CMS  announced plans to extend the Medicare Advantage (MA) Value-Based Insurance Design Model through 2030, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from Georgia, Idaho, and Maryland.

• Georgia: Federal health officials are engaged in an ongoing investigation into a multi-state outbreak of drug-resistant infections linked to eye drops. According to  CDC, at least three people have died from the infections and 68 people across 16 states have been diagnosed with a rare strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in connection with the outbreak. As of March 14, CDC data indicated that there have been eight reports of vision loss and four cases involving surgical removal of an eyeball. So far, cases have been reported in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. The outbreak has been linked to eye drop recalls, including  Global Pharma Healthcare's voluntary recall of lots of its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, which are distributed by  EzriCare, and  Delsam Pharma's recall for potential microbial contamination. Notably, CDC said that EzriCare Artificial Tears was the "only common artificial tears product" identified in four healthcare facility clusters, which make up 37 of the 68 cases. (Tyko, Axios, 3/23)

• Idaho: Bonner General Health, the only hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho, earlier this month announced that it will no longer provide obstetrical (OB) services, citing a "political climate" that resulted in significant staffing challenges. "We have made every effort to avoid eliminating these services," said Ford Elsaesser, the hospital's board president. "We hoped to be the exception, but our challenges are impossible to overcome now." Ultimately, the hospital said its decision was based on several factors, including loss of pediatrician coverage in the area, changing demographics, and the legal and political climate in the state. "Highly respected, talented physicians are leaving. Recruiting replacements will be extraordinarily difficult," the hospital said. "The Idaho Legislature continues to introduce and pass bills that criminalize physicians for medical care nationally recognized as the standard of care. Consequences for Idaho Physicians providing the standard of care may include civil litigation and criminal prosecution, leading to jail time or fines." According to the hospital, it will continue to provide women's health services at  Sandpoint Women's Health and provide OB care through  Kootenai Health, which is roughly an hour from Sandpoint. (Lee, Fox News, 3/19; Moseley-Morris, Idaho Capital Sun, 3/17; Lobsinger, Bonner County Daily Bee, 3/18)

• Maryland: CMS announced plans to extend the MA Value-Based Insurance Design Model from 2025 to 2030, introducing changes intended to drive health equity and support health-related social needs. In total, 52 organizations representing over 9.3 million enrollees are participating in the 2023 model, which emphasizes MA plan innovations aimed at cutting costs, increasing quality, and improving care coordination. The  Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is expected to share more information on model updates as they become available, AHA News reports. (AHA News, 3/23)