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Focuses on the reform issue surrounding health care regulations in the United States. List of regulations and regulatory processes the American Hospital Association wants to be changed; Estimation on the compliance cost of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act for hospitals; Impact of regulatory compliance on care; Challenge issued by Tommy Thompson, Health and Human Services secretary to health care leaders. INSET: A VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES.

Debates over who should pay for the health insurance of uninsured patients in the U.S. Difficulties experienced by uninsured patients when paying their bills; Information on charity care offered by hospitals; Details of a white paper released by the American Hospital Association concerning Medicare billing rules for hospitals.

This section offers news briefs related to the health care in the U.S. as of August 2007. There has been a decrease in the number of male primary care doctors between 1996 and 2005 according to a report from the Center for Studying Health System Change. A white paper to help medical directors improve hospitalist job satisfaction has been released by the Society of Hospital Medicine. The St. Tammany Healthcare Alliance and the Delgado Community College will train thousands of residents for a variety of health care jobs.

The article presents tips on managing regional health information organizations in the U.S. The projects of such organizations cannot drive massive provider adoption without first becoming the community workflow tool, much like fax machines are now. Most health care workers are eager for and would support any community effort that brings accountability in tracking information requests and responses.

Highlights the 2003 symposium hosted by the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts and the nonprofit Society for the Arts in Healthcare in Washington, D.C. to develop a strategic plan for advancing cultural programming in health care. Number of experts who attended the symposium; Information on a concept paper detailing the state of the arts in health care; Description of the healing environment created by many hospitals.

The article features the strategy used by Texas Health Resources Inc, the winner of the 2008 Supply Chain Innovator winner in the U.S. According to the article, the firm has incorporated the electronic capital expenditure and equipment leasing request (eCER) intranet application, which facilitates their budget approval process and provides transparency to hard-to-track processes. It states that among the results include improved request tracking and enhanced decision-making support. INSET: TEXAS HEALTH RESOURCES.

Discusses the implementation of information technology at PeaceHealth, an integrated health care system in the U.S. Background on PeaceHealth; Problems encountered by the integrated health care system during the implementation process; Benefits of the implementation for PeaceHealth. INSET: LESSONS LEARNED.

The author discusses the option papers released by the U.S. Finance Committee in the Senate on revamping the health care delivery system, widening health coverage and financing reform. The option papers will develop the basis of any reform statutes the Senate argues. The American Hospital Association commended the committee for evaluating the balance between public- and private-sector solutions. The author believes trustees are the guardians of health care quality and must insist upon true excellence.

Reports on the concerns of hospital officials on the provision charging providers $265 million in `user fees' of the proposed federal year 1999 budget of United States President Bill Clinton. Purpose of the charge; Things included in the user fees; Comment of Carmela Coyle, American Hospital Association (AHA) senior vice president of advocacy and representation, on the user fees. INSET: Paper is pricey by John Asplund.

Presents an update on issues concerning the health care industry in the U.S. as of September 2004. Information on Transforming Care at the Bedside, a joint project of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Details of a white paper on nurse shortages, released by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Presents information resources regarding health facilities management in the U.S. Cost of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' "HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics"; Information on the free "HIPAA Help" pamphlet published by Spacesaver high-density mobile storage company; Features of Dri-Steem Humidifier Company's "Humidification System Design Guide."

The article deals with the importance of automated data surveillance to the hospitals in the U.S. With better technology now available, an increasing number of hospitals are trying computerized techniques that hold the promise of dramatic improvement over the time-consuming manual practices currently used by infection control practitioners.

Focuses on the recognition of the health care industry the significance of environmental performance improvements and the critical role of health care purchasers purchasing environmentally preferable products. Commitment of health care facilities to protect the environment as part of their health mission; Establishment of comprehensive waste segregation programs; Recognition and awarding of health facilities which are exerting outstanding efforts for the protection of the environment.

Discusses the issue of U.S. medical supplies vendors who circumvent materials management to sell directly to operating doctors and clinicians. Disruption of daily hospital activities; Resultant cost overruns; Pinpointing of sales representatives of commodity item manufacturers who work on a commission basis.

