News
NC senators look to repeal ‘anti-competitive’ CON laws
The NC Senate has approved a measure to repeal certain CON laws across the state, a move that legislators hope will help drive down the state's high healthcare costs.
News
NC hospitals to implement law enforcement in ERs starting October 1
A new state law takes effect in October that requires armed law enforcement officers to be present in North Carolina hospital emergency departments. Passed last year with bipartisan approval, the law aims to enhance the safety of patients, staff, and visitors amid growing concerns about violence in healthcare settings. “Protect Healthcare Workers from Violence” is...
News
Patients file lawsuit against Mission Health, HCA for antitrust practices
A group of residents from western North Carolina filed a lawsuit Tuesday, Aug. 10, against HCA Healthcare and Mission Health alleging the anti-competitive business practices have driven medical prices up and the quality of health care down in that part of the state. HCA is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the largest care provider...
News
State employees, medical providers at odds over treasurer’s State Health Plan reforms
State Treasurer Dale Folwell’s proposed cost-cutting reforms for the State Health Plan have drawn praise from state employees’ representatives and a nationally recognized free-market health finance expert. But medical providers aren’t too happy with the treasurer’s plans. The State Health Plan has a $3.3 billion annual budget, though costs exceed state appropriations. It is only...
News
Forsyth County surgeon challenges constitutionality of CON laws
Dr. Gajendra Singh wants to help patients get an MRI scan for a fraction of the price hospitals and big health care networks charge. But state regulators and powerful lobbying allies restrain him. On Monday, July 30, Singh joined with the Institute for Justice to file a lawsuit in Wake County Superior Court seeking to...
Opinion
Hospital association/RTI study: Transforming sickness into economic health
A report paid for by the N.C. Hospital Association and prepared by the Research Triangle Institute has, from an economics perspective, a number of flaws. Its most outrageous implication, however, is that getting sick is good for the economy. According to a press release from the NCHA, the study concludes North Carolina’s “hospitals and health care systems boost...
