The following are links to major news health policy articles in which Health Watch USA^sm participated.  Some of the links are pay for view from the publisher's website

• Whitacare Martonicz T. From "Behind the Mask," Infection Control Today's Podcast: Why Cutting Off Health Communications Puts Us All at Risk.  Infection Control Today. Jan. 28, 2025.
  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/from-behind-mask-infection-control-today-s-podcast-why-cutting-off-health-communications-puts-us-all-at-risk  

• Lowenstein F. A win for healthcare workers and patients: The CDC returns HICPAC’s draft recommendations on infection control. The Sick Times. Jan. 30, 2024. https://thesicktimes.org/2024/01/30/a-win-for-healthcare-workers-and-patients-the-cdc-returns-hicpacs-draft-recommendations-on-infection-control/ 

• Martonicz T. Health Watch USA's 17th Annual Conference: Exploring Long COVID's Impact on Patients, Workers, and Society. Infection Control Today. Sept. 7, 2023.   https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/health-watch-usa-s-17th-annual-conference-exploring-long-covid-s-impact-patients-workers-society 

• Putka S. CDC Advisory Group Under Fire for Proposed Infection Control Guidelines. Med Page Today. Aug. 25, 2023. https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/infectioncontrol/106030  

  Diamond F. Biden taps former North Carolina health official Mandy Cohen as new director of CDC . Fierce Healthcare. June 20, 2023.  https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/initial-response-bidens-appointment-mandy-cohen-new-cdc-director-positive  

• Diamond F. Long COVID described as a 'syndrome of syndromes' in NIH funded research  Fierce Healthcare. May 30, 2023. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/long-covid-described-syndromes-syndromes-nih-funded-research  

• Diamond F. Government stats show number of uninsured declined in 2022, though experts question methodology, conclusion, Fierce Healthcare. May 18, 2023. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/government-stats-show-number-uninsured-declined-though-experts-question-methodology 

• Diamond F.  Horizon taps AI provider Solera Health in effort to offer more customized care to members.  Fierce Healthcare. May 4, 2023. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/horizon-healthcare-services-taps-ai-provider-solera-health-effort-offer-more-customized-care   

• Diamond F. CDC seeks new weapons against antimicrobial resistance. Fierce Healthcare. Apr. 12, 2023. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/not-your-fathers-decolonization-approach-cdc-seeks-new-weapons-against-antimicrobial 

• Lamphier I. Mpox Emergence: A Review of the 2022-2023 Outbreak. Infection Control Today. Feb. 23, 2023. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/mpox-emergence-review-2022-2023-outbreak  

• Diamond F. Study: Protection from prior COVID infection almost as good as vaccines. Fierce Healthcare. Feb. 22, 2023. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/study-argues-protection-prior-covid-infection-almost-good-vaccines 

• Diamond F. Do masks really protect against COVID-19? Meta-analysis authors want to see more evidence. Fierce Healthcare. Feb. 9, 2023. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/do-masks-really-protect-against-covid-19-meta-analysis-authors-want-see-more-evidence  

• Diamond F. How COVID-19 may have enhanced the status of preprint studies
  Fierce Healthcare. Jan. 27, 2023. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/how-covid-19-may-have-enhanced-status-preprint-studies   

• Diamond F. Providers jostle to lead way if FDA makes COVID vaccination a yearly jab. Fierce Healthcare. Jan. 26, 2023. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/and-then-there-were-1-fda-weights-battling-covid-similar-battling-flu-1-yearly-jab  

• Diamond F. 268K people who died from COVID-19 in first 2 years of pandemic not included in official tally: study.  Fierce Healthcare. Jan. 24, 2023. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/268176-people-who-died-covid-19-first-2-years-pandemic-not-included-official-tally-study 

• Diamond F. XBB COVID variant presents a unique threat: study.  Fierce Healthcare. Dec. 28, 2022. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/xbb-covid-variant-presents-unique-threat-study 

• Diamond F. CDC tallies deaths from long COVID with new code.  Fierce Healthcare. Dec. 14, 2022. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cdc-touts-code-long-covid-death-certificates  

• Diamond F. Experts urge polio vaccination to ward off any major resurgence. Fierce Healthcare Nov. 9, 2022. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/experts-urge-polio-vaccination-ward-any-major-resurgence

• Diamond F. CDC advisory panel recommends adding COVID vaccine to kids' routine immunization schedule. Oct. 20, 2022. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/cdc-advisory-panel-recommends-covid-vaccine-become-part-childs-vaccination-schedule  

• Diamond F. Highly evasive BQ.1.1 appears on CDC's COVID-19 variants charts for first time .  Fierce Healthcare.  Oct. 17, 2022.  https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/highly-evasive-bq11-appears-cdcs-covid-19-variants-charts-first-time   

• Diamond F. Health insurers can run, but they can’t hide: Tough long COVID coverage decisions on the horizon.  Fierce Healthcare. Oct. 10, 2022.
  https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/health-insurers-can-run-they-cant-hide-tough-long-covid-coverage-decisions-way   

• Diamond F. MRSA resurgence reflects how COVID diminished quality of care, says study.  Fierce Healthcare. Sept 30, 2021. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/mrsa-resurgence-reflects-how-covid-diminished-quality-care-says-study

• Diamond F. New COVID-19 variant's spread draws concern from CDC.  Fierce Health Care.  Sept. 21, 2022. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/new-covid-19-variant-causes-concern  

• Diamond F. Biden declares the COVID-19 pandemic over as experts keep wary eye on potential fall surge.  Fierce Health Care.  Sept. 19, 2022. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/biden-declares-covid-19-pandemic-over 

• Whitacre-Martonicz T. Immunity Lessons From COVID-19: Natural Infection vs Vaccination. Infection Control Today.  Sept. 14, 2022.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/immunity-lessons-covid-19-natural-infection-vs-vaccination  

• Diamond F. Health plans will soon be footing the bill for COVID-19 shots, tests. Fierce Healthcare.  Aug. 29, 2022.  https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/health-plans-prepare-cover-covid-19-vaccine-tests    

• Whitacre-Martonicz T. Monkeypox: Birx Says We Are Not Ready for a New Pandemic.  Infection Control Today. Aug. 18, 2022.   
  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/monkeypox-birx-says-we-are-not-ready-new-pandemic   

• Whitacre-Martonicz T. Birx: Every New Infection, Loss Should be Considered a Failure of US Medical Infrastructure.  Infection Control Today.  Aug. 17, 2022.     https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/birx-every-new-infection-loss-should-be-considered-failure-us-medical-infrastructure 

• Whitacre-Martonicz T. The 16th annual conference will highlight speakers from around the globe, offer continuing education credits, and will be held as a webinar on September 14, 2022.  Infection Control Today. Aug. 4, 2022.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/the-2022-health-watch-usa-conference-will-examine-frontline-work-safety-during-covid-19    

• Diamond F. J.D. Power: Mail-order pharmacies a growing threat to brick-and-mortar retailers.  Fierce Healthcare. Aug. 2, 2022. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/retail/jd-power-mail-order-pharmacies-growing-threat-brick-and-mortar-retailers   

• Diamond F.  Free At-Home COVID Tests on Way for Medicare Beneficiaries.  Infection Control Today.  Feb. 3. 2022.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/free-at-home-covid-tests-on-way-for-medicare-beneficiaries  

• Diamond F.  ‘Stealth Omicron’ Starting to Get Noticed, Setting Off Some Alarms.    Infection Control Today. Jan. 24, 2022. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/-stealth-omicron-starting-to-get-noticed-setting-off-some-alarms  

