Trending News Today: Proposed CMS Rule to Halt Reporting of Hospital Infection Data

Under a proposed Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plan, federal health regulators will stop releasing data on hospital infections, USA Today reported. According to the article, the proposed rule could halt the public disclosure of the “superbug” MRSA, post-operative sepsis, and surgical site infections, as well as accidents and injuries ranging from bedsores to respiratory failure after surgery. If the proposed rule is finalized, the CMS’ Hospital Compare website will not show data on the infections or safety measures, the article reported.

On Tuesday, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced its formal opposition to the proposed merger between Aetna and CVS, The Hill reported. According to the article, the AMA said it is concerned that the proposed merger will result in reduced competition in the insurance market. In a statement, AMA President Barbara McAneny highlighted the association’s concerns, including an anticipated increase in drug spending and out-of-pocket costs for patients, higher insurance premiums, and a reduction in the quality of insurance.

On Tuesday, Facebook announced the launch of a new feature that will connect users seeking to illegally buy opioids or treatment for an addiction with the federal government’s national helpline, The Hill reported. According to the article, the feature was planned in coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and in consultation with Facing Addiction, an addiction advocacy nonprofit. The FDA is holding a 1-day opioid summit with internet stakeholders, which Facebook plans to attend, the article reported.