's 1st mental health-in-chief on the now or never moment facing the US Last May, Children's Hospital Colorado declared a state of emergency in pediatric mental health after seeing its emergency department and inpatient units "overrun with kids attempting suicide" and suffering from other mental health conditions. As part of the declaration, the hospital made a commitment that it would address the worsening crisis. One of the major shifts included creating a new leadership role, the mental health-in-chief. Atlantic Health CEO Brian Gragnolati's greatest lesson learned: Trust your team Brian Gragnolati believes in staying out of the way of his staff. "When you give your team broad parameters and you just let people go –– it's amazing the innovation that I've seen at the bedside," he told Becker's. Hackensack Meridian CEO: Even in a pandemic, let's keep focused on innovating healthcare COVID-19 cases are waning throughout the nation. Hospitalizations are down. Mask mandates are being lifted. While we prepare for the pandemic’s next phase, let's also use this time to recommit to transforming healthcare and even accelerating the pace of innovation. CFO / FINANCE 38 top-rated hospitals hit with Medicare penalties CMS will trim 764 hospitals' Medicare payments in fiscal year 2022 for having the highest rates of patient injuries and infections. Thirty-eight of those hospitals are simultaneously ranked as the best in the country by CMS, according to Kaiser Health News. Mayo Clinic employees to receive 4% raise after controversy Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic will provide its staff with a minimum 4 percent raise after the system came under fire for a 2 percent raise announced in January, the Post Bulletin reported Feb. 15. 'Big 6' payers ranked by 2021 profits Profits were down year over year for half of the country's largest payers in 2021, but didn't stop double-digit growth for others. CommonSpirit posts operating loss, inks $135M deal for 2 hospitals CommonSpirit Health, a 140-hospital system based in Chicago, reported an operating loss for the three months ended Dec. 31 as higher labor and supply costs offset revenue gains, according to financial documents released Feb. 15. Providence prioritizing workforce, adjusting to post-pandemic baseline, CFO says Greg Hoffman, CFO of Renton, Wash.-based Providence, discussed the current challenges the system is facing amid the pandemic, as well as financial changes he anticipates in the short and long term on a recent episode of "Becker's Healthcare Podcast." CEO/STRATEGY Average CEO pay by hospital size Nonprofit hospital CEOs make an average of eight times more than workers without advanced degrees, according to an analysis by the Lown Institute of more than 1,000 hospitals. How implementing care-at-home programs can reshape hospital strategy "Hospital-at-home" programs are increasing in popularity with patients, and health systems are beginning to realize the potential cost benefits and improved health outcomes of these programs, according to a report published by consulting firm McKinsey & Company Feb. 2. CoxHealth CEO Steve Edwards' leadership approach: 'Distort nothing' For a glimpse into the leadership style of Steve Edwards and his approach to communications during the COVID-19 pandemic, look no further than his Twitter page. Memorial Sloan Kettering CEO to step down Craig Thompson, MD, is stepping down from his role as president and CEO of New York City-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Hospitals' ivory tower problem Most leaders spent time in the trenches at some point in their career. When they gradually move into ivory towers shielded from the pain points, dynamics and ideas pulsing throughout their organization, they rarely realize it — and that's what makes it dangerous. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Houston Methodist's Dr. Roberta Schwartz on innovating out of the staffing crisis Roberta Schwartz, PhD, executive vice president and chief innovation officer for Houston Methodist, has been taking meetings with nursing executives, a group she said she hadn't spent very much time with before the staffing crisis. Want proxy battle success? Target female CEOs, new report says Investors are more likely to support activist campaigns if they target organizations with female CEOs as opposed to those with male CEOs, The Wall Street Journal reported Feb. 5. It's lonely at the top for female leaders Women, especially women of color, are less likely to feel included and taken seriously as they enter leadership roles, a new survey from the Society for Human Resource Management found. Black women heavily concentrated in low-wage healthcare jobs, study findsMore than one in five Black women (23 percent) in the U.S. workforce are employed in healthcare and are most likely to hold the lowest-paying, most hazardous jobs, according to a study published Feb. 7 in Health Affairs. Female healthcare workers are scaling back, here's why Shouldering the burden of household duties, spending more time on patients and an inability to disconnect from work may all be reasons female physicians are reducing their hours or quitting altogether, according to a Jan. 19 Harvard Business Review report. INNOVATION OSF HealthCare launches 'Shark Tank'-style innovation incubator Peoria, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare launched a healthcare innovation incubator modeled after ABC's hit show "Shark Tank," according to a Feb. 4 news release. Cleveland Clinic's top 10 medical innovations for 2022 Advancements in mRNA vaccinology is No. 1 on Cleveland Clinic's "Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2022" list, released Feb. 16. 9 questions large systems should ask about digital health tools There are nine key questions large health systems should be asking about their deployment of digital health tools, according to a paper published Jan. 27 in NPJ Digital Medicine. How 6 health systems are spending their innovation investment dollars Here is a list of investments health systems made in digital health startups and internal innovation efforts since Jan. 20. The No. 1 obstacle to hospital innovation? 4 execs weigh in A lack of time, resources and clearly defined governance are some of the biggest hurdles impeding digital innovation in healthcare. Here, four health system executives share what they believe are the biggest obstacles to innovation. CIO/HEALTH IT What Epic has in store for 2022: 4 things to know The expansion of its data mining tool Cosmos, enhancing ambient voice capabilities of its Hey Epic! Platform and recruiting more patients for clinical trials are among the key business strategies for EHR vendor Epic in 2022. 'There's more here': Tim Cook on Apple's healthcare plans After Apple's most recent record-breaking quarter boasting a revenue of almost $124 billion, the tech giant is still pushing into healthcare. SOC Telemed set to go private with private equity deal SOC Telemed struck a deal to be acquired by private equity healthcare investment firm Patient Square Capital. SOC Telemed would be private upon completion of the deal. How technology made Mass General Brigham's 'hospital-at-home' program a success Boston-based Mass General Brigham implemented two technologies that were crucial for delivering hospital-level care to patients at home. Midsize hospitals lose more than $45K an hour in cyberattacks, report finds Healthcare is one of the most highly targeted industries for cyberattacks, with hospitals as the victims of 30 percent of all large data breaches. Midsize hospitals seem to be affected disproportionately, to the tune of more than $45,000 an hour, according to a September 2021 Ipsos report. CMO/CARE DELIVERY CDC, CMS call for rebuilding health system after patient safety measures drop As patient safety declines amid the pandemic, the U.S. must rebuild a healthcare delivery system in which safety is embedded in every step of a process, with clear metrics that are aggregated, assessed and acted on, according to an analysis published Feb. 12 by The New England Journal of Medicine. 8 of the most popular TikTok physicians Healthcare professionals have begun to call TikTok home. From giving out health advice to battling health misinformation, the platform has given physicians a place to connect with patients in a different way, MM+M reported Jan. 27. Why do some people lose smell, taste from COVID-19? 1 explanation A mechanism has been identified that may explain why some people with COVID-19 lose their sense of smell, according to research published Feb. 1 in Cell. Most common symptoms of 3 coronavirus variants People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, with some symptoms appearing more often for different variants of the virus. Why don't hospitals just pay full-time nurses more? Hospitals' reliance on travel workers is nothing new. The pandemic intensified it and highlighted the gap between full-time workers' pay and lucrative temporary contracts.

March 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER Glassdoor: Best places to work in healthcare for 2022 Glassdoor released its list of "Best Places to Work" in 2022, and four hospitals and health systems made the list. 20 hospitals, health systems that provide the most 'unnecessary' care: Johns Hopkins Health systems that employed fewer primary care physicians, have higher bed counts or are investor owned were more likely to provide more unnecessary or low-value care, a study published Jan. 14 in JAMA found. Healthcare workers can't get off the COVID-19 rollercoaster Healthcare workers left the proverbial loading platform in 2020 for a ride of COVID-19 surges that only get tougher, not easier, to stomach. Walking in each other's shoes: 2 execs describe the ideal CEO-CFO partnership A strong partnership between healthcare executives has always been crucial — and increasingly so amid a pandemic that has affected every area of hospital operations. 3 biggest digital health questions of 2022 René Quashie, vice president of policy and regulatory affairs for digital health at the Consumer Technology Association, discussed with Politico the three most pressing digital health questions in 2022. 10 hospitals with the highest contract labor expenses Hospitals across the U.S. are seeing labor costs rise and are increasingly bringing in contracted workers to keep their facilities staffed. CMS sends 335 hospitals price disclosure violation warnings CMS has issued warnings to more than 300 hospitals for violations of rules requiring them to disclose prices, but the agency hasn't penalized hospitals for noncompliance, according to The Wall Street Journal. Tenet CEO: Why USPI is its 'gem for the future' Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare's United Surgical Partners International is the company's "gem for the future," CEO Saum Sutaria, MD, said during the JPMorgan Health Conference Jan. 11. What female executives of color want you to know Professional women of color face unique challenges in the workplace that can take a toll on their mental well-being, according to a report in Harvard Business Review published Jan. 14. Top 10 health technology hazards for 2022, ranked by ECRI The ECRI Institute released its Top 10 Health Technology Hazards 2022 report Jan. 18 for hospitals, medical practices and home care providers. Hackensack Meridian CIO discusses system's switch from Microsoft to Google Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health completed a remote work optimization process in 2021 that involved adopting Google's cloud platform and replacing Office 365 with Google Workspace, Computerworld reported Dec. 30. Where people go wrong with 'incidental' COVID-19 hospitalizations The current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. in many ways differs from earlier surges, with breakthrough infections now a norm and not the exception. Nurses: The most trusted US professionals 20th year in a row Americans said nurses are the most honest and ethical professionals for the 20th consecutive year, according to an annual Gallup poll. Michael Dowling: A call for civility and decencySurveys show that about 1 out of every 4 Americans make New Year's resolutions. Most focus on self-improvement goals such as living healthier, losing weight, pursuing career or job goals, saving money and improving personal relationships. All worthwhile commitments, no doubt, but considering the political, racial and ethnic divides we're experiencing as a nation, what's most needed now is a New Year's pledge by all of us to treat each other with civility and decency. What Northwell's new chief quality officer refuses to look away from Peter Silver, MD, hasn't allowed the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic distract him from the goal that has defined his career: providing his patients with the highest quality of care possible. CEO John Couris shares his vision for a medical ecosystem in Tampa Bay John Couris, CEO of Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital, spoke with Becker's Jan. 11 about the organization's completed acquisition of one of the region's largest physician-owned radiology practices, Tower Radiology. He also shared his thoughts on staffing challenges during a pandemic and why price gouging by staffing agencies should be treated like a hurricane. Corner Office: New Allina Health CEO's leadership style emphasizes 'serving those who serve' As Lisa Shannon begins her tenure as CEO of Minneapolis-based Allina Health, she said she is inspired by the organization's culture and is focused on the needs of patients and employees. The $2.5B+ capital project UC San Diego Health CFO Lori Donaldson is most excited about Lori Donaldson serves as CFO of University of California San Diego Health, overseeing a budget of more than $3 billion and paving the financial strategy for the academic health system. The unapologetic leadership of Dr. Marc Boom Marc Boom, MD, revisits the decisions he's made as CEO of Houston Methodist throughout the pandemic with a sense of conviction that can almost leave one under the impression it's been an easy 22 months. The opportunities awaiting UPMC in China When Randy Jernejcic, MD, heads to China later this year to head UPMC's new 500-bed hospital in Chengdu, it will be more like a second homecoming than an entirely new adventure. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Michael Dowling: A call for civility and decency Surveys show that about 1 out of every 4 Americans make New Year's resolutions. Most focus on self-improvement goals such as living healthier, losing weight, pursuing career or job goals, saving money and improving personal relationships. All worthwhile commitments, no doubt, but considering the political, racial and ethnic divides we're experiencing as a nation, what's most needed now is a New Year's pledge by all of us to treat each other with civility and decency. What Northwell's new chief quality officer refuses to look away from Peter Silver, MD, hasn't allowed the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic distract him from the goal that has defined his career: providing his patients with the highest quality of care possible. CEO John Couris shares his vision for a medical ecosystem in Tampa Bay John Couris, CEO of Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital, spoke with Becker's Jan. 11 about the organization's completed acquisition of one of the region's largest physician-owned radiology practices, Tower Radiology. He also shared his thoughts on staffing challenges during a pandemic and why price gouging by staffing agencies should be treated like a hurricane. Corner Office: New Allina Health CEO's leadership style emphasizes 'serving those who serve' As Lisa Shannon begins her tenure as CEO of Minneapolis-based Allina Health, she said she is inspired by the organization's culture and is focused on the needs of patients and employees. The $2.5B+ capital project UC San Diego Health CFO Lori Donaldson is most excited about Lori Donaldson serves as CFO of University of California San Diego Health, overseeing a budget of more than $3 billion and paving the financial strategy for the academic health system. CFO / FINANCE 20 hospitals, health systems that provide the most 'unnecessary' care: Johns Hopkins Health systems that employed fewer primary care physicians, have higher bed counts or are investor owned were more likely to provide more unnecessary or low-value care, a study published Jan. 14 in JAMA found. Nonprofit hospital rating upgrades outpaced downgrades in 2021: Fitch Fitch Ratings upgraded the ratings of 17 nonprofit hospitals and downgraded 12 in 2021, and 87.3 percent of the sector had stable rating outlooks as of year-end 2021, according to a Jan. 18 report. AHA, HCA back $55M venture fund for Black-founded companies Jumpstart Health Investors has launched a $55 million venture fund that is backed by multiple healthcare organizations and will invest exclusively in Black-founded healthcare companies. Hartford HealthCare hit with antitrust claims by rival Two healthcare organizations in Hartford, Conn., are battling in federal court. UnitedHealthcare assures no changes to ER coverage policy in 2022 UnitedHealthcare will not enact a controversial policy regarding emergency care coverage in 2022, according to a Dec. 30 letter CEO Brian Thompson wrote to the American Hospital Association. CEO/STRATEGY The unapologetic leadership of Dr. Marc Boom Marc Boom, MD, revisits the decisions he's made as CEO of Houston Methodist throughout the pandemic with a sense of conviction that can almost leave one under the impression it's been an easy 22 months. Morgan Health partners with Kaiser: 5 things to know JPMorgan Chase's healthcare venture, Morgan Health, has formed a partnership with Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente. The effort will focus on health disparities. Glassdoor: Best places to work in healthcare for 2022 Glassdoor released its list of "Best Places to Work" in 2022, and four hospitals and health systems made the list. Tenet CEO: Why USPI is its 'gem for the future' Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare's United Surgical Partners International is the company's "gem for the future," CEO Saum Sutaria, MD, said during the JPMorgan Health Conference Jan. 11. 4 mindsets that define the best CEOs In the process of conducting research for their book, three partners at consultancy McKinsey reviewed more than 20 years worth of data from 7,800 CEOs and over 3,500 public companies across the globe to find what makes the best CEOs. Below are four characteristics the authors identified in the most successful CEOs during a Dec. 15 interview: WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP 4 leading women on succeeding in healthcare In October and December, the following healthcare leaders shared their advice for women seeking success in the industry. Here is what they had to say: A look at 3 women honored on Forbes '30 Under 30' in healthcare list Twelve women under 30 years old in healthcare made Forbes magazine's 2022 "30 Under 30" list for their contributions in saving lives and creating a more equitable future. Here's a look at three of them. Older women driving 'Great Retirement' in the US During the "Great Retirement" that has manifested since the COVID-19 pandemic began, women are more likely to be retired than their male peers, according to data from the Institute for Economic Equity published Jan. 4. Viewpoint: Addressing male burnout requires societal shifts Research suggests burnout seems to manifest itself differently in men and women. Societal messaging about the role of men at work needs to change, Jonathan Malesic, PhD, a former theology professor at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., wrote in The New York Times on Jan. 4. What female executives of color want you to know Professional women of color face unique challenges in the workplace that can take a toll on their mental well-being, according to a report in Harvard Business Review published Jan. 14. INNOVATION 3 biggest digital health questions of 2022 René Quashie, vice president of policy and regulatory affairs for digital health at the Consumer Technology Association, discussed with Politico the three most pressing digital health questions in 2022. Kaiser digital chief on the 3 waves of healthcare innovation, importance of digital-1st experiences Even in 2016, 52 percent of visits to Kaiser Permanente were virtual. A leader in digital innovation, Chief Digital Officer Prat Vemana discussed how the system centers patient experience in its digital growth, VentureBeat reported Dec. 13. Mayo, Kaiser among companies investing $110M into 'hospital-at-home' venture Medically Home, a "hospital-at-home" company,  received $110 million in a new funding round from investors including Baxter International, Cardinal Health, Global Medical Response, Mayo Clinic and Kaiser Permanente. Health systems investing more in digital health to improve care, lower costs Health systems are progressively creating venture funds for digital health innovation, as it allows them to find solutions for improving quality of care, lowering healthcare costs, managing healthcare burnout and optimizing revenue, eMarketer reported Jan. 13. Why 1 CMIO thinks AI can't revolutionize healthcare just yet While some tout the potential revolutionizing powers of artificial intelligence in healthcare, others are not so sure that those powers can be actualized just yet, the American Medical Association reported Jan. 5. CIO/HEALTH IT 10 career goals for CIOs in 2022 CIOs looking to advance their careers in 2022 must choose goals that resonate with them, a CIO article reported Jan. 17. Top 10 health technology hazards for 2022, ranked by ECRI The ECRI Institute released its Top 10 Health Technology Hazards 2022 report Jan. 18 for hospitals, medical practices and home care providers. Pullman Regional Hospital partners with Providence to implement Epic HER Pullman (Wash.) Regional Hospital moved forward with the choice to partner with Providence to implement Epic's EHR system for the hospital and its network of clinics, Big Country News reported Jan. 6. Russia arrests REvil ransomware gang The Russian Federal Security Service said Jan. 14 it shut down operations of REvil, one of the top ransomware gangs worldwide. Outcomes from telemedicine just as good as in-person care, study shows Replacing and augmenting regular in-person visits with virtual care results in similar health outcomes and patient satisfaction, U.S. News & World Report reported Jan. 3 CMO/CARE DELIVERY Healthcare workers can't get off the COVID-19 rollercoaster Healthcare workers left the proverbial loading platform in 2020 for a ride of COVID-19 surges that only get tougher, not easier, to stomach. Where people go wrong with 'incidental' COVID-19 hospitalizations The current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. in many ways differs from earlier surges, with breakthrough infections now a norm and not the exception. Billings Clinic recruiting nurses from overseas Amid a shortage of nurses, Billings (Mont.) Clinic is hiring international workers from multiple countries. The strike is over, but tensions could persist as Saint Vincent nurses return to work with nurses hired to replace them Nurses at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Mass., voted to ratify a new contract Jan. 3, officially ending a 301-day strike. However, there could be some tension as nurses who went on strike return to work and work alongside nurses hired to replace them during the walkout, according to the Telegram & Gazette. Nurses: The most trusted US professionals 20th year in a row Americans said nurses are the most honest and ethical professionals for the 20th consecutive year, according to an annual Gallup poll.

January/February 2022 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control ON THE COVER What Northwell's new chief quality officer refuses to look away from Peter Silver, MD, hasn't allowed the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic distract him from the goal that has defined his career: providing his patients with the highest quality of care possible. Healthcare workers can't get off the COVID-19 rollercoaster Healthcare workers left the proverbial loading platform in 2020 for a ride of COVID-19 surges that only get tougher, not easier, to stomach. How Cleveland Clinic has saved $133M in physician retention In 2008, Cleveland Clinic instituted a peer-based coaching and mentoring program for physicians and scientists to promote a proactive approach to clinician well-being for allcomers, which officials estimate has saved the health system at least $133 million in physician retention alone in 2020. UPMC launches in-house travel staffing agency to address nursing shortage UPMC is creating an in-house travel staffing agency to address the nationwide nursing shortage and to attract and retain highly skilled nurses and surgical technologists, the Pittsburgh-based health system said Dec. 17. NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: We are in a patient experience crisis I've had the privilege of working to improve the patient experience in hospitals and healthcare settings for over 20 years. I've been part of teams that have successfully "moved the needle" year over year in challenging markets like Boston and New York. Nurses: The most trusted US professionals 20th year in a row Americans said nurses are the most honest and ethical professionals for the 20th consecutive year, according to an annual Gallup poll. 5 top safety issues for hospitals to address in 2022 As the healthcare industry enters the pandemic's third year, many leaders are working to reinvigorate staff and patient safety efforts. Some hospitals pushing medical-grade masks over cloth coverings as omicron spreads Citing community transmission and record high cases of COVID-19 as the omicron variant spreads, U.S. hospitals and health systems are urging patients and visitors to opt for medical-grade face masks instead of cloth versions. 4 most common symptoms of omicron variant The four most common symptoms of the omicron variant are cough, fatigue, congestion and runny nose, according to a CDC analysis of the first 43 cases investigated in the U.S. Physician happiness plunged during pandemic, survey finds Physician happiness dropped significantly during the pandemic, with 26 percent of surveyed physicians saying they were unhappy compared with 9 percent before the public health crisis, according to the results of the "Medscape 2022 Physician Lifestyle and Happiness Report."  29 best healthcare jobs, per US News: Nurse practitioner is No. 1 Nurse practitioner is the best healthcare job for 2022, with 114,900 projected jobs and a median salary of $111,680, according to a U.S. News & World Report list released Jan. 11. 4 leaders on the patient safety issue they'd fix overnight Healthcare leaders are bringing renewed attention to patient safety issues that have been overshadowed by another year of the COVID-19 pandemic. NP practice authority by state Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia grant nurse practitioners full practice authority as soon as they earn their licenses, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 5 strategies to keep temporary nurses engaged Amid an existing nursing workforce shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals and health systems have turned to travel nurse agencies to supplement the loss of full-time RNs. INFECTION CONTROL Universal coronavirus vaccines urgently needed, NIH leaders say More research is needed to understand the global "coronaviral universe" and use that information to develop vaccines that are broadly protective against coronaviruses, three leaders from the National Institutes of Health wrote in a Dec. 15 op-ed published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Did a common flu strain disappear amid the pandemic? Scientists aim to find out Scientists are exploring whether a common flu strain has gone extinct during the pandemic, though they don't expect to have concrete findings for at least a year, The Wall Street Journal reported Dec. 9. 3 years since last CLABSI in ICU, reports New York hospital NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens hasn't reported any central line-associated bloodstream infections among intensive care unit patients for three consecutive years, the New York City-based hospital said Dec. 7. CDC awards $22M to fight infectious disease, antimicrobial resistance: 4 things to know The CDC has given $22 million to 28 organizations to fight antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases, according to a Dec. 7 news release. Hospitals should use COVID-19 insights to revamp infection control policies, review suggests Hospitals should use insights to revise "outdated" infection prevention and control policies, a review published in Annals of Internal Medicine Nov. 9 suggested. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES Immunocompromised people 3X more likely to get breakthrough COVID-19, study finds Fully vaccinated people with weaker immune systems contract COVID-19 three times more often and have more severe illness than those with strong immune systems, a study published Nov. 30 in the Journal of Medical Economics found. Hospitalizations for eating disorders doubled last year, study finds U.S. hospitalizations for eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia doubled in May 2020 — about two months after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency, a study published Nov. 16 in JAMA Network Open found. Mon Health to adopt plain language emergency alerts Morgantown, W.Va.-based Mon Health System will be one of the first healthcare organizations in the state to transition from emergency codes to plain language alerts Dec. 1. US preterm birth rate dropped in 2020 for 1st time in 6 years The U.S. preterm birth rate declined slightly for the first time in six years, dropping from 10.2 percent in 2019 to 10.1 percent in 2020, according to a March of Dimes Report Card 2021 executive summary.  Omicron patients less likely to be hospitalized, have shorter stays: 6 study findings Omicron rapidly overtook COVID-19 cases at Houston Methodist, causing 90 percent of all new COVID-19 cases only three weeks after the variant was first identified within the health system. Researchers at Houston Methodist have now released preliminary findings about some of the differences between omicron, delta and alpha patients. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE Healthcare workers can't get off the COVID-19 rollercoaster Healthcare workers left the proverbial loading platform in 2020 for a ride of COVID-19 surges that only get tougher, not easier, to stomach. 5 Pennsylvania hospitals to use music to support well-being, resiliency of healthcare workers Five Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems were chosen to participate in a new statewide music therapy program supporting front-line healthcare workers who are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Viewpoint: Younger workers are already fed up As the Great Resignation trudges on, younger workers are expressing their dissatisfaction with the status quo of work, Lara Williams wrote in Bloomberg Nov. 28. 4 ways for leaders to support staff mental health During times of high turnover and worker burnout, it's important for leaders to look after their staff and ensure a positive working environment, Forbes reported Dec. 6. 'More ill, more desperate': How hospitals are responding to changing mental health trends Increased stress, isolation and burnout among patients and clinicians amid the pandemic shed light on a widespread lack of mental health resources. Many hospitals and health systems quickly pivoted their mental health strategies to meet this growing need. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT 3 ways racial bias and stereotypes, algorithms affect clinical decision-making: KFF Disproven conceptions of race may affect clinical decision-making and treatment in several ways and have implications on patient safety and outcomes, according to a Dec. 9 Kaiser Family Foundation report. Sepsis-related deaths highest among older people, CDC finds In 2019, three-fourths of the country's 201,092 sepsis-related deaths were among people aged 65 and older, according to a report from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics published Nov. 10. 4 leaders on the patient safety issue they'd fix overnight Healthcare leaders are bringing renewed attention to patient safety issues that have been overshadowed by another year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Boosting quality, safety scores hiked staff morale, too, Newark's University Hospital CEO says When former New Jersey Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, MD, became president and CEO of Newark, N.J.-based University Hospital in 2019, improving quality and safety became part of his central goals. Cleveland Clinic gets $2.5M for study on cutting antibiotic use among pneumonia patients The Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality has granted $2.5 million to Cleveland Clinic to lead a clinical trial that studies ways to cut the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics among patients with community-acquired pneumonia, the health system said Dec. 9. NURSING SPOTLIGHT 12 nurse innovators in 2021 While nurses' clinical roles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic dominated news stories, many nurses also made headlines for creative medical innovations or entrepreneurship efforts aimed at improving patient outcomes and protecting healthcare workers. Nurses at hospitals with burnout reduction programs stayed at jobs 20% longer, UVA study finds Hospitals that invest in nurse burnout reduction programs may see less burnout-attributed nurse turnover and associated costs, according to a new study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Patient Safety. NP practice authority by state Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia grant nurse practitioners full practice authority as soon as they earn their licenses, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Cedars-Sinai rolls out twin robots to reduce nurses' workload Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai has implemented new technology to reduce nurses' daily workload: twin clinical assistant robots named Moxi, the health system said in a Nov. 29 blog post. 5 strategies to keep temporary nurses engaged Amid an existing nursing workforce shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals and health systems have turned to travel nurse agencies to supplement the loss of full-time RNs.