• Diamond F.  COVID-19 Infecting White Tail Deer To Create Transmission Danger.  Infection Control Today.  Jan 17, 2022.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/covid-19-finds-home-in-deer-where-it-can-mutate-into-a-new-variant   

• Diamond F.  U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Health Care Worker COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate.  Infection Control Today.  Jan. 14, 2022.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/top-court-upholds-health-care-worker-covid-19-vaccine-mandate  

• Diamond F.  Infection Control Today. What Infection Preventionists Must Do in Current Omicron Crisis.  Jan. 13, 2022. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/what-infection-preventionists-must-do-in-current-omicron-crisis 

• Diamond F.  Cloth Masks Are Useless Against COVID-19 (Redux): Omicron Version.  Infection Control Today.  Jan. 12, 2022.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/cloth-masks-are-useless-against-covid-19-redux-omicron-version  

• Diamond F.  Delta, Omicron Coinfection Could Create a Super-Variant.  Infection Control Today.  Jan. 10, 2022.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/delta-omicron-coinfection-could-create-a-super-variant 

• Yetter D. With few masks, will 2022 Kentucky legislative session be a COVID-19 super-spreader event? Couier Journal. Jan. 7, 2022. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/ky-general-assembly/2022/01/07/2022-kentucky-legislative-session-potential-covid-19-super-spreader/9103795002/  

• Diamond F.  ‘Omicron the Pandemic Killer’ Idea Ignores Dangers of Long COVID.  Infection Control Today.  Jan 4, 2022.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/-omicron-the-pandemic-killer-idea-ignores-dangers-of-long-covid

• Diamond F.  President Biden Vows Help for COVID-Swamped Hospitals.  Infection Control Today. Dec. 21, 2021. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/president-biden-vows-help-for-covid-swamped-hospitals 

• Yetter D.  COVID-19 spread on heels of tornadoes stirs fears of looming crisis.  Courier Journal.  Dec. 21, 2021.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/12/21/covid-spread-in-tornado-ravaged-kentucky-stirs-fears-looming-crisis/8969520002/  

• Diamond F. They’re Back: In Face of Omicron, Hand Hygiene, Social Distancing, Masking Needed.  Infection Control Today. Dec. 16, 2021.
  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/they-re-back-in-face-of-omicron-hand-hygiene-social-distancing-masking-needed 

• Diamond F.  Prior COVID Infection Less Likely to Stop Omicron, Says Study.   Infection Control Today.  Dec. 5, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/prior-covid-infection-less-likely-to-stop-omicron-says-study   

• Diamond F.  ‘You Dirty Rat’: Experts Posit That Omicron Hatched in Rodents.   Infection Control Today.  Dec. 3, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/-you-dirty-rat-experts-posit-that-omicron-hatched-in-rodents  

• Diamond F. As Omicron Spreads, CDC Says Adults 18 and Older Should Get a Booster.  Infection Control Today.  Dec. 1, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/as-omicron-spreads-cdc-says-adults-18-and-older-should-get-a-booster  

• Diamond F. Vaccines That Target Omicron Reportedly in the Works.  Infection Control Today.  Nov. 30, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/vaccines-that-target-omicron-reportedly-in-the-works  

• Diamond F.  Enter Omicrom: New COVID-19 Variant Spreads Alarm. Infection Control Today.  Nov. 26, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/enter-omicrom-new-covid-19-variant-spreads-alarm  

• Diamond F.  FDA Could Approve COVID-19 Boosters for All Adults Today..  Infection Control Today.  Nov. 18, 201.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/fda-could-approve-covid-19-boosters-for-all-adults-today  

• Yetter D.  Gov. Andy Beshear authorizes COVID-19 booster shots for all Kentucky adults . Courier Journal.  Nov. 17, 2021. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/11/17/beshear-authorizes-covid-vaccine-booster-shots-all-kentucky-adults/8653861002/  

• Diamond F.  ‘Son’ of Delta Variant on Scientists’ Radar.  Infection Control Today.  Oct. 20, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/-son-of-delta-variant-on-scientists-radar    

• Diamond F.  As COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality rates head downward, pediatric SARS-CoV-2 rates rise, and nursing homes can again become disaster zones. And remember: Winter is coming.  Infection Control Today.  Oct. 13, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/the-young-the-old-and-covid-19   

• Diamond F.  More Data Assert Vaccination Reduces COVID-19 Spread.  Infection Control Today. Oct. 5, 2021. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/more-data-assert-vaccination-reduces-covid-19-spread  

• Diamond F.  Study Boosts Importance of COVID-19 Booster Shots.  Intection Control Today. Oct. 5, 2021. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/how-infection-preventionists-can-battle-misinformation  

• Diamond F.  Long COVID-19 Spreads Wide Toxic Net That Includes Kids.  Infection Control Today.  Sept. 30, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/long-covid-19-spreads-wide-toxic-net-that-includes-kids   

• Diamond F.  Beginning of the End? Some Experts Predict COVID-19 Will Recede.  Infection Control Today.  Sept. 23, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/beginning-of-the-end-some-experts-predict-covid-19-will-recede 

• Debby Y.  Kentucky lawmakers offer conspiracy theories, debunked claims during COVID special session.  Courier Journal.  Sept. 9, 2021. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/ky-legislature/2021/09/09/kentucky-lawmakers-covid-special-session-spout-conspiracy-theories/5768699001/  

• Diamond F. COVID-19 Is a Disease of Unvaccinated: What Does That Mean for Schools?   Infection Control Today.  Sept. 9, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/ovid-19-is-a-disease-of-unvaccinated-what-does-that-mean-for-schools-   

• Diamond F. Gain-of-Disfunction? Research Method Comes Under Fire.   Infection Control Today.  Aug 30. 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/gain-of-disfunction-research-method-comes-under-fire   

• Yetter D.  Can Kentucky medical professionals lose their licenses if they spread disputed COVID claims?.  Courier Journal.  Aug. 30, 2021.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/08/30/what-happens-kentucky-doctors-who-make-disputed-covid-19-claims/5572479001/    

• Diamond F.  Future Delta Variant Mutations Seem to Elude Vaccine Antibodies.  Infection Control Today.  Aug. 27, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/delta-variant-mutations-seem-to-elude-vaccine-antibodies   

• Diamond F.  Vaccines Not as Effective Against Delta Variant, say CDC Data.  Infection Control Today. Aug. 25, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/vaccines-not-as-effective-against-delta-variant-says-cdc-data 

• Diamond F.  Why Wait 8 Months for a COVID-19 Booster Shot?  Infection Control Today.  Aug. 20, 2021. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/why-wait-8-months-for-a-covid-19-booster-shot-   

• Diamond F.  COVID-19 Boosters Shots for US Adults Coming in September.   Infection Control Today.  Aug. 18, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/covid-19-boosters-shots-for-us-adults-in-the-works    

• Diamond F.  COVID-19 Booster Shots Alone Might Not Stop Delta and Other Variants.  Infection Control Today.  Aug. 17, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/covid-19-booster-shots-alone-might-not-stop-delta-and-other-variants 

• Kunzmann K.  2-Dose COVID-19 Vaccines Work Against Delta Variant, Says Study.  Infection Control Today.  Aug.12, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/-dose-covid-19-vaccines-work-against-delta-variant-says-study 

• Diamond F. Put COVID-19 to the Test.  Infection Control Today.  Aug. 11, 2021.   https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/put-covid-19-to-the-test     

