Susan Morse

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Appeals court sides with drug manufacturers in 340B case

An appeals court has upheld a lower court ruling on 340B siding with drug manufacturers.
At issue is whether pharmaceutical companies can limit distribution of discounted drugs in the 340B program. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia…

Over 100 medical organizations want clarity in Change cyberattack

The American Medical Association and more than 100 other medical organizations are asking for official affirmation that providers are not responsible for HIPAA reporting requirements due to the Change Healthcare cyberattack.

Optum announces plant closing and layoffs

Optum is closing a plant in Ohio, laying off 129 employees, according to a May 16 letter from Optum to the Rapid Response Program Administrator in that state.
Optum gave the mandated WARN notice, the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notificatio…

Ascension faces class action lawsuits for Black Basta ransomware attack

Ascension is facing two class action lawsuits for the May 8 ransomware attack that reportedly continues to disrupt operations due to disconnection from the Epic EHR and is causing long ER wait times for some of the health system’s 140 hospitals.

Jefferson, Lehigh Valley Health Network sign definitive merger agreement

Jefferson and Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania have signed a definitive agreement to combine, creating an integrated academic healthcare delivery system, alongside a national research university and an expanded not-for-profit health plan. 

Retail clinic failures show collaboration may work better than competition

The disruption promised by the retailization of healthcare hasn’t materialized as planned.
Walmart and Walgreens recently announced the closing of retail clinics.

Ascension confirms cyberattack is ransomware

Ascension has confirmed it experienced a ransomware attack that has caused disruptions to patient care in its network. 
Ascension reported the cyberattack on May 8.

Kaiser Permanente reportedly selling up to $3.5 billion in private equity funds

Kaiser Permanente plans to sell up to $3.5 billion of holdings in private-equity funds due to cash constraints, The Wall Street Journal said, citing unnamed sources.
Kaiser is reportedly working with investment bank Jefferies Financial Group to offload…

Kaiser Permanente reportedly selling up to $3.5 billion in private equity funds

Kaiser Permanente plans to sell up to $3.5 billion of holdings in private-equity funds due to cash constraints, The Wall Street Journal said, citing unnamed sources.
Kaiser is reportedly working with investment bank Jefferies Financial Group to offload…

CMS extends state waivers to keep people covered under Medicaid and CHIP

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced an extension of unwinding flexibilities for states to protect coverage for people and families enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.