February 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER 46 top hospitals, ranked by Leapfrog The Leapfrog Group honored 46 general hospitals with its annual Top Hospital Award in 2021. A total of 149 hospitals were honored with the award this year. Eight children's hospitals, 23 rural hospitals and 72 teaching hospitals also received the award. Viewpoint: Don't demonize healthcare executives for creating profit Americans are misplacing their anger at the inaccessibility and lack of affordability of the U.S. healthcare system toward CEOs and executives, Peter Ubel, MD, wrote in Forbes Nov. 22. State-by-state breakdown of 73 hospital closures About 60 million people — nearly 1 in 5 Americans — live in rural areas and depend on their local hospitals for care. More than 70 of those hospitals have ended all services since 2011, according to the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. Can hospitals go too digital? 8 execs weigh in Hospitals have been investing millions in digitization efforts to improve workflows and care outcomes over the past decade, but recent research shows nearly half of employees say too much digitalization hurts productivity. Leadership lessons from Walgreens' CEO Rosalind Brewer, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, has broad business experience, having held leadership roles at Starbucks, Walmart and Sam's Club. She is one of only two Black women running Fortune 500 companies. She sat down with the Harvard Business Review Dec. 9 to explain her leadership strategy. Higher penalties for undisclosed prices won't sway all hospitals to comply, consultant says While CMS' move to increase the penalty for hospitals that don't publish their prices will make some facilities more likely to comply with that requirement, it may not sway the country's largest health systems, Caroline Znaniec, a managing director at advisory firm CohnReznick, told Becker's Hospital Review. Nonprofit hospitals in these 10 states report highest expenses per inpatient day The average adjusted expenses per inpatient day for nonprofit hospitals in the U.S. was $2,738 in 2019. In one state, those expenses were more than $1,000 higher. Could a 10-year war for talent be looming? Board directors and executives are expecting to continue having issues recruiting and retaining talent until 2031, Fortune reported Dec. 13. The strategy behind a Florida health system's mostly female leadership team When Maggie Gill took her first position as a healthcare CFO with Tenet Healthcare in 1994, there was one thing that stood out to her: a predominantly male executive team. Fitness trackers can give early warning of COVID-19, study finds An algorithm that is fed data from wearable fitness trackers can alert people of COVID-19 infection or stress before the onset of symptoms, according to a study published Nov. 29 in Nature. What the Oracle-Cerner deal could mean for EHR interoperability: 7 insights Oracle's $28.3 billion acquisition of Cerner could pave the way to reduce patient data silos and interoperability challenges among hospitals and health systems, some analysts predict, according to a Dec. 21 report in The Wall Street Journal. 6 patient experience leaders share their 2022 goals From reviving the human experience for patients and care teams to increasing digital access, hospitals and health systems around the U.S. are continuing to elevate patient experience initiatives heading into the new year. UPMC launches in-house travel staffing agency to address nursing shortage UPMC is creating an in-house travel staffing agency to address the nationwide nursing shortage and to attract and retain highly skilled nurses and surgical technologists, the Pittsburgh-based health system said Dec. 17. Dr. Prathibha Varkey, President, Mayo Clinic Health System Dr. Prathibha Varkey returned to Mayo Clinic in August as president of the Mayo Clinic Health System, which serves communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. She previously practiced medicine and served in several leadership roles at Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic for more than a decade before leaving in 2013 to pursue CEO roles at Seton Clinical Enterprise in Austin, Texas, and Northeast Medical Group within Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health. Rick Evans, Senior Vice President of Patient Services & Chief Experience Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital I've had the privilege of working to improve the patient experience in hospitals and healthcare settings for over 20 years. I've been part of teams that have successfully "moved the needle" year over year in challenging markets like Boston and New York. Jaewon Ryu, MD, President & CEO, Geisinger Jaewon Ryu, MD, has helmed Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger since 2018, overseeing a nine-hospital system with nearly 24,000 employees, about 4,000 of whom are working remotely. Leslie Davis, President & CEO, UPMC Leslie Davis assumed the role of president and CEO of UPMC Aug. 1. She succeeds Jeffrey Romoff, who over 48 years led the Pittsburgh organization's growth from academic medical center to fully integrated $23 billion global health system. Mike Coggin, Executive Vice President & CFO, LifePoint HealthMike Coggin is the executive vice president and CFO of LifePoint Health, which currently operates 84 hospital campuses. Conor Delaney, MD, PhD, President & CEO, Cleveland Clinic Florida Conor Delaney, MD, PhD, has served as president and CEO of Weston-based Cleveland Clinic Florida since October 2020, overseeing a system of five hospitals, a research center and numerous outpatient centers. Yolanda Coleman, PhD, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Weiss Memorial Hospital Yolanda Coleman, PhD, RN, became Chicago-based Weiss Memorial Hospital's chief nursing officer on Oct. 25. She spoke to Becker's in December about staffing challenges and shared her advice for other women in healthcare leadership. Denise Basow, MD, Senior Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Ochsner Health Denise Basow, MD, will join Jefferson, La.-based Ochsner Health System as senior vice president and chief digital officer in January 2022. As CEO of clinical effectiveness for Waltham, Mass.-based Wolters Kluwer, she has led multiple lines of business, including UpToDate, a software giant she joined in 1996 when the company was still in its infancy. Dr. Basow spoke with Becker's in December about her decision to leave Wolters Kluwer and what she's most proud of. Cris Ross, CIO, Mayo Clinic In 2019, Mayo Clinic began a 10-year strategic partnership with Google focused on innovation and cloud computing. Here, Cris Ross, the Rochester, Minn.-based system's CIO, provides updates on what the partnership has accomplished and where it's going. David Feinberg, MD, CEO, Cerner Throughout his 25-year career in different healthcare and technology spaces, Cerner CEO David Feinberg, MD, has maintained a central focus on what he considers the most important thing: the patient. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Dr. Prathibha Varkey: Mayo Clinic Health System's new president on persistence, grit and courage Dr. Prathibha Varkey returned to Mayo Clinic in August as president of the Mayo Clinic Health System, which serves communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. She previously practiced medicine and served in several leadership roles at Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic for more than a decade before leaving in 2013 to pursue CEO roles at Seton Clinical Enterprise in Austin, Texas, and Northeast Medical Group within Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health. NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: We are in a patient experience crisis I've had the privilege of working to improve the patient experience in hospitals and healthcare settings for over 20 years. I've been part of teams that have successfully "moved the needle" year over year in challenging markets like Boston and New York. For Geisinger CEO Dr. Jaewon Ryu, there is a silver lining to the pandemic Jaewon Ryu, MD, has helmed Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger since 2018, overseeing a nine-hospital system with nearly 24,000 employees, about 4,000 of whom are working remotely. At UPMC CEO Leslie Davis' table, conflicting opinions are welcome Leslie Davis assumed the role of president and CEO of UPMC Aug. 1. She succeeds Jeffrey Romoff, who over 48 years led the Pittsburgh organization's growth from academic medical center to fully integrated $23 billion global health system. LifePoint CFO Mike Coggin focused on Kindred deal, cost management + more Mike Coggin is the executive vice president and CFO of LifePoint Health, which currently operates 84 hospital campuses. CFO / FINANCE State-by-state breakdown of 73 hospital closures About 60 million people — nearly 1 in 5 Americans — live in rural areas and depend on their local hospitals for care. More than 70 of those hospitals have ended all services since 2011, according to the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. Higher penalties for undisclosed prices won't sway all hospitals to comply, consultant says While CMS' move to increase the penalty for hospitals that don't publish their prices will make some facilities more likely to comply with that requirement, it may not sway the country's largest health systems, Caroline Znaniec, a managing director at advisory firm CohnReznick, told Becker's Hospital Review. California hospital files for bankruptcy A 106-bed hospital in Watsonville, Calif., and its parent company have filed for bankruptcy protection. Watsonville (Calif.) Community Hospital and its parent company, Halsen Healthcare, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Dec. 5. The hospital has between $10 million and $50 million in assets and liabilities within the same range, according to its bankruptcy petition signed by the hospital's chief restructuring officer. HCA to build 3 hospitals in Florida HCA Healthcare, a 183-hospital system based in Nashville, Tenn., is expanding its footprint in Florida. The for-profit hospital operator has 47 hospitals in Florida and plans to start building three new acute care hospitals in the state next year. HCA Healthcare is building a 90-bed hospital in Gainesville, a 100-bed hospital in Fort Myers and a 60-bed hospital near The Villages, according to a Nov. 30 news release. Nonprofit hospitals in these 10 states report highest expenses per inpatient day The average adjusted expenses per inpatient day for nonprofit hospitals in the U.S. was $2,738 in 2019. In one state, those expenses were more than $1,000 higher. CEO/STRATEGY 10 notable CEO transitions this year Becker's Hospital Review reported on CEO transitions at hospitals and health systems across the U.S. in 2021. Viewpoint: Don't demonize healthcare executives for creating profit Americans are misplacing their anger at the inaccessibility and lack of affordability of the U.S. healthcare system toward CEOs and executives, Peter Ubel, MD, wrote in Forbes Nov. 22. 5 ways to improve healthcare, according to Intermountain's CEO The pandemic exposed many flaws within the U.S healthcare system. Health systems can improve access, affordability and patient health by combining these five strategies to fix the system, as reported in Harvard Business Review Dec. 15. 72% of CEOs are concerned about their job security in 2022 Disruption of supply chains, labor shortages and desperately needed updates to corporate strategy have CEOs worried for what 2022 holds, but a top concern was their own job security, according to a recent Bloomberg  report. When's the right time for a CEO to step down? Researchers from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill attempted to quantify when might be the right time for a company founder to step down as CEO, The Harvard Business Review reported Dec. 17. Although the answer varies by company, the researchers offered suggestions on how to smooth the transition. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP The strategy behind a Florida health system's mostly female leadership team When Maggie Gill took her first position as a healthcare CFO with Tenet Healthcare in 1994, there was one thing that stood out to her: a predominantly male executive team. New CNO's biggest challenge: Balancing excellence with staff vacancies Yolanda Coleman, PhD, RN, became Chicago-based Weiss Memorial Hospital's chief nursing officer on Oct. 25. She spoke to Becker's in December about staffing challenges and shared her advice for other women in healthcare leadership. Ranking women's performance can be harmful to their work, study says Performance management reviews can create a particular kind of competitive environment that may work to the detriment of women, Harvard Business Review reported Dec. 13. Women's wage growth outpacing men's The economic situation for women may be improving since the beginning of the pandemic-induced recession, Intelligencer reported Dec. 15. Dr. Denise Basow on the union of purpose and business in healthcare Denise Basow, MD, will join Jefferson, La.-based Ochsner Health System as senior vice president and chief digital officer in January 2022. As CEO of clinical effectiveness for Waltham, Mass.-based Wolters Kluwer, she has led multiple lines of business, including UpToDate, a software giant she joined in 1996 when the company was still in its infancy. Dr. Basow spoke with Becker's in December about her decision to leave Wolters Kluwer and what she's most proud of. Women hold only 15% of CEO roles in healthcare organizations Despite the massive, diverse patient pool for healthcare companies, only 15 percent of CEOs in the industry are women, a new study published Nov. 29 revealed. INNOVATION Mayo Clinic CIO: Google partnership will 'transform healthcare'In 2019, Mayo Clinic began a 10-year strategic partnership with Google focused on innovation and cloud computing. Here, Cris Ross, the Rochester, Minn.-based system's CIO, provides updates on what the partnership has accomplished and where it's going. Renown inks remote patient-monitoring deal for in-hospital & at-home care Reno, Nev.-based Renown Health on Dec. 6 partnered with BioIntellisense, a remote patient- monitoring company, to improve in-hospital and at-home care through the use of the company's on-body sensor. 2021's brightest health tech innovations, per 5 hospital execs Here, five executives from health systems across the country answer the question, "What was the most impactful health tech innovation in 2021?" Can hospitals go too digital? 8 execs weigh in Hospitals have been investing millions in digitization efforts to improve workflows and care outcomes over the past decade, but recent research shows nearly half of employees say too much digitalization hurts productivity.Fitness trackers can give early warning of COVID-19, study finds An algorithm that is fed data from wearable fitness trackers can alert people of COVID-19 infection or stress before the onset of symptoms, according to a study published Nov. 29 in Nature. CIO/HEALTH IT Viewpoint: Why it's time to nix IT departments While IT departments are designed to oversee digital transformation, the idea of siloing staff with expertise in IT management into one separate division is the main force preventing companies from being innovative, according to Joe Peppard, PhD. Scripps' Epic EHR automates supply price markups up to 675% Scripps Memorial Hospital's Epic EHR uses an automated tool to mark up prices of supplies between 575 and 675 percent in real time within the EHR, The Los Angeles Times reported Dec. 10. What the Oracle-Cerner deal could mean for EHR interoperability: 7 insights Oracle's $28.3 billion acquisition of Cerner could pave the way to reduce patient data silos and interoperability challenges among hospitals and health systems, some analysts predict, according to a Dec. 21 report in The Wall Street Journal. CMS chief outlines data interoperability goals: 5 insights for providers, payers CMS' goals for health data interoperability focus on standardizing application programming interfaces and streamlining data exchanges. Dr. David Feinberg shares strategy for Cerner & the leadership advice that has guided his career Throughout his 25-year career in different healthcare and technology spaces, Cerner CEO David Feinberg, MD, has maintained a central focus on what he considers the most important thing: the patient. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Meet the CNOs of US News' top 15 hospitals: 2021-22 This year has put nursing leaders to the test as they have worked to set up makeshift COVID-19 units, secure personal protective equipment for their teams and provide emotional support during some of the hardest moments of many nurses' careers. 1 in 5 physicians, 2 in 5 nurses intend to leave practice within 2 years, AMA-led study finds The healthcare workforce is on the brink of experiencing high staff turnover rates, indicative of what is being deemed the "Great Resignation," a new American Medical Association-led study suggests. Yale New Haven Health saved 470 hours of nurses' time in 1 year with EHR tool Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health partnered with New England Donor Services, the northeastern U.S.' organ procurement organization, to streamline the organ donation process, Harvard Business Review reported Dec. 13. 6 patient experience leaders share their 2022 goals From reviving the human experience for patients and care teams to increasing digital access, hospitals and health systems around the U.S. are continuing to elevate patient experience initiatives heading into the new year. Memorial Sloan Kettering paid $1.9M severance to former CMO José Baselga, MD, PhD, resigned from his roles as physician-in-chief and CMO of Memorial Sloan Kettering in September 2018, shortly after an analysis by The New York Times and ProPublica revealed he failed to disclose financial ties to healthcare companies in papers he authored. At the time, he said the lapses in disclosure were unintentional and that his industry work was known among the public.

January 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER 39 hospitals face maximum Medicare readmission penalties As part of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, Medicare will cut payments to 83 percent of the 3,080 hospitals evaluated for the program by anywhere from 0.01 percent to the maximum of 3 percent in fiscal year 2021. Walmart heir Alice Walton wants to reform healthcare The Walmart heir and philanthropist Alice Walton has had a keen interest in healthcare reform and has funded a number of initiatives aimed at improving health for the residents of northwest Arkansas, TalkBusiness reported Nov. 9. The cost of nurse turnover by the numbers The COVID-19 pandemic wore down registered nurses, causing many to leave and retire early, leaving vacant spots in hospitals. Due to this, hospitals have been paying astronomical prices in turnover costs, according to the "2021 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report." Vaccine mandates are affecting CEO recruitment: Here's how The effect of vaccination mandates and the COVID-19 pandemic have often been discussed from the angle of employees who have left their organizations and their managers, but the effect on executive hiring is less explored. Becker's spoke to an executive search hiring manager at WittKieffer to understand how the pandemic has changed executive recruitment in healthcare. How to alleviate clinicians' EHR burnout, per 12 CIOs Clinicians are experiencing a burnout crisis that stems from several factors — one of them being EHR burden. Here, executives from 12 hospitals and health systems across the country share their thoughts on how to best address EHR burnout. 7 health system CFOs share advice for peers Seven finance chiefs from top health systems across the U.S. recently spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about the advice they would pass along to other CFOs. Mass General Brigham CEO: Capacity crisis to continue Boston-based Mass General Brigham saw its revenue and net income increase in the 12 months ended Sept. 30, despite higher expenses, staffing shortages and capacity challenges. Career 'hot streaks': When they happen and what fuels them It may appear that creative "hot streaks" in a person's career are random and short-lived, but new research reveals a pattern to the productive bursts that can help encourage more of them, The Atlantic reported Nov. 1. Former Sanford Health CEO got $49M payout after abrupt departure Kelby Krabbenhoft, the former president and CEO of Sanford Health who abruptly departed in late 2020, received a more than $49 million payout, according to federal tax documents obtained by Forum News Service. 10 execs share their systems' best innovation projects in 2021 This year has been ripe with opportunities to improve healthcare delivery through digital innovation. Below, 10 executives from health systems across the country share the project they've been most proud of in 2021. HHS updates HIPAA guidelines: 7 things to know HHS' Office for Civil Rights issued new guidance Dec. 20 to explain how HIPAA covers healthcare providers who disclose protected health information to support instances of extreme risk protection orders. Why a Wyoming hospital split the CNO role among 3 nurses Jackson, Wyo.-based St. John's Health is splitting the CNO role among three individuals as part of a shared leadership model, the Jackson Hole News&Guide reported Nov. 10. The art of the second opinion Second opinions are tricky. Patients who seek them often have complex conditions, and physicians must exercise caution when delivering them to avoid further confusing patients who are already conflicted. Lloyd Dean, CEO Retirement makes for a big transition in an executive's day-to-day life. This is especially the case when the executive has been working since age 10, like CommonSpirit Health CEO Lloyd Dean. Edward Karlovich, Executive Vice President & CFO UPMC Edward Karlovich serves as the executive vice president and CFO for UPMC, a $23 billion provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh. Ryannon Frederick, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer Mayo Clinic Ryannon Frederick, MSN, RN, is chief nursing officer at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. In an email to Becker's in October, she shared how the health system is navigating staffing challenges, and what she thinks the nursing landscape will look like following the pandemic. Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, Chief Community Impact Officer Ascension Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, didn't hesitate to take on the role of chief community impact officer for St. Louis-based Ascension. Joanne Conroy, MD, President & CEO Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health Joanne Conroy, MD, CEO and president of Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, became accustomed to monitoring her patients' vital signs during her clinical career as an anesthesiologist. Rich Liekweg, President & CEO BJC HealthCare As president and CEO of St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare, Rich Liekweg strives to interpret others' words and actions through a lens of respect and focuses his attention on how others want to be treated. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP The stakes for health system CEOs are higher: CommonSpirit CEO Lloyd H. Dean explains how Retirement makes for a big transition in an executive's day-to-day life. This is especially the case when the executive has been working since age 10, like CommonSpirit Health CEO Lloyd Dean. UPMC CFO Edward Karlovich advises peers to 'look beyond the challenges of today' Edward Karlovich serves as the executive vice president and CFO for UPMC, a $23 billion provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh. Mayo's CNO on the likelihood of nurses' post-pandemic return Ryannon Frederick, MSN, RN, is chief nursing officer at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. In an email to Becker's in October, she shared how the health system is navigating staffing challenges, and what she thinks the nursing landscape will look like following the pandemic. Ascension's new chief community impact officer on why she took the job: 'We run to the poor and vulnerable' Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, didn't hesitate to take on the role of chief community impact officer for St. Louis-based Ascension. The 3 health system vital signs Dr. Joanne Conroy monitors as CEO of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Joanne Conroy, MD, CEO and president of Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, became accustomed to monitoring her patients' vital signs during her clinical career as an anesthesiologist. CFO / FINANCE The 39 hospitals facing maximum Medicare readmission penalties As part of its hospital readmissions reduction program, Medicare will cut payments to 82 percent of the 3,046 hospitals evaluated for the program by between 0.01 percent to the maximum of 3 percent in fiscal year 2022. 10 most cost-efficient hospitals in AmericaThe Lown Institute released a new analysis that studied data from more than 3,000 hospitals and identified potentially $8 billion in Medicare savings. 7 health system CFOs share advice for peers Seven finance chiefs from top health systems across the U.S. recently spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about the advice they would pass along to other CFOs. CHS doesn't expect ER volumes to fully bounce back post pandemic Community Health Systems' executives discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected patient volumes and shared predictions for the year ahead during an event Nov. 8 sponsored by Credit Suisse. 8 hospital deals called off in past year There were several hospital mergers, acquisitions and partnerships that, at some point in their lifetime, were called off in the past year. CEO/STRATEGY Novant Health must pay $10M to former exec in discrimination case A former Novant Health executive who claimed in a lawsuit he was fired to help the organization reach diversity goals was awarded $10 million by a federal jury Oct. 22. Advocate Aurora Health invests $93M to boost minimum wage Advocate Aurora Health will invest $93 million to boost its minimum hourly wage, the health system said Nov. 11. Michigan systems to disband 5,400-physician network Five Michigan health systems are ceasing operation of Affirmant Health Partners, their clinically integrated network, at the end of this year. The essential skills for CEOs to thrive today, according to 3 health systems In a series of interviews, Becker's Hospital Review asked leaders to share the skills they consider essential for health system CEOs to thrive in today's healthcare landscape. Career 'hot streaks': When they happen and what fuels them It may appear that creative "hot streaks" in a person's career are random and short-lived, but new research reveals a pattern to the productive bursts that can help encourage more of them, The Atlantic reported Nov. 1. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Allina Health CEO Dr. Penny Wheeler on retirement and rebuilding Penny Wheeler, MD, was born at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, the same hospital she has overseen as CEO of Allina Health system since 2014. "I tell people that I've been here for 63 years," she told Becker's in October. CVS Health wants to push into primary care, CEO Karen Lynch says CVS Health President and CEO Karen Lynch said the company is looking to push into offering primary care options to patients, which would increase its ambitious vertical system offerings. Viewpoint: How everyday sexism holds women back Microaggressions and subtle biases can pile up and collectively cause massive effects on employees that may hold them back from reaching the next level, writer Jessica Nordell argued in The New York Times Oct. 14. Walmart heir Alice Walton wants to reform healthcare The Walmart heir and philanthropist Alice Walton has had a keen interest in healthcare reform and has funded a number of initiatives aimed at improving health for the residents of northwest Arkansas, TalkBusiness reported Nov. 9. Wide pay disparities found for physicians by gender, race According to a survey published Oct. 7, female physicians and scientists at medical schools across the country are paid substantially less than men of all races. INNOVATION 10 execs share their systems' best innovation projects in 2021 This year has been ripe with opportunities to improve healthcare delivery through digital innovation. Below, 10 executives from health systems across the country share the project they've been most proud of in 2021. Provider-led data platform Truveta now live, secures $200M in funding Truveta, a healthcare data analytics startup formed by 14 U.S. health systems, on Nov. 9 launched its deidentified clinical data platform, which pools information on participating care sites to glean insights on medical conditions such as COVID-19 and rare diseases. Mark Cuban's drug company to launch PBM Mark Cuban's new generic drug company is launching its own pharmacy benefit management company, The Wall Street Journal reported Oct. 25. Atrium Health planning $1.5B innovation district: 5 new details Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health on Nov. 9 revealed new details about its $1.5 billion innovation district that will surround its future medical school, the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Charlotte, according to The Charlotte Observer. CMS nixes Medicare coverage of breakthrough medical devices: 4 things to know CMS said Nov. 12 it will rescind a rule introduced by former President Donald Trump's administration that allows Medicare to quickly cover medical devices deemed "breakthrough" technologies by the FDA. CIO/HEALTH IT HHS updates HIPAA guidelines: 7 things to know HHS' Office for Civil Rights issued new guidance Dec. 20 to explain how HIPAA covers healthcare providers who disclose protected health information to support instances of extreme risk protection orders. Telehealth, virtual care or video visit? The nomenclature patients prefer Care that is provided virtually goes by several different names, and patients respond differently to each of those terms, according to research released by branding agency Monigle. U of Maryland Medical System faces hourly cyberattack attempts, CIO says Cyberattacks on hospitals and health systems are escalating, and at University of Maryland Medical System, phishing attempts are coming through multiple times a day, according to CIO Joel Klein, MD. Where do different generations get their health info? Disseminating health information at a physician's office is the most effective strategy for reaching all generations, according to a report released Nov. 1 by healthcare marketing agency CMI Media Group. Google parent Alphabet launches AI-powered drug discovery company Google's parent company, Alphabet, launched Isomorphic Labs, which will use artificial intelligence to accelerate drug discovery, according to a Nov. 4 blog post written by its CEO, Demis Hassabis. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Where are the 23 Leapfrog straight-'A' hospitals? The Leapfrog Group released its fall 2021 Hospital Safety Grades on Nov. 10, assigning "A" through "F" letter grades to 2,901 general acute-care hospitals in the U.S. for patient safety performance. Why a Wyoming hospital split the CNO role among 3 nurses Jackson, Wyo.-based St. John's Health is splitting the CNO role among three individuals as part of a shared leadership model, the Jackson Hole News&Guide reported Nov. 10.  Where are the 18 Leapfrog 'F' hospitals? The Leapfrog Group gave 18 hospitals failing grades in its fall 2021 Hospital Safety Grades released Nov. 10. KFF survey: 78% of public believes or is unsure about at least 1 COVID-19 falsehood Almost 80 percent of U.S. adults either believe or aren't sure about at least one of eight falsehoods about the COVID-19 pandemic or vaccines, and nearly one-third believe at least four of the falsehoods, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey published Nov. 8 found. Kaiser backs hospital-at-home after nurses slam program National Nurses United pushed back against hospital-at-home programs in a Nov. 4 statement, arguing such programs do not offer patients the same level of care and threaten to cut nurses' jobs.

