CMS on Thursday issued a proposed rule that would require states to report on the quality of health care Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries receive, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from Louisiana, Maryland, and Minnesota.
- Louisiana: University Medical Center New Orleans on Wednesday appointed Emily Sedgwick as its new president and CEO. In her new role, Sedgwick will oversee more than 2,700 staff and further the ongoing growth of the hospital. Previously, Sedgewick served as CMO at UK HealthCare. Sedgwick said she is looking forward to expanding access to care in Louisiana at the state's largest academic medical center. She is taking over for interim CEO Terrie Sterling, who has led the medical center since last year. (Tucker, Becker's Hospital Review, 8/18)
- Maryland: CMS on Thursday issued a proposed rule that would require states to report on the quality of health care Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries receive. According to the draft rule, CMS believes the requirement will boost equity, encourage the use of standardized quality measures, and help identify disparities among enrollees. Under the proposed rule, states would be required to report on three sets of quality measures on children's care, behavioral health, and health homes. "CMS will use every lever available to ensure a high quality of care for everyone with Medicaid and CHIP," said CMS administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. "By requiring states to report the core sets of quality measures, we can ensure that our policies are supported by data representing all of our beneficiaries." (Devereaux/Goldman, Modern Healthcare, 8/18)
- Minnesota: Craig Smoldt, who served as an administrator at Mayo Clinic for five decades, died on Aug. 5 after battling cancer. Smoldt served in many roles between 1970—when he joined Mayo Clinic—and his retirement in 2020. He played an integral part in the hospital's technological and construction projects, including the adoption of EHRs. In addition, Smoldt served as chair of Mayo Clinic's Rochester department of facilities and support services. He also served on its board of trustees for eight years. (Kayser, Becker's Hospital Review, 8/18)