• Yetter D.  CDC study of Kentuckians disputes Rand Paul, Thomas Massie claims about COVID-19 immunity.  Courier Journal.  Aug. 9, 2021.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2021/08/09/cdc-study-disputes-rand-paul-thomas-massie-covid-immunity-claims/5536638001/

• Diamond F.  Some Experts See a Peak, Steep Decline of Delta Variant Coming.   Infection Control Today.  Aug. 6, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/some-experts-see-a-peak-steep-decline-of-delta-variant-coming

• Diamond F.  As US Reaches Vaccine Milestone, Question of COVID Booster Shots Persist.  Infection Control Today.  Aug. 4, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/s-us-reaches-vaccine-milestone-question-of-covid-booster-shots-persist

• Diamond F.  CDC: 74% of COVID-19 Cases in Cluster Happened Among Vaccinated.  Infection Control Today.  July 30, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/cdc-74-of-covid-19-cases-in-cluster-happened-among-vaccinated

• Ladd S, Yetter D. Centers for Disease Control releases new mask guidance. Here's what it means for Kentucky.  Courier Journal.  7/27/2021.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/07/27/amid-covid-delta-variant-surge-cdc-issues-new-masking-advice/5386431001/

• Diamond F.  CDC Expected to Tighten Masking Rules for Fully Vaccinated.  Infection Control Today.  July 27, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/cdc-expected-to-tighten-masking-rules-for-fully-vaccinated

• Diamond F.  Can Providers be Blamed for Losing Patience with Vaccine Hesitant? Infection Control Today.  July 26, 2021. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/can-providers-be-blamed-for-losing-patience-with-vaccine-hesitant-   

• Diamond F.  Lambda Variant of COVID-19 Might Be Resistant to Vaccines.  Infection Control Today.  July 21, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/lambda-variant-of-covid-19-might-be-resistant-to-vaccines  

• Diamond F.  COVID-19 Isn’t Done with Us Yet, Medical Experts Warn  Infection Control Today.  July 20, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/covid-19-isn-t-done-with-us-yet-medical-experts-warn  

• Diamond F.  COVID-19 Case Counts Surge in 46 States.  Infection Control Today. July 14, 2021.
  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/covid-19-case-counts-surge-in-46-states 

• Diamond F.  Infectious Disease Organizations: Health Care Workers Must be Vaccinated.   Infection Control Today.  July 13, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/infectious-disease-organizations-health-care-workers-must-be-vaccinated  

• Diamond F.  It’s Not Over: As Delta Variant Preys on the Unvaccinated, Long COVID Settles In.   Infection Control Today.  June 25, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/it-s-not-over-as-delta-variant-preys-on-the-unvaccinated-long-covid-settles-in   

• Yetter D.  Kentucky COVID-19 restrictions end Friday, signaling hope and a return to normalcy for many.  Courier Journal.  June 11, 2021. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/06/11/kentucky-mask-mandate-expected-to-end-signaling-hope/7604229002/  

• Frank D.  As Delta Variant Rises, Hospital Suspends 178 Employees for Not Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19.   Infection Control Today.  June 9, 2021.
    https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/as-delta-variant-rises-hospital-suspends-178-employees-for-not-getting-covid-vaccinated

• Frank D.  Memorial Day Musings in the Shadow of COVID-19.  Infection Control Today.  May 31, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/memorial-day-musings-in-the-shadow-of-covid-19  

• Frank D. Wuhan Lab Leak Called Viable Possibility for COVID-19 Pandemic.   Infection Control Today.  May 18, 2021. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/lab-leak-called-viable-possibility-for-covid-19-pandemic 

• Frank D. CDC Study Might Nudge Vaccine Hesitant Health Care Workers.  Infection Control Today.  May 18, 2021. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/cdc-study-might-nudge-vaccine-hesitant-health-care-workers 

• Frank D.  Seemingly Mixed Messages About Indian COVID-19 Variant Given.   Infection Control Today.  May 13, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/seemingly-mixed-messages-about-indian-covid-19-variant-given   

• Frank D. CDC Relaxes Mask-Wearing Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated Individuals. Infection Control Today.  May 12, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/cdc-relaxing-mask-wearing-guidelines-ap-reports  

• Yetter D.  Kentucky nursing home with deadly COVID-19 variant outbreak identified as Rowan facility  Courier Journal. May 4, 2021.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/05/04/kentucky-nursing-home-deadly-covid-19-variant-outbreak-morehead-site/4935105001/   

• Ladd S.  Louisville health officials worried about post-Kentucky Derby spike in COVID-19 cases,   Courier Journal. May 4, 2021.
  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/05/04/louisville-health-officials-worry-over-possible-post-kentucky-derby-covid-19-spike/7003404002/  

• Yetter D.  CDC cites COVID-19 outbreak at Kentucky nursing home in urging more staff to be vaccinated.  Courier Journal. Apr. 22, 2021.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/04/22/cdc-cites-kentucky-nursing-home-covid-19-outbreak-vaccination-push/7332528002/ 

• Patrick M.   Ky. pauses use of one-dose coronavirus vaccine over rare side effects; Beshear worries federal advice will have negative impact.  Kentucky Health News.  Apr. 13, 2021.
  https://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2021/04/ky-pauses-use-of-one-dose-coronavirus.html  

• Yetter D. The Kentucky Derby 2021 and COVID-19: Is it safe to attend? Health experts weigh in.  Courier Journal.  Apr. 6, 2021.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/2021/04/01/kentucky-derby-2021-safety-amid-covid-19/7004531002/ 

• Yetter D.  'No unknown soldiers': How Kentucky missed over 600 deaths from COVID-19. Courier Journal.  Mar. 25, 2021.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/03/25/covid-19-deaths-audit-finds-662-more-kentucky-cases/6973083002/    

• Ungar L.  For Spring Season, Young Athletes Get Back in the Game Despite Covid Risk.  Kaiser Health News. Mar. 16, 2021.  https://khn.org/news/article/young-athletes-return-to-team-sports-despite-covid-risk-spring-season/  

• Diamond F. Possible New COVID Variant Causes Outbreak in Highly Vaccinated Nursing Home. Infection Control Today. Mar. 16, 2021. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/covid-variant-spreads-among-kentucky-nursing-home-residents  

• Patrick M. Medicare-Certified Long-Term Care Visitation Update: New Guidance.   Kentucky Health News.  Mar. 11, 2021.  https://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2021/03/medicare-certified-nursing-homes-will.html    

• Kunzmann K.  People Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Can Mingle Maskless Again.    Infection Control Today.  Mar. 8, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/people-vaccinated-against-covid-19-can-mingle-maskless-again  

• Houghton K, Ungar L.  Montana health director nominee once faced criticism over Kentucky's hepatitis A outbreak.  Associated Press.  Courier Journal.  Feb. 27, 2021. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2021/02/27/montana-health-director-nominee-adam-meier-led-during-kentucky-hepatitis-outbreak/6850713002/  

  • USA Today.  Mar. 1, 2021.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2021/03/01/looking-kentuckys-past-understand-montana-health-nominees-future/6873126002/  

• Sullivan T.  Leaked video more comical than incendiary, but coach's conduct raises coronavirus concerns.  Courier Journal.  Feb. 21, 2021.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2021/02/21/sullivan-macks-conduct-after-louisville-win-raises-covid-19-concerns/4533748001/    