Focuses on environmental services offered by Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E) for the U.S. health care sector, as of April 2003. Overview of information resources offered by the H2E program; Details on H2E mercury and waste reduction goals; Application of H2E guidelines and suggestions in various hospitals; H2E efforts to meet guidelines under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. INSETS: H2E Update: Taking it to the states;H2E Update: Facing the HIPAA challenge;Need more info on H2E?.

Discusses the dilemma faced by U.S. hospital trustees regarding the allocation of the limited capital of a health care organization between upgrading facilities and information technology (IT). Significance of upgrading facilities and IT; Increase in the cost of hospital utilization; Questions which trustees should consider before they approve a capital spending plan.

Presents news briefs on medical care in the United States as of November 2000. Results of a study on overprescription of antibiotics in emergency departments; Statistics on the supply and demand for specialized physicians in urban hospitals; Attitudes of health plan subscribers.

Presents update on the health care industry in the United States as of September 2000. Topics covered by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering's annual conference on July 10-12, 2000; Standard approved by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers for testing systems and equipment; Mechanics of the spoken menus developed by the Lutheran General Hospital in Illinois for their patients.

Presents an index related to materials management in health care in the United States.

The author claims that effective healthcare reform in the U.S. can only be achieved if the long-standing barriers to clinical integration among hospitals, physicians and other caregivers are removed. He stresses the importance of teamwork for clinical integration to make sure that patient get the right care, at the right time, at the right place. He also cites the medical care mantra developed by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

This article reveals that the U.S. Congress is being urged by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to reject efforts to change the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) community benefit standard for tax-exempt hospitals. There is a need for lawmakers to review hospitals' community benefit information that will be included in their Schedule H filings in 2010, the AHA says. There is a concern among non-profit hospital leaders over proposals to codify charity care standards. AHA is optimistic about efforts to simplify the health care payment system.

Focuses on the application of information technology in managed care. Restructuring of health system from fee-for-service to managed care; Challenges posed by the fragmented nature of the nation's community of physicians; Tracking of costs.

Reports on the efforts of Tommy Thompson, secretary of the United States (U.S.) Health and Human Services, to reform the services of the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration services. Comments on the cost-plus contracts of intermediaries; Proposal on the use of computer for Medicare claims; Association of the patients' bill of rights with the decision of hospitals and health care providers.

A list of online resources for the U.S. healthcare industry is presented, including the "Guide Specification for Architects and Engineers for Smart Card-based PACS Cards and Readers for Non-government PACS," the ECAPS Fan Application Suite, and the white paper "Best Practices for Meeting Documentation and Joint Commission Requirements: Testing and Inspection of Fire and Life Safety Systems."

The article discusses the significance of an automated systems in preventing infection in most health care facilities in the U.S. SafetySurveillor, a Web-based infection tracking application, has eliminated massive amounts of paperworks and the need to consult multiple sources for vital patient information. Such application frees staff from tasks that waste time such as writing, copying and searching for patient information by automatically collecting data specified by infection control.

The article features a certification program for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) design, developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE). According to ASHRAE, the audience for the program are building designers of firms that specialize in hospitals. It is said that it might help the hospital facilities directors to understand heating and ventilation systems. INSET: ASHRAE BUILDS BODY OF KNOWLEDGE.

Reports on developments related to medical care in the United States as of November 1995. Call for more research on peptic ulcers; Establishment of 22 facilities by the US Department of Veteran Affairs.

Provides guidelines for health facilities on how to avoid Internal Revenue Service's outsourcing penalties. Control over the activity of workers; Employee training; Importance of the worker's services to the continuation of a business; Periodic payment; Continuing relationship; Ownership of tools and materials; Identification of true independent contractors. INSET: This paper trail works for you, by P.M.P..

Discusses the results of the report `The Future of Medical Innovation: Reaping the Benefits of the Knowledge Revolution,' by the Progress & Freedom Foundation. Comment by Libby Wright, spokeswoman for the foundation; Goal of the foundation; Importance of information technology in delivery of care; Issue of achieving the safety and efficacy for new medical products in the United States; Contact information.

