Monthly Archives: March 2011

Patient Safety Awareness Week 4: National Quality and Disparities Reports Show Need For Improvement

Posted on March 11, 2011 by

The 2010 National Healthcare Quality Report and National Healthcare Disparities Report were recently released by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The annual reports are mandated by Congress to examine progress and opportunities for improving health care … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | 1 Comment

Thanks, and Welcome; DHCFP Full Steam Ahead

Posted on March 11, 2011 by

Some major departures in state personnel this week and last. David Morales has long been a leader in health care policy through service in the Senate, the Prescription Advantage program, the Governor’s office, and as Commissioner of the Division of … Continue reading →

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Connector Board Reviews CommCare Member Survey, Affordability Schedule, and Small Business Wellness Initiative

Posted on March 10, 2011 by

The Connector Board met today to discuss results of the CommCare member survey; vote on the 2011 Affordability Schedule, and vote on the contract with a vendor to run the small business wellness initiative (download materials from the meeting). Commonwealth … Continue reading →

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Patient Safety Awareness Week 3: Positive News on Infections, More Work Needed

Posted on March 10, 2011 by

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report showing that central line-associated bloodstream infections in hospital ICUs decreased by 58% in 2009 compared to 2001. That decrease represents up to 27,000 lives saved over those … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | 1 Comment

And We’re Off!: Joint Committee on Financial Services Holds Informational Hearing for 2011-2012 Session

Posted on March 10, 2011 by

Following in their tradition, the Joint Committee on Financial Services (with jurisdiction over banking and insurance) held an informational hearing today for stakeholders. The tone of the hearing was jovial with many laughs – honest financial services can be funny- … Continue reading →

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Patient Safety Awareness Week 2: New Quality Information on Primary Care Providers in MA

Posted on March 9, 2011 by

Today, Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) released its 2010 Quality Insights, Clinical Quality in Primary Care report. The report provides ratings of the state’s performance on a variety of evidence based clinical care standards in the delivery of medical care. … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | 2 Comments

Celebrating 5 Years of the Consumer Health Quality Council

Posted on March 9, 2011 by

Health Care for All took the opportunity of Patient Safety Awareness Week to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of the Consumer Health Quality Council. Those members who helped to start the Council and who have helped to advance the Council’s … Continue reading →

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Patient Safety Awareness Week: 1. CT Scan Risk

Posted on March 7, 2011 by

March 6-13 is Patient Safety Awareness Week, sponsored by the National Patient Safety Foundation. Each day this week, we will post an entry about patient safety. Today’s topic – CT scans. A recent New York Times article follows the tale … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | 1 Comment

Getting to the Better Care: Spring Teaser Edition

Posted on March 7, 2011 by

With the release by the Governor of his payment reform proposal, action now moves to the legislature. The bill, H. 1849, was referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. Next step will be hearings, but no date has … Continue reading →

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Full Plate at DOI

Posted on March 6, 2011 by

Last summer’s Chapter 288, the small business and individual health insurance cost containment law, imposed a truckload of new regulatory duties on the Division of Insurance (DOI). DOI is now in the final stages of its implementation efforts, with lots … Continue reading →

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