• Cross A.  Legislators tell Beshear they’ll talk with him after votes to override vetoes; he says ‘See you in court,’ warns of fourth surge in cases  Kentucky Health News.  Feb. 2, 2021.  http://ci.uky.edu/kentuckyhealthnews/2021/02/02/legislators-tell-beshear-theyll-talk-with-him-after-votes-to-override-vetoes-he-says-see-you-in-court-warns-of-fourth-surge-in-cases/  

• Diamond F.  Goodbye to January 2021, COVID-19’s Worst Month (So Far).  Infection Control Today.  Feb. 1, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/goodbye-to-january-2021-covid-19-s-worst-month-so-far- 

• Diamond F.  B.1.1.7 Now Said to Be More Deadly and Contagious.  Infection Control Today.  Jan. 22, 2021.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/p-1-1-7-now-said-to-be-more-deadly-and-contagious  

• Diamond F.  Pfizer COVID Vaccine Days Away From Approval.   Infection Control Today.  Dec. 11, 2020.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/fda-panel-meets-today-on-covid-19-vaccine-approval  

• Dyer J.  COVID Unleashes the ‘Lurking Scourge’ Candida Auris.  Infection Control Today.  Nov. 11, 2020.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/covid-unleashes-the-lurking-scourge-candida-auris 

• Patrick M.  Experts say COVID-19 vaccine will come with challenges and cautions after distribution.  KyForward.  Nov. 3, 2020.  https://www.kyforward.com/experts-say-covid-19-vaccine-will-come-with-challenges-and-cautions-after-distribution/  

• Diamond F.  CDC Launches $180M Anti-infection Program for Healthcare Workers.  Infection Control Today.  Oct. 28, 2020.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/cdc-launches-180m-anti-infection-program-for-healthcare-workers  

• Cross A.  To 'celebrate' or not to celebrate Halloween; that is the question.  Kentucky Health News. .  Oct. 26, 2020.  http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2020/10/to-celebrate-or-not-to-celebrate.html

• Diamond F. Healthcare-Acquired Infections Not Reported Enough. Infection Control Today. Oct. 23, 2020.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/healthcare-acquired-infections-not-reported-enough  

• Diamond F. Measuring Effects of Flu, COVID Co-Infections. Infection Control Today. Oct. 21, 2020.  https://www.nfectioncontroltoday.com/view/measuring-effects-of-flu-covid-co-infections 

• Diamond F. AHRQ Process Cuts Down on Antibiotic Overprescribing. Infection Control Today. Oct. 21, 2020.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/ahrq-process-cuts-down-on-antibiotic-overprescribing  

• Parkinson J. Experts Forcefully Push Back on Barrington Declaration. Infection Control Today. Oct. 20, 2020.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/experts-forcefully-push-back-on-barrington-declaration 

• Diamond F. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: How COVID Spreads Indoors.  Infection Control Today.  Oct. 6, 2020. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/smoke-gets-in-your-eyes-how-covid-spreads-indoors  

• Diamond F.  President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump Test Positive for COVID.  Infection Control Today.  Oct. 3, 2020.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/president-trump-first-lady-melania-trump-have-covid-19  

• Dolan J., Mejia B. L.A.’s poorest patients endure long delays to see medical specialists. Some die waiting. Los Angeles Times. Sept. 30, 2020. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-09-30/delays-los-angeles-hospitals-patients-deaths

• Cross A.  Somerset-area legislators decry Beshear's restrictions at Chamber meeting with little use of masks or social distancing.  Kentucky Healthcare News.  Aug. 31, 2020.  http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2020/08/somerset-area-legislators-decry.html  

• Yetter D. Kentucky Derby 2020: Why health experts say they agree with Churchill Down's decision.  Courier Journal.  Aug. 22, 2020.   https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2020/08/21/health-experts-say-cancelling-fans-good-call-for-kentucky-derby/3400329001/   

• Yetter D, Kobin B.  Beshear says Kentucky Derby can safely host fans despite COVID-19. Not everyone agrees.  Courier Journal.  Aug. 12, 2020.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/2020/08/12/kentucky-derby-2020-beshear-says-race-safe-amid-covid-19/3353837001/ 

• Odonell J. As COVID-19 spread, the feds relaxed rules, and hospitals tried to contain the outbreak. Other infections may have risen USA Today. Aug. 5, 2020. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2020/08/05/some-hospital-infections-up-feds-waived-safety-oversight-reporting/5537817002/  

• Kenning C.  Once seemingly insulated, Kentucky's Appalachian counties scramble to stop COVID-19 outbreak.  Courier Journal.  July 31, 2020. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2020/07/31/covid-19-appalachia-tiny-health-departments-struggle-outbreak/5526869002/      

• Valente M.  Founder of healthcare org: Beshear should consider shutting bars.  LEX 18 News.  July 2, 2020.  https://www.lex18.com/news/coronavirus/founder-of-healthcare-org-beshear-should-consider-shutting-bars  

• Millenson ML. Hospitals must treat infection control as a priority, not a profit center  STAT.  July 1, 2020.  https://www.statnews.com/2020/07/01/hospitals-must-treat-infection-control-as-a-priority-not-a-profit-center/   

• Diamond F.  26,000 COVID-19 Deaths in Nursing Homes Might Spur Federal-State Blame Game.  Infection Control Today.  June 2, 2020.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/covid-19/26000-covid-19-deaths-nursing-homes-might-spur-federal-state-blame-game 

• O'Donnell J.  As obesity's link to COVID-19 grows, one family that lost 24-year-old daughter diets together.  USA Today.  May 23, 2020.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2020/05/23/obesity-makes-covid-19-risk-larger-hospitals-challenges-much-harder/5221600002/

• Kenning C & Ladd S.  Mask or no mask? Why Kentucky's new requirement to battle COVID-19 is causing such a fuss.  Courier Journal.  May 15, 2020.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2020/05/15/coronavirus-masks-how-kentuckys-first-week-went-requiring-masks/5192238002/  

• O'Donnell J.  Rich hospitals, poor safety plans leading up to coronavirus: Should rules change for them now?  USA Today.  May 10, 2020.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/05/10/coronavirus-should-rich-hospitals-bankroll-better-pandemic-plans/3048437001/ 

• Nelson D.  Blood-pressure drugs are in the crosshairs of COVID-19 research.  Reuters News Service.  April 23, 2020.  https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-conoravirus-blood-pressure-ins-idUKKCN2251GQ    

  • New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/04/23/us/23reuters-health-conoravirus-blood-pressure-insight.html 

• Morgan-Becker T.  Patient advocate: State needs more aggressive action to confront COVID-19 deaths. The Citizens' Voice. April 22, 2020.   https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/patient-advocate-state-needs-more-aggressive-action-to-confront-covid-19-deaths-1.2620809  

• Morgan-Becker T.  Lackawanna County Coroner to mandate nursing homes report deaths to his office. The Times Tribune April 17, 2020.  https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-coroner-to-mandate-nursing-homes-report-deaths-to-his-office-1.2619503 

• Sullivan T.  Louisville area preacher defies ban on mass gatherings, plans to hold Sunday service .   Courier Journal.  April 5, 2020 https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2020/04/04/preaching-gospel-defying-government/2943503001/   

• Watch: How to safely wear a mask and remove gloves. The Times-Tribune. April 3, 2020. https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/watch-how-to-safely-wear-a-mask-and-remove-gloves-1.2614524 

• Kenning C. Why the coronavirus couldn't have come at a worse time for reeling Appalachian Kentucky. Courier Journal. March 21. 2020. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2020/03/21/coronavirus-comes-terrible-time-reeling-appalachian-kentucky/2878214001/  