November/December 2021 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control ON THE COVER Pandemic surgery delays exact an emotional toll, too, physicians say As hospitals again pause nonemergency surgeries in response to surging COVID-19 patient volumes, healthcare leaders and physicians are closely watching what effect this will have on patients' health and healthcare experience. NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: 7 principles to maintain relationships with our patients in a world of transactions I've written in the past about how we need to reconcile the terms "patient" and "customer" in healthcare. There are segments of the healthcare community that still believe thinking of the people we serve as anything but patients diminishes the dignity of the patient-provider relationship. AMA recognizes 44 systems for clinician burnout efforts The American Medical Association honored 44 health systems for their efforts to support clinicians' well-being amid potential burnout. The organization unveiled the list in an Oct. 7 press release as recipients of the 2021 Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program. The less-discussed consequence of healthcare's labor shortage The healthcare industry's staffing shortage crisis has had clear consequences for care delivery and efficiency, forcing some health systems to pause nonemergency surgeries or temporarily close facilities. Less understood is how these shortages are affecting care quality and patient safety. 1 in 5 physicians has considered quitting their current job, survey finds The Medscape Physician Nonclinical Careers Report 2021 published Oct. 8 found one in five physicians has considered leaving their current job to pursue nonclinical careers. It's time to upgrade from cloth masks, experts say Misinformation surrounding masking has turned the topic into a binary for Americans: either you're masked or not — but experts say the public needs to start paying attention to the quality of their masks.  What researchers found reviewing 250,000 long COVID-19 cases More than half of COVID-19 survivors experience at least one symptom six months or more after initially recovering from the illness, a systematic review involving 250,351 COVID-19 survivors found. COVID-19 reinfection likely for unvaccinated, study suggests New modeling estimates suggest natural immunity from a COVID-19 infection fades quickly, leaving individuals susceptible to reinfection, according to a study published Oct. 1 in The Lancet Microbe. Healthcare safety scores fell amid pandemic, analysis shows Safety performance declined across the entire healthcare industry in 2020, according to an analysis published Oct. 21 by Press Ganey. CDC releases data on COVID-19 cases, deaths by vaccine type: 5 things to know Unvaccinated people are about six times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 and 11 times more likely to die from the illness compared to people who are vaccinated, though there are slight differences in risk based on vaccine type, according to newly released CDC data. 2 EHR measures that can predict physician departures Two key EHR use metrics can help flag which physicians are most likely to leave their position, according to a study published Oct. 12 in JAMA Network Open. Epic's sepsis model used at 100+ hospitals has conflicting results: 6 things to know A new study from researchers at Cleveland-based MetroHealth found that Epic's sepsis warning system, which is used at hundreds of U.S. hospitals and health systems, is associated with administering antibiotics faster, according to an Aug. 20 study published in Critical Care Medicine. Overdose deaths at new high, CDC data show More than 96,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending in March, marking a new record high, ​​according to preliminary CDC data released Oct. 13. How Mayo Clinic uses data to improve surgical outcomes: 4 insights Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic has developed an approach using clinical databases to improve surgical outcomes that can be applied at other hospitals, according to a Sept. 30 Harvard Business Review report. INFECTION CONTROL CHOP warns 'small number' of patients about measles exposure Health officials began notifying people Oct. 8 who may have been exposed to measles at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, after a case of the disease was reported in the facility, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. U of Maryland researchers develop new personal protective equipment for prolonged use A team of researchers at the University of Maryland is developing a new type of personal protective equipment that is more comfortable for periods of longer use, according to an Oct. 4 press release. Most hospital-acquired COVID-19 cases linked to patients, not staff, UK study suggests Most patients who contracted COVID-19 during their stay at a U.K. hospital got it from other patients, not hospital staff, according to a study published Aug. 24 in eLife. Breakthrough infections may not pose major transmission risk, immunologists say The virus shedding from people with breakthrough COVID-19 infections may be less infectious than that coming from an unvaccinated COVID-19 patient, NPR reported Oct. 12. COVID-19 variants travel farther in the air, new studies suggest The coronavirus has evolved to become more airborne, a possible explanation as to why variants like alpha and delta are more transmissible than the original strain, The New York Times reports. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES Lung maintains long-term memory of COVID-19 infection, study finds A Columbia University study published Oct. 7 found the memory of COVID-19 infection is primarily stored in T and B cells in the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes. Healthcare safety scores fell amid pandemic, analysis shows Safety performance declined across the entire healthcare industry in 2020, according to an analysis published Oct. 21 by Press Ganey. NYU Langone gets $470M to support national long COVID-19 research New York City-based NYU Langone has received nearly $470 million from the National Institutes of Health to build a national study cohort of tens of thousands of people to accelerate research on the long term effects of COVID-19. Substance use disorders tied to higher risk of breakthrough COVID-19, study finds While the overall risk is low, people with substance use disorders such as drug and alcohol abuse may be more susceptible to a breakthrough COVID-19 infection than those without the disorders, research published Oct. 5 in World Psychiatry suggests. 'COVID toes' linked to immune system overreaction, small study suggests A British Journal of Dermatology study published Oct. 6 shed more light on "COVID toes," a symptom of some COVID-19 patients who experience  toes and fingers change color, itch and swell. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE Pandemic surgery delays exact an emotional toll, too, physicians say As hospitals again pause nonemergency surgeries in response to surging COVID-19 patient volumes, healthcare leaders and physicians are closely watching what effect this will have on patients' health and healthcare experience. 2 EHR measures that can predict physician departures Two key EHR use metrics can help flag which physicians are most likely to leave their position, according to a study published Oct. 12 in JAMA Network Open. COVID-19 influenced decrease in patients' likelihood to recommend services, survey finds The overall number of patients who would definitely recommend a hospital to others decreased by 4.5 percent during the pandemic, reflecting a national decrease in patients’ perceptions of care across all care settings, according to a Press Ganey survey published Nov. 4. NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: 7 principles to maintain relationships with our patients in a world of transactions I've written in the past about how we need to reconcile the terms "patient" and "customer" in healthcare. There are segments of the healthcare community that still believe thinking of the people we serve as anything but patients diminishes the dignity of the patient-provider relationship. 76% of patients leave physician's office unsatisfied, turn to the internet to supplement visits Most patients use the internet to research their health concerns after leaving their physician's appointment unsatisfied, according to an October report by the AHIMA Foundation, the charitable affiliate of the American Health Information Management Association. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT Black COVID-19 patients less likely to receive medical follow-ups, study finds A University of Michigan study published Oct.11 found Black COVID-19 patients are less likely to receive medical follow-ups after hospitalizations and more likely to experience longer wait times to return to work. People with disabilities less vaccine hesitant, but face more access barriers, CDC report finds Although people with disabilities are less likely to report vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 vaccination coverage is lower among this population compared to those without a disability, according to the CDC's Oct. 1 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Anxiety and depression down in 2021, but still elevated: CDC National rates of anxiety and depression declined in the first half of 2021 but remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to a CDC report published Oct. 5. Poll finds many Americans' health, finances still far from baseline due to pandemic Even as COVID-19 infections begin to fall more than a year and a half into the pandemic, many Americans continue to face severe financial problems and disruptions to healthcare access, poll findings released Oct. 12 found. Epic's sepsis model used at 100+ hospitals has conflicting results: 6 things to know A new study from researchers at Cleveland-based MetroHealth found that Epic's sepsis warning system, which is used at hundreds of U.S. hospitals and health systems, is associated with administering antibiotics faster, according to an Aug. 20 study published in Critical Care Medicine. DATA ANALYTICS & INFORMATICS How Mayo Clinic uses data to improve surgical outcomes: 4 insights Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic has developed an approach using clinical databases to improve surgical outcomes that can be applied at other hospitals, according to a Sept. 30 Harvard Business Review report. Missouri Hospital Association's data arm launches health equity dashboards: 3 details The Missouri Hospital Association launched a data dashboard Oct. 11 that displays details of health inequities by zip code, symptom and prevalence, according to details shared with Becker's. CDC to use de-identified data from 5 million patients to research COVID-19 in older adults The CDC has selected PointClickCare, a healthcare cloud company, to provide data sets to give insights that help researchers learn more about COVID-19. Childbirth complications cost US $825M annually — 3 ways AI can reduce costs, improve care Physicians from Stanford (Calif.) University School of Medicine and Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center shared three ways artificial intelligence can be deployed in hospitals to curb maternal mortality in an Aug. 9 Harvard Business Review report. Mayo, Google develop algorithm to help treat brain injuries, psychiatric illnesses Google and Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic have collaborated on an artificial intelligence algorithm to improve brain stimulation and assist in treating patients with psychiatric illness and direct brain injuries, Onmanorama reported Sept. 6.

December 2021 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER 100 of the largest hospitals and health systems in America | 2021 Becker's Hospital Review compiled a combined 100+ large hospitals and health systems by bed count and number of hospitals, respectively. The less-discussed consequence of healthcare's labor shortage The healthcare industry's staffing shortage crisis has had clear consequences for care delivery and efficiency, forcing some health systems to pause nonemergency surgeries or temporarily close facilities. Less understood is how these shortages are affecting care quality and patient safety. Northwell CEO: Vaccination mandates work After shedding about 2 percent of its workforce, New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health is 100 percent vaccinated against COVID-19 and doesn't expect disruption to services. Ascension, CommonSpirit and Trinity see finances rebound The largest nonprofit health systems, Ascension, CommonSpirit Health and Trinity Health, saw their financial performance begin to bounce back in fiscal year 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic hurt performance a year earlier. 6 things to know about 'killware,' cybersecurity's next big threat Some hackers are adopting a “killware” cyber model, which launches attacks on critical infrastructure with the intent to harm Americans, USA Today reported Oct. 11. Pennsylvania hospital announces closure on Facebook after feds seize records Ellwood City (Pa.) Medical Center is officially closed, but state and federal officials are still investigating its owner's dealings, according to New Castle News. UnitedHealthcare, Anthem behind on billions of payments to hospitals The country's two largest insurers — UnitedHealthcare and Anthem — are behind on billions of dollars of payments to hospitals due to new reimbursement rules, claims issues and retroactive claims denials, according to a Kaiser Health News article republished in USA Today. 2 North Carolina hospital board members resign over HCA ownership Two members of Transylvania Regional Hospital's board resigned Sept. 20, saying they are "powerless, voiceless and definitely unessential" now that the hospital is owned by Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare. 11 physician specialities ranked by female representation Obstetrics and gynecology is the physician specialty with the greatest female representation while orthopaedic surgery has the least, according to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. How Cerner's new CEO Dr. David Feinberg plans to take EHRs to full potential: 5 insights As part of his strategy for leading Cerner, David Feinberg, MD, is focused on improving EHR usability and interoperability, he said during the Kansas City, Mo.-based EHR company's virtual event Oct. 12. Cyberattack on Alabama hospital linked to 1st alleged ransomware death A lawsuit is alleging that a 2019 ransomware attack on Mobile, Ala.-based Springhill Medical Center resulted in a baby's death, according to a Sept. 30 report by The Wall Street Journal. Breakthrough infections may not pose major transmission risk, immunologists say The virus shedding from people with breakthrough COVID-19 infections may be less infectious than that coming from an unvaccinated COVID-19 patient, NPR reported Oct. 12. Texas hospital responds to photo of COVID-19 patient draped in plastic Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas, said it received a flood of threats after a photo of a COVID-19 patient wearing a plastic drape over her head went viral, ABC affiliate KMID reported Oct. 14. Shane Strum, President & CEO Shane Strum became president and CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Broward Health in March, and he brought with him a state-level perspective. Karen Teitelbaum, President & CEO Karen Teitelbaum will be stepping down from her post as CEO of Sinai Chicago at the end of the year. She has been with the health system since 2007, first as executive vice president and COO before becoming president and CEO in 2014. Ms. Teitelbaum spoke to Becker's in October about her greatest challenges and successes over the last 14 years and her plans for the future. Dominic Nakis, CFO Dominic Nakis serves as the CFO of Advocate Aurora Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems with $13.1 billion in annual revenue and about 75,000 employees. Alexa Kimball, MD, President & CEO As we move through fall and continue in a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, career moves and leadership changes are everywhere in healthcare. If you are starting in a new leadership position, it will take time to learn the culture of your new workplace; or, if you have moved into a leadership role in an organization you have already worked for, it’s time to think about how your new role as a leader differs, and how you can both hit the ground running and be most effective in guiding your colleagues. Greg Hoffman, CFO Greg Hoffman serves as the CFO of Providence, a 52-hospital system with more than $25 billion in annual revenue. Madeline Bell, President & CEO Madeline Bell, BSN, is the CEO of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which recently made Forbes' 2021 list of best employers for women. She spoke with Becker's Oct. 14 about the notable ranking, as well as her recent conversation with President Joe Biden regarding the mental health crisis facing America's children's hospitals. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Broward Health poised for significant growth in 2022, CEO says Shane Strum became president and CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Broward Health in March, and he brought with him a state-level perspective. Karen Teitelbaum says goodbye to Sinai Karen Teitelbaum will be stepping down from her post as CEO of Sinai Chicago at the end of the year. She has been with the health system since 2007, first as executive vice president and COO before becoming president and CEO in 2014. Ms. Teitelbaum spoke to Becker's in October about her greatest challenges and successes over the last 14 years and her plans for the future. Why staffing is a top concern for hospital CFOs, according to Advocate Aurora's CFO Dominic Nakis serves as the CFO of Advocate Aurora Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems with $13.1 billion in annual revenue and about 75,000 employees. Lessons learned: Your first months as a leader in healthcare As we move through fall and continue in a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, career moves and leadership changes are everywhere in healthcare. If you are starting in a new leadership position, it will take time to learn the culture of your new workplace; or, if you have moved into a leadership role in an organization you have already worked for, it’s time to think about how your new role as a leader differs, and how you can both hit the ground running and be most effective in guiding your colleagues. CFO / FINANCE Tower Health to close 1 hospital, sell another As part of a financial stabilization plan announced Sept. 28, Tower Health said it plans to close Jennersville Hospital in West Grove, Pa., and sell Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia. Jefferson Health, Einstein Healthcare finalize merger, create 18-hospital system More than three years after signing a letter of intent to merge, Jefferson Health and Einstein Healthcare Network have finalized the deal. Intermountain's outpatient imaging company to offer lower, flat-rate prices Intermountain Healthcare launched Tellica Imaging, an outpatient imaging company that will offer flat-rate prices, the Salt Lake City-based organization said Sept. 27. Ascension, CommonSpirit and Trinity see finances rebound The largest nonprofit health systems, Ascension, CommonSpirit Health and Trinity Health, saw their financial performance begin to bounce back in fiscal year 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic hurt performance a year earlier. HCA shrinks Georgia footprint, sells 5 hospitals for $1.6B Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare has sold five Georgia hospitals since August. CEO/STRATEGY Northwell CEO: Vaccination mandates work After shedding about 2 percent of its workforce, New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health is 100 percent vaccinated against COVID-19 and doesn't expect disruption to services. Walgreens looking to healthcare to drive growth Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Roz Brewer has shared that the company plans to further expand into healthcare in an effort to turn it into a "new growth engine," CNBC reported Oct. 14. Connecticut hospital CEO on pediatric mental health influx: 'This is our COVID surge' Connecticut Children's Medical Center is overwhelmed by patients seeking mental health aid, the Hartford Courant reported Oct.6. 2 North Carolina hospital board members resign over HCA ownership Two members of Transylvania Regional Hospital's board resigned Sept. 20, saying they are "powerless, voiceless and definitely unessential" now that the hospital is owned by Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare. At understaffed Ohio system, executives clear schedules to pick up more duties As understaffing in hospitals continues to strain health systems across the country, some leaders at Adena Health System are lending a hand on the front lines, WBNS 10 reported. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP CHOP CEO Madeline Bell on why women shouldn't leave healthcare Madeline Bell, BSN, is the CEO of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which recently made Forbes' 2021 list of best employers for women. She spoke with Becker's Oct. 14 about the notable ranking, as well as her recent conversation with President Joe Biden regarding the mental health crisis facing America's children's hospitals. 11 physician specialities ranked by female representation Obstetrics and gynecology is the physician specialty with the greatest female representation while orthopaedic surgery has the least, according to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Can I get an extension? How men and women treat workplace deadlines differently New research has found that women are less likely than their male counterparts to negotiate deadline extensions, reported The Wall Street Journal Oct. 30. In healthcare, women hold 25% of board seats: 5 findings to know for 2021 The percentage of women on boards has grown in 2021, making the most considerable one-year growth in the past decade. However, gender parity has still not been reached, a new report finds. INNOVATION Mayo, Kaiser rally 11 systems to launch hospital-at-home coalition Two of the nation's biggest healthcare providers are leading a new innovation coalition focused on transforming healthcare delivery outside of the four walls of a hospital. Nearly half of employees say too much digitalization hurts productivity Employees report spending about five hours each week hunting for fragmented information across a sea of apps meant to improve productivity, according to a recent report by Ithaca, N.Y.-based Cornell University and Qatalog. 7 big ideas in healthcare innovation From their thoughts on how the health IT will evolve in the next five years to how to choose which digital health startups to invest in to which mottos guide their innovations strategies, here are seven quotes about the role of innovation in healthcare that hospital executives shared with Becker's Hospital Review in September: Best Buy to acquire remote care monitoring platform: 5 details Best Buy signed an agreement to acquire remote patient monitoring and telehealth company Current Health, the company said Oct. 12. CIO/HEALTH IT How Cerner's new CEO Dr. David Feinberg plans to take EHRs to full potential: 5 insights As part of his strategy for leading Cerner, David Feinberg, MD, is focused on improving EHR usability and interoperability, he said during the Kansas City, Mo.-based EHR company's virtual event Oct. 12. The downsides to remote-work technologies: 5 insights While remote work offers benefits ranging from flexibility with schedules to eliminating commutes, the virtual model also introduces downsides such as isolation, exclusion and surveillance, The Wall Street Journal reported Oct. 29. Cyberattack on Alabama hospital linked to 1st alleged ransomware death A lawsuit is alleging that a 2019 ransomware attack on Mobile, Ala.-based Springhill Medical Center resulted in a baby's death, according to a Sept. 30 report by The Wall Street Journal. CIOs rely on tech freelancers to fill talent gaps: 3 things to know CIOs are turning to IT freelancers, who can fill their talent shortages and allow them to cherry-pick what expertise they need for a current project, The Wall Street Journal reported Oct. 8. White House to shift hospital COVID-19 data tracking oversight back to CDC The Biden administration plans to move the federal public health data tracking system back to the CDC following the Trump administration's shift in July 2020, Bloomberg reported Oct. 14. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Breakthrough infections may not pose major transmission risk, immunologists say The virus shedding from people with breakthrough COVID-19 infections may be less infectious than that coming from an unvaccinated COVID-19 patient, NPR reported Oct. 12. Hospitalizations due to delayed care put extra stress on health systems Many hospitals are reporting an influx of patients who delayed care during the pandemic and now require acute care for their worsening conditions. This demand is placing extra stress on organizations already facing capacity issues amid a surge in COVID-19 patients. Good Samaritan Hospital CMO to resign after 18 months Klaus Thaler, MD, will step down from his CMO role at San Jose, Calif.-based Good Samaritan Hospital after 18 months on the job, NBC Bay Area reported. The less-discussed consequence of healthcare's labor shortage The healthcare industry's staffing shortage crisis has had clear consequences for care delivery and efficiency, forcing some health systems to pause nonemergency surgeries or temporarily close facilities. Less understood is how these shortages are affecting care quality and patient safety. What researchers found reviewing 250,000 long COVID-19 cases More than half of COVID-19 survivors experience at least one symptom six months or more after initially recovering from the illness, a systematic review involving 250,351 COVID-19 survivors found.

The past 10 years have revolutionized how we pay for things. We can exchange money via an app, buy groceries with a tap of a digital watch, and even find funding for and make large purchases online.

November 2021 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER The 50 largest public hospitals in America | 2021 Here are the 50 largest public hospitals in America, listed by number of beds. Figures are based on CMS cost report data analyzed by the American Hospital Directory. Data are for short-term acute-care hospitals, critical access hospitals and children's hospitals. Why RWJBarnabas fired 4 New Jersey hospital execs The pace of developing clinical programming and academics was behind the firing of the CEO and three top administrators at Livingston, N.J.-based Saint Barnabas Medical Center, the head of the hospital's parent company told NJ Advance Media. Travel nurses bring gig-minded approach to profession A message board for travel nurses is filled with posts from nurses who have recently quit their full-time jobs at hospitals to pursue high-paying, temporary staffing contracts around the U.S. 10 ACOs with the most shared savings in 2020 ACOs participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program in 2020 earned performance bonuses totaling nearly $2.3 billion and saved Medicare a record $1.9 billion, CMS said Aug. 25. 5 questions hospital CIOs need answered & why Hospital and health system CIOs face unique challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic as they navigate the rapid digitalization of healthcare, maintaining telehealth on a large scale and more. 256 hospitals warned about violating CMS price transparency rule As of late September, CMS has issued warnings to 256 hospitals deemed not in compliance with its price transparency rule, according to Bloomberg Law. CommonSpirit rebounds, posts $998M operating income CommonSpirit Health, a 140-hospital system based in Chicago, saw its operating income rebound in the fiscal year ended June 30. Hospital rebrands: 7 recent name changes Below are seven hospitals that have announced name changes or other rebranding efforts since Aug. 11. How empathic leaders avoid the 'Great Resignation' Empathic leaders improve employee engagement and innovation and reduce burnout and resignations in their employees, according to a recent Catalyst report. Digital health investment red flags to look out for, per 9 hospital innovation execs Last month, hospital innovation leaders shared with Becker's the No. 1 thing they seek in a potential innovation investment. Now, they're detailing what red flags to look out for. Travel nurses quit California hospital after 1 day over HER Four traveling nurses quit their assignments at Providence St. Joseph Hospital just one day after starting because they were unfamiliar with the Eureka, Calif.-based hospital's EHR system, the Times Standard reported Sept. 4. One physician's case for refusing to treat unvaccinated patients in person A family medicine physician has given the nearly 3,000 patients of her independent practice in South Miami a deadline of Sept. 15 to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or terminate their patient-physician relationship, the Miami Herald reports. It's time to upgrade from cloth masks, experts say Misinformation surrounding masking has turned the topic into a binary for Americans: either you're masked or not — but experts say the public needs to start paying attention to the quality of their masks. Steve Purves Steve Purves is the CEO of Phoenix-based Valleywise Health, a title he has held since 2013. The health system, formerly called Maricopa Integrated Health System, has undergone a billion-dollar transformation since 2014. Mr. Purves spoke to Becker's in August. Alexa Kimball, MD As a CEO, people often ask me about my pathway to success. What did I do to advance my career, and how did I move into the executive ranks? Serendipity certainly played a role and always does. And while there is no one-size-fits-all career path to senior leadership, there are specific steps or phases that tend to lead to growth: knowing where to focus your energy at each stage of your career will help you continue to advance without leaving gaps in your skillset or missed opportunities in your wake. Chad Lefteris Chad Lefteris is the CEO of UC Irvine (Calif.) Health, a role he assumed in April 2020 after serving as COO since December 2018. He spoke with Becker's in August about continuing with the health system's planned expansion during the pandemic and workforce burnout in the wake of post-vaccine COVID-19 surges. Eric Palmer Eric Palmer is the newly appointed CEO of Evernorth, succeeding Tim Wentworth on Sept. 23. Mr. Palmer, who joined Cigna in 1998, played an integral role in Evernorth's September 2020 launch. The platform is a rebranding of Cigna's health services division. Mr. Palmer spoke to Becker's about his new position on Sept. 30. Tony Ambrozie In August 2020, Miami-based Baptist Health South Florida initiated a $100 million digital transformation project, which CEO Brian Keeley said would help the system achieve its goal of becoming the "Amazon Prime of healthcare in South Florida." Rick Evans I've written in the past about how we need to reconcile the terms "patient" and "customer" in healthcare. There are segments of the healthcare community that still believe thinking of the people we serve as anything but patients diminishes the dignity of the patient-provider relationship. Dennis Dahlen Dennis Dahlen serves as the CFO of Mayo Clinic, one of the largest nonprofit academic health systems in the U.S., with $13.9 billion in annual revenue and more than 60,000 employees. Mike SlubowskiAs president and CEO of Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health, Mike Slubowski said he is passionate about employee and patient safety, boosting patient access to care and addressing inequities in healthcare. CFO / FINANCE COVID-19 will push hospital losses to $54B this year, report estimates A new analysis shows the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to drive hospital and health system losses throughout 2021. KHN analysis: Nonprofit hospitals invest for returns, not mission Nonprofit hospitals and health systems are experimenting as venture capitalists for startups, but most of the time they aren't selecting investments that put their humanitarian goals first, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis of IRS filings. 256 hospitals warned about violating CMS price transparency rule As of late September, CMS has issued warnings to 256 hospitals deemed not in compliance with its price transparency rule, according to Bloomberg Law. AMA releases 405 CPT code changes for 2022: 5 things to know The American Medical Association released updates Sept. 7 to its Current Procedural Terminology code set for 2022. FEMA to cover NYC Health + Hospitals' $900M COVID-19 tab The U.S. government has agreed to reimburse NYC Health + Hospitals for nearly $900 million in pandemic-related emergency expenses, the Daily News reported Sept. 15. CEO/STRATEGY Prove it, hospital asks unvaccinated employees claiming religious exemption An attestation form from Conway (Ark.) Regional Health System asks employees requesting a religious exemption from the hospital's COVID-19 vaccine mandate to confirm they will not use certain everyday medications, such as Benadryl, Sudafed and Tylenol, in alignment with their sincerely held religious belief. Tenet's new CEO gets pay raise: 6 things to know Saum Sutaria, MD, became Tenet Healthcare's new CEO on Sept. 1, and he'll receive higher total compensation than during the years he served as the Dallas-based company's COO. An Arkansas healthcare CEO's 'excruciating decision' amid vaccination exemption controversy As Conway (Ark.) Regional Health System introduced its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, officials said they noted more religious exemption requests that cited the use of fetal cell lines to develop and test the vaccines. Novant responds to leaked internal discussion of COVID-19 numbers Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant has responded after a video of an internal discussion about how one of its hospitals reports COVID-19 patient numbers was leaked on social media, WECT reported Sept. 10. 2 North Carolina hospital board members resign over HCA ownership Two members of Transylvania Regional Hospital's board resigned Sept. 20, saying they are "powerless, voiceless and definitely unessential" now that the hospital is owned by Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Baptist Health South Florida No. 1 for female healthcare workers, per Fortune Baptist Health South Florida is the top workplace in the healthcare industry for women, according to Fortune's "75 Best Large Workplaces for Women," published Sept. 16. Detroit Medical Center CEO resigns Audrey Gregory, PhD, is resigning from her role as CEO of Detroit Medical Center, part of Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare. Her last day will be Oct. 22. Less than 12% of August job gains went to women For August, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 235,000 jobs gained nationwide, with hospitals contributing 3,200 jobs to that total. However, only 11.9 percent of the 235,000 jobs added last month went to women, reports the National Women's Law Center. Yale New Haven Health CEO retiring next year; successor named Marna Borgstrom will retire as CEO of Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health next March and will be succeeded by the health system's president, Christopher O’Connor, according to a statement shared with Becker's Sept. 15. Innovation to solve problems: Geisinger's strategy for healthcare transformation Karen Murphy, PhD, RN, executive vice president and chief innovation and digital transformation officer for Geisinger in Danville, Pa., joined the Becker's Healthcare podcast to talk about innovation amid the pandemic and how technology improves healthcare delivery. INNOVATION FDA names new CIO, launches digital transformation office: 5 details Amid its IT reorganization, the FDA established a new Office of Digital Transformation and appointed Vid Desai to serve as CIO, the agency announced Sept. 15. 14 health systems invest in digital health startup Xealth Xealth, a digital health startup spun out of Renton, Wash.-based Providence in 2017, has garnered 14 health system investors to date. Top health areas for startup funding — Cardiology is No. 1 Health IT startups have secured more than $1 billion in recent funding rounds, with cardiology as the top-funded medical area, according to a Deloitte report. Is Big Tech bailing on healthcare? 9 insights from Providence digital innovation chief While some have wondered if Big Tech is on its way out of healthcare — following Haven's disbanding and Google Health's recent restructuring — Providence's digital chief, Aaron Martin, said he believes tech giants expanding into the industry are here to stay. Biden to nix Medicare coverage of breakthrough medical technologies: 4 details CMS wants to rescind a rule introduced by former President Donald Trump's administration that lets Medicare cover medical devices that the FDA designates as "breakthrough" technologies, according to a proposed rule scheduled to be filed in the Federal Register Sept. 15. CIO/HEALTH IT DOJ will take firm stance against 'killer acquisitions': 5 things to know The Department of Justice will not back down from enforcing antitrust laws against so-called "killer acquisitions," where dominant companies purchase startups before they can become competitive threats, according to Justice Department Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. How the pandemic changed the CIO role: 5 insights CIOs' responsibilities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased, with the pay to match as the average annual salary hitting $260,000, according to a Sept. 20 report by The Wall Street Journal. Travel nurses quit California hospital after 1 day over HER Four traveling nurses quit their assignments at Providence St. Joseph Hospital just one day after starting because they were unfamiliar with the Eureka, Calif.-based hospital's EHR system, the Times Standard reported Sept. 4. 8 hospital CIOs share their most exciting EHR project this year Here, eight hospital CIOs share the EHR project they've been most excited by or proud of in 2021, from integrating home care to facilitating mass vaccination efforts to improving the patient experience. CIOs turning to talent-facing execs to deliver a hybrid workforce To succeed in a hybrid workforce, CIOs are turning to talent-facing executives to develop policies and procedures for an inclusive and engaging work environment, according to a Sept. 21 report by The Wall Street Journal. CMO/CARE DELIVERY One physician's case for refusing to treat unvaccinated patients in person A family medicine physician has given the nearly 3,000 patients of her independent practice in South Miami a deadline of Sept. 15 to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or terminate their patient-physician relationship, the Miami Herald reports. Off-shift nurse delivers baby in Sparrow Hospital's parking ramp elevator An off-duty nurse at Lansing, Mich.-based Sparrow Hospital helped deliver a baby in the elevator of the hospital's parking lot Sept. 13, reports the Lansing State Journal. Oregon physician who spread COVID-19 misinformation gets license revoked A physician from Oregon had his medical license revoked and was fined $10,000 for spreading COVID-19 misinformation and refusing to wear a mask in his medical practice. Viewpoint: Mocking the unvaccinated dead doesn't save anyone The shame and contempt that shadows some discourse surrounding COVID-19 deaths among unvaccinated Americans isn't helping anyone, writes Elizabeth Bruenig of The Atlantic. Vaccine mandates have hospitals concerned about staffing Amid President Joe Biden's plan to vaccinate healthcare workers against COVID-19, hospitals are expressing concerns about potential unintended consequences of the mandates, such as exacerbating workforce shortages. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Valleywise Health CEO: 'This is not your grandfather's county hospital anymore' Steve Purves is the CEO of Phoenix-based Valleywise Health, a title he has held since 2013. The health system, formerly called Maricopa Integrated Health System, has undergone a billion-dollar transformation since 2014. Mr. Purves spoke to Becker's in August. 3 career phases every healthcare leader should know As a CEO, people often ask me about my pathway to success. What did I do to advance my career, and how did I move into the executive ranks? Serendipity certainly played a role and always does. And while there is no one-size-fits-all career path to senior leadership, there are specific steps or phases that tend to lead to growth: knowing where to focus your energy at each stage of your career will help you continue to advance without leaving gaps in your skillset or missed opportunities in your wake. UCI Health CEO on expanding during pandemic: 'Access was even more important' Chad Lefteris is the CEO of UC Irvine (Calif.) Health, a role he assumed in April 2020 after serving as COO since December 2018. He spoke with Becker's in August about continuing with the health system's planned expansion during the pandemic and workforce burnout in the wake of post-vaccine COVID-19 surges. Evernorth's new CEO: 'We have such an opportunity to meaningfully change healthcare' Eric Palmer is the newly appointed CEO of Evernorth, succeeding Tim Wentworth on Sept. 23. Mr. Palmer, who joined Cigna in 1998, played an integral role in Evernorth's September 2020 launch. The platform is a rebranding of Cigna's health services division. Mr. Palmer spoke to Becker's about his new position on Sept. 30. How Baptist Health South Florida is becoming 'the Amazon Prime of healthcare' In August 2020, Miami-based Baptist Health South Florida initiated a $100 million digital transformation project, which CEO Brian Keeley said would help the system achieve its goal of becoming the "Amazon Prime of healthcare in South Florida."

