For months, conversations about Medicaid expansion has hit an all-time high. The issue has been at the forefront with lawmakers concerning whether it should be expanded or if it should just stay the same.

Every hospital that has an emergency department and accepts Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement must follow the federal law and CMS interpretive guidelines on Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). 

The MSCPA is the largest professional organization serving the needs of Mississippi CPAs. Their Health Services Conference is set for September 27 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in Ridgeland. Remote attendance is available. Eight CPE credits will be given.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) recently reported one new human case of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2019, bringing the state total to seven this year. The new case was reported in Forrest County. 

Mississippi’s former chief justice has forced a Republican runoff election for the state’s highest elective office.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. face off Tuesday in a runoff for the Republican primary.

Voters who cast a ballot for Democrats in the primary are improperly allowed to vote in Republican runoff.

A clear generational divide exists between vocal and prominent supporters of the two men vying for the Republican gubernatorial nomination on Tuesday, Aug. 27

A shadowy group has spent more than $13 million since July advertising in states with vulnerable senators to oppose legislation that would rein in medical bills that take patients by surprise.

Some hospitals are struggling to figure out how to meet a proposed requirement to post payer-negotiated rates online, with a final January deadline likely looming.

The new price disclosure provision is included as a proposed requirement in the administration’s annual rule governing hospital outpatient services. It will go into effect, if finalized, in 2020 unless threatened lawsuits by hospitals are successful in delaying it.

Registration is open for a webinar on Sep. 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. ET to discuss how health IT can improve care transitions for patients with complex conditions. Presenters will discuss their work on smartphone-based applications to improve care coordination, an interactive patient-centered discharge toolkit to promote self-management, and the role of clinical decision support in improving care transitions for patients with multiple chronic diseases. 

The Chicago-based American Hospital Association recorded a $6.4 million loss last year due to some one-time expenses. 

The Joint Commission recently published an article in EC News on strategies to prevent mold in the health care environment. The article, “Putting a Hold on Mold,” explains the dangers of mold in the health care environment and details several routine maintenance activities to help combat the issue.

The CDC recently launched their Environmental Cleaning and Personal Protective Equipment courses, the latest in a series of 11 new infection control training courses. These courses are part of the new States Targeting Reduction in Infections via Engagement (STRIVE) curriculum intended for the infection prevention team, hospital leaders, clinical educators, nurse and physician managers, environmental services managers, all patient care staff, and patient/family advisors.