• Terrie Morgan-Besecker. NEPA grocery store begins taking customers’ temps. The Citizens' Voice. Mar. 24, 2020. https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nepa-grocery-store-begins-taking-customers-temps-1.2610547

• Healy J, Richtel M, Baker M.  Nursing Homes Becoming Islands of Isolation Amid 'Shocking' Mortality Rate.  New York Times.  March 10, 2020.  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/us/coronavirus-nursing-homes-washington-seattle.html  

• Jacobes A. Fink S.  How Prepared Is the U.S. for a Coronavirus Outbreak? New York Times.  Feb. 29, 2020.  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/health/coronavirus-preparation-united-states.html

  Diamond F.  A Conversation With Kevin Kavanagh, MD: Infection Preventionists Are Underutilized and Underappreciated. (Expanded and Updated Commentary) Infection Control Today.  Jan. 21, 2020.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/sterile-processing/conversation-kevin-kavanagh-md-infection-preventionists-are-underutilized-and-underappreciated 

• Diamond F.  A Conversation With Kevin Kavanagh, MD: Infection Preventionists Are Underutilized and Underappreciated.  Infection Control Today.  Dec. 14, 2019.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/hand-hygiene/conversation-kevin-kavanagh-md-infection-preventionists-are-underutilized-and-underappreciated 

• Diamond F.  Newly Approved Test Can Diagnose MRSA in 5 Hours.  Infection Control Today.  Dec. 11, 2019.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/article/newly-approved-test-can-diagnose-mrsa-5-hours    

• Ungar L.  What states aren't doing to save new mothers' lives.  USA Today.  Nov. 14, 2019  https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/deadly-deliveries/2018/09/19/maternal-death-rate-state-medical-deadly-deliveries/547050002/ 

• Krisken T. Hospitals across Ventura County face penalties for readmission of Medicare patients.  VC Star.  Oct. 14, 2019  https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2019/10/14/ventura-county-hospitals-face-medicare-readmission-penalties/3870392002/ 

• Control of MSSA and MRSA in the U.S.: Protocols, Policies, Risk Adjustment and Excuses. Infection Control Today. Jun 21, 2019. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/bacterial/control-mssa-and-mrsa-us-protocols-policies-risk-adjustment-and-excuses  

• Briscoe B. 'I Was The Fifth On My Floor Diagnosed With MRSA: Woman's Spine Surgery Goes South After Infection At Hospital. WFMY NEWS2. Nat 8, 2019 https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/2-wants-to-know/i-was-the-fifth-on-my-floor-diagnosed-with-mrsa-womans-spine-surgery-goes-south-after-infection-at-hospital/83-2bf9dccd-2ba3-4a36-a048-a0e7c95e3f9c  

• Dr. Kevin Kavanagh - Fungus 50% mortality, 70% cases ( of Candida auris) here (NY & NJ)
  John Catsimatidis. The CATS ROUNDTABLE. April 14, 2019.
  https://soundcloud.com/john-catsimatidis/dr-kevin-kavanagh-fungus-50 

• Jacobs A & Richtel M. Culture of Secrecy Shields Hospitals With Outbreaks of Drug-Resistant Infections.  New York Times.  April 8, 2019.  https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/08/health/candida-auris-hospitals-drug-resistant.html    

Lexington Herald Leader:  https://www.kentucky.com/living/health-and-medicine/article229059359.html 

Kaiser Healthcare News: https://khn.org/morning-breakout/critics-question-culture-of-secrecy-around-deadly-bacteria-at-medical-institutions-but-facilities-say-transparency-would-scare-patients-away/  

• Moretti C.  Dangerous ‘Superbug’ Sickens Hundreds in New York and New Jersey.  NYNJ.com  April 9, 2019.  https://nynj.com/dangerous-superbug-sickens-hundreds-in-new-york-a-new-jersey/ 

• Diamond M. Deadly, Drug-Resistant Fungus Detected In New York, New Jersey. WCBS 880. New York. April 8, 2019. https://wcbs880.radio.com/articles/candida-auris-fungus-sickens-hundreds-new-york-new-jersey 

• Bracken D, Richtel M, Jacobs A:  Revenge of the Bacteria:  Why we are using the war.   New York Times.  April 7, 2019.

• Richtel M & Jacobs A:  A Mysterious Infection, Spanning the Globe in a Climate of Secrecy.  New York Times.  April 7, 2019.  https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/06/health/drug-resistant-candida-auris.html  

Pharmacist.com:  https://www.pharmacist.com/article/mysterious-infection-spanning-globe-climate-secrecy 

MSN:  https://www.msn.ge/deadly-germs-lost-cures-a-mysterious-infection-spanning-the-globe-in-a-climate-of-secrecy
 
The Western Journal:  https://www.westernjournal.com/deadly-drug-resistant-infection-showing-around-united-states/ 
 
Infoba (Spanish):    https://www.infobae.com/america/the-new-york-times/2019/04/09/la-misteriosa-infeccion-que-se-esparce-por-el-mundo-debido-a-la-resistencia-a-antimicoticos/    
 
Folha De S. Paulo (Portugees):  https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/equilibrioesaude/2019/04/infeccao-misteriosa-causada-por-fungo-se-espalha-pelo-mundo.shtml  
   
The Straits Times.  Candida auris fungus immune to drugs a new threat. Singapore. Apr. 9, 2019.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/fungus-immune-to-drugs-a-new-threat 
 

• Innes S and Philip A:  Medicare penalizing 15 Arizona hospitals over patient safety issues.  Arizona Republic.  Mar. 21, 2019.    https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2019/03/21/fifteen-arizona-hospitals-penalized-medicare-patient-safety/3154205002/ 

• Kisken T. Los Robles hospital dinged again with Medicare penalty for infection rate VC Star Mar. 11, 2019 https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2019/03/11/los-robles-regional-medical-center-medicare-penalty-infection-rate/3034965002/

• O'Donnell J.  Hospitals know how to reduce or stop staph infections. So why are thousands still dying?   USA Today.  Mar. 6, 2019.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2019/03/05/mrsa-staph-infection-hospital-deadly-centers-disease-control-medicare-medicaid/3032939002/ 

• Ungar L:  Examination needed of Kentucky's 'poor response' to deadly hepatitis A outbreak, lawmaker says  Courier Journal.   Feb. 25, 2019.  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/ky-legislature/2019/02/25/kentucky-lawmaker-calls-review-deadly-hepatitis-outbreak/2981050002/ 

• Evans G:  CDC Drafts New Guidelines for Occupational Health.  Hospital Employee Health.  Jan. 1, 2019.  https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/143702-cdc-drafts-new-guidelines-for-occupational-health  

• Johnson S. National HealthWatch Conference Stresses Safety Measures For Healthcare Workers And Patients. Capitol Solutions. Oct. 8, 2018. https://capitolsolutions.net/national-healthwatch-conference-stresses-safety-measures-healthcare-workers-patients/   

• Patrick M.  Need for improved staffing in nursing homes and hospitals was among timely topics at annual Health Watch USA conference. Kentucky Health News  Oct. 7, 2018.   http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/ 

• Commentary Points to Gaps in Guidelines for Prevention of MRSA SSIs.   Infection Control Today.  Sept. 27, 2018.  https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/operating-room/commentary-points-gaps-guidelines-prevention-mrsa-ssis 