September/October 2021 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control  ON THE COVER Physician lives at Tennessee hospital to be available around the clock Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida, Tenn., is one of dozens of rural hospitals across the country struggling to keep its doors open. 6 notes on long COVID-19 in children While many studies have focused on the prevalence of long COVID-19 among adults, with estimates indicating between 10 percent and 30 percent of COVID-19 patients affected by lingering symptoms, not as much research has focused on how it affects children who have had the virus. When a nursing shortage and COVID-19 collide: How 4 CNOs are responding Ask any nursing leader about their greatest challenge and they'll likely point to staffing. If hospitals weren't already feeling the effects of a severe nursing shortage, a nationwide rise in hospitalizations fueled by the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant has made the effects of it unmistakable. New OSHA standard puts healthcare on same page, 'makes our staff safer,' Stanford, Geisinger say During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. hospitals and health systems have focused on protocols to keep workers safe. Now, new federal COVID-19 workplace safety rules have set a protection standard industrywide. How Henry Ford Health System is handling pushback on vaccine mandate As more hospitals and health systems make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for employees, they are addressing concerns from unvaccinated workers, while navigating the pandemic's trajectory and a delta variant that is spreading. Here, Bob Riney, president of healthcare operations and COO of Detroit-based Henry Ford Health System, discusses how the system is approaching its mandate and offers advice to peers related to enforcement. Nurse practitioners most recruited providers for first time in 28 years, report finds Nurse practitioners have replaced physicians at the top of Merritt Hawkins' list of most recruited providers. Don't let the term 'elective' fool you, physicians urge the public As a growing number of hospitals pressed for resources due to the COVID-19 surge suspend elective surgeries, some healthcare professionals want the public to know exactly how important an "elective" procedure can be. Heal first, then vaccinate: How 9 systems are connecting COVID-19 survivors with the vaccine Anecdotal reports from physicians on the front lines of the latest COVID-19 surge suggest disbelief, shame and fear are common emotions among many unvaccinated patients who contract the virus and need to be hospitalized. HHS slates $103M to address healthcare workers' mental well-being Healthcare organizations have until Aug. 30 to apply for American Rescue Plan funding intended to reduce burnout and promote mental health among healthcare workers, HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration said July 16. 3 areas where hospitals can improve patient experience: Leapfrog Many adult patients may not fully understand their care plans after they are discharged from the hospital, according to The Leapfrog Group's Patient Experience Report released July 8. 7 stats on physician burnout amid COVID-19 Sixty-one percent of physicians reported experiencing burnout in 2021, up from 40 percent in 2018, according to a small survey the Physicians Foundation released Aug. 4.  The No. 1 hospital in each state for 2021-22 U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2021-22 rankings for the top hospitals in the U.S. Most nurses vaccinated, support mandates: 8 ANA survey findings About 88 percent of surveyed U.S. nurses are vaccinated against COVID-19, or plan to be vaccinated, according to survey findings from the American Nurses Association published Aug. 18. 37 states where nurses can earn a multistate license Thirty-seven states have joined the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses to practice in person or via telehealth in all participating states under one multistate license. INFECTION CONTROL Arizona man diagnosed with the plague after 1 month of symptoms, CDC report finds A 67-year-old man experiencing symptoms for one month was later diagnosed with septicemic plague, according to the CDC's Aug. 6 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report. Michigan warns clinicians of 569% jump in Legionnaires' cases The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging healthcare providers in the state to remain vigilant amid a significant spike in Legionnaires' cases this summer. Georgia hospital deploys UV light disinfection robots Elbert Memorial Hospital has tapped two sanitizing robots to help disinfect its facilities, the organization said Aug. 17. Visiting physician's office after a flu patient raises risk of catching it, study finds Patients who had an appointment at their physician's office after a flu patient had visited the same practice were 31.8 percent more likely to catch the illness than unexposed patients, according to research published in the August edition of Health Affairs. OSHA cites 2 New Jersey providers over mask protocols Two providers in New Jersey were cited by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration after an investigation determined they didn't ensure nurses safely used respirators while administering flu shots and COVID-19 tests. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES CDC examines adverse reactions to J&J shot: 7 things to know The CDC published new findings about individuals who reported adverse reactions after receiving Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. Don't let the term 'elective' fool you, physicians urge the public As a growing number of hospitals pressed for resources due to the COVID-19 surge suspend elective surgeries, some healthcare professionals want the public to know exactly how important an "elective" procedure can be. Thousands of patients received heart pump with known safety issues, ProPublica finds A heart pump with a history of manufacturing and quality issues was implanted into thousands of patients even after the FDA was aware the device did not meet federal standards, according to an investigative report ProPublica published Aug. 5. COVID-19 vaccine not tied to miscarriage, updated CDC guidance says CDC released new data Aug. 11 regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant people and is recommending all people 12 and older get the COVID-19 vaccine. 6 notes on long COVID-19 in children While many studies have focused on the prevalence of long COVID-19 among adults, with estimates indicating between 10 percent and 30 percent of COVID-19 patients affected by lingering symptoms, not as much research has focused on how it affects children who have had the virus. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE Larger share of LGBT patients report negative provider experience than non-LGBT people, survey finds More than one-third of LGBT patients said they had a negative provider experience in the last two years, compared to 22 percent of non-LGBT people, according to recent survey findings from Kaiser Family Foundation. Louisiana offers child care help for hospital workers amid staffing shortages Louisiana public health and education officials are opening a child care assistance program for critical hospital workers in response to staffing shortages during the COVID-19 surge, the officials said Aug. 16. HHS slates $103M to address healthcare workers' mental well-being Healthcare organizations have until Aug. 30 to apply for American Rescue Plan funding intended to reduce burnout and promote mental health among healthcare workers, HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration said July 16. 3 areas where hospitals can improve patient experience: Leapfrog Many adult patients may not fully understand their care plans after they are discharged from the hospital, according to The Leapfrog Group's Patient Experience Report released July 8. Employee badges to identify vaccination status a hit, Wisconsin health system says About 8,000 Marshfield (Wis.) Clinic Health System employees have requested black ID badge reels to indicate they are fully vaccinated, the health system told Becker's Aug. 11. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT Cleveland's University Hospitals changes organ transplant protocol after kidney mix-up University Hospitals in Cleveland is strengthening its organ transplant procedures after a patient received a kidney meant for another patient, Cleveland.com reports. Yale New Haven wins quality award from American Hospital Association Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health is the 2021 recipient of the American Hospital Association's Quest for Quality Prize, the association said July 26. Memorial Health develops online tool to assess health equity for hospitals: 4 things to know Springfield, Ill.-based Memorial Health System is launching an assessment tool to gauge race- and income-based health disparities for hospitals, according to The State Journal-Register. The No. 1 hospital in each state for 2021-22 U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2021-22 rankings for the top hospitals in the U.S. American College of Surgeons launches surgical quality program for hospitals The American College of Surgeons has created a standardized method to measure and improve surgical quality in hospitals, the organization said July 12. NURSING SPOTLIGHT State of the nursing shortage: 7 notes Perhaps more than any other point in the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the U.S. are feeling the effects of a severe nursing shortage. At the same time, hospitalizations are rising, with some states including Florida and Louisiana recording their highest numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations yet. Most nurses vaccinated, support mandates: 8 ANA survey findings About 88 percent of surveyed U.S. nurses are vaccinated against COVID-19, or plan to be vaccinated, according to survey findings from the American Nurses Association published Aug. 18. Delaware grants full practice authority for APRNs Delaware Gov. John Carney signed a bill into law Aug. 4 granting full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses in the state. Nurse practitioners most recruited providers for first time in 28 years, report finds Nurse practitioners have replaced physicians at the top of Merritt Hawkins' list of most recruited providers. American Society of Anesthesiologists condemns AANA name change A new name debuted by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists is confusing for patients, creates discord in the healthcare setting and amounts to medical title misappropriation, the American Society of Anesthesiologists said Aug. 14.

October 2021 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER 10 signs your board has a strong pulse Great systems are usually governed by great boards, who are made up of people who match the following 10 descriptions. When a nursing shortage and COVID-19 collide: How 4 CNOs are responding Ask any nursing leader about their greatest challenge and they'll likely point to staffing. If hospitals weren't already feeling the effects of a severe nursing shortage, a nationwide rise in hospitalizations fueled by the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant has made the effects of it unmistakable. 5 questions hospital CEOs want answered — and whyHospital and health system CEOs have a lot on their minds, including questions about the healthcare workforce, meeting patients' digital expectations and navigating the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A breakdown of Google Health in 2021: 15 things leading up to division's dismantling Google has begun dissolving its health division as it looks to split its healthcare projects and teams across several areas of the company, Insider reported Aug. 20. AdventHealth buys theme park for $32M, plans redevelopment Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth has acquired The Holy Land Experience theme park in Orlando, Fla., for $32 million, the Orlando Business Journal reported Aug. 5. Parents hit with $270K medical bill over 'birthday rule' inspire changes In January, a Kansas couple shared the story of how they received a $270,951 medical bill after the birth of their first child — even though they're both insured. Now, a state representative is proposing legislation to ensure stories like theirs don't happen again. 14 latest hospital closures From reimbursement landscape challenges to dwindling patient volumes, many factors lead hospitals to shut down. In the past year, financial damage linked to the COVID-19 pandemic has put many hospitals in a fragile financial position and forced a few to close. Big corporations may be eyeing your system's top physician The chief medical officer role has been a mainstay for hospitals and health systems, but COVID-19 is motivating other corporations like PepsiCo, Delta Air Lines and Tyson Foods to add a CMO to their executive teams, according to Bloomberg. 20 health systems named top employers for women Here are the top 20 health systems to work at for women, according to a July 27 Forbes report. The new era of clinician technologists: Cleveland Clinic CIO's 'aha' moment Matthew Kull, CIO of Cleveland Clinic, joined the Becker's Healthcare podcast to discuss where technology to support clinical leaders is headed and Cleveland Clinic's global initiatives. 19 hospital execs name the health IT terms that make them cringe Everybody needs to vent sometimes, even those running the technology strategy at a hospital or health system. Below, 19 healthcare executives share the health IT terms and buzz words they find overused, annoying or cringeworthy. Don't let the term 'elective' fool you, physicians urge the public As a growing number of hospitals pressed for resources due to the COVID-19 surge suspend elective surgeries, some healthcare professionals want the public to know exactly how important an "elective" procedure can be. Thousands of patients received heart pump with known safety issues, ProPublica finds A heart pump with a history of manufacturing and quality issues was implanted into thousands of patients even after the FDA was aware the device did not meet federal standards, according to an investigative report ProPublica published Aug. 5. Alexa Kimball, MD All busy professionals understand that time pressure creates stress, and that stress leads to mistakes. For physicians in particular, those mistakes can be truly costly. Yet physicians often make poor — and avoidable — decisions about marginal time and marginal cost by undervaluing their time. Fortunately, simple strategies and a shift in thinking about spending money to create more time can improve well-being and professional performance. Naomi Cramer COVID-19 is surging again across the country, and frontline healthcare professionals in hotspots are facing overwhelming caseloads. The extreme and extended pressures of the pandemic will leave behind long-term changes to our workplace. Employers must now apply what we've learned to help shape the future by creating the best possible experience for our workforce, just as we do for patients. Sophia Thomas, DNP For Sophia Thomas, DNP, an unlikely spark lit her passion for nursing: a severe case of appendicitis at age 13. Marc Harrison, MD Marc Harrison, MD, CEO of Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, joined the Becker's Healthcare podcast to talk about healthcare delivery transformation and building an innovative organization. Maneesh Goyal In May, two of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S. — Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente and Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic — made a joint strategic investment in Medically Home Group, a Boston-based tech services company that powers hospital-at-home programs. Michelle Crain, MSN, RN Michelle Crain, MSN, RN, vice president of the cardiovascular service line, administrator and COO of Heart Hospital of Lafayette (La.), shared her top leadership advice during a recent episode of the Becker's Healthcare cardiology podcast. Bill Gassen Bill Gassen was promoted to president and CEO of Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health in November, replacing Kelby Krabbenhoft at the helm of the 46-hospital system. Darrell Bodnar Darrell Bodnar, CIO of North Country Healthcare in Lancaster, N.H., joined the Becker's Healthcare podcast to talk about major challenges for rural healthcare and exciting technology for the future. Rick Evans Reading headlines this week, many of us are experiencing déjà vu. Is it summer 2020 or summer 2021? CFO / FINANCE CMS' final inpatient payment rule for 2022: 7 things to know CMS released its annual Inpatient Prospective Payment System final rule Aug. 2, which increases Medicare payment rates for acute care hospitals and removes some price transparency requirements. Mount Sinai Health System launches $2B capital campaign Mount Sinai Health System has launched a capital campaign to raise $2 billion by 2025, the New York City-based system said Aug. 9. AdventHealth buys theme park for $32M, plans redevelopment Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth has acquired The Holy Land Experience theme park in Orlando, Fla., for $32 million, the Orlando Business Journal reported Aug. 5. Parents hit with $270K medical bill over 'birthday rule' inspire changes In January, a Kansas couple shared the story of how they received a $270,951 medical bill after the birth of their first child — even though they're both insured. Now, a state representative is proposing legislation to ensure stories like theirs don't happen again. Tenet to shed $1.1B of debt Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare plans to retire $1.1 billion of debt in September, the company said Aug. 11. CEO/STRATEGY 5 questions hospital CEOs want answered — and why Hospital and health system CEOs have a lot on their minds, including questions about the healthcare workforce, meeting patients' digital expectations and navigating the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Arkansas hospital CEO resigns after 2 no-confidence votes Scott Street has resigned as CEO of El Dorado-based Medical Center of South Arkansas, according to a hospital statement shared with Becker's Aug. 24. Seattle Children's 21-page anti-racism plan: 5 things to know An independent review of Seattle Children's found the organization hasn't properly addressed systemic racism. On Sept. 1, the hospital released its action plan to "become the anti-racist organization you expect us to be," Susan Betcher, hospital board chair, and CEO Jeff Sperring, MD, said. New York hospital gets 1st physician president in 93 years Mount Sinai South Nassau has named Adhi Sharma, MD, its president, effective Sept. 1. He will be the first physician to lead the Oceanside, N.Y.-based hospital in its 93-year history, according to a news release shared with Becker's Aug. 17. US News' Best Hospitals 2021-22 Honor Roll U.S. News & World Report released its best hospitals rankings for 2021-22 on July 27, with Mayo Clinic earning the top spot for the sixth consecutive year. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP 15 best, worst states for working women in 2021 The top three states and territories to work in for women are Oregon, California and New York, while the worst state was North Carolina, according to an August ranking by Oxfam America. Zoom fatigue harder on women, new employees Women and new employees are more likely to be fatigued by Zoom meetings than their colleagues, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. UPMC's new CEO Leslie Davis talks leadership style, growth strategy Leslie Davis has been chosen to succeed Jeffrey Romoff as president and CEO of Pittsburgh-based UPMC. Her first day on the job was Aug. 1, the health system said. Viewpoint: If you want more women in your C-suite, try these 3 things Many companies are focusing on diversity and inclusion in their recruitment strategies, but some are still far behind equality. An investment fund partner shared three strategies for leaders seeking to put more women in the C-suite, according to an Aug. 10 op-ed published in Fortune. #GiveHerAReasonToStay campaign takes off, calls on employers to better support women in healthcare Women have been flocking from the medical field during the pandemic, and a Harvard physician launched a gender equity campaign to encourage employers to support their female employees and bring awareness to why they are leaving. INNOVATION 5 healthcare innovation trends to keep a close eye on As healthcare's digital transformation continues, new trends arise each year. Below are five innovation trends to which health systems' innovation leaders have been paying especially close attention in 2021: Penn Medicine to launch health informatics center Penn Medicine is launching a new health informatics center this fall that will focus on health data projects across the Philadelphia-based health system's innovation and information services departments, the health system said July 26. No. 1 thing to seek in an innovation investment? Mayo Clinic, Northwell & 4 other systems answer As more health systems make investments in digital health startups to help address unmet needs in the healthcare industry, it is imperative that their selection process have a clear strategy. Why some hospitals might not be ready for digital health investments Investments in new digital health technologies are a gamble many hospitals might not be ready to take, according to an Aug. 17 report in The Washington Post. Amazon, Olive team up to bring cloud automation to 950 hospitals Olive has unveiled a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services to use AWS' cloud computing to make its healthcare platform faster and more affordable for 950 hospitals in 40 states. CIO/HEALTH IT A breakdown of Google Health in 2021: 15 things leading up to division's dismantling Google has begun dissolving its health division as it looks to split its healthcare projects and teams across several areas of the company, Insider reported Aug. 20. 1.3 million affected after Las Vegas hospital cyberattack There were 1.3 million people affected in a cyberattack on Las Vegas-based University Medical Center, the hospital reported to HHS on Aug. 13. Epic pays hospitals that use its EHR algorithms, report finds Verona, Wis.-based EHR giant Epic gives financial incentives to hospitals and health systems that use its artificial intelligence algorithms, which can provide false predictions, according to a July 26 STAT News investigation. Why HIPAA is widely misunderstood Even before the advent of social media and the ease of the rapid spread of health misinformation, the HIPAA privacy law has often been the subject of misinterpretation, The New York Times reported July 23. Average chief data officer tenure just 2.5 years: 7 things to know Decades ago, "CIO" was repeatedly joked to be an abbreviation for "career is over." Now, chief data officer may have taken the crown as the IT role with the shortest tenure, according to an Aug. 18 Harvard Business Review report. CMO/CARE DELIVERY When a nursing shortage and COVID-19 collide: How 4 CNOs are responding Ask any nursing leader about their greatest challenge and they'll likely point to staffing. If hospitals weren't already feeling the effects of a severe nursing shortage, a nationwide rise in hospitalizations fueled by the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant has made the effects of it unmistakable. Cleveland's University Hospitals changes organ transplant protocol after kidney mix-up University Hospitals in Cleveland is strengthening its organ transplant procedures after a patient received a kidney meant for another patient, Cleveland.com reports. Breakthrough COVID-19 infection risk may differ with vaccine type, early Mayo Clinic research suggests People who received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine may be less likely to experience a breakthrough infection compared to Pfizer vaccine recipients, findings published Aug. 8 in preprint server medRxiv suggest. Don't let the term 'elective' fool you, physicians urge the public As a growing number of hospitals pressed for resources due to the COVID-19 surge suspend elective surgeries, some healthcare professionals want the public to know exactly how important an "elective" procedure can be. Long COVID-19 among children rare, study suggests Among 1,734 children in the U.K. with a COVID-19 infection, less than 5 percent had symptoms that lasted four weeks or longer, suggesting long COVID-19 is rarer in children than adults,  according to research published Aug. 3 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP The underappreciated value of marginal time: Freeing up the right kinds of time can reduce burnout All busy professionals understand that time pressure creates stress, and that stress leads to mistakes. For physicians in particular, those mistakes can be truly costly. Yet physicians often make poor — and avoidable — decisions about marginal time and marginal cost by undervaluing their time. Fortunately, simple strategies and a shift in thinking about spending money to create more time can improve well-being and professional performance. Reimagining the healthcare workforce after COVID-19 COVID-19 is surging again across the country, and frontline healthcare professionals in hotspots are facing overwhelming caseloads. The extreme and extended pressures of the pandemic will leave behind long-term changes to our workplace. Employers must now apply what we've learned to help shape the future by creating the best possible experience for our workforce, just as we do for patients. Dr. Sophia Thomas: Let NPs be allies as healthcare faces physician shortage For Sophia Thomas, DNP, an unlikely spark lit her passion for nursing: a severe case of appendicitis at age 13. Intermountain CEO's secret to building an innovative exec team Marc Harrison, MD, CEO of Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, joined the Becker's Healthcare podcast to talk about healthcare delivery transformation and building an innovative organization. Mayo, Kaiser execs detail their joint investment in Medically Home In May, two of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S. — Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente and Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic — made a joint strategic investment in Medically Home Group, a Boston-based tech services company that powers hospital-at-home programs.

