AROUND THE NATION

NORTHEAST

Community Care Physicians and Capital District Physicians' Health Plan in New York have joined forces to create a new management services organization in a move to outsource the independent multispecialty provider group's administrative operations while preserving its independence. A growing number of providers are seeking to more closely integrate their operations with payers in an effort to accept a greater portion of patient risk.

MIDWEST

Rush University System for Health is probing whether a former executive misappropriated funds, after a new hospital CEO uncovered potential wrongdoing. External forensic auditors are helping Rush Oak Park Hospital investigate the matter. The Chicagobased academic health system said the amount of money wasn't expected to be material to its financial well-being. New CEO Dr. Dino Rumoro brought the misappropriation concern to Rush's attention.

Dr. Akram Boutros will retire as president and CEO of MetroHealth at the end of 2022 after leading the Clevelandbased public health system since 2013. Under his leadership, the system opened two hospitals, three emergency departments, 10 community health centers, nine pharmacies and established the only high school inside a hospital.

WEST

Idaho health officials deactivated the state's crisis guidelines for rationing care. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen said the number of COVID-19 patients remains high but no longer exceeds healthcare resources in most areas.

SOUTH

HCA Healthcare is growing its Florida footprint. The health system plans to start construction on three hospitals in the state next year, bringing its total to 50 hospitals in the Sunshine State. CEO Sam Hazen cited Florida's growing population and growing need for acute-care services as reasons for the expansion.