CMS released its home health final payment rule for 2022—a move that will increase home health payment rates by 3.2% and advance health equity, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Oklahoma.

• District of Columbia: The White House on Tuesday announced a suicide prevention strategy, focused on individuals in the military and veterans, that will center on firearms safety. According to the White House, two-thirds of all firearm deaths are suicides—and firearms are the most common suicide method. Under the new plan, multiple government agencies will work with the White House to provide education through public service announcements, paid media, and other resources. (Gangitano, The Hill, 11/2)

• Maryland: CMS on Tuesday released its final rule for the 2022 home health prospective payment system. The new rule aims to improve care by implementing a payment system that incentivizes value and quality rather than volume. According to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, "CMS is committed to helping people get the care they need, where they need it." She added, "This final rule will improve the delivery of home health services for people with Medicare. It will also improve our data collection efforts, helping us to identify health disparities and advance health equity." (American Hospital Association, 11/2; Holly, Home Health Care News, 11/2; HomeCare News, 11/3; Kacik, "Transformation Hub," Modern Healthcare, 11/2)

• Oklahoma: Saint Francis Health System on Monday named Deborah Dage as its new CFO. Dage has been with the organization since 1998 and most recently served as VP of finance. The organization said they anticipate spending $20 million on Covid-19-related treatment costs in addition to the $20 million spent on employee retention bonuses in 2020. According to Dage, "We continue to incur these costs across the health system." She added, "The fight isn't over. Even though our numbers are decreasing in the last few weeks, we continue to see new Covid patients every day." (Jensik, Becker's Hospital Review, 11/2)