September 2021 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER The 7 highest-paid health system CEOs A CEO at an average S&P 500 company made 299 times the salary of their average worker, according to AFL-CIO's annual executive compensation report. Hospitals blast UnitedHealth profits UnitedHealth Group's most recent earnings stem from "not paying for healthcare," American Hospital Association president and CEO Rick Pollack wrote in a July 15 blog post. CoxHealth CEO not afraid of losing his job over controversial tweets Springfield, Mo.-based CoxHealth CEO Steven Edwards has been at the center of several viral tweets over the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, he discussed with Becker's the motivations behind those tweets, the responses to his tweets within hospital walls and the responsibility of being a CEO activist. 'Technical debt' catches up to CIOs who launched flawed tech to meet pandemic needs Chief information officers at companies worldwide accelerated the launch of digital programs to respond to the changing needs of their organizations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these imperfect programs could incur debt to retroactively fix, according to a July 16 report by The Wall Street Journal. 10 most expensive brand name drugs in the US In the U.S., prices for brand name drugs are constantly rising, especially among certain medications for autoimmune diseases and diabetes. 'I only see the potential for massive financial loss': Former Spectrum CFO doubts value of Beaumont merger Michael Freed, the former CFO of Spectrum Health, said he was "stunned" when he heard that the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based system plans to pursue a merger with Southfield, Mich.-based Beaumont Health, for myriad reasons. Hospital M&A activity shifts to regional partnerships: Kaufman Hall Merger and acquisition revenue remains high as hospitals and health systems shift  their focus to acquisitions of small, independent hospitals and regional partnerships, according to an analysis published July 8 from healthcare consulting firm Kaufman Hall. RIP 'Uber of healthcare' The phrase "Uber of healthcare," a once-aspirational analogy for a single, winning, disruptive force in healthcare, has officially died. These specialties report the most pronounced gender pay gaps Gender disparities in both representation and salary are greatest among cardiology and gastroenterology, according to research published July 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine. 7 big ideas in healthcare innovation From their thoughts on delivering hospital-quality care to patients' homes to tech companies' disruption of healthcare to why tech professionals want to work in healthcare, here are seven key quotes about the role of innovation in healthcare that executives from hospitals and health systems recently shared with Becker's Hospital Review: 'Every CEO, at this point, is now in the business of cybersecurity': How hospitals should rethink threat defenses As cyberattacks on hospitals and health systems continue to escalate, the role of chief information security officer must evolve to adequately protect patients' information and have a more prominent role in the business, according to a July 10 San Diego Union-Tribune report. Patient gets kidney transplant meant for another patient at Cleveland hospital Two caregivers from University Hospitals in Cleveland are on administrative leave after a patient received a kidney intended for another patient, local ABC affiliate WEWS reported July 12. Even $10K+ bonuses aren't alleviating 'critical' nurse shortage in Western Pennsylvania Some healthcare leaders are deeming the nursing shortage in Western Pennsylvania "critical," reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Rick Evans Well over a decade ago, the way we measure patient experience was transformed when the HCAHPS survey was launched. Michael Dowling Michael Dowling is CEO of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health. He spoke with Becker's July 30 about the health network's annual Constellation Forum, scheduled to take place Aug. 5. The conference will feature healthcare insights from business leaders, scientists and philanthropists. Amanda Hines Amanda Hines has risen through the ranks of patient finance at Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health, giving her a unique perspective on effective leadership. Kathy LancasterKathy Lancaster is the CFO of Kaiser Permanente. The Oakland, Calif.-based health system  consists of 39 hospitals and 12.5 million health plan members, with an operating revenue of $88.7 billion in 2020. Ms. Lancaster spoke with Becker's over email July 15 about her priorities and concerns for the organization in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Peter Pisters, MD At the country's No. 1 hospital for cancer care, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, keeping sight of the ultimate goal to end cancer while also lauding the small wins it will take to get there is a delicate balance. Michael Mayo Michael Mayo became the president and CEO of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Baptist Health June 1, and he brings more than 32 years of healthcare executive experience to the role. Janet Hadar, MSN UNC Health President Janet Hadar, MSN, has been working in healthcare for more than 30 years — 18 of which she has spent with the Chapel Hill, N.C.-based system. Here she discusses how the safety-net health system prioritizes team spirit, the importance of visibility in women's leadership and more. CFO / FINANCE CMS unveils surprise-billing rule: 10 things to know CMS unveiled July 2 the first in a series of rules aimed at shielding patients from surprise billing. The interim final rule addresses several provisions in the No Surprises Act passed by Congress last year. $450M for New Jersey's level 1 trauma centers leaves execs stunned New Jersey stakeholders were stunned to see $450 million allotted in the governor's final budget for the state's three level 1 trauma centers to strengthen emergency preparedness, according to Politico. HCA trauma activation fees far exceed rivals, KHN finds Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare's average activation fees at its trauma centers can be up to 10 times higher than those at non-HCA hospitals, according to Kaiser Health News. 'I only see the potential for massive financial loss': Former Spectrum CFO doubts value of Beaumont merger Michael Freed, the former CFO of Spectrum Health, said he was "stunned" when he heard that the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based system plans to pursue a merger with Southfield, Mich.-based Beaumont Health, for myriad reasons. Auditors question sustainability of New York hospital for 3rd year Outside auditors are warning that Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, N.Y., may not survive after a budget deficit swelled by 60 percent in one year, according to a July 3 report in Newsday. CEO/STRATEGY CoxHealth CEO not afraid of losing his job over controversial tweets Springfield, Mo.-based CoxHealth CEO Steven Edwards has been at the center of several viral tweets over the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, he discussed with Becker's the motivations behind those tweets, the responses to his tweets within hospital walls and the responsibility of being a CEO activist. Dollar General: Rural America's new health hub? Dollar General hired its first CMO and plans to become a destination for affordable healthcare offerings. Physicians target Palomar Health leadership in no-confidence vote Physicians at Escondido, Calif.-based Palomar Health have voted "no confidence" in leadership after the health system revealed plans to switch contracted medical groups, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The biggest challenge facing CEOs? Talent Nearly 80 percent of healthcare chiefs expect very strong or strong growth over the next 12 months, but face the greatest challenges managing talent, according to the latest Fortune/Deloitte poll. Amazon Care approached big health insurers to expand coverage Amazon Care, the e-commerce giant's new healthcare venture, has approached several big health insurers in an effort to expand coverage of its services, Insider reported July 7. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP These specialties report the most pronounced gender pay gaps Gender disparities in both representation and salary are greatest among cardiology and gastroenterology, according to research published July 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine. Taking on a new CEO role? Don't fall for these 4 traps Hospital and health system leaders may be new in their CEO positions multiple times in their career. Misjudging key aspects about their company can halt their ability to make all the changes they envision, according to a July 13 Harvard Business Review report. 7 health systems named to list of top places to work for women, diverse managers Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health tops a list of best places to work for women and diverse managers sponsored by publisher Diversity MBA Media. Top 50 CEOs for women Several healthcare CEOs are among the top rated by female employees, according to the 2021 ranking by Comparably. Meet the 6 women leading Walmart and Amazon's health enterprises Amazon and Walmart have buffed their healthcare teams, tapping executives from healthcare companies nationwide. Here are the six women leading the charge. INNOVATION Bon Secours Mercy Health's chief digital officer: Digital health without patient engagement is like 'electronic trees falling in an electronic forest' Jason Szczuka became Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health's first chief digital officer on June 28, and he brings a wealth of payer experience to the role. Walgreens, VillageMD to open 29 primary care practices in Texas this year Walgreens and VillageMD plan to open 29 new Village Medical at Walgreens locations in Texas this year, the companies announced July 8. 'Technical debt' catches up to CIOs who launched flawed tech to meet pandemic needs Chief information officers at companies worldwide accelerated the launch of digital programs to respond to the changing needs of their organizations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these imperfect programs could incur debt to retroactively fix, according to a July 16 report by The Wall Street Journal. The 'Build-A-Bear Workshop' of digital health development: Jonathan Bush shares details on new startup Former Athenahealth CEO Jonathan Bush launched his new digital health data-sharing platform Zus Health in June, with a focus on selling software directly to other developers, rather than physicians or providers, according to a July 14 Boston Globe report. Cerner exec departs, joins former colleague Zane Burke at health innovation startup Ed Enyeart joined workers' compensation digital health company Bardavon Health Innovations as CFO, where he will work alongside his former co-worker and ex-Cerner president Zane Burke, according to a July 8 news release. CIO/HEALTH IT Hackers hit Las Vegas hospital, steal data and post online: 5 details Las Vegas-based University Medical Center was hit in a ransomware attack by an infamous hacker group, according to a June 29 report by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Ohio health system employee snooped 7,000+ patients' EHRs for 11+ years Canton, Ohio-based Aultman Health Foundation recently began notifying around 7,300 patients that their protected health information had been inappropriately accessed by a former health system employee over the past decade, according to a June 25 Daily Record report. Meditech names new CEO Meditech appointed Michelle O’Connor as its new president and CEO, the EHR company said July 13. Class action targets Scripps over data breach that exposed 147,000+ patients' info Scripps Health is being accused of failing to properly secure and protect patients' health information stored within the San Diego-based system's network, which a malware attack compromised April 29, according to court documents. Why CIOs think patients could warm up to clinical AI Hospitals are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence-powered tools to streamline workflows and support clinical decision making, but not all patients are sold on the technology. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Viewpoint: COVID-19 vaccines should be a condition of employment for healthcare personnel This week, a national coalition of epidemiology, infection prevention, infectious diseases, pharmacy, and legal experts from medical societies representing more than 30,000 healthcare professionals concluded that hospitals, health systems and places where healthcare is delivered should make COVID-19 vaccination a condition of employment, permitting exemptions only for those with medical contraindications and to comply with federal and state laws. 5 MUSC Health employees fired for noncompliance with vaccine mandate Charleston-based Medical University of South Carolina Health has fired five of its employees for not complying with the health system's COVID-19 vaccine mandate or obtaining an exemption, a spokesperson told Becker's July 12. 'Excellent prognosis' of loss of smell, taste returning in 1 year: 4 new COVID-19 findings Persistent loss of smell, also known as anosmia, linked to a COVID-19 diagnosis has an excellent prognosis of nearly complete recovery at one year, according to study findings published June 24 by JAMA Network Open. Patient gets kidney transplant meant for another patient at Cleveland hospital Two caregivers from University Hospitals in Cleveland are on administrative leave after a patient received a kidney intended for another patient, local ABC affiliate WEWS reported July 12. Delta spreads much faster than original virus — this may be why Mounting evidence suggests the delta variant is the most contagious strain in the world. A small study published online July 7 may help explain why, NPR reported. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Northwell CEO Michael Dowling is reimagining the business world post-COVID Michael Dowling is CEO of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health. He spoke with Becker's July 30 about the health network's annual Constellation Forum, scheduled to take place Aug. 5. The conference will feature healthcare insights from business leaders, scientists and philanthropists. Essentia Health's Amanda Hines on leadership & the importance of mentoring Amanda Hines has risen through the ranks of patient finance at Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health, giving her a unique perspective on effective leadership. Kaiser CFO's advice to healthcare leaders: 'Get comfortable with being uncomfortable' Kathy Lancaster is the CFO of Kaiser Permanente. The Oakland, Calif.-based health system  consists of 39 hospitals and 12.5 million health plan members, with an operating revenue of $88.7 billion in 2020. Ms. Lancaster spoke with Becker's over email July 15 about her priorities and concerns for the organization in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. For MD Anderson's CEO, the end goal to cure cancer doesn't detract the small wins At the country's No. 1 hospital for cancer care, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, keeping sight of the ultimate goal to end cancer while also lauding the small wins it will take to get there is a delicate balance. Corner Office: Baptist Health CEO Michael Mayo on his love for teaching, riding motorcycles Michael Mayo became the president and CEO of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Baptist Health June 1, and he brings more than 32 years of healthcare executive experience to the role.

