negotiations

85,000 Kaiser Workers Will Soon Vote to Authorize What Could Be the Biggest Healthcare Strike in US History

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions announced that it will soon begin conducting strike authorization votes among its 85,000 members. The coalition’s chief concern is Kaiser’s dangerous staffing levels, which members say have led to excessively long wait times, patient neglect and mistaken diagnosis. If the coalition authorizes and implements the strike, it will become the largest strike of healthcare workers in the history of the U.S.

By Katie Adams

Health Tech

‘We Can Be More Selective About Who We Treat’: UHS CFO’s Comments Spark Concerns About Cherry-Picking

Last week, the CFO of Universal Health Services stated that the company chooses which patients to treat based on whose insurance plans offer the highest payments. The comments have sparked some media attention, but healthcare finance experts say the practice of cherry-picking patients is nothing new to the industry.

By Katie Adams

With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?

Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.

Legal

Lawsuits Against Medicare Drug Negotiations Are Mounting, But They Probably Won’t Be Able to Stop The Plan

Lawsuits filed in opposition to the White House's drug pricing negotiation program are beginning to mount, but legal experts agree that the plaintiffs’ arguments probably won’t hold up during a court battle. However, these lawsuits still could delay when the government's ability to negotiate price goes into effect.

By Katie Adams

Health Tech

Providence Scales Back Services in Oregon to Prep for Nurses’ Strike

Providence is cutting back on services at three of its Oregon facilities to brace for an upcoming nurses' union strike. The Oregon Nurses Association has planned a five-day strike to fight for better staffing levels and working conditions.

By Katie Adams

Legal, BioPharma

Why One Healthcare Lawyer Thinks Merck’s Drug Pricing Lawsuit Defense ‘Makes No Sense’

Merck recently became the first drugmaker to sue the federal government over its Medicare drug price negotiation program. The company's lawsuit argues that the program violates the Constitution’s First and Fifth Amendments, but healthcare law expert Robin Feldman said the defense doesn't have any legs.

By Katie Adams

Hospitals

CommonSpirit, Essentia nix 14-hospital sale amid staff concerns

The health systems ended negotiations for the sale of 14 CommonSpirit Health facilities to Essentia Health. Though the organizations did not comment on the reason for their decision, the move comes a few months after healthcare workers filed a petition detailing their concerns, including that the deal could result in layoffs.

By Anuja Vaidya