The number of independent small health care practices and organizations is dwindling as health care mergers and acquisitions increase. Why is this happening? According to Xtelligent Healthcare Media, the trend improves care for patients and lowers costs for...
Year: 2018
Tips for avoiding a nursing license revocation
As someone who has spent countless hours in pursuit of your nursing license, you likely recognize the importance of keeping that license in good standing. Losing your nursing license can mean you lose your entire livelihood, and it can also restrict the types of jobs...
Nurses’ rights when going before the Board of Nursing
When a complaint comes up against a nurse, that nurse will have to go through a board hearing to determine whether the healthcare practitioner can retain his or her license. This hearing is the nurse's opportunity to present his or her side, and the board will reach a...
Healthcare fraud: What causes the government to file charges?
Healthcare fraud occurs when the government makes an accusation that someone filed false healthcare claims for financial gain. The government can accuse medical professionals throughout the healthcare field of a violation. Examples include: Physicians. Billing for...
Trump shakes up healthcare: Considers relaxing kickback rules
President Donald Trump may change the rules regarding kickbacks in the medical field. His administration called for public comment on the matter in August. The agency took in public comments about the issue through October 26, 2018. The comments include many calls for...
Will the HHS find alternative pay an Anti-Kickback violation?
The government is working to transform our healthcare system into one that pays for value. The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) recognizes that care coordination is an important tool to meeting this goal. However, the government has also recognized...
Comfort patients during the holidays without crossing boundaries
Being hospitalized during the holidays can be stressful and saddening for your patients. It is important to remember that your patients are having a difficult time. As a nurse, you can take some simple steps to help your patients feel more joyful during this hard...
Did a TX hospital commit a crime by failing to release patients?
Psychiatric facilities must operate while maintaining a difficult balance: provide the care patients need while not discharging them at a time they could injure themselves or others. A failure to navigate this balance wisely can result in allegations of criminal...
3 lessons from NY medical center accused of healthcare fraud
It began with a remodel project. A hospital in Northern New York decided to update its site. The project included the addition of new patient suites and upgrades, scheduled for completion in 2019. The cost of the project soared from $466 million to $545 million. Funds...
Nurses in Texas: Watch out for these two work related concerns
Those who choose to enter the profession of nursing must prepare to navigate a number of issues. Two examples currently spotlighted by the media include the various scopes of practice and problems with patient violence. Scope of practice: Different in every state...