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Archived Becker's HR + Talent Review E-Newsletters February 23, 2024 Job cuts reach leaders | Mount Sinai fined $2M for understaffing | Companies slow to ditch diplomas | How 10 systems dropped vacancy rates | Where 'the rich are getting richer' February 21, 2024 Clinicians' many side hustles | Md. hospital CEO put on leave | 10 hardest-working cities | Health systems get creative to boost hiring | Calif. hospital plans more layoffs February 16, 2024 Healthcare layoffs in 14 numbers | An alternative to quiet quitting | Hospital CEO resigns after failed inspections | Cities where $100K stretches thin | 3 nurse degree scheme updates February 14, 2024 Execs skirt the 'L' word | 55 best hospitals to work for: Forbes | Nurses sue NY to restore licenses | 'DEI' becomes 'IED' | 10 in-demand hard, soft skills February 9, 2024 Are 4-day workweeks doable in healthcare? | Laid-off employees take to TikTok | 7 best, brightest systems to work for | Texas board warns of nurse impostor | 3 latest travel nurse pay trends February 7, 2024 The productivity puzzle | 6 systems offering signing bonuses | Amazon cuts healthcare jobs | Gen Z's 'money dysmorphia' | Top-paying cities for RNs February 2, 2024 The corporate '5-day club' | Meet the Gen Z hospital CEO | Why Northwell never bought into the 'Great Resignation' | Most trusted profession for 22 years | Succession planning? Skip 'Lone Rangers' January 31, 2024 Sign-on bonuses for 13 healthcare jobs | Nurses file 600 complaints against Tenet hospital | Texas system plans layoffs | Inside IU Health's talent strategy | 17 best healthcare jobs without a college degree January 26, 2024 Healthcare leads in sign-on bonuses | TikTok threats against nurse spur probe | 25 burned out physician specialties | Labor Dept. sues BCBS Minnesota | Fastest-growing healthcare jobs in 8 cities January 24, 2024 Hospitals outgrow 'Great Resignation' narrative | Cleveland Clinic seized 30K weapons last year | New bill targets worker-CEO pay gaps | Walmart hikes manager pay | Top hospitals for workplace diversity: Newsweek January 19, 2024 Healthcare's top-paying jobs | CommonSpirit exec wants to make work 'fun again' | CHRO turnover dips | 11 thoughts on hiring, promoting talent | The fastest-growing C-suite role January 17, 2024 Can $100K bonuses retain nurses? | Woman fired after giving NC system fake name | 13 systems form healthcare high schools | Providence underpaid workers by $7M: Judge | Henry Ford fights visa rejections January 12, 2024 Nurse tenure in 20 cities | Intermountain adjusts student loan support | 45 top systems for employee experience | Cleveland Clinic grows remote workforce | 24 healthcare cos. with the most high-paying jobs January 10, 2024 26 best healthcare jobs | The fear fueling workplace secrets | 4 travel nurse pay trends | How to be the 'workplace of choice' | Too much psychological safety at work has downsides January 5, 2024 Systems turn to 'friendtors' | Mark Cuban: CEOs 'waste a sh-tload' on healthcare | 15 best, worst cities for jobs | Ill. hospital CNO resigns amid union talks | Nurse staffing laws: 6 updates January 3, 2024 The 'Great Negotiation' is coming | 25 states raising minimum wage | 'Wellness chatbots' gain traction | NY hospital scales back employee housing | Healthcare in 2024: 12 trends to follow December 22, 2023 Workers want 'quiet management' | RN median pay by state | Is professionalism dead? | Employers scrap year-end bonuses | 8 HR leaders on the changing workplace December 20, 2023 Employers plan frugal holiday parties | Healthcare's most stressful jobs | Flexibility pays off for Mercy | 20 states with highest quitting rates | Inside physicians' retirement age expectations December 15, 2023 Dry promotions' climb | Former Kaiser nurse wins $41M retaliation lawsuit | Optum RX adds weight management program | 9 systems raising pay | Hospitals vs. turnover: 5 survey findings December 13, 2023 The case for 'bare minimum Mondays' | Mayo workers seek to end union | Layoff runway lengthens | 16 C-level openings at HCA | 18 arrested after labor protest at HHS December 08, 2023 A year of labor strikes | 47 most responsible healthcare cos. | More physicians plan to trim hours — or quit | Hospital can deny student's service dog: Court | Pay for 38 hospital jobs December 06, 2023 How 4 big for-profit systems rank on pay, culture | 132 top hospitals: Leapfrog | Visa backlog stalls 10K foreign nurses | A rocky year for healthcare's tech workers | Where hospital jobs are growing December 01, 2023 'Carrot stick' office policies expected in '24 | President exits Ascension hospital beset by strikes | Bill Gates predicts 3-day workweek | Houston Methodist nixes COVID shot rule | Top healthcare cos. for interns November 29, 2023 Healthcare hiring heats up | Employers bet on 'envy office' | Providence's plan for hybrid-era accountability | 3 face trial over nurse degree sham | Optum hits 90K physicians November 22, 2023 Holiday quitting spree looms | Ascension nurses plan management face-off | Quiet quitting? Not front-line workers | 10 fastest-growing job markets | Where Mass General is boosting salaries November 17, 2023 CHROs' top pain points | Hackensack pilots self-scheduling | Is healthcare ready for more young nurses? | Cognitive fog sweeps over US | How 2 hospitals fight quiet quitting November 15, 2023 A quiet quitter-proof hiring strategy | 20 best cities to retire: US News | Health systems turn to buyouts | Nurse bullying persists | Well-being initiatives workers want most November 10, 2023 Workers adopt 'quiet' career ambitions | CFO fired after hospital learns of criminal record | Mayo exec: We can't 'recruit out of a workforce shortage' | 5 top systems for working parents | BJC expands home loan program November 08, 2023 Great Retirement' persists | Hospitals act on nurse input | Healthcare job listings per capita, by state | 'Nurse imposter' pleads guilty | Amazon adds healthcare to Prime November 03, 2023 TikTok: Gen Z's career coach | More layoffs at CVS | Nurse found dead in patient's home | Mercy opens innovation unit | Healthcare execs' assumption problem November 01, 2023 Coffee badging' + 9 more workforce trends | A case for HR leaders on public boards | 4,500 CVS, Walgreens staff walkout | The PTO problem | How CEOs build trust at Intermountain, Tufts October 27, 2023 Career 'lattice' is the new ladder | Best hospitals by state | How CEOs future-proof their workforces | Wife of Fla. hospital CEO charged with nurse battery | 6 top job sites for healthcare staff October 25, 2023 Why nurses prefer staffing agencies | 'Streamlining' efforts reach the CEO | Healthcare worker harassment up 2-fold | How long will healthcare's strike era last? | 10 best healthcare workplaces for women: Fortune October 20, 2023 Healthcare's no-win jobs | Physician cash compensation jumps | Hospital nurses unionize after info leaked | Perks of a 4.5-day workweek | Duke zooms in on 'talentforce' October 18, 2023 Concentration crisis' troubles leaders | Striking PeaceHealth workers may lose insurance | 15 healthiest workplaces | Calif. systems prep for $25 minimum wage | Remote work at new low October 13, 2023 Hospital staff 'rusting out' | 5 systems' approach to COVID vaccine rules | Kaiser, workers reach tentative deal | Why execs take no-win jobs | 66K qualified BSN applicants turned away October 11, 2023 Novant lays off leaders | The upskilling dilemma | Union, Kaiser talks stall | Projected labor shortages for 6 healthcare jobs | The benefit of workforce challenges October 06, 2023 Novant lays off leaders | The upskilling dilemma | Union, Kaiser talks stall | Projected labor shortages for 6 healthcare jobs | The benefit of workforce challenges October 04, 2023 HR leaders eye the exit | 6 best healthcare orgs to grow a career | 'Quiet thriving' a positive spin on 'quiet quitting' | 75K Kaiser workers prep to strike | The bright spots in healthcare employment September 29, 2023 Cleveland Clinic embraces 'friendtors' | Gen Z at work: 4 notes | Attrition, disengagement carry $355M pricetag | More states eye nurse ratios | Unions protest ouster of NY system CEO September 22, 2023 Quiet quitting: 5 updates | Penn Med hospital leader resigns | Hospital-union negotiations heat up | The cost of physician turnover | HCA Houston plans childcare center September 20, 2023 Leadership's retention problem | Nurses flock to Calif. | 'Rage applying' gains traction | NJ hospital gets restraining order against union | Texas Children's CHRO: 1 size doesn't fit all in talent industry September 15, 2023 Feedback is out | Kaiser workers OK strike | Health systems embrace talent pools | World's best healthcare cos. | 103 orgs expanding nursing programs September 13, 2023 A mantra among quiet quitters | Trinity takes nursing hybrid | Promotion may signal flight risk | Former CFO, COO sue bankrupt hospital | A long road to $25 minimum wage in Calif. September 08, 2023 The value of 'boomerang' nurses | Workers get real about staff shortages | 15 best, worst cities to retire | How Mayo has trained administrators since 1983 | Gen Zers identify as job-hoppers September 06, 2023 Best places to work in healthcare: Fortune | Dozens arrested at Kaiser protest | Iowa hospital suspends 3 benefit programs | Police probe Miss. hospital shooting | Emory swaps paid holidays September 01, 2023 The rising 'richcession' | Pa. hospital struggles to meet payroll | A foggy view of RN vacancy rates | Laid-off staff return to Chicago health center | Healthcare's most dangerous workplaces August 30, 2023 Why 'September Surge' is trending | How hospitals quiet cut | NJ hospital to halt striking nurses' benefits | 1 in 3 hiring managers lie to candidates: study | CHS leans into virtual sitting August 25, 2023 Employer health insurance costs, state by state | 'Lazy girl jobs' go beyond Gen Z | CVS layoffs hit 9 states | 4-day workweek wins over Americans | Hospital masking enters uncharted territory August 23, 2023 The starting salary slowdown | NY hospital brings back masks | How to tear the 'paper ceiling' | Optum lays off nurses at 100+ clinics | Ill. adopts pay transparency law August 18, 2023 Where RN staffing is rebounding | 80 systems cutting jobs | Take the PTO, says Mercy's HR chief | Ohio system shakes up leadership | Pa. hospital president: Layoffs in rear-view mirror August 16, 2023 Healthcare layoffs in 21 figures | Staff ratios win over West Coast | Healthcare's widest CEO-worker pay gaps | 'No confidence' votes gain steam | 10 most stressful healthcare jobs August 11, 2023 Hospital staff bonuses face scrutiny | Cano Health cuts 700 jobs | An area where Gen Z isn't slacking | 'Loud quitting' in healthcare | Where are all the med-surg nurses? August 09, 2023 3% raises no longer enough | Hiring Gen Z: Why most leaders avoid it | Ill. system lays off 20% of leaders | Optum launches NP program | How these workplaces hire 2x faster August 04, 2023 Healthcare's 'industry-shifting moment' | What Gen Z wants from benefits packages | Healthcare job cuts up 101% | NC hospital closes | CEO role loses luster August 02, 2023 'Quiet hiring' on the rise | CEO exits HCA hospital | Brigham and Women's exec gets no confidence vote | 'Phone phobia' plagues Gen Zers | The world is vying for healthcare workers July 28, 2023 74 systems cutting jobs | For-profit CEOs' paths to the top | Jefferson exec resigns after Twitter trouble | Are virtual interviews here to stay? | 438 hospitals with 5 stars from CMS July 26, 2023 The prevalence of 'loud quitting' | C-suite sees pay cuts | St. Luke's wins $50M harassment suit | Fastest growing exec role hits a snag | Gundersen's career center beats 1st-year forecast July 21, 2023 8 workforce trends to watch | CEOs buck layoffs, pay cuts | Healthcare's tedious work is also dangerous | 50 healthcare jobs: Salaries, vacancies | Remote work's biggest fans? 6-figure earners July 19, 2023 NPs sue Calif. over use of 'Dr.' | The death of 9-to-5s | NY healthcare workers secure raises | What the top 1% earns in every state | Lowering labor costs: 47 execs' plans July 14, 2023 Welcome to 'The Big Stay' | Strike nurse faces backlash after viral TikTok | Where healthcare vaccine rules stand | 50 Kaiser facilities face picket | Are part-time physicians worsening shortages? July 12, 2023 69 great healthcare workplaces | What the C-suite gets wrong about the workforce | Gig nursing platforms lay off workers | Northwell, SSM focus on flexibility | The CEO in favor of staffing laws July 07, 2023 NY system bans local travel nurses | 69 hospitals cutting jobs | The rise of the contract executive | Nurse staffing ratios: 3 updates across the US | Best, worst cities to start a career July 05, 2023 7 systems raising pay | Providence pushes back on 'strikebreaker' law | 2 no-confidence votes in 2 weeks | The journey from nurse's aide to COO | Highest paying states for RNs, LPNs June 30, 2023 NY mandates nurse-patient ratio | 19 top systems, 27K open jobs | Affirmative action ruling: Healthcare leaders react | 10 cities workers are moving to, leaving | How rare is remote work in healthcare? June 28, 2023 Hardest states to hire workers | More nurses claim innocence in degree scheme | What hinders productivity of Gen Z, millennials? | Strike begins at 3 Ascension hospitals | Physician sues HCA for libel June 23, 2023 7 systems raising pay | Ind. hospital strikes noncompetes | Highmark, Allegheny + Billings Clinic lay off workers | 11 healthcare jobs Amazon is hiring for | Hospital exec pay limit heads to LA voters June 21, 2023 Gen Z gets schooled on office etiquette | 6 CHRO moves | Mayo hospital staff vote to remove union | 5 systems' strategies to curb new nurse turnover | CEOs' smartest advice for employees June 16, 2023 9 reasons healthcare workers quit | Calif. hospital cuts part-time nursing | RN pay in best, worst states for healthcare | ProMedica names CHRO | The deals that averted strikes June 14, 2023 Quiet quitting by the numbers | 4 benefits that attract Gen Z talent | NY weighs nurse staffing rule | Why this hospital administrator is pro-union | RN, PA employment by state June 09, 2023 Dartmouth, Seattle Children's cut jobs | 10 states feel job market squeeze | Academic medicine's culture problem | West Coast labor dispute could disrupt supply chain | COVID vaccine rules: Where 5 systems stand June 07, 2023 How 14K Gen Zers feel about work | US reps probe Ochsner layoffs | 85 healthcare strikes since 2021 | Workers' phone game habits: Remote + in-person | Physicians embrace gig labor June 02, 2023 Duke, 54 others cut jobs | NY system to fired staff: Come back | 'Mandatory Mondays' hit offices | 27 popular tactics to fight staffing shortages | HCA system approves raises for Vegas workers May 31, 2023 States enact new staffing laws | HCA workers vote no on voluntary overtime | 8 exec resignations | NYC law will regulate AI hiring | Wash. hospitals see 185 staffing complaints, no fines May 26, 2023 35 best systems for new grads | 12 stats on nurse, PA pay bumps | Hospital execs on staff shortage drivers, fixes | How 'the great inheritance' affects Gen Z workers | UCSF workers authorize 2nd strike May 24, 2023 HR taps more Gen Zers | 4 systems raising pay | NYC physicians authorize strike | Mayo thanks governor for slimmer staffing bill | The question 1 CHRO asks every Uber driver May 19, 2023 Ochsner gets blowback for layoffs | The pitfalls of fast hiring | 86 DEI leaders to know | Unions file antitrust complaint against UPMC | Judge: HCA hospital violated labor law May 17, 2023 5 plead guilty in nurse degree scheme | Minn. staffing bill might exempt Mayo | Viral video puts PA on leave | 5 Calif. HCA facilities authorize strike | Should hospitals have police forces? May 12, 2023 Quiet quitting's comeback | 51 systems cutting jobs | Nursing internships in high demand | 6 days, 6 CEO exits | Benefits dwindle for new physician hires | Ore. hospital faces unsafe labor charges May 10, 2023 47 systems cutting jobs | How healthcare job gains + labor shortages coexist | Productivity hits 75-year low | Highest-paying states for 25 hospital jobs | Companies expand employee relocation benefits May 05, 2023 9 systems go beyond the pizza party | Managers struggle to work with Gen Z | Healthcare job cuts up 83% | Northern Light offers $15K sign-on bonuses | 8 CEO exits May 03, 2023 HHS to drop hospital vaccine rule | Cleveland Clinic hospital staff OK strike | 5 systems raising pay | Monument, Scripps trim staff | Mentorship like 'Miracle Gro' for nurses April 28, 2023 PeaceHealth cuts 251 jobs | 10 states with most, fewest RN vacancies | More Gen Zers living paycheck to paycheck | Baylor Scott & White rearranges execs | Why Baptist isn't rushing staff back to the office April 26, 2023 Gen Z embraces 'loud quitting' | Average pay for 37 hospital jobs | CommonSpirit rolls out RN retention program | Strike set at Las Vegas hospital | The hidden penalty of remote work April 21, 2023 6 best healthcare cos. to grow your career | Woman charged with murder of hospital worker's unborn child | UCSF workers strike | New bill would protect healthcare staff like flight crews | 5 staffing shortage strategies April 19, 2023 Biden makes back-to-office push | Exec pay at Tenet, HCA and CHS | Where RN demand will surge most | Dignity workers secure 18% raises | Baptist Health sticks with remote work April 14, 2023 800K more nurses eye exit | Teens want work: Will employers make room? | Tower Health cuts 100 jobs | 15 strongest, weakest US job markets | No layoff playbook for remote work | Penn. system issues post-layoff raises April 12, 2023 19 top systems, 27,556 open jobs | The cost of nurse turnover | HCA workers rally over staffing | 7 systems raising pay | Mass. hospitals turn to mandatory overtime April 07, 2023 HR trades youth for work ethic | Ascension nurses protest in Texas | Healthcare job cuts up 65% from last year | 4 tips to navigate layoffs | How many Gen Zers work remote? April 05, 2023 Ballot: Cap LA hospital exec pay at level of US president | The less-discussed reason clinicians are quitting | 5 jobs ChatGPT says it can replace | Billings Clinic cuts exec salaries 10% March 31, 2023 33 hospitals cutting jobs | US sues hospital staffing co. | 22,000 HCA workers hold day of action | Leadership teams are shrinking: Here's where | Most workers don't use up PTO March 29, 2023 Healthcare's employment comeback | Ohio hospital to lay off 743 | A year after RaDonda Vaught's conviction, what's changed? | Care New England execs get no-confidence vote | Great Resignation in 102 numbers March 24, 2023 Empty CMS parking lot spurs productivity questions | Where physician pay is growing fastest | 9-to-5s are dying: who's to blame? | Cone Health trims 68 senior-level jobs March 22, 2023 Why young adults aren't working | 150 top healthcare workplaces | Union confronts Trinity over firings | Cities where $100K stretches furthest | 6 states mull staffing ratios March 17, 2023 Cities where $100K feels like $35K | Penn Medicine cuts jobs | Amazon hirers want medical histories, workers claim | Northwell taps externs | Lawmakers target travel nurse prices March 15, 2023 March Madness to cost $17B in lost productivity | Who gets to go by 'Dr.'? | Va. system cuts COOs | Nurse degree sham 'not surprising' to LinkedIn co-founder | Nearly 50% of job ads have salaries March 10, 2023 Clinicians and the 'Great Untethering' | CommonSpirit nurses allege wage theft | Biden earmarks $60M for healthcare workforce | Why Gen Zers want to lead hospitals | UVM hikes some wages 25% March 08, 2023 Quiet firing heats up | Top systems post thousands of open jobs | Va. system downsizes admin team | Nurses to hospitals: Pay up | Meritus hikes minimum wage March 03, 2023 Marshfield Clinic to lay off 346 | Hospital CFO resigns after 5 days | 10 states cutting travel nurse pay | Providence workers seek union | Nurse imposter practiced for 15 years: Police March 01, 2023 Nurses accuse Ascension of wage theft | 30 most stressful cities to work in | UCSF workers allege 'crisis' conditions | Hospital CEO exits hit 4-year high | Remote workers' savings, from NY to LA February 24, 2023 The starting salary Gen Z considers 'high' | The right way to rightsize exec teams | NYC physicians rally for pay parity | Will AI take the 'human' out of HR? | Kaiser shifts some HQ staff to suburbs February 22, 2023 900+ nurses told to prove credentials | Gen-Z plans 'workcations' | Top 7 billionaires in healthcare | Maine hospital restores paid leave benefits | NC health systems defend exec pay February 17, 2023 60+ best healthcare employers | Adventist plans job cuts | 10 'overpaid' CEOs | Calif. proposes healthcare minimum wage | Physicians unionizing: why? | 6 reasons to quiet quit February 15, 2023 Why some Gen Zers hope for layoffs | Tenet trims contract labor costs 23% | 5 states consider nurse staffing ratios | Kan. hospital cuts 85 jobs | 'Bare minimum Mondays' February 10, 2023 Hospitals lead fresh hiring boom | St. Luke's trims exec jobs | Top employers' perks beyond pay | Physician: Focus on staffing over Super Bowl ads | How to brag at work February 08, 2023 17 hospitals cutting jobs | Latest tactics in the war for talent | 10 rising C-suite roles | Is Gen-Z's lack of job loyalty a myth? | RN pay in all 50 states February 03, 2023 34 most admired healthcare companies | Sick leave policy prompts protest at Vegas hospital | 5 hospital HR leaders on the move | Healthcare adds 58K jobs in Jan. | BJC's approach to flexible scheduling February 01, 2023 The state of travel nurse pay: 5 trends | Lawmakers seek end of CMS vaccine rule | Hospital websites hit by Russian cyberattacks | Brigham and Women's nurses plan picket | 15 best, worst states for retirement January 27, 2023 NY officials fight for worker vaccine mandate | Nurses secure big raises | Halt Sanford-Fairview merger, union says | Novant lays off physician exec | 'Workaholics' are working less January 25, 2023 17 layoffs at hospitals | Hospitals raise nurse pay: Why now? | Nice people don't finish last at work | Texas bumps pay for some hospital staff | 32% of employees are engaged: Gallup January 20, 2023 8 layoff dos + don'ts | US still short 2.6M workers | Calif. health system cuts 94 jobs | Staffing ratios on the table in 3 states | Sutter physicians seek to unionize | 75% of nurses eye exit January 18, 2023 Tension grows between workers, hospitals | 14 hospitals cutting jobs | More NY nurses vote to unionize | Longevity incentives: The new noncompete? | The case against staffing ratios January 13, 2023 20 hospitals spend most on contract labor | Nev. hospital to lay off 970 | NYC nurses end strike | Optum scoops up more hospital employees | Best places to work in healthcare: Glassdoor January 11, 2023 Strike wears on in NYC | 56 best healthcare jobs | Pa. system offers $15K sign-on bonuses | HCA workers call for better staffing | 11 highly secure healthcare careers | Remote work is here to stay January 06, 2023 Lancaster General rescinds $25 staff gifts | Travel RN pay down most in 10 states | Maine system sends 1,400 employees to Optum | 5 NYC hospitals sans agreement as strike looms | 2022 ends with stronger healthcare job growth January 04, 2023 27 states raising minimum wage | Geisinger worker shot, killed outside hospital | Strike set at NYC hospitals | Holiday bonuses fall flat | Best hospitals to work for, by state December 30, 2022 The worst month for layoffs has arrived | 52 hospital job cuts | ’Quiet quitting' in a timeline | 631 hospitals at risk of closure | Winter storms set hospitals back | Lawmaker advocates to protect healthcare workers December 28, 2022 NYC nurses authorize strike | Cap hospital CEO pay at $800K, says physician | TikTok video prompts hospital probe | Nurses confront hospital president over paid leave | Worker benefits front-of-mind for White House December 21, 2022 Nurses at 12 NYC hospitals weigh strike | HR leaders' 2023 hiring handbook | Why Trinity moved to daily pay | UPMC deal may raise nurse wages 30% | When healthcare loses the most December 16, 2022 The big raises that averted strikes | Vanderbilt suspends chief of staff after arrest | Average nurse pay vs. travel nurse pay, by state | Sutter nurses plan 9-day strike | Johns Hopkins' Suburban Hospital COO on 'quiet quitting' December 14, 2022 Trinity tests daily pay | 12 systems cutting jobs | Sutter nurses plan 9-day strike | Emory nurses out after 'icks' TikTok | Hospitals take staffing into their own hands December 09, 2022 Are workers winning the wage war? | 8 strikes that (almost) were | More than 9K open nurse jobs in NY | 10 healthcare HR leaders on the move | Mayo defends exec raises | Remote work slows CDC overhaul December 07, 2022 The group missing from the labor market | Gen Z's healthcare workforce in 30 numbers | 'Historic' raises avert strike in Minn. | States ranked by overall health | How Mercy embraced a gig mindset for nurse staffing December 02, 2022 15,000 Minn. nurses plan 2nd strike | Healthcare adds 45K jobs | Where travel nurse pay is down most | Fired MetroHealth CEO paid himself for SDOH work | Exec's HR background aided Bon Secours Mercy merger November 30, 2022 Where Gen Z hires are flocking | UW Health doesn't have to recognize union, board says | When layoffs arrive 'quickly and less thoughtfully' | Fired MetroHealth CEO sues | The 'great remote work mismatch' November 25, 2022 The state of hospital executive burnout | 6 systems launching nursing programs | Physicians' love-hate relationship with bonuses | Maine nurses get wage boost | Minn. AG seeks input on Sanford, Fairview deal November 23, 2022 Hospital execs' thank-you notes | 6 systems upping pay | MetroHealth fires CEO over bonuses | Cooper settles hiring, pay discrimination claims | 34% of healthcare workers still fear catching COVID on job November 18, 2022 Kaiser's 22.5% raises avert nurse strike | Centura offers $30K sign-on bonuses for nurses | Calif. NPs may soon practice sans physician oversight | Healthcare employment in 20 nos. | Leapfrog rankings by state November 16, 2022 Kaiser offers 21% raises as nurse strike looms | Where are the early 20-something job seekers? | Nurses speak against Sanford, Fairview merger | Parents using more sick days than at peak of pandemic | How leaders can navigate the 'incivility age' November 11, 2022 How leaders enable bullying | RN pay in 50 states adjusted by cost of living | OSU Wexner names CHRO | Ascension nurses vote to unionize in Kan. | CommonSpirit, Providence link up for workforce development November 09, 2022 18 healthcare strikes in 2022 | Zero interviews at ED where nurse called 911 | Why physicians are unionizing | Elon Musk + a case study in mass layoffs | Strike averted at Temple | Iowa CEO replaced after employee death November 04, 2022 Mass General Brigham: Respect staff or seek care elsewhere | 'Difficult decisions' loom for hospitals | 'Boomerang strategy' reels in ex-employees | Ore. hospitals, nurses square off over staffing ratios November 02, 2022 NYC physicians want union recognition | Can't 'resilience' away burnout, wellness officers say | 19k jobs unfilled in Mass. hospitals | Where travel nurse pay is down most | Minn. union preps rally October 28, 2022 Woman accused of posing as RN | Union puts Prospect 'on notice' | 5 health systems raising nurse pay | Healthcare industry's promotion rates among lowest | Nurses to petitionTenet hospital CEO | 'Earn-as-you-learn' program may bolster Rush staff October 26, 2022 Ascension nurses escorted out of ED amid staffing concerns | Tenet workers OK strike | Healthcare down 333,942 providers | RNs want change after Dallas shooting | Phoenix Children's names CHRO October 21, 2022 Nurses get big raises | Calif. physicians plan strike | Sanford cuts nonclinical jobs | Kaiser, union OK contract to end 10-week strike | 85% of health facilities short of allied health workers October 19, 2022 How Northwell jumped 74 spots in Fortune's best jobs ranking | Kaiser, union reach deal to end 10-week strike | HCA opens 'Zen lounges' | 6 tips to manage high workloads, low staff | Strike set at Sutter hospital October 14, 2022 Temple workers authorize strike | How hospitals 'quiet fire' | Providence settles suit brought by injured worker | ER director out after nurse calls 911 | Employers shift from mass hiring | 25% of workers to delay retirement October 12, 2022 Hourly wages for 25 healthcare jobs | Ill. system cuts jobs | Inside 2 health system apprenticeships | 25% of clinicians want out of healthcare: Bain | Tenn. hospital nurse robbed at gunpoint October 07, 2022 Are Americans 'breaking up' with ambition? | 10 hospital layoffs | 'Most loved' healthcare workplaces | Mayo gives 6% raises | Healthcare employment returns to Feb. '20 level | UCSF physicians avert strike October 05, 2022 Where travel nurse pay is down most | Ascension to lay off 133 | What defines a 'good job'? | Summa Health reshuffles execs | Supreme Court rejects challenge to CMS' vaccine rule | U of Mich. to invest $273M in pay September 30, 2022 Layoffs hit Mich. system | 362 stats on nurse pay | HCA hospitals make 16 exec changes | 15 best cities for the 'sandwich generation' | Strike could cost Kaleida $142M a month | PA burnout, by specialty September 28, 2022 14 benefits systems offer to nab top talent | Another 'Striketober'? | Layoffs hit Pa. hospital | Former Tenet exec joins Walmart | Hybrid work fuels 'productivity paranoia' | Average signing bonuses for 5 most recruited providers September 23, 2022 Health systems reconsider vaccine rules | 17 hospital exec resignations | Layoffs hit Yale New Haven Health | Swedish earmarks $125M for raises | Hourly RN pay by state | 'Quiet quitting' appeals to 82% of young workers September 21, 2022 How systems bridge workforce generations | 11 hospital layoffs | Viewpoint: The fallacy of 'quiet quitting' | Hospital CEO exits jump | Calif. hospital ups security after nurse stabbed | 34 hospitals most similar to America's top 10 September 16, 2022 Layoffs hit NY hospital | Nurse fired for monkeypox vaccine error | Ala. hospital CEO resigns | Kaiser strike passes 1-month mark | 18 specialties ranked by pay | 20 'smartest' hospitals September 14, 2022 NPs: Fastest-growing job in next decade | Where travel nurse pay is up, down | 17 hospital CEOs planning exits | 10 states with largest brain drains, gains | Minn. nurses strike enters final day | Man accused of assaulting W.Va. hospital nurse September 09, 2022 22-hospital system cuts 400 jobs | 12 exec resignations | How Banner, Johns Hopkins + 2 systems support employees' mental health | HCA invests $22M in raises | Froedtert ups the ante on staff vaccines September 07, 2022 9 best systems to work for: Fortune | Travel nurses aren't coming back | U of Mich. nurses OK strike | Layoffs hit Miss. hospital | The prevalence of 'quiet quitters' | 15 best, worst cities to retire September 02, 2022 Perks that help retain workers | Health systems shrink exec teams | 15,000 Minn. nurses plan strike | Children's hospitals face harassment campaigns | 15 programs investing in 'talent pipelines' | CHS sued over mass layoff August 31, 2022 What HR leaders are starting, stopping | Best health system employers, by state | Another idea for quiet quitters: Just quit | Kaiser faces probe amid strike | 6 understaffed hospitals curb care August 26, 2022 What HR leaders are starting, stopping | Best health system employers, by state | Another idea for quiet quitters: Just quit | Kaiser faces probe amid strike | 6 understaffed hospitals curb care August 24, 2022 Employers slashing paid parental leave | Head of Texas system abruptly resigns | 7 travel nurse wage trends | Pa. health system rolls out 'Work Your Way' staffing model | Cleveland Clinic aspires to hire 1,200 locals | 10 best, worst states to retire August 19, 2022 50% of execs eye layoffs as healthcare aims to rehire | 19 hospital exec resignations | Hospitals hire violence preventionists | DOJ backs Boston Children's | Mo. hospital CEO, CFO are out | Nurses challenge U of Mich. workloads August 17, 2022 Boston Children's faces harassment campaign | 9 hospital layoffs | Calif. hospital leader gets no-confidence vote | 15,000 Minn. nurses OK strike | Ore. system tries to claw back $2M in wages | Where inflation has grown most, least August 12, 2022 What to consider when hiring teens | 17 hospital CEOs planning exits | Layoffs hit NC system | Gen Z embraces 'quiet quitting' | Patient charged in assault of 4 Pa. hospital workers August 10, 2022 'Being abused is not part of the job' | Layoffs hit Adventist | When CEOs abruptly 'step down' | How 2 health systems boost employee engagement | AdventHealth sued over shooter drill | Where travel nurse pay is up most August 05, 2022 Calif. hospital plans for 673 layoffs | Forecast mixed for travel nurse pay | Fla. hospital CEO is out | Hospital skeptics vie for board seats | Hospitals' tepid job gains | Union takes on Stanford Health August 03, 2022 10 hospital layoffs | Minn. system leaders get no-confidence vote | Ochsner's HR chief: Gender parity in leadership is crucial | Health systems recoup wages | 5 best, worst states for healthcare | System takes issue with nurses' hair July 29, 2022 18 exec resignations | Forecast calls for drop in demand for traveling nurses | Working with younger generations: 7 thoughts | PA pay, by specialty | Nurse side gigs: An exit path from hospitals? July 27, 2022 Trinity plans layoffs | Ore. hospital board faces recall after COO fired | Job switchers get big pay boosts | Mayo nurses to drop union | US News' 20 best hospitals + No. 1 by state | Why 1 nurse won't return to the bedside July 22, 2022 62 hospital CEO exits this year | Md. health system rebrands HR | 'Nobody wants to work anymore' | UnityPoint hospital CEO abruptly departs | 5 leaders on career-changing moments of allyship | 20 best midsized cities to live July 20, 2022 8 hospital layoffs | Short-staffed hospitals curb care | Providence shrinks exec team as part of new model | Employee with gun arrested at Texas hospital | 5 specialties with highest starting pay | 13 best healthcare cos. for millennials July 15, 2022 9 hospital CEOs planning exits | Nurse shortage gets worse | How 3 systems amped up workplace violence prevention efforts | Mayo nurses to vote on leaving union | Employees to UPMC: Take firm abortion stance | 91 stats on physician pay July 13, 2022 15 hospital exec resignations | Layoffs hit NorthBay, Trinity | After stabbing, staff say SSM ignored asks for security | 5 most 'overpaid' healthcare CEOs | Healthcare workers don't regret quitting | 10 most, least stressed cities July 08, 2022 OhioHealth to cut 637 jobs | Employers ramp up health benefits | Man charged with shooting into Fla. hospital | Erlanger promotes 2 leaders | Inflation ousts COVID as Americans' top worry | States most people moved to, left since 2020 July 06, 2022 ProMedica lays off nonclinical staff | RNs unimpressed with wage increases | 148 best hospitals, per Money + Leapfrog | PeaceHealth phases out travel nurses, grapples with shortage | Why companies are beefing up CFOs' roles July 01, 2022 8 hospital layoffs | What healthcare workers' growing anxiety means for patients | HCA makes 16 hospital leadership changes | Nurses push back on Seattle Children's pay for travel workers | 5 highest-paying places for RNs | Top 15 systems: Fortune/IBM June 29, 2022 5 best health systems for career growth | 4 top systems, 14,144 open jobs | Ex-employees sue Mayo over vaccine rule | 1 dead in stabbing at Nev. hospital | LifePoint names 2 executives | 25 healthiest communities in America June 24, 2022 5 best health systems for career growth | 4 top systems, 14,144 open jobs | Ex-employees sue Mayo over vaccine rule | 1 dead in stabbing at Nev. hospital | LifePoint names 2 executives | 25 healthiest communities in America June 22, 2022 12 CEO resignations | Ariz. hospital preps for mass layoff | Nurses take aim at CEO pay | 399 top hospitals for patient experience | Tenn. hospital shakes up C-suite | 12 hospitals scaling back care June 17, 2022 Hospital CEO exits surge | Sanford to hire 700+ foreign nurses | Mayo HR chief departs | Conn. hospital lays off managers | CMS cuts back on vaccine mandate surveys | Best, worst states for healthcare amid COVID June 15, 2022 10 exec resignations | Ga. hospital CEO is out | 10 best children's hospitals: US News | Hospitals see legal risks from travel nurses | Providence looks to shrink office footprint | 10 highest-paying PA specialties June 10, 2022 Pay for 55 hospital jobs | Advocate Aurora pays nurses to take 'renewal days' | HCA hospitals' 24 exec changes | Gen Z workforce bouncing back | The healthcare CEOs signing on for gun safety | 5 hospitals cut inpatient care June 08, 2022 NY hospital ousts 3 leaders | What to do about broken nurse pay? | Bill would protect healthcare staff like flight crews | Ore. hospital fires COO | Joint Commission pressed on safe staffing levels | Nursing tenure fell 20% amid pandemic June 03, 2022 Understaffing thwarts hospitals' compliance standards | Tulsa gunman targeted surgeon he blamed for pain | Texas hospital to pay staff $10K to get healthcare degree | 13 hospitals curbing care | Providence nurses OK strikes June 01, 2022 10 hospital layoffs | CMS cites 69 hospitals over vaccine rule | The complexity of calling in sick | Vanderbilt trains drivers, cleaning staff for clinical jobs | Minn. nurses target executive pay | 5 best states for healthcare May 27, 2022 10 exec resignations | Mass General vaccinates staff against monkeypox | Michael Dowling on the 'abomination' of gun violence | Trinity plans layoffs | ProMedica changes exec team | Novant responds to concerns of canceled travel nurse contracts May 25, 2022 Ala. system COO resigns | Boston hospital to cut 118 jobs | 25 top healthcare cos. on new Fortune 500 | Fla. hospital can't cover payroll | In-house staffing agencies carry risks, too | 5 best states for physicians May 20, 2022 5 CEO resignations | Ore. system cuts 181 jobs | Mayo may see 100+ lawsuits over vaccine rule | Signs the early-retirement narrative was 'overblown' | McLaren CMO dies at 69 | 30 best places to live May 18, 2022 CEO resignations hit record high | Fla. hospital misses payroll | 5 hospitals curb care over staff shortages | Strike set at Allina, M Health Fairview | Hospitals feel the brain drain | 10 hospitals that best avoid unnecessary care May 13, 2022 Shortfall of 450,000 nurses by '25 | System sues over protest, 'smear campaign' | Labor actions intensify among Calif. physicians | NewYork-Presbyterian COO to retire | Rudeness and medical errors | 16 top hospitals for diversity May 11, 2022 10 exec resignations, retirements | Travel nurses get pay cuts | Retirees go rural, boosting hospital demand | Leapfrog's 39 'F' and straight-'A' hospitals | Bipartisan agreement: CEOs are overpaid | The healthiest county in each state May 6, 2022 15 hospital CEO, CFO resignations | Nurses make exit plans after colleague's conviction | 12 hospitals curb care | Stanford physicians to unionize after botched vaccine rollout | NewYork-Presbyterian CXO on patients' racist, discriminatory behavior May 4, 2022 7 hospital layoffs amid record quits | The best, worst states for nurses | Seasoned workers join the Big Quit | Hospital workers fleeing high housing costs | Quorum Health CEO steps down | Median PA salary by state April 29, 2022 A hospital CEO exits every 72 hours | How 6 execs battle labor shortages | Wright Lassiter named CommonSpirit CEO | Tenet sues OSHA to block inspection | 7 healthcare CEOs get $20M paydays | 150 top places to work in healthcare April 27, 2022 10 exec resignations | HCA moved the CEO bonus goalpost | Stanford nurses carry on strike | New arrest made in Ochsner nurse attack | 5 highest-paying physician specialties | Walmart heir creates new health system April 22, 2022 6 hospital CEO resignations | Renown shakes up leadership | HCA nurses stage speak-out | 3 systems betting on internal travel programs | Wash. hospital chief being replaced | 7 hospitals cutting inpatient care April 20, 2022 Hospitals' young RN exodus | Tenet hospital CEO resigns amid cuts | Why baby-boomer nurses stuck with hospitals | Kaiser restructuring underway | 10 top-earning states for physicians | Stanford to cut striking nurses' benefits April 15, 2022 Okla. hospital fires CEO | Can hospitals compete with retail wages? | Clinicians most likely to quit | 29 physician specialties ranked by pay | Tech attacked by nurse sues Hackensack | CMS to discern 'birthing-friendly' hospitals April 13, 2022 10 hospital exec resignations | 8 best systems to work for: Fortune | Healthcare workforce normalizing with 1 exception | Chicago hospital CEO is out | CHI Health starts travel nurse arm | 10 most diverse medical schools April 8, 2022 Miss. hospital ousts 3 execs | HCA rolls out return to corporate office | NP workforce hits record high | 2 Mo. hospitals furlough 175 | 33 billionaires in healthcare | 10 best, worst states for remote work April 6, 2022 The end game for hospitals' higher wages | 7 hospital layoffs | NP + PA pay in 50 states | 10 most, least healthy cities | Kansas hospital CEO to resign | How 2 systems approach nurse recruitment April 1, 2022 Atrius lays off nurses | RN pay in 50 states | Time for more nurse CEOs? | HCA makes 13 hospital leadership changes | Kan. bucks CMS vaccine rule | Colo. bans 'doxxing' of healthcare pros March 30, 2022 Calif. hospital to lay off 658 | Hospital CEOs join the Great Resignation | Rudeness on the rise | 200+ physicians have exited HCA's Mission, watchdog says | Best med schools, ranked by US News March 25, 2022 Will boomers unretire? | 6 reputable systems, 17,061 open jobs | CEOs' big paydays | Ohio system lowers hiring age to 16 | ProMedica to lay off 200 | Top hospitals for patient experience, by state March 23, 2022 Short-staffed hospitals cut services | 15 best, worst states for physicians | Rules delayed for Calif. travel nurses | Zillennials' sway in the workplace | 8 exec resignations March 18, 2022 Where are Americans quitting most? | Nev. hospital delays required overtime after nurse pushback | 5 systems outsourcing jobs | 10 most segregated hospital markets | 42 CXOs to know March 16, 2022 Hospitals' housing problem | What Gen Z, millennial nurses want | 'Can anyone blame nurses for turning the tables?' | 11 hospital layoffs | 9 'most ethical' health systems | HCA execs get pay boost March 11, 2022 Renown fires CEO | Are hospital workforce investments paying off? | NYC system to lay off 874 | License delays complicate staff shortages | Northwell, Intermountain + 4 other systems form HR alliance | RN salary by state March 9, 2022 Healthcare shortages go mainstream | Agency staff cost NJ hospitals $670M | Non-competes in feds' crosshairs | Michael Dowling on embracing hybrid work | Fla. health system CEO resigns | 20 best-managed healthcare companies March 4, 2022 Hospitals: Our staffing problems are a nat'l emergency | Blackface photos drive call for firings at Minn. system | 15 states hit most, least by resignations | Hospital layoffs persist | 25 US hospitals among Newsweek's best in the world March 2, 2022 Perks hospitals offer to nab talent | Why healthcare workers really quit | 16 exec moves | The nurse shortage caveat | Execs' vaccine exemption worry | The dollar cost of physician turnover February 25, 2022 7 hospitals laying off workers | The staffing story we still need to get right | 3 Beaumont execs to exit | 15 best cities for jobs | 17 'overpaid' healthcare CEOs February 23, 2022 23% of healthcare workers to exit field | RNs per capita + salaries by state | Gen Z anxiety linked to remote work | Mark Cuban wants to buck status quo healthcare | 29 burned out specialties, ranked | CIOs try gig economy February 18, 2022 Gender pay gap for execs hits 9-year high | La. hospital CEO steps down | 32% of healthcare orgs planning 3% raises | Half of healthcare workers feel defeated | 12 women making moves in healthcare February 16, 2022 8 hospital exec resignations | Mayo ups raises amid staff discontent | CEO pay by hospital size | Wash. hospital restructures amid firings | 30 best healthcare cos. to work for: Forbes February 11, 2022 Hospital CEO exits double | Where healthcare workers go after quitting | 48 best hospitals to work for, per Forbes | Hospitals plead for staffing policies | NY hospital workers seek to leave union February 9, 2022 Mo. hospital fires CEO | PeaceHealth accused of retaliation | 23 exec moves | How 2 nurse leaders stamp out racism | Small hospitals struggle in staffing wars February 2, 2022 7 hospital layoffs | 'People don't want to be managers anymore' | Hospitals' ivory tower problem | What will get workers to stay in healthcare? We asked 22 hospital leaders | Mass. system ousts CEO | Union accuses HCA of fraud January 26, 2022 Mayo employees let down by raises, system responds | 113 great healthcare leaders | UCHealth to build 12 housing units for employees | Lawmakers seek probe of nurse staffing agency pricing | UnityPoint to recruit terminated Ill. hospital workers January 19, 2022 8 hospital layoffs | Healthcare workers can't get off the COVID ride | 20 hospitals linked to most 'unnecessary' care | Fla. hospitals encourage staff vaccination amid penalty paradox | Is long COVID worsening the labor shortage? January 12, 2022 Healthcare's best places to work + top-paying jobs | Ill. hospital closes, terminates staff | 8 exec resignations | Kaiser workers plan strike | 10 hospitals with highest contract labor expenses | HR teams face pandemic pressure January 5, 2022 17 states where hospitals face critical staff shortages | Mass. systems to mandate boosters | Hospitals left with questions on CMS' vaccine rule | 500 Utah hospital staff out sick | 19 hospitals hiring CEOs, CFOs | 1 in 5 nurses burned out December 29, 2021 6 CHRO job openings | Nurses want CDC to backpedal new isolation guidelines | 16 states where hospitals face major staff shortages | Scripps CEO links jump in workplace violence to COVID deniers | NYC employers get new job posting rule December 22, 2021 Vaccine mandates perplex employers | US may trim isolation for healthcare pros | Union claims OSU Wexner prioritizes travel nurses | 1 in 5 physicians want out by 2023 | Calif. to require boosters for hospital staff | Top 50 cities for AI talent December 15, 2021 COVID can be a disability: EEOC | 17 systems halt vaccine mandates | States ranked by anxiety, depression | Efforts to curb burnout boost nurse retention, UVA finds | Could a decade-long war for talent be looming? | Gen Z may bring back union support December 8, 2021 Calif. hospital plans for 677 layoffs | 15 healthcare orgs suspending COVID-19 vaccine mandates | Viewpoint: Could 2022 bring the 'Great Raise'? | America's healthiest, unhealthiest states for 2021 | UMMS pledges $5.1M to recruit workers December 1, 2021 Vaccine mandate for healthcare workers blocked nationwide | Viewpoint: Younger workers are fed up | Mass. hospital faces potential fine over closed beds | Top 10 MBA programs for entrepreneurs | Hospital margins sink again as labor expenses mount November 24, 2021 Fla. hospitals navigate clashing mandate rules | 7 contributors to hospitals' talent flight | Healthcare's Great Retirement | 4 ways to help women get back to work | Starting salaries for MBA grads spike | An ironically quiet threat for teams November 17, 2021 Vaccine-driven turnover at 38 systems | Starting salaries for MBA grads spike | Ex-Sanford CEO got $49M payout after abrupt exit | Saint Barnabas names CHRO | Physician resigns after Houston Methodist suspends privileges over tweets November 10, 2021 CMS vaccination rule: 6 questions, answered | Allina Health names HR chief | How Providence is stepping up efforts to keep workers from quitting | TikTok: The new career fair? | 26 leaders' most important change to address burnout November 3, 2021 CommonSpirit's CHRO on what sets exceptional teams apart | Pa. system to lay off 293 | What fuels career hot streaks? | Northwell revamps spaces for the future of work | Biden's vaccination mandates move forward October 27, 2021 Employers ask Biden to delay vaccine mandate | Mayo's CNO on the likelihood of nurses' post-pandemic return | New EEOC guidance on religious exemptions from vaccine rules: 5 details | 16 executive moves | Luminis invests $29M in recruitment, retention October 20, 2021 How leaders allay resentment toward travel workers | Where will unvaccinated, jobless healthcare pros go? | Chicago hospital nurses plan strike | Cost of nurse turnover, by the numbers | Healthcare may see a 'Great Retirement,' too October 13, 2021 Healthcare has lost 524,000 workers since 2020 | Employers rethink benefit packages | Vaccine-driven turnover at 27 systems + where states stand on unemployment for departed workers | Cedars-Sinai's HR chief on embracing flexibility October 6, 2021 How to navigate the Great Resignation | Kaiser suspends 2,200 unvaccinated staff | Vaccine-related turnover at 24 systems | Nursing assistant among most micromanaged jobs | Fastest-growing healthcare jobs, ranked | Cone Health names people, culture chief September 29, 2021 With record openings, why isn't job hunting easier? | NY hospital curbs care ahead of strike date | Unvaccinated Northwell leaders out of jobs | By the numbers: Mandate-driven turnover at 18 systems | Mass General Brigham employees to get $1,000 bonuses September 22, 2021 Nearly 100 UNC staff quit, reject jobs over vaccine mandate | 9 other systems' mandate-driven terminations, resignations | Travel nurses bring gig mindset to profession | Viewpoint: Systemic overhaul needed for physicians' mental health September 15, 2021 Spectrum workers with immunity exempt from vaccination rule | Beaumont CHRO goes to UnityPoint | Parents are quitting for their kids' behavioral health | Vaccination status badges - a good idea? System leaders weigh in | Worker protections: States ranked September 8, 2021 The best, worst states to work in | Unvaccinated PeaceHealth workers put on leave | Nurses quit Calif. hospital after 1 day | 7 thoughts on great leadership | Providence looks to fill 17,000 jobs | 3 career phases every healthcare leader should know September 1, 2021 Travel nurse pay — up to $8K a week — worsens shortages | Zoom errors cost people jobs, opportunities | 10 PA specialties that earn the most | The ironically quiet threat plaguing organizations August 25, 2021 RN hourly wage in 10 metro areas | What Gen Zers working remotely may miss | Hospitals make on-the-spot job offers | Hefty sign-on bonuses not 'wildly successful,' says chief nurse exec | Amita, CoxHealth, Envision among latest to mandate vaccines August 18, 2021 20 hospital layoffs | Viewpoint: Hybrid employers may leave some behind | 8 CHRO job openings | 75% of Fla. hospitals expect critical staff shortages | Average RN salary, state by state | The 'secret sauce' behind coveted executive teams August 11, 2021 Physician vaccine misinformers could lose license | Signing bonuses for 5 in-demand specialties | There are 1M more job openings than seekers | Alleged 'no poach' deal center of suit against Mich. system | How Intermountain's CEO builds innovative teams