• O'Donnell J. Trump administration backs off plan to reduce reporting on hospital infections, safety. USA Today. Aug. 3, 2018. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/08/03/feds-plan-reverse-plan-release-hospital-infection-data/897080002/

• O'Donnell J, Alltucker K. Doctors, hospitals sue patients who post negative comments, reviews on social media USA Today. July 18, 2018. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/07/18/doctors-hospitals-sue-patients-posting-negative-online-comments/763981002/ 

• Gapinsky K. Stop the Spread of MRSA. Nasal decolonization is a practical way to lower infection risks. Outpatient Surgery. 2018
  http://www.outpatientsurgery.net/surgical-facility-administration/infection-control/stop-the-spread-of-mrsa--infection-control-18 

• Blackford L.  These Kentucky hospitals had more MRSA infections than almost all others in the U.S..  Lexington Herald Leader.  June 3, 2018.  http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/article212255844.html

• San Antonio Hospitals Penalized For High Patient Injury Rates.  Rivard Report.  Jan. 21, 2018.  https://therivardreport.com/san-antonio-hospitals-penalized-for-high-patient-injury-rates/  

• See your hospital's 2018 pay-for-performance penalty or bonus.  The Advisory Board.  Jan. 2, 2018. https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2018/01/02/latest-hac  

• Kisken T.  Los Robles hospital faces Medicare penalties for post-admission injuries.   VC Star. Dec. 27, 2017.  http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2017/12/27/los-robles-hospital-faces-medicare-penalties-post-admission-injuries/978368001/ 

• Kisken T. Los Robles hospital faces Medicare penalties for post-admission injuries. VC Star. Dec 27, 2017. https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2017/12/27/los-robles-hospital-faces-medicare-penalties-post-admission-injuries/978368001/

• Rau J.  Medicare Penalizes Group Of 751 Hospitals For Patient Injuries.  Kaiser Health News.  Dec. 21, 2017. https://khn.org/news/medicare-penalizes-group-of-751-hospitals-for-patient-injuries/   

Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/medicare-penalizes-group-of-751-hospitals-for-patient-injuries/2017/12/21/3293bbd8-e6ad-11e7-927a-e72eac1e73b6_story.html

Medscape: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/890730 

• Al-Agba NS. Facility fees are ruining quality care. Kevin MD. May 1, 2017. https://www.kevinmd.com/2017/05/facility-fees-ruining-quality-care.html 

• McCaughey B. Feds Cover Up Hospital Infections. "What about the federal government's highly touted goal to halve MRSA infections by 2020? Not even close, says leading patient advocate Dr. Kevin Kavanagh." RealClearPolitics. April 19, 2017 https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2017/04/19/feds_cover_up_hospital_infections__133641.html 

• Nelson DJ, McNeill R.  Money from infection-control industry muddies research into beating back superbugs  Reuters News Service.  Apr. 7, 2017.  http://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-superbugs-research/   

• Heisel W.  Flying Blind: Why do we keep blaming the victims of medical errors?. USA Annenberg.  Mar. 20, 2017.   https://www.centerforhealthjournalism.org/2017/03/17/flying-blind-why-do-we-keep-blaming-victims-medical-errors 

• Heisel W.  Flying Blind: Should we treat medical errors like plane crashes?  Center for Health Journalism. USA Annenberg.  Mar. 14, 2017.   https://www.centerforhealthjournalism.org/2017/03/13/flying-blind-should-we-treat-medical-errors-plane-crashes 

• Study analysis of hospital safety estimates more than 200,000 preventable facility-related deaths each year. Northern Kentucky Tribune. Feb. 21, 2017. https://www.nkytribune.com/2017/02/study-analysis-of-hospital-safety-estimates-more-than-200000-preventable-facility-related-deaths-each-year/ 

• Patrick M.  Study analysis by Ky. critic of hospital safety estimates more than 200,000 preventable hospital-associated daths each year.  Kentuecky Health News.  Feb. 14, 2017.  http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2017/02/study-analysis-by-critic-of-hospital.html 

• Johnson S.  Health Watch Group Urges Increased ‘Superbug’ Reporting.  8809 WEKU.  Dec. 30, 2016. http://weku.fm/post/health-watch-group-urges-increased-superbug-reporting 

• Patrick M. Ideas for patient safety: collaboration, transparency, more nurses in hospitals and nursing homes, surgical patients' risk awareness.   Kentucky Health News. Nov. 20, 2016.  |
  http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2016/11/ideas-to-improve-patient-safety.html

• Morgan-Besecker T. Hospital shopping can pay off. The Citizen's Voice. Nov. 13, 2016 http://news.doximity.com/entries/5424043?_show_reg=0&user_id=397572 

• Newkirk B. Extra hospital 'facility fees' irk patients. Desert Sun. July 16, 2016. http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/health/2016/07/15/extra-hospital-facility-fees-irk-patients/86874880/

• Morgan-Besecker T. Facility fees cost Medicare billions.  Times Tribune.  June 12, 2016.   http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/facility-fees-cost-medicare-billions-1.2054288 

• Patrick M. Bacteria that can't be treated by any antibiotic now in U.S.; Kentucky ranks first in one type of antibiotic-resistant infection. Kentucky Health News. Jun. 4, 2016. http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2016/06/bacteria-that-cant-be-treated-by-any.html

• Rau J. How Medicare Penalizes Hospitals for Being Too Careful. New York Times. Apr. 20, 2016. 
   " “It’s not only the magnitude of the penalty, but the publicity that comes out of being penalized,” said Dr. Kevin Kavanagh, a patient safety advocate from Kentucky." 
  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/21/health/how-medicare-penalizes-hospitals-for-being-too-careful.html  

  • Rau J.  At Teaching Hospitals, Aggressive Screening May Lead To Medicare Penalties.  Kasier Health News.   Apr. 20, 2016.
    http://khn.org/news/at-teaching-hospitals-aggressive-screening-may-lead-to-medicare-penalties/  

• Rau J.  Medicare Penalizes 758 Hospitals For Safety Incidents.  Kaiser Health News and NPR.  Dec. 11, 2015.   These articles, reference and links to Health Watch USA's article on how to improve the measurement of the Hospital Acquired Condition penalty for Urinary Infections which was published in the American Journal of Infection Control.   http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/12/10/459243853/medicare-penalizes-758-hospitals-for-safety-incidents

• Putnam J.   Judy Putnam: Medicare costs curbed but only for some.  Lansing State Journal.  Nov. 3, 2015.  http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/opinion/columnists/judy-putnam/2015/11/03/putnam-facility-fee/75099480/

• Health Watch USA Conference & Medical Devices.  Channel 18 News, Lexington KY.  Nov. 3, 2015.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jXdw053hyw 

• Putman J.  Judy Putnam: New facility fee gives patient heartburn.  Lancing State Journal.   Sept. 13, 2015.  http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/opinion/columnists/judy-putnam/2015/09/13/putnam-facilityfees/72093674/  

• Blackford LB.  MRSA infections remain a back-to-school risk.  UK to restart suspended pediatric heart surgery program in deal with Cincinnati Children's Hospital.  Lexington Herald Leader..  Sep. 3, 2015. http://www.kentucky.com/2015/09/03/4018076/uk-to-restart-suspended-pediatric.html
  

• O'Donnell J. and Ungar L.  MRSA infections remain a back-to-school risk.  USA Today..  Sep. 1, 2015.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/09/01/mrsa-superbug-back--school-risks-st-albans/71489354/ 

