Here are seven updates:
'Unsettling' safety practices in healthcare settings prevalent
A survey found "unsettling" safety practices and unrealized consumer as well as healthcare professional concerns about infection prevention in healthcare settings. The survey found 65 percent of nurses reported having a patient contract a healthcare-associate infection while in their care. Of those nurses, 85 percent reported being concerned they will too contract an HAI.
Ben Carson proposes a healthcare plan
On Wednesday, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, MD, released a blueprint of his healthcare plan. Dr. Carson would create a tax-free health savings account for every individual upon birth. He would replace the ACA and set "health empowerment accounts," which people could use throughout their lives to pay for health expenses. For more on Dr. Carson's healthcare proposal, click here.
Google and Johnson & Johnson to form new surgical company
Johnson & Johnson is patterning with Verily Life Sciences, formerly Google Life Sciences, to create an independent surgical solutions company. Verb Surgical plans to devise a comprehensive surgical solutions platform that will incorporate leading-edge robotic capabilities and best-in-class medical device technology for operating room professionals.
HHS partners with pharmacies for ACA enrollment events
The Department of Health and Human Services is working with pharmacies around the country to encourage consumers to enroll on the health insurance marketplace. HHS announced the collaboration effort Dec. 10. Through the collaboration, HHS will work with VS Health, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, National Community Pharmacists Association, Rite Aid, Thrifty White Pharmacy and Walgreens.
Cerner gives employees an ultimatum
Kansas City, Mo.-based Corners told employees they can either give up their right to sue the company over labor matters or give up their right for merit-based pay raises. Ninety-three percent of Cerner's employees gave up their right to sue in favor of pay raises.
Roanoke Valley Center for Sight breaks ground on new ASC
Roanoke Valley Center and Vistar Eye Center broke ground on a new outpatient surgery center. The project will serve as a new location for Vistar Eye Center. The center will focus on facial cosmetic, oculoplastic and retina surgery.
Digital healthcare company Vitals raises $42M
Lyndhurst, N.J.-based Vitals raised $41.8 million in new capital. Vitals sold nearly $42 million in new equity through a Form D the company filed Wednesday.
Learn more about key strategies & technologies for efficient, cost-effective ASCs — Click here!
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