July/August 2021 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control  ON THE COVER A secondhand crisis is spotlighting physicians' role as bearers of bad news "You have cancer." For Pam Khosla, MD, decades of experience don't ease the burden that comes with saying those words. How Atrium, Ochsner and 4 more systems are deciding to unmask patients and staff As businesses lift mask mandates for fully vaccinated consumers, the healthcare industry has been untouched. As COVID-19 infection rates drop and vaccinations plateau, hospital leaders are determining what their mask mandates' next move is. Did the pandemic stamp out nurse bullying? Not quite, 2 CNOs say Ask any healthcare leader to name a point of pride during the pandemic, and many will likely say the immense collaboration, teamwork and support that emerged among front-line caregivers and clinical teams. 13 states skipped infection control surveys during pandemic, inspector general finds Thirteen states ignored CMS recommendations and did not perform targeted infection control surveys to prepare for COVID-19 patients last year, HHS' Office of Inspector General said in a June 28 report. The severe condition surfacing among some COVID-19 long-haulers A little-known yet serious autonomic nervous system disorder is surfacing among an unknown number of COVID-19 long-haulers, or people who experience persistent or worsening symptoms long after the infection has cleared, Kaiser Health News reported June 1. 10 CNOs on the 1 word they’d use to describe their teams In recognition of National Nurses Week, Becker's asked 10 chief nursing officers or nurse executives from health systems nationwide to share the one word they'd use to describe their nursing team over the past year. Hospital leaders are losing physician trust — here's 4 tips to change that Nearly a third of physicians lost trust in their hospital's organizational leadership during the pandemic. A 15-year study of 3,200 leaders found four ways for CEOs to earn and retain trust from their staff, according to a June 11 report by Harvard Business Review. How Scripps, UCLA Health nipped spread of deadly fungus at start of pandemic Two healthcare organizations in Southern California implemented comprehensive efforts to prevent the spread of a deadly fungus amid the early days of the pandemic, according to two case studies presented June 29 at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology's virtual annual conference. Unvaccinated MetroHealth staff must take weekly COVID-19 tests Employees at Cleveland-based MetroHealth who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 will be required to undergo weekly coronavirus testing, the health system said. 1 in 7 COVID-19 patients require care for new condition after infection About 1 in 7 adults with COVID-19 developed a new health issue that required medical care after recovering from the virus last year, according to a study published May 19 in The BMJ. Joint Commission: Top 5 most challenging requirements for hospitals in 2020 The Joint Commission has collected data on compliance with standards, National Patient Safety Goals, and Accreditation and Certification Participation Requirements to identify trends surrounding challenging requirements. America's physician shortage could hit 124,000 in 13 years The U.S. could face a shortage of 37,800 to 124,000 physicians by 2034, according to new data released June 11 from the Association of American Medical Colleges. How CMS ranked US News' 20 Honor Roll hospitals CMS updated its Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings April 28, and 11 of U.S. News & World Report's 2020-21 20 Honor Roll hospitals received a five-star rating. 'Gone are the days when organizations can just offer bonuses': How to competitively recruit, retain nurses As the nation grapples with a nurse shortage heightened by the pandemic, healthcare organizations are struggling to recruit and retain nurses. INFECTION CONTROL COVID-19 immunity may last years, 2 studies suggest COVID-19 immunity persists for at least a year, perhaps even a lifetime, according to two recent studies, The New York Times reported May 26. Biopsy samples left in many gastrointestinal endoscopes after procedures, U of Utah Health finds A new study suggests biopsy specimens are retained in gastrointestinal endoscopes about two-thirds of the time, reports Medscape. First human case of H10N3 bird flu confirmed in China Chinese health officials on June 1 confirmed the world's first known human infection from a strain of bird flu called H10N3, The New York Times reported. How Scripps, UCLA Health nipped spread of deadly fungus at start of pandemic Two healthcare organizations in Southern California implemented comprehensive efforts to prevent the spread of a deadly fungus amid the early days of the pandemic, according to two case studies presented June 29 at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology's virtual annual conference. 13 states skipped infection control surveys during pandemic, inspector general finds Thirteen states ignored CMS recommendations and did not perform targeted infection control surveys to prepare for COVID-19 patients last year, HHS' Office of Inspector General said in a June 28 report. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES Sanitation, safety complaints spur CMS probe of Michigan hospital Following patient and staff complaints against Mount Clemens, Mich.-based McLaren Macomb Hospital, CMS has asked a licensing agency to investigate the hospital, state officials confirm to WXYZ. VHA, Northwestern Medicine win Eisenberg patient safety, quality awards The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum selected the Veterans Health Administration and Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine as winners of the John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award in two categories. South Carolina organ network tied to fatal blood-type error under investigation, pressure to improve We Are Sharing Hope SC is facing three lawsuits after physicians unknowingly gave three patients organs with incompatible blood types, reports The Post and Courier. 1 in 7 COVID-19 patients require care for new condition after infection About 1 in 7 adults with COVID-19 developed a new health issue that required medical care after recovering from the virus last year, according to a study published May 19 in The BMJ. Ear tubes don't prevent future infection, study suggests Tympanostomy or ear tubes did not lower the rate of acute otitis media, or middle-ear infections, among children, compared to antibiotics, according to research published May 13 in The New England Journal of Medicine. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE America's physician shortage could hit 124,000 in 13 years The U.S. could face a shortage of 37,800 to 124,000 physicians by 2034, according to new data released June 11 from the Association of American Medical Colleges. Stanford Health Care overhauls surveys Stanford Health Care is giving its patient surveys a makeover, with revised questions and digital options for completion so patients can share feedback immediately. Physicians see fewer recruiting offers Fewer jobs are being offered to physicians in their final year of training in 2021 compared to previous years — likely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey released May 11. AAPA responds to medical groups' opposition of rebrand The American Association of Physician Assistants responded to resistance over its intent to rebrand the PA title to "physician associate" in a June 4 letter posted on its website. Baptist Health rolls out mobile app to help patients navigate facilities Baptist Health will deploy an interactive mobile wayfinding platform to help patients navigate the Jacksonville, Fla.-based health system, according to a June 2 news release. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT Unneeded tests before low-risk surgeries common, Michigan study finds Preoperative testing is often unnecessary for low-risk surgeries, but remains common practice at many hospitals in Michigan, according to a study published May 17 in JAMA Internal Medicine. How Nebraska hospital cut patient falls in halfKearney (Neb.) Regional Medical Center has cut its patient fall rate in half since launching a safety program last October, Kearney Hub reported June 10. CDC: Heart disease, diabetes deaths rose in 2020 As COVID-19 spread through the U.S. in 2020, the death rates for heart disease and diabetes saw significant increases, according to data from the CDC's Mortality Dashboard. NYC Health + Hospitals stops using 2 race-based clinical assessments NYC Health + Hospitals will no longer perform two common diagnostic tests that use race-based calculations, the New York City-based health system said May 17. How CMS ranked US News' 20 Honor Roll hospitals CMS updated its Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings April 28, and 11 of U.S. News & World Report's 2020-21 20 Honor Roll hospitals received a five-star rating. Pediatric sepsis cases jumped during pandemic, study finds Postoperative sepsis rates increased among children who were hospitalized early  in the pandemic, a study published June 1 in Hospital Pediatrics found. NURSING SPOTLIGHT The root of the nursing shortage problem and what Louisiana leaders are doing about it As hospitals across the nation deal with nursing shortages, leaders across Louisiana are teaming up to combat root causes of the shortage, reports CBS affiliate WWL-TV. 11 best shoes for nurses, healthcare workers on their feet Long-lasting comfort and support are crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals who are constantly on their feet. Montana raises nurse pay by 17% at state hospital in effort to retain, recruit staff The state health department is increasing entry-level nurse wages by 17 percent at Warm Springs-based Montana State Hospital in an attempt to boost recruitment and retention, reports The Montana Standard. 'We're expendable': Michigan nurses say PPE still stretched thin, staffing shortages affecting care Many nurses at Michigan hospitals say some personal protective equipment is still in short supply and inadequate staffing is hindering best care practices, reports CW affiliate WWMT. Ochsner, Terrebonne General invest $2M in Louisiana nursing school Ochsner Health and Terrebonne General Health System are each investing $1 million in the expansion of nursing and other health programs at Schriever, La.-based Fletcher Technical Community College, reports The Lafourche Gazette.

August 2021 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER Top 20 smart hospitals in the world, ranked by Newsweek Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic was named the best smart hospital in the world in 2021 by Newsweek. Stop calling everything 'burnout' Healthcare needs an expanded vocabulary for what clinicians experience. Meet the ransomware gang behind 235 attacks on US hospitals: 7 things to know Responsible for one-third of the 203 million U.S. ransomware attacks in 2020, the Ryuk ransomware gang is the most prolific in the world and has targeted at least 235 hospitals, according to a June 10 Wall Street Journal report. 14 healthcare CEOs with best employee reviews on Glassdoor Job and recruiting site Glassdoor released the winners of its annual Employees' Choice Award, honoring the top-rated CEOs in 2021. Oregon hospital board blindsided by staffing crisis The advisory board for Oregon State Hospital was unaware of the seriousness of a staffing shortage that forced the hospital to ask for help from the National Guard, according to the Salem Reporter. Rural hospitals may get paid to become standalone ERs Rural hospitals that close inpatient beds and revamp as standalone emergency rooms may receive more funding under a proposal buried in the almost 6,000-page stimulus act signed late last year, Bloomberg reported June 10. Most hospitals opting for noncompliance fee over disclosing prices Most hospitals are still not fully compliant with CMS' price transparency rule, opting to pay the maximum $300 per day noncompliance fee rather than face the potential costs of price disclosure, according to research published June 14 in JAMA Internal Medicine. 10 best children's hospitals, ranked by US News U.S. News & World Report released its 2021-22 Best Children's Hospitals rankings on June 15, with Boston Children's Hospital earning the top spot for the eighth consecutive year. Female CEOs showed more inclusive leadership style than men throughout pandemic, study suggests CEOs who are women exhibited a different leadership style than their male counterparts during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating more empathy, adaptability, accountability and diversity, according to a May 25 report by S&P Global. Most promising healthcare tech in 2021: 13 execs from UPMC, Mount Sinai, Kaiser Permanente & more Technology took on an elevated role over the past year as health systems rapidly expanded telehealth, data analytics, artificial intelligence and remote monitoring capabilities to provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fighting hospital ransomware hackers takes a public-private village, Scripps CEO says More than a month after a ransomware attack hit Scripps Health and disrupted its IT systems for weeks, CEO Chris Van Gorder has penned an op-ed in The San Diego Union-Tribune to detail the events and call on greater collaboration between the government and hospitals to thwart attacks. Did the pandemic stamp out nurse bullying? Not quite, 2 CNOs say Ask any healthcare leader to name a point of pride during the pandemic, and many will likely say the immense collaboration, teamwork and support that emerged among front-line caregivers and clinical teams. 'Overrun with kids attempting suicide': Children's Colorado declares state of emergency The CEO of Children's Hospital Colorado declared a state of emergency in pediatric mental health May 25, a first for the Aurora-based hospital. Peter Slavin, MD Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital's CEO, Peter Slavin, MD, is resigning from the healthcare system he's called home since becoming a medical resident 36 years ago. He will officially step down once a successor is confirmed. Mary Mannix Nestled in the semi-rural region of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Augusta Health serves 120,000 residents in its primary service area, with another 100,000 residents in the adjacent counties. The health system is independent, community-owned, locally governed and one of just a few independent health systems left in Virginia, Mary Mannix, CEO of Augusta Health, told Becker's. Johnese Spisso, RN Johnese Spisso, RN, is president of the University of California, Los Angeles' health system and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System. She spoke with Becker's about the Southern California organization's vested interest in the healthcare of migrant children, mental health awareness and what has kept her feeling inspired, even during the darkest days of the pandemic. Jeffrey Balser, MD, PhD Jeffrey Balser, MD, PhD, is president and CEO of Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a position he's held since 2009. Over the course of his 12-year tenure, he has expanded the health system from two to five regional campuses, which include seven hospitals, 1,700 beds and 3,000 physicians. Roberta Schwartz, PhD Roberta Schwartz, PhD, is executive vice president and chief innovation officer at Houston Methodist Hospital, the No. 1 hospital in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report. Ms. Schwartz spoke with Becker's about the latest healthcare technology affecting her organization. Ranga Krishnan, MBChB Rush University Medical Center stands at No. 17 on U.S. News and World Report's hospital honor roll, and CMS recently awarded one of the system's hospitals with five stars. After a challenging year in healthcare, CEO Ranga Krishnan, MD, spoke with Becker's about what lies ahead for the award-winning health system. Eric Dickson, MD Eric Dickson, MD, is president and CEO of Worcester-based UMass Memorial Health Care, Central New England's largest health system. Dr. Dickson spoke with Becker's about the challenge of inspiring a team in the wake of an exhausting year. Keith Churchwell, MD Keith Churchwell, MD, began serving as president of Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital in October, and he brought with him years of experience at the organization. CFO / FINANCE Northwell chief: Medical debt ombudsman will 'check and balance' collections Communication is key when it comes to hospitals handling patient debt efficiently, according to Rich Miller, Northwell Health's executive vice president and chief business strategy officer. Rural hospitals may get paid to become standalone ERs Rural hospitals that close inpatient beds and revamp as standalone emergency rooms may receive more funding under a proposal buried in the almost 6,000-page stimulus act signed late last year, Bloomberg reported June 10. Texas hospital files for bankruptcy Heights Hospital in Houston filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection June 1, according to court documents. Sutter Health to lay off 400 workers As part of a financial restructuring plan, Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health will issue another round of layoffs this year, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. Top 100 US hospitals charge patients 7 times their actual care cost, study shows More than a quarter of the 100 hospitals with the highest revenues in the U.S. sued patients over unpaid bills between 2018 and mid-2020, according to research from Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University, first reported by Axios June 14. CEO/STRATEGY Board chair quits struggling New York public hospital, claims insufficient reforms The board chair of Nassau University Medical Center resigned May 28, accusing the East Meadow, N.Y.-based hospital's governance of not making necessary changes at the financially struggling hospital, according to Newsday. Texas hospital returns to mask mandate for visitors Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas, will reinstate its mask requirements, according to local station CBS7. 14 healthcare CEOs with best employee reviews on Glassdoor Job and recruiting site Glassdoor released the winners of its annual Employees' Choice Award, honoring the top-rated CEOs in 2021. Stop calling everything 'burnout' Healthcare needs an expanded vocabulary for what clinicians experience. 49 HCA-owned hospitals in Florida to unite under 1 brand Forty-nine Florida hospital campuses and affiliated care sites owned by Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare will adopt the HCA Florida Healthcare brand, the for-profit hospital operator said May 24. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP How one of Virginia's few independent health systems stays strong, avoids mergers Nestled in the semi-rural region of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Augusta Health serves 120,000 residents in its primary service area, with another 100,000 residents in the adjacent counties. The health system is independent, community-owned, locally governed and one of just a few independent health systems left in Virginia, Mary Mannix, CEO of Augusta Health, told Becker's. To retain women, hospital leaders should consider these 4 child care policies Hospital leaders trying to mitigate workforce shortages should consider these four child care policies to retain female workers, according to a May 28 article published in Harvard Business Review. How 1 healthcare company doubled the number of women among its C-suite ranks In 2007, there were five times as many men as women in officer roles at biotechnology company Genentech, and female directors left twice as often as men. To improve the rate of women in leadership positions and mitigate the number of women leaving the company, Genentech implemented several strategies to achieve gender equity, according to a June 2 report in Harvard Business Review. Leadership transition support vital for success — yet women receive far less of it than men Having a formal transition process for incoming leadership positions is crucial in the success of that leader. However, women are receiving less support in their transition at every level, according to a recent leadership transition report by Development Dimensions International. Would women accept a gender pay gap if roles were reversed? 4 study findings Women are just as likely as men to vote against a policy that shrinks the gender pay gap if the roles are reversed and men are the ones earning less, according to a study published in the journal of Applied Economics Letters. INNOVATION Most promising healthcare tech in 2021: 13 execs from UPMC, Mount Sinai, Kaiser Permanente & more Technology took on an elevated role over the past year as health systems rapidly expanded telehealth, data analytics, artificial intelligence and remote monitoring capabilities to provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Duke Health data chief leaves to head up innovation at Verily's virtual diabetes clinic Virtual diabetes clinic Onduo, a Verily company, named Duke Health executive Eric Huang, MD, PhD, its new chief science and innovation officer. 5 biggest innovation investments health systems made in 2021 Health systems have been pouring investment dollars into digital health startups, research efforts and internal innovation projects throughout 2021, though they often do not disclose the amount. For those that did, below are the five largest innovation investments health systems made in 2021: Johns Hopkins, HHS, 25 more health IT orgs form digital health collaborative The Digital Medicine Society rounded up 27 health systems, health IT companies and policy organizations as part of a new collaborative that aims to create best approaches for measuring health using digital technologies. Mount Sinai launches digital health incubator Mount Sinai Innovation Partners, the New York City-based health system's commercialization engine, launched Elementa Labs, a virtual incubator program to foster the growth of digital health startups. CIO/HEALTH IT Top 20 smart hospitals in the world, ranked by Newsweek Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic was named the best smart hospital in the world in 2021 by Newsweek. IT security company exec charged with cyberattack on Georgia hospital The COO of an Atlanta-based healthcare network security company has been arraigned on charges related to a cyberattack on Gwinnett Medical Center in 2018, according to a June 10 Department of Justice news release. Cerner eliminates 500 jobs Kansas City, Mo.-based Cerner is eliminating 500 positions across its global workforce, according to a June 10 Kansas City Star report. Viewpoint: Google, HCA deal sparks need for update in privacy lawsGoogle Cloud and HCA Healthcare's new collaboration to build health data algorithms has ignited the need for updates to U.S. privacy laws, New York University medical ethics expert Arthur Caplan, PhD, told CNBC. Florida's emergency order for telehealth expires Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order declaring a public health emergency expired June 26, cutting off flexibilities for telehealth across the state, the Sun Sentinel reported. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Patient who died at Florida VA hospital received 'deficient,' 'mismanaged' care, federal report finds A patient who died in the emergency room at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville, Fla., was incorrectly triaged, according to a June 3 report from the VA Office of Inspector General. 23% of people who had COVID-19 still have at least 1 condition, study finds Among a study of nearly 2 million people who had COVID-19, more than 20 percent were left with at least one post-COVID-19 condition at least 30 days after their initial diagnosis, according to findings published June 15 by Fair Health, a national nonprofit organization. Did the pandemic stamp out nurse bullying? Not quite, 2 CNOs say Ask any healthcare leader to name a point of pride during the pandemic, and many will likely say the immense collaboration, teamwork and support that emerged among front-line caregivers and clinical teams. How hospitals are deciding to unmask patients and staff: 6 execs from Atrium, Ochsner & more As businesses lift mask mandates for fully vaccinated consumers, the healthcare industry has been untouched. As COVID-19 infection rates drop and vaccinations plateau, hospital leaders are determining what their mask mandates' next move is. Texas NP gets 20-year sentence, ordered to pay $52M for fraud using physician IDs A nurse practitioner from Texas was sentenced May 25 to 20 years in prison for his role in orchestrating a scheme to defraud Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Cigna. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP UCLA CEO: Standing strong after 2 COVID-19 surges Johnese Spisso, RN, is president of the University of California, Los Angeles' health system and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System. She spoke with Becker's about the Southern California organization's vested interest in the healthcare of migrant children, mental health awareness and what has kept her feeling inspired, even during the darkest days of the pandemic. Vanderbilt CEO: What the telehealth boom makes inexcusable Jeffrey Balser, MD, PhD, is president and CEO of Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a position he's held since 2009. Over the course of his 12-year tenure, he has expanded the health system from two to five regional campuses, which include seven hospitals, 1,700 beds and 3,000 physicians. 'We are trying to disrupt our business in every aspect': Q&A with Houston Methodist's innovation chief Roberta Schwartz, PhD, is executive vice president and chief innovation officer at Houston Methodist Hospital, the No. 1 hospital in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report. Ms. Schwartz spoke with Becker's about the latest healthcare technology affecting her organization. Rush CEO puts patient journey front and center Rush University Medical Center stands at No. 17 on U.S. News and World Report's hospital honor roll, and CMS recently awarded one of the system's hospitals with five stars. After a challenging year in healthcare, CEO Ranga Krishnan, MD, spoke with Becker's about what lies ahead for the award-winning health system. UMass Memorial CEO: 'In leadership, you have to make sure people believe the future is going to be better than the past' Eric Dickson, MD, is president and CEO of Worcester-based UMass Memorial Health Care, Central New England's largest health system. Dr. Dickson spoke with Becker's about the challenge of inspiring a team in the wake of an exhausting year.