• Eisler P.  Deadly infections from medical scopes go unreported, raising health risks.  USA Today.  Aug. 5, 2015.
  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/08/05/duodenoscope-infections-not-reported/29988165/ 

• Adams J.  Approach to Medical Mishaps Reduces Malpractice Claims.  ENT  Today  July 9, 2015.   http://www.enttoday.org/article/approach-to-medical-mishaps-reduces-malpractice-claims/ 

• Melissa P.  New rule will improve reporting of antibiotic-resistant infections in health-care facilities, which are getting worse in Kentucky.  Kentucky Health News.  Jan. 18, 2015.  http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2015/01/new-rule-will-improve-reporting-of.html   

  • http://www.floydcountytimes.com/news/health/151441828/New-rule-will-improve-reporting-of-antibiotic-resistant-infections-in-health-care-facilities  

• Black R.  10 Things Your Doctor Won’t Tell You About Hospital Infections.  Everyday Health.  Jan 9, 2015.  http://www.everydayhealth.com/things-your-doctor-wont-tell-about-hospital-infections/

• Allen M. Patient Safety Journal Adjusts After an Eye-Opening Scandal. ProPublica. Nov. 26, 2014.
  http://www.propublica.org/article/patient-safety-journal-adjusts-after-an-eye-opening-scandal

  • Allen M. Patient Safety Journal Finds Violations, Tightens Standards After Scandal NPR. Nov. 26, 2014.
    http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/11/26/366618323/patient-safety-journal-finds-violations-tightens-standards-after-scandal

• Goozner M. Safety journal blasts Denham in conflict of interest scandal. Modern Healthcare. Nov. 26, 2014.
  http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20141126/BLOG/311269996

• Clark C.  Former NQF Co-Chair Linked to Conflicts of Interest in Journal Probe.  Health Leaders.  Nov. 21, 2014.   http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/page-1/LED-310580/Former-NQF-CoChair-Linked-to-Conflicts-of-Interest-in-Journal-Probe  

• Cruse L. and Goodman C.   LEX 18 News at 12:30pm    Health Watch USA 2014 Conference.  Oct. 30, 2014.   View Segment At: http://youtu.be/2rvfAYw1HiA 

• Ungar L.  Nurses face obstacles on front lines against Ebola.  USA Today.  Oct. 23, 2014.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/23/nurses-face-ebola-challenges/17661387/ 

• Rau J.  Hospitals Struggle To Beat Back Serious Infections    NPR.   Oct. 21, 2014.  www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/10/21/357618079/hospitals-struggle-to-beat-back-serious-infections  

  • Kaiser Healthcare News.Oct. 21, 2014.  http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2014/October/21/hospitals-struggle-to-control-infections.aspx

  • Mansfield News Jouranl. Oct. 24, 2014
    http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/story/news/local/2014/10/23/hospitals-struggle-stop-infections/17797861/  

  • The Atlantic.  Oct. 23, 2014  https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/10/even-before-ebola-hospitals-struggled-with-infection-control/381773/ 

• Dr. Daniel Saman on the Ebola Outbreak in the United States.   New Day, CNN.  Oct. 19. 2014.  
  http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2014/10/19/ndw-dangers-of-ebola-daniel-saman.cnn.html 

• Estep B.  Officials at rural Kentucky hospitals describe steps they're taking to prepare for Ebola.  Lexington Herald Leader.  Oct. 18, 2014.   http://www.kentucky.com/2014/10/17/3487231/officials-at-rural-kentucky-hospitals.html   

• Ungar, L.  Doctors fear growing hospital superbug.  Courier Journal.   Aug. 5, 2014. 
  http://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/wellness/health/2014/08/04/doctors-fear-growing-hospital-superbug/13569933/ 

• Rettner, R.  Doc Confesses He Nearly Took Unnecessary Antibiotics.   Lifescience.  Aug. 4, 2014.  http://www.livescience.com/47184-doctor-unnecessary-antibiotic-prescription.html 

• Ungar, L. 'Nightmare bacteria' spread in Southeast.  USA Today.  July 31, 2014.
  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/31/cre-nightmare-bacteria-spread/13322879/

• Use of Surveillance, Preventive Measures for MRSA Infections in Surgical Patients. Infections in Surgical Patients. Infection Control Today.  May 16, 2014. http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2014/05/use-of-surveillance-preventive-measures-for-mrsa-infections-in-surgical-patients.aspx 

• Rau, J.  Hospitals Boost Patient Safety, But More Work Is Needed   Kaiser Health News.  May 7, 2014.  http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2014/May/07/Hospitals-Boost-Patient-Safety-But-Still-Have-A-Way-To-Go.aspx  

• Ungar L.  Kentucky step closer to requiring hospitals to report superbugs.  Courier Journal.  Mar. 15, 2014. 
  http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20140314/BUSINESS/303140096/Kentucky-step-closer-requiring-hospitals-report-superbugs 

• Ungar L.  Bill would require reporting of superbug infections.  Courier Journal.  Feb 27, 2014.    View Bill
  http://blogs.courier-journal.com/healthbytes/2014/02/27/bill-would-require-reporting-of-superbug-infections/

• Ungar L.  MRSA super bug tamed at Louisville VA hospital; others urged to follow example.  Courier Journal, Louisville, KY.  Feb. 3, 2014.  http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014302020031

  • Should hospitals screen every patient for MRSA?   The Advisory Board Company.  Feb. 5, 2014.    http://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2014/02/05/should-hospitals-screen-every-patient-for-mrsa

  • Veterans hospital finds ways to tame MRSA super bug.   USA Today. Feb 3, 2014.
    http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/03/mrsa-infection-screening-veterans-affairs/5183403/

• Johnson Stu, Health Groups Take Aim At Common Hospital, Nursing Home Infections. 2014 Jan 14th.
  http://wkyufm.org/post/health-groups-take-aim-common-hospital-nursing-home-infections

• Bavley A.  Day 2: 'Facility fees' add billions to medical bills.  Kansas City Star.  Jeb. 17, 2014. http://www.kansascity.com/2013/12/29/4719471/facility-fees-add-billions-to.html

• Eisler P.  Dangerous MRSA bacteria expand into communities.   USA Today.   Dec. 16, 2013.
  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/16/mrsa-infection-community-schools-victims-doctors/3991833/

  • Deadly MRSA bacteria expands its reach in Kentucky, U.S.  Courier Journal.  Dec 18, 2013   http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20131217/NEWS01/312170077/Deadly-MRSA-bacteria-expands-its-reach-in-Kentucky-U-S- 

• American Council on Science and Health's blog discusses HW USA's Commentary on How the US has Fallen Behind Northern Europe in Control of MRSA.   ACSH blog is entitled  "More on the antibiotic crisis: Could Our Government Possibly Screw Up Worse Than This"?  Nov. 14, 2013.  http://acsh.org/2013/11/antibiotic-crisis-government-possibly-screw-worse/ 

• Warren J. Annual Health Conference Comes to Lexington.  Lexington Herald Leader.  Oct. 31, 2013.  http://www.kentucky.com/2013/10/31/2905136/annual-health-conference-comes.html

• Health Watch USA Pre-Conference Story on Channel 18 News - Lexington KY.  Oct. 22, 2013
  http://www.lex18.com/videoplayer/?video_id=39278&categories=

• Blackford LB.  Internal review of UK's pediatric heart surgery program doesn't say why it was closed.  Oct. 17, 2013.   http://www.kentucky.com/2013/10/17/2881680/internal-review-of-uks-pediatric.html