Presents business-related news briefs in the United States as of August 1999. Regulation issued by the Internal Revenue Service that gives the public more access to certain forms filed by tax exempt organizations; Survey on the attitude of patients suffering from chronic pains; Status of the health care industry in San Diego, California; Medication errors of chief executives and nursing administrators.

The article discusses the role of supply chain professionals in managing reducing health care costs in the U.S. It mentions that supply chain personnel promote evidence-based practices which optimize medical resources, strengthen relationship with executive management, and enhance patient satisfaction. Moreover, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) aims to provide safe, timely, and effective patient care.

Reports on the launch of an online tool by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that teaches health care providers how to complete an online or paper application for a National Provider Identifier (NPI). information on NPI; Web site address of the online tool.

Presents updates on rules, white paper and guidelines issues by various health care organizations in the U.S. Recommendations for emergency preparedness systems by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; Voluntary ergonomic guidelines released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; Bar coding proposals of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Reports on developments related to medical care in the United States. Includes the Westchester, Illinois-based Premier's contract with Barrington, Illinois-based Uarco for the supply of paper and electronic business forms and form management services; Boston, Massachusetts-based Transition Systems' acquisition of Tucson, Arizona-based Enterprising HealthCare.

The article reports on the compliance survey of hospitals in the U.S. The survey covered the topics like the physical environments of the hospitals, the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), and the inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) process of the health facilities. Also being discussed are the potential infection- control issues related to damage to materials, furniture, outlets, walls or ceilings of the patient rooms.

The article focuses on trends in health care industry organized by the American Hospital Association and hospitals and health systems in the U.S. Topics discussed include estimated insurer participation in health Insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act, percentage of physicians who experience feelings of burnout, and percentage of people who hold favorable view of Medicaid.

The article offers suggestions on how to manage a successful low-voltage technology systems. It highlights the increasing demand of medical staff accommodation and medical technology in operating rooms for patient care. Also emphasized is the significant of patient entertainment, patient monitoring and nurse communication systems.

The article discusses the implication of the Supreme Court's ruling, which upholds the constitutionality of the individual mandate of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, on hospitals and on health care delivery in the U.S. A background on the law's Medicaid expansion is provided. American Hospital Association President Rich Umbdenstock expressed concern on how the state's ability to opt out of Medicaid expansion could affect poor Americans.

The article highlights the efforts of hospital leaders across the U.S. to promote and raise several issues that will benefit small and rural hospitals in the country during the American Hospital Association's 2006 Annual Membership Meeting in Washington D.C. Some of the healthcare issues that will be addressed and raised during the meeting are presented. Issues to be addressed by hospital grassroots advocates in relation to the ability of hospitals to meet patient and community needs are also listed.

Provides information on the results of a study conducted by the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina on the impact of an increasing strain on the health care systems on preventive and acute care or other medical concerns in the U.S. as of July 2005. Need for the health care system to support appropriate alternatives to one-on-one sessions between patients and a doctor; Remarks from Lloyd Michener, chair of department of community and family medicine at the medical center, on the health care system; Number of hours that chronic disease would take out of the day of a physician.

Presents an update on health care in the United States as of October 22, 2001. Release of a training manual for inpatient rehabilitation by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; Impact of the terrorist attacks in September on hospitals in New Jersey; Policy implemented by the American Red Cross to prevent the spread of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Presents news updates on the health care industry in the United States as of June 2001. Standards review task force appointed by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; Microwave communication system developed by the Healthcare Association of Southern California; Medical personnel recruitment commission launched by the American Hospital Association.

Focuses on a self-assessment tool developed by VHA which will be a part of the quality and safety agenda of the American Hospital Association (AHA) in the United States in 2001. Purpose of the tool which will be distributed to every hospital in the country; Plan of AHA to be involved in publications about wireless technology and barcoding of medications; Other patient safety concerns of AHA.

The article looks at how U.S. hospitals and health care systems adopt the technological advances in digital signage to meet their communication requirements. Topics covered include creating attractive and dynamic displays using video walls, interactive video signage, digital wayfinding information, and digital donor recognition programs. Also cited are uses of technology for virtual face-to-face conversation with an expert and delivery of on-demand and time-sensitive information.