July 2021 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER Leapfrog's 'F' and Straight-'A' Hospitals The Leapfrog Group released its spring 2021 Hospital Safety Grades April 29, assigning "A" through "F" letter grades to more than 2,700 general acute-care hospitals in the U.S. for patient safety performance. How UnitedHealth plans to make Optum a $100B business UnitedHealth Group bought its first medical practice 15 years ago and now aims to make providing healthcare its next $100 billion business, according to Insider. The 17 health systems to which Walmart sends employees for care in 2021 Through its Centers of Excellence program, Walmart partners with health systems that have demonstrated appropriate, high-quality care and outcomes for defined episodes of care. 18 highest-paid CEOs in healthcare The CEOs of Centene, HCA Healthcare and AbbVie are among the highest-paid chief executives of the largest U.S. companies, according to Equilar. Bonuses no longer cut it: How to recruit, retain nurses As the nation grapples with a nurse shortage heightened by the pandemic, healthcare organizations are struggling to recruit and retain nurses. Tennessee to revise certificate-of-need law, increasing fees for hospitals, exempting others Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill last week that makes several changes to the state's certificate-of-need requirements, exempting more healthcare providers from needing to apply for a certificate but raising fees for providers. Kansas hospital to close all inpatient beds, ER Community HealthCare System will close the emergency room and all inpatient beds at its hospital facility in St. Marys, Kan. Who health systems are adding to the C-suite Health systems are focused on having the right people with the right skills to tackle evolving issues in healthcare. This means the C-suite and leadership roles are changing. 10 most, least racially inclusive hospitals: Lown Institute A new ranking from the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan healthcare think tank, examines racial inclusivity of more than 3,200 U.S. hospitals to assess which are best at serving the people of color in their communities. 147,000+ individuals' health info stolen during Scripps ransomware attack San Diego-based Scripps Health is notifying more than 147,000 individuals that their protected health information was exposed during a malware attack on its information systems last month, according to a June 1 KNSD report. How top EHR vendors ranked in hospital beds gained, lost in 2020 While 2020 was not Epic's largest year for EHR market share growth, the Verona, Wis.-based EHR vendor gained more hospital contracts and beds than its competitors for the year, according to a recent KLAS Research report. Minnesota nurse reinstated after being fired for wearing hospital-issued scrubs instead of own Minneapolis-based Allina Health must reinstate former nurse Cliff Willmeng, RN, but doesn't have to issue back pay, an arbitrator determined April 21. Why are physicians leaving this North Carolina hospital? City seeks attorney general probe Brevard, N.C., leaders are urging the state's attorney general to investigate why a flood of physicians have left rural Transylvania Regional Hospital, according to WLOS. Delvecchio Finley Delvecchio Finley grew up in public housing in Atlanta's Southside and saw healthcare as a pathway to help others and promote health equity. Now, Mr. Finley is returning to Georgia as the CEO of Macon, Ga.-based Atrium Health Navicent to use his position to improve health access for his local community. Kavitha Bhatia, MD Kavitha Bhatia, MD, is the first chief medical officer of strategy for Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, a role she was appointed to in 2019. Meredith Foxx, MSN When Meredith Foxx, MSN, started her nursing career 22 years ago, she never  expected to be leading nearly 30,000 nursing caregivers at one of the nation's top health systems — Cleveland Clinic. Rick Evans The chief experience officer, or CXO, role in healthcare is still relatively new on the scene. Paul Castillo Paul Castillo has been Michigan Medicine's CFO since 2011. He recently reflected on the pandemic and his priorities for the health system's future. Vedner Guerrier During his 20-year journey at Memorial Healthcare System, Vedner Guerrier has risen to become CEO of Memorial Hospital Miramar (Fla.). CFO / FINANCE How UnitedHealth plans to make Optum a $100B business UnitedHealth Group bought its first medical practice 15 years ago and now aims to make providing healthcare its next $100 billion business, according to Insider. CHS has sued 19,000 patients for unpaid bills amid the pandemic Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems has filed at least 19,000 lawsuits against patients to collect unpaid bills since March 2020, CNN reported May 17. Jefferson Health drops policy linking physician bonuses, patient fundraising referrals Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health has dropped a policy that linked some physician bonuses to patient referrals to its fundraising office, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. CommonSpirit posts $1.7B net income in Q3 After posting a $1.4 billion net loss in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, CommonSpirit, a 140-hospital system based in Chicago, saw improved finances in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, according to financial documents released May 14. CommonSpirit's plan to sell 14 hospitals to Essentia abandoned Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health and Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health have abandoned a deal that would have added 14 hospitals and three clinics to Essentia Health's network. CEO/STRATEGY Union takes aim at HCA exec compensation in ad campaign Service Employees International Union, which represents more than 1 million healthcare workers, is taking aim at Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare for what it calls runaway executive competition in an advertising blitz. Buffett on failed Haven venture: The 'tapeworm won' Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, told shareholders his company's failed healthcare venture with JPMorgan Chase and Amazon could not overcome the high cost of care in the U.S., according to Yahoo Finance. CEOs die earlier because of stress, study finds Stress induced from working long hours and making high-stakes decisions translates to a shorter life and faster aging for CEOs, according to a National Bureau of Economic Research working paper. How do hospitals handle dishonest patient reviews? Execs from Cleveland Clinic, UCHealth & more discuss When Americans need to find care, the first place they usually go is Google. With hospitals' ratings and reviews often affecting healthcare consumers' decision about where to seek care, what options are available when a patient writes a misleading or dishonest review? Amazon Care has its first enterprise client Amazon Care, the e-commerce giant's new healthcare venture, has signed its first enterprise client, Insider reported May 5. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Dr. Vineet Arora: U of Chicago's newly appointed dean of medical education plans to fight hard for health equity Vineet Arora, MD, is the University of Chicago's next dean of medical education, a role that will become effective July 1. Her predecessor, Halina Brukner, MD, is retiring. Meet new HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm: 4 things to know The Senate has confirmed Andrea Palm as the next deputy secretary of HHS. She will be the No. 2 official at a $1 trillion-plus agency with about 80,000 employees. More women assuming chief marketing officer role, but racial, ethnic diversity is slipping Despite more women becoming chief marketing officers in 2020, the profession saw a drop in overall racial and ethnic diversity, according to a recent report from executive search firm Spencer Stuart. Male physicians see 30% larger paychecks than their female colleagues Male physicians continue to earn more money than female physicians in 2021 — 27 percent more in primary care and 33 percent more in specialty care, to be precise. 'Get the waste out of the system': AdventHealth's Kimberly Bell on the future of heart care Cardiology needs to be "more in the business of prevention than treatment," says Kimberly Bell, MSN, vice president of operations for specialty practices at Orlando, Fla.-based AdventHealth. She recently joined the Becker's Healthcare cardiology podcast to discuss how she believes heart care will evolve. INNOVATION Google, HCA partner for health algorithms: 7 things to know HCA Healthcare inked a multi-year collaboration with Google Cloud focused on building a health data analytics platform to support the Nashville, Tenn.-based system's clinical and operational workflows, the organizations announced May 26. Cleveland Clinic names new head of innovation arm: 5 things to know D. Geoffrey Vince, Ph.D., was tapped to lead Cleveland Clinic Innovations as executive director, a newly created role, the health system said May 26. Mayo, Kaiser strike joint investment in virtual hospital-at-home model: 6 details Two of the nation's biggest healthcare providers are betting on the future of healthcare delivered from outside the four walls of the hospital. U of Texas: Blockchain tech could increase homeless population's access to healthcare University of Texas Dell Medical School researchers are building new blockchain technology to devise a better way for people experiencing homelessness to have their identity verified and shared by healthcare providers, according to a May 10 Austin American-Statesman report. Colorado physician creates, starts selling wearable COVID-19 vaccine card Tashof Bernton, MD, an internal and occupational medicine physician in Colorado, created a blue silicone bracelet called the ImmunaBand, which has a metal tag with a QR code on it. Scanning the QR code and then entering a PIN number will open to show someone's vaccination status, according to NBC affiliate KXAN in a May 12 article. CIO/HEALTH IT Walmart to bring telehealth nationwide with acquisition of MeMD: 8 details Walmart Health has entered an agreement to acquire on-demand, multispecialty telehealth provider MeMD, the retailer said May 6. Telehealth company fires CEO accused of harassing teen in TikTok video Chattanooga, Tenn.-based telehealth company VisuWell has terminated its CEO Sam Johnson after he was seen on a TikTok video appearing to harass a boy who wore a dress to his prom April 24, NBC News reports. Mayo Clinic names new chief technology officer from Northwell Vish Anantraman has been chosen as chief technology officer of Mayo Clinic, the Rochester, Minn.-based health system said. 147,000+ individuals' health info stolen during Scripps ransomware attack San Diego-based Scripps Health is notifying more than 147,000 individuals that their protected health information was exposed during a malware attack on its information systems last month, according to a June 1 KNSD report. Atlantic General Hospital CIO saves drowning toddler after bridge car crash The CIO of a Maryland hospital helped save a 2-year-old from drowning after the child was thrown from a vehicle into the Assawoman Bay near Ocean City, according to a May 12 Daily American report. CMO/CARE DELIVERY PAs seek new title: 'Physician associate' The American Academy of Physician Assistants is adopting "physician associate" as the official title for the PA profession. Physician assistant title change opposed by American Osteopathic Association A recent push to change physician assistants' professional title could cause confusion about medical roles and undermine the importance of a physician-led care team model, thereby threatening patient safety, the American Osteopathic Association said May 28. Minnesota nurse reinstated after being fired for wearing hospital-issued scrubs instead of own Minneapolis-based Allina Health must reinstate former nurse Cliff Willmeng, RN, but doesn't have to issue back pay, an arbitrator determined April 21. Where are the 27 Leapfrog straight-'A' hospitals? The Leapfrog Group released its spring 2021 Hospital Safety Grades April 29, assigning "A" through "F" letter grades to more than 2,700 general acute-care hospitals in the U.S. for patient safety performance. Stanford Health Care overhauls surveys Stanford Health Care is giving its patient surveys a makeover, with revised questions and digital options for completion so patients can share feedback immediately. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP From public housing to C-suite: Atrium Health Navicent's CEO on how leaders' roles don't stop at hospital doors Delvecchio Finley grew up in public housing in Atlanta's Southside and saw healthcare as a pathway to help others and promote health equity. Now, Mr. Finley is returning to Georgia as the CEO of Macon, Ga.-based Atrium Health Navicent to use his position to improve health access for his local community. Leadership through a physician's lens with Prime Healthcare CMO of strategy, Dr. Kavitha Bhatia Kavitha Bhatia, MD, is the first chief medical officer of strategy for Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, a role she was appointed to in 2019. When leading a team of 30,000, self-care is essential: 5 Qs with Cleveland Clinic's CNO When Meredith Foxx, MSN, started her nursing career 22 years ago, she never  expected to be leading nearly 30,000 nursing caregivers at one of the nation's top health systems — Cleveland Clinic. NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: As healthcare evolves, so does the role of experience leaders The chief experience officer, or CXO, role in healthcare is still relatively new on the scene. Michigan Medicine CFO Paul Castillo sees light at the end of the tunnel Paul Castillo has been Michigan Medicine's CFO since 2011. He recently reflected on the pandemic and his priorities for the health system's future.

June 2021 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER 35 billionaires in US healthcare Thirty-five U.S. healthcare leaders made Forbes' 35th annual list of the world's richest people in 2021, which saw an "unprecedented" number of newcomers. Eight of the 493 newcomers were in U.S. healthcare, according to Forbes. The hospital CEO agenda: What 4 leaders are starting, stopping The COVID-19 pandemic has forced hospital and health system CEOs to rethink how their organizations operate. This means not only starting something new to improve and innovate medical care, but also stopping, halting or quitting approaches that may not fit well in the new healthcare environment. 31 numbers that show how big Epic, Cerner, Allscripts & Meditech are in healthcare Below are 31 quick notes on the positions of Epic, Cerner, Allscripts and Meditech in the EHR market. Viewpoint: Ditch the term 'vaccine passport' and try these messaging strategies instead The term "vaccine passport" has fueled political division, posing the need for an overhaul of the language used to describe COVID-19 vaccine verification, according to Brian Castrucci, DrPH, and Frank Luntz. 29 physician specialties ranked by annual compensation During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care physicians earned an average annual compensation of $242,000 and specialists earned an average of $344,000 — a decrease of $1,000 and $2,000, respectively, compared to before the public health crisis hit. Washington health system blames Cerner for bankruptcy Astria Health's former EHR and revenue cycle vendor is to blame for the health system's bankruptcy and the closure of one of its hospitals last year, according to a complaint filed March 22 in bankruptcy court. UnitedHealthcare squeezes competition like a 'boa constrictor,' physicians say A large group of anesthesiologists is suing UnitedHealthcare in Colorado and Texas, alleging the health insurance giant is suppressing competition by forcing physicians out of its network and pushing hospitals to stop referring patients to them, according to The New York Times. Executive pay at CHS, Tenet and HCA: 12 things to know Some top executives at major for-profit hospital operators saw their total compensation rise last year, while others saw total pay decline. It will now take 135+ years to close gender pay gap because of pandemic An additional 36 years have been added to the estimated time it will take to close the gender pay gap, bringing the total to 135 years, according to a March 30 report published by the World Economic Forum. Healthcare disruptors: 4 hospital IT execs weigh in on retaining tech talent As retail and tech giants like Amazon, Walmart and Google continue to scale healthcare efforts, hospitals and health systems are left looking to compete not just with retaining patients, but keeping their IT and other employees, too. Ascension's technology business to lay off 651 employees Ascension Technologies, the IT subsidiary of St. Louis-based Ascension, plans to lay off an estimated 651 remote workers this year, according to an April 30 St. Louis Post-Dispatch report. Sutter hospital fined $155K over infection control violations after nurse's death California health officials have fined Oakland, Calif.-based Alta Bates Summit Medical Center $155,250 over workplace infection control standards, the California Nurses Association said March 19. Emerging trends among COVID-19 long-haulers: 6 physicians weigh in Early research estimates have shown anywhere between 10 percent to 30 percent of people with COVID-19 go on to become long-haulers, or those who experience persistent symptoms weeks or months after the infection has cleared. With more than 31.2 million COVID-19 cases reported in the U.S., and with the pandemic still raging, the number of people who are or will experience long-term effects presents health systems a profound challenge. Bob Sutton Leaders must be fully present with their colleagues and staff to effectively hear them and respond to them. Naomi Cramer Naomi Cramer spent 25 years working at Target, where she rose in the ranks to become vice president of talent management, before joining Phoenix-based Banner Health six years ago. Tracey Moffatt, BSN, RN New Orleans-based Ochsner Health hasn't reported any COVID-19 deaths for its nursing staff across the entire system. Michael Dowling Michael Dowling's childhood home in Knockaderry, Ireland, was a thatched-roof cottage made of mud and stone. It lacked electricity, indoor plumbing and running water. To obtain peat to heat it, he traveled an hour with his father in a borrowed donkey cart to a bog. Rick Evans If the core of patient experience has been focused on compassion in the past, it now is also increasingly focused on convenience. Janice Nevin, MD Janice Nevin, MD, MPH, serves as President and Chief Executive Officer at ChristianaCare. Joan Coffman Joan Coffman, president and CEO of St. Tammany Health System in Covington, La., said she has faced challenges such as Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have helped shape her leadership skills and improved her ability to deal with change. CFO / FINANCE Washington health system blames Cerner for bankruptcy Astria Health's former EHR and revenue cycle vendor is to blame for the health system's bankruptcy and the closure of one of its hospitals last year, according to a complaint filed March 22 in bankruptcy court. UVA Health to drop thousands of lawsuits against patients for unpaid bills University of Virginia Health will wipe out a decades-old backlog of court judgments and liens resulting from lawsuits it brought against patients for unpaid hospital bills, the Charlottesville-based health system said April 19. Billing errors resulted in $23.6M in overpayments to HCA hospital, inspector general finds Las Vegas-based Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, owned by Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, failed to comply with Medicare billing requirements for 54 of 100 inpatient and outpatient claims reviewed by the HHS Office of Inspector General, according to an inspector general's report released March 31. UnitedHealthcare squeezes competition like a 'boa constrictor,' physicians say A large group of anesthesiologists is suing UnitedHealthcare in Colorado and Texas, alleging the health insurance giant is suppressing competition by forcing physicians out of its network and pushing hospitals to stop referring patients to them, according to The New York Times. Lawyers want $184M slice of Sutter antitrust settlement The California Attorney General's Office and five law firms that sued Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health alleging antitrust violations are seeking 32 percent, or $184 million, of the $575 million settlement that would end the litigation, according to Bloomberg Law. CEO/STRATEGY The hospital CEO agenda: What 4 leaders are starting, stopping The COVID-19 pandemic has forced hospital and health system CEOs to rethink how their organizations operate. This means not only starting something new to improve and innovate medical care, but also stopping, halting or quitting approaches that may not fit well in the new healthcare environment. Rhode Island hospital finance chief dodged 2 layoff attempts in the last year The chief of operations and financial management at Eleanor Slater Hospital, an embattled state-run psychiatric hospital in Cranston, R.I., avoided losing his job for months despite two layoff attempts, according to local news station WPRI. What hospital leaders can learn from 175,334 patient comments There are only a few different themes that characterize a positive patient experience, yet there are a variety of missteps that can cause patient dissatisfaction, according to an April 2 report published in Harvard Business Review. Boston has more hospital chiefs on corporate boards than other cities, investigation finds An investigation published by The Boston Globe reveals that it is commonplace for hospital chiefs in Boston to work as directors of publicly traded companies, and that they do so at rates above the national level. North Carolina health system CEO delays departure to finalize merger Randolph Health CEO Angela Orth is extending her employment with the Asheboro, N.C.-based system while a merger with American Healthcare Systems is finalized, according to the Triad Business Journal. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP It will now take 135+ years to close gender pay gap because of pandemic An additional 36 years have been added to the estimated time it will take to close the gender pay gap, bringing the total to 135 years, according to a March 30 report published by the World Economic Forum. 5 ways adding women to the C-suite can improve your hospital Companies with a higher share of women in C-suite positions are more profitable, more socially responsible, and have better safety and customer experience, according to research published in Harvard Business Review. A former Target exec is transforming Banner into the 'employer of the future' Naomi Cramer spent 25 years working at Target, where she rose in the ranks to become vice president of talent management, before joining Phoenix-based Banner Health six years ago. Mental health issues jumped for women at start of pandemic, study finds Mental health issues among U.S. women increased early in the pandemic and may be driven, in part, by greater socioeconomic challenges, according to a study published April 5 in the Journal of Women's Health. 'Femtech' to address women's health expected to grow to $1B industry Women represent half of the global population, but only a fraction of technology is geared toward women. Growth in "femtech" may finally change that, according to an April 7 report by The New York Times. INNOVATION Mayo Clinic launches 2 companies in support of new health analytics platform initiative Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic launched two new companies to support its newly developed Remote Diagnostics and Management Platform, which connects data with artificial intelligence technologies for clinical decision support. Fauci: US won't mandate vaccine passports Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told Politico's "Dispatch" podcast that the federal government will not mandate COVID-19 vaccine passports for businesses or events. Here's what Northwell is doing with 2,800 Amazon Echo devices New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health is expanding a program to equip COVID-19 patients' rooms with Amazon Echo Show devices, which feature two-way video calling capabilities that let clinicians check on patients via video, CNN reports. Weill Cornell physicians testing prescription video game to curb COVID-19 brain fog Researchers from New York City-based Weill Cornell Medicine are testing a prescription video game to see if it can help with memory loss and attention problems after recovery from COVID-19, according to an April 19 report by The Verge. Ochsner Health, Xavier launch new grad programs for tech-driven medical careers Ochsner Health and Xavier University of Louisiana, both based in New Orleans, are teaming up on new graduate education programs that aim to accelerate medical technology careers in healthcare. CIO/HEALTH IT What Microsoft's $20B Nuance acquisition means for big tech's healthcare push: 7 details With a nearly $20 billion acquisition of speech recognition company Nuance Communications, Microsoft aims to get a leg up in its healthcare competition with other tech giants, according to an April 13 Wall Street Journal report. Hackers download Trinity Health patients' PHI: 5 details Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health is notifying patients that their protected health information was recently accessed and downloaded by an unauthorized user, according to an April 5 news release. 31 numbers that show how big Epic, Cerner, Allscripts & Meditech are in healthcare Below are 31 quick notes on the positions of Epic, Cerner, Allscripts and Meditech in the EHR market. Conifer names chief technology officer Muthu Krishnan, PhD, has been named chief technology officer of Conifer Health Solutions, a subsidiary of Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare that offers revenue cycle management services and works with healthcare organizations to improve their financial and clinical operations. 8 things that make Amazon Care unique from competitors Amazon has surpassed milestones in its expansion into the healthcare sector. Unlike traditional healthcare organizations, the company's virtual care pilot, Amazon Care, adopted a unique business model. Here are eight things that make Amazon Care different from traditional healthcare organizations. CMO/CARE DELIVERY COVID-19 vaccine side effects and transmission: 4 Qs, answered Vaccine small talk has trickled into Americans' daily conversations now that 33 percent of adults have received their first dose. Sutter hospital fined $155K over infection control violations after nurse's death California health officials have fined Oakland, Calif.-based Alta Bates Summit Medical Center $155,250 over workplace infection control standards, the California Nurses Association said March 19. Missouri physician collects $26M in wrongful termination lawsuit An emergency room physician is collecting $26 million in a wrongful termination lawsuit against ER staffing company EmCare after originally being awarded $29 million in the case, according to KCUR. Wisconsin hospital replaces anesthesiologists with CRNAs Watertown (Wis.) Regional Medical Center has replaced its anesthesiologists with certified registered nurse anesthetists, and some physicians aren't happy about the change, according to Medscape Medical News. Beth Israel Lahey's physician-poaching is hindering Massachusetts hospital's reopening, its president says A Massachusetts hospital temporarily closed by severe flood damage is accusing Boston-based Beth Israel Lahey Health of poaching its affiliated physicians and undermining its recovery efforts, according to the Boston Business Journal. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Poverty, depression and domestic violence aren't just 'social determinants of health' to Northwell CEO Michael Dowling — they're part of his remarkable past Michael Dowling's childhood home in Knockaderry, Ireland, was a thatched-roof cottage made of mud and stone. It lacked electricity, indoor plumbing and running water. To obtain peat to heat it, he traveled an hour with his father in a borrowed donkey cart to a bog. NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: Access is the new patient experience If the core of patient experience has been focused on compassion in the past, it now is also increasingly focused on convenience. Becker's 11th Annual Meeting Speaker Series: 3 Questions with Dr. Janice Nevin, President and Chief Executive Officer at ChristianaCare Janice Nevin, MD, MPH, serves as President and Chief Executive Officer at ChristianaCare. Corner Office: St. Tammany CEO Joan Coffman on navigating change and leading with integrity Joan Coffman, president and CEO of St. Tammany Health System in Covington, La., said she has faced challenges such as Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have helped shape her leadership skills and improved her ability to deal with change.

May/June 2021 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control  ON THE COVER Why demand for physician leaders is growing As a practicing OB-GYN in the 1980s, Lawrence Antonucci, MD, didn't necessarily aspire to become CEO of a health system. How's Houston Methodist's vaccine mandate so far? 'Very successful,' says CEO Dr. Marc Boom Houston Methodist managers had a deadline of April 15 to receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the system's mandate. The numbers are in: 99.4 percent of the management team has complied. 10 top patient safety concerns for 2021, ranked by ECRI Racial disparities in health and healthcare earned the No. 1 spot on ECRI's list of the top 10 patient safety concerns for 2021. 6 quality leaders on the safety issues they're prioritizing in 2021 In recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week, Becker's asked six hospital and health system quality leaders to share the patient safety issues they are prioritizing this spring and beyond. How Ochsner Health achieved zero COVID-19 deaths among nurses: Tracey Moffatt, CNO New Orleans-based Ochsner Health hasn't reported any COVID-19 deaths for its nursing staff across the entire system. Northwell Health launches mental health center for employees, community New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health has established the virtual Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery to address mental health needs of its 76,000 employees, their families and community members, the health system said April 14. COVID-19 vaccine side effects and transmission: 4 Qs, answered Vaccine small talk has trickled into Americans' daily conversations now that 33 percent of adults have received their first dose. Why next flu season may be severe Low levels of flu activity amid the COVID-19 pandemic have made it more challenging for experts developing next year's flu shot to predict which strains will predominate next winter, reports Politico. CDC: mRNA vaccines reduce infection by 90% among healthcare workers The messenger RNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were 90 percent effective at preventing COVID-19 infections in real-world settings, according to the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published March 29. Northwestern performs 1st 'COVID to COVID' double-lung transplant Surgeons at Northwestern Medicine performed one of the nation's first known "COVID to COVID" double-lung transplants on a COVID-19 patient, the Chicago-based health system said this month. UK variant more transmissible, not deadlier, study finds The B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant, which first emerged in the U.K. and is now the dominant strain in the U.S., is more contagious, though not tied to higher death rates or worse outcomes, compared to older strains, according to a study published April 12 in The Lancet. 1 in 10 Black patients faces discrimination from healthcare staff Nearly 11 percent of Black patients say they've experienced discrimination by a healthcare provider or their staff, according to an April 5 analysis from Urban Institute, a left-leaning think tank. 8 key COVID-19 vaccine administration errors Administering a dose other than the one authorized by the FDA and administering a dose to someone too young are the main COVID-19 vaccine administration errors that occurred in the past four months, according to a report released April 22 by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. How clinicians can combat anti-Asian racism: 3 takeaways The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred an alarming jump in racial descrimination and violence against Asian Americans that physicians must address by tailoring their care practices, James Lee, MD, wrote in a commentary published in The New England Journal of Medicine. INFECTION CONTROL How's Houston Methodist's vaccine mandate so far? 'Very successful,' says CEO Dr. Marc Boom Houston Methodist managers had a deadline of April 15 to receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the system's mandate. The numbers are in: 99.4 percent of the management team has complied. COVID-19 risk low from surface contamination; CDC updates cleaning guidelines Studies have shown the risk of contracting COVID-19  from a contaminated surface is "generally less than 1 in 10,000," and in most cases, household cleaners rather than disinfectants are sufficient to ward off virus levels, the CDC said in updated guidance published April 5. FDA warns of infection risk linked to urological endoscopes The FDA is warning healthcare providers of a potential infection risk linked to reprocessed urological endoscopes after receiving numerous reports of patient infections and contamination issues, the agency said April 1. Sutter hospital fined $155K over infection control violations after nurse's death California health officials have fined Oakland, Calif.-based Alta Bates Summit Medical Center $155,250 over workplace infection control standards, the California Nurses Association said March 19. ProMedica hospital adds UV light disinfection robot ProMedica Toledo (Ohio) Hospital has tapped a sanitizing robot to help disinfect its operating rooms and neurological intensive care unit. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES 6 quality leaders on the safety issues they're prioritizing in 2021 In recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week, Becker's asked six hospital and health system quality leaders to share the patient safety issues they are prioritizing this spring and beyond. Kansas board cites 7 EMS workers who took gunshot patient to hospice, not the hospital The Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services has cited seven Wichita-area emergency responders for unprofessional conduct, failing to provide adequate care and failing to follow protocol, reports The Wichita Eagle. COVID-19 3rd leading cause of death in the US last year, CDC finds After heart disease and cancer, COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2020, according to the CDC's latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published March 31. 5+ early symptoms may predict 'long COVID,' study finds People who have more than five symptoms of COVID-19 during the first week of illness may be more likely to develop prolonged health issues, known as "long COVID," according to a study published March 10 in Nature Medicine. How Intermountain connects COVID-19 patients to antibody treatments within 2 days of a positive test While the FDA granted emergency use authorization to Regeneron and Eli Lilly's antibody treatments in November 2020, many healthcare organizations have been slow to adopt these treatments due to a web of logistical challenges. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE Americans report worsening anxiety, depression symptoms: 4 CDC study findings The percentage of U.S. adults reporting symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder rose between August 2020 and February 2021, according to a CDC report published March 26. 1 in 10 Black patients faces discrimination from healthcare staff Nearly 11 percent of Black patients say they've experienced discrimination by a healthcare provider or their staff, according to an April 5 analysis from Urban Institute, a left-leaning think tank. Majority of young nurses overwhelmed, exhausted over the last year: 5 key survey findings About 71 percent of young nurses said they felt overwhelmed over the past year, according to survey results published March 10 — just ahead of the March 11 anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic's start. COVID-19 surges threaten healthcare workers' mental health, WHO warns The World Health Organization is warning about the rising risk of mental health challenges healthcare workers face amid a global surge of COVID-19, The Washington Post reported March 31. 1 in 6 healthcare employees would rather quit than get vaccinated As COVID-19 vaccines become more readily available, healthcare companies are debating to what extent they should pressure their employees to be immunized, according to an April 5 article published byThe Washington Post. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT Pew sets national targets to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions The Pew Charitable Trusts established national targets for improving antibiotic use in hospitals based on CDC research that found 55.9 percent of antibiotic prescriptions for hospitalized patients were inappropriate. The findings were published March 18 in JAMA Network Open. Black patients have less access to 'high quality' hospitals, analysis finds Black adult patients were less likely to be admitted to hospitals considered "high-quality" for several patient safety indicators compared to white patients, according to an Urban Institute analysis published March 29. Joint Commission, Kaiser launch care equity award in memory of Bernard Tyson The Joint Commission and Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente on March 4 unveiled an annual healthcare equity award in memory of Bernard J. Tyson, Kaiser's late chair and CEO. Minneapolis health system eliminates race-based kidney health determinant Minneapolis-based M Health Fairview will stop automatically adjusting for race in a formula commonly used to measure kidney function, the health system said March 16. Remdesivir linked to quicker clinical improvement in COVID-19 patients Hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with remdesivir at Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Medicine demonstrated faster clinical improvement than patients who did not receive the drug, according to a study published March 24 in JAMA Network Open. CLINICAL LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT Why demand for physician leaders is growing As a practicing OB-GYN in the 1980s, Lawrence Antonucci, MD, didn't necessarily aspire to become CEO of a health system. Top nursing priorities for spring 2021: 6 CNOs weigh in Six nursing leaders shared with Becker's what their No. 1 priority is for this spring. How Ochsner Health achieved zero COVID-19 deaths among nurses: Tracey Moffatt, CNO New Orleans-based Ochsner Health hasn't reported any COVID-19 deaths for its nursing staff across the entire system. How clinicians can combat anti-Asian racism: 3 takeaways The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred an alarming jump in racial descrimination and violence against Asian Americans that physicians must address by tailoring their care practices, James Lee, MD, wrote in a commentary published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips: 3 trends for healthcare leaders to monitor The three big trends for healthcare leaders to watch today are digital transformation, telehealth and value-based care, according to Amy Compton-Phillips, MD, president and chief clinical officer of Providence in Renton, Wash.