This summer, Congress has been considering a variety of proposals to overhaul our nation’s healthcare system. Like many Kentuckians, I believe we need to enact comprehensive healthcare reform legislation which will increase access to quality healthcare and services while lowering costs for all Americans.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a revision to the National Housing Act Section 242 to allow Hospitals to use the program for refinancing existing debt. The revision is effective for the period July 1, 2009 through July 31, 2010 and HUD has indicated that they will be publishing a rule that proposes to amend the regulations as a permanent component of the Program.

One of the first principles every doctor learns is “do no harm.” This reminds them of the power they hold in their hands—while it is within their abilities to heal a patient, what they do has the potential to cause injury as well. Doctors must weigh the risks of different actions.

Established in 1954, the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities (KAHCF) is the trade association that represents propriety and nonproprietary nursing facilities and personal care homes across the Commonwealth. One of the state affiliates of the American Health Care Association, KAHCF provides a wide variety of services to member facilities including legislative and regulatory activities, professional development, statewide recognition programs, publications, media relations, research and advocacy relations.

Floyd Memorial recently hired Kathy Troutman, MSM, to its leadership team in the position of Vice President of Physician Services. Prior to joining Floyd Memorial, Troutman served as the director of physician services at Baptist Hospital East.

Lexington Clinic is pleased to announce the association of Dr. Susan L. Swint with the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Lexington Clinic South Broadway.

The current economic downturn and looming healthcare reform should motivate physicians to carefully examine their business and make changes to enhance their practice.

For people suffering a mental illness or battling an addiction, the lack of comprehensive insurance coverage for both physical and behavioral health services greatly impacts their overall health and well-being. In our region, the lack of coverage creates a barrier between the person in need and those who can assist.