• Muniland. How much profit can non-profit hospitals make and be tax exempt? Reuters. Sept. 16, 2020. https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS28217486320130916   

  Schulte F.  Feds propose shakeup for emergency room billing.  Institute of Public Integrity  Sept. 14, 2013.
  http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/09/13/13420/feds-propose-shakeup-emergency-room-billing 

Schulte F.  CMS takes aim at 'facility' fees. Rule would replace five code prices with flat rate. 
Sep.12, 2013  http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20130907/MAGAZINE/309079978

• Wood D.  The Future of Value Purchasing.  Nursing News.  August 16, 2013, 
  http://www.nursezone.com/Nursing-News-Events/more-news/The-Future-of-Value-based-Nursing-Care_41623.aspx 

• Harris B.  Patients surprised by hospital's 'co-pay' charge (for facility fees).  WFAA Channel 8 News.  Dallas, TX.  Aug. 12, 2013.
  http://www.wfaa.com/news/investigates/patients-surprised-by-hospital-co-pay-charge-219321861.html

• Burchett M.  Kentucky and online audiences hear discussion of proposed system for patients to report medical errors; comments due July 8.  Kentucky Health News.  June 22, 2013.
  http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2013/06/kentucky-and-online-audiences-hear.html 

• Wachsman MW. What Happens When a "Nightmare Bacteria" becomes a Reality ? Kentucky finds out. Medical News.  May 2013.    View Three Page Article

View The Entire Issue of Medical News: 
http://www.medicalnews.md/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/MN_May_2013_web.pdf 

Widespread Panic.  May 2, 2013 Medical News
http://www.medicalnews.md/widespread-panic/ 

• Booth Michael.   Facility fees inflate hospital prices for common services, Triple the price for same health service, as mergers bloom.  The Denver Post.  May 14, 2013.  http://www.denverpost.com/ci_23236112/facility-fees-inflate-hospital-prices-common-services

• Ungar L.  Kindred had 40 CRE cases.    Courier Journal, April 16, 2013.  http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013304150057

• Burchett M.  Deadly, drug-resistant bacteria are becoming more common in Kentucky hospitals; key lawmaker wants to require public reporting.  Kentucky Health News.  April 16, 2013.  http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2013/04/deadly-drug-resistant-bacteria-are.html     http://www.kystandard.com/content/drug-resistant-bacteria-rise-kentucky-hospitals 

• Ungar L.  CRE: Mandatory reporting of 'superbug' sought.  Courier Journal, April 12, 2013. http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013304110078 

• Tribble SJ.  Hospital facility fees face competitive pressure,  The Plain Dealer.  Northeast Ohio. April 8, 2013.  http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2013/04/
  hospital_facility_fees_face_co.html

• Ungar L.  Deadly bacteria hitting Louisville hospitals, long-term care facilities.  Courier Journal, Mar. 23, 2013.  http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130323/PRIME01/303240037/Deadly-bacteria-hitting-Louisville-hospitals-long-term-care-facilities  

• Schulte F.  Hospitals face increased scrutiny for charging facility fees.  Washington Post,  Dec. 23, 2012.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/hospitals-face-increased-scrutiny-for-charging-facility-fees/2012/12/22/176ed6b4-4962-11e2-820e-17eefac2f939_story.html  

  • Bangor News, Maine   http://bangordailynews.com/2012/12/23/health/hospitals-face-increased-scrutiny-for-charging-facility-fees/ 

• Schulte F.  Hospital 'facility fees' boosting medical bills, and not just for hospital care.  The Center for Public Integrity.   Dec, 20, 2012.     http://www.publicintegrity.org/2012/12/20/11978/hospital-facility-fees-boosting-medical-bills-and-not-just-hospital-care  

• Warren J. At heath conference, speakers urge patients to speak up about treatment.  Lexington Herald Leader.  Nov. 9th, 2012.  https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/fayette-county/article44388765.html 

• Hospitals are not reporting cases of harm to patients; electronic health records may be key to solving the problem     Kentucky Health News   July 20, 2012    http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2012/07/hospitals-not-reporting-cases-of-harm.html    

• Report sets benchmark for rates of infection at hospitals   Desert Sun, Jan 11, 2012 
  View News Article      California reported infection rates may be incomplete

• A Winnable Battle:  Hospitalists are well-positioned to lead measured, team approaches to snuff out common hospital-acquired infections.  The Hospitalist, Jan. 2012   View News Article   Web Only Audio Interview

• Calls for hospitals to reveal more about errors, infections are getting louder; feds plan more data, but hospitals fight state rules.  Kentucky Health News, Lexington Kentucky  Dec. 15, 2011.     View News Article

• Gut Reaction:  Clostridium difficile puts hospitalists to the test.  The Hospitalists.  Dec. 2011
  View News Article   

• State's high antibiotic use becoming cause for concern.  Dec. 6, 2011. Quotes HW USA's (Daniel Saman & Kevin Kavanagh) Nov. 17, 2011. Op Ed.    View News Article

• Clark C. Groups Call For Transparency in Hospital Accreditation Survey Findings. Sept. 21, 2011. http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/health-plans/groups-call-transparency-hospital-accreditation-survey-findings    View News Article    View News Article 

• Sep 7, 2011  Groups push for Congress to Open hospital accreditation reports.  Lexington Herald Leader.  View News Article
  http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/08/1872850/groups-push-for-congress-to-open.html 

• June 12, 2011  Medicare tracks hospital mistakes.  The Courier Journal  View Abstract & Article

• Musgrove B.  Kentucky bill would require reporting of hospital-acquired infections - But hospital group says feds, licensure standards do the same thing.  Lexington Herald Leader.  Jan. 23, 2011.  http://www.kentucky.com/2011/01/23/1607817/kentucky-bill-would-require-reporting.html 

• Dec 23, 2010  Kentucky hospitals attack healthcare-related infections, but debate reporting them .  The Courier Journal    View News Article 

• Warren J.  Lexington Conference focuses on hospital-acquired health conditions.  Lexington Herald Leader.  Nov 18, 2010.  http://www.kentucky.com/2010/11/18/1529497/lexington-conference-focuses-on.html   

• Aug 30, 2010  The Best & Worse Places to Get Sick.  The Street (dot) Com 
  View News Article

• Aug 30, 2010  Urge hospitals to reduce infection rates.  Lexington Herald Leader
  View News Article

• Aug 24, 2010  'Super bug' that's resistant to antibiotics threatens hospital patients.  Washington Post.  View News Article 

• Nov 14, 2009  Health care reform debated at local conference.  Lexington Herald Leader. 
  View News Article

• Nov 10, 2009.  Health care reform is focus of conference Friday.  Lexington Herald Leader.
  View News Report

• Jul 26, 2009  You should learn the ABSs of HAI and MRSA.  Courier Journal. 
  View News Article

• Warren J, Rogers K.  Kentuckians mixed on what to do about healht care system.  Lexington Herald Leader.  July 29, 2009.   http://www.kentucky.com/2009/07/23/870819/kentuckians-mixed-on-what-to-do.html   

• Jan 15, 2009  EDITORIAL;  Public health alert   Courier Journal
  View News Article

• Ungar L. Ky. efforts targeting infections in hospitals. Courier Journal.  Jan 11, 2009  . 
  View News Article   

• Nov 29, 2008  Prevention of MRSA stressed at conference.  Lexington Herald Leader
  View News Article

• Nov 14, 2008  Conference will address MRSA and 'never events'  Lexington Herald Leader
  View News Article

The picture on the right is a photomicrograph of
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).