—Via CMS, WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 1, 2017)—On August 1, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule (CMS-1675-F) that updates fiscal year (FY) 2018 Medicare payment rates and the wage index for hospices serving Medicare beneficiaries, and also updates the hospice quality reporting requirements.

Waterbury, Conn. (August 1, 2017)—Health Complex Medical, one of the leading respiratory care service providers in Connecticut, has launched a new brand position aimed at showcasing its expanded solutions for sleep therapy.

Collaborative sessions with its employees, discussions with physicians and patients and analysis of competitive positioning helped crystalize the branding—which includes a new logo, tagline, collateral system and outreach materials.

CINCINNATI (August 1, 2017)—FirstLight Home Care, a provider of quality, affordable, non-medical homecare for adults, has set all new records for its national business growth. For the first and second quarters, the company has reported $41 million in gross revenues for franchisees, up 20 percent versus the prior year.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (August 1, 2017)—The Home Centered Care Institute (HCCI) is announcing the launch of the HCCI Centers of Excellence (COEs) for Home-Based Primary Care, a first-of-its-kind program designed to increase the prevalence of high-quality home-based primary care across the United States. The HCCI COE program features the only comprehensive home-based primary care (HBPC) curriculum in the U.S., offered at eight partner institutions.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (July 31, 2017)—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) is pleased to announce the addition of three new employees to its staff: chief marketing officer Judi L. Knott, marketing manager Cecelia Huffman and business development specialist Tyrone Vines.

Over-the-Counter Devices Hold Their Own Against Costly Hearing Aids

—Via NAHC, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 28, 2017)—It is with great sadness that the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) announces the passing of its president, Val J. Halamandaris.

LENEXA, Kan. (July 27, 2017)—Mediware Information Systems Inc. announced that Bill Miller will join as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Miller most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of OptumInsight at Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group that is the largest health services company in the world.