CMS  has proposed a new rule that would increase Medicare payments to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) by 3.7% in fiscal year (FY) 2024, as well as implement new minimum staffing ratios, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington.

• Maryland: CMS on Tuesday proposed a new rule that would give SNFs a 3.7%, or $1.2 billion, increase in Medicare reimbursement for FY 2024. This net increase also includes a 2.3% payment cut from a two-year phase-in of clawbacks from previous overpayments. In addition to this payment change, CMS will begin implementing minimum staffing ratios in nursing homes this spring — a move many in the nursing home industry have opposed. "We anticipate many nursing homes will be forced to further reduce their capacity and even close their doors if they are unable to meet these staffing mandates," the  American Health Care Association and  American Hospital Association said in a joint letter to CMS administrators. Separately, CMS also proposed an 1.9% increase Medicare reimbursement for inpatient psychiatric facilities for FY 2024. This proposed rule includes provisions that would assess providers' health equity efforts, as well as a recommendation for a patient experience metric. (Dreher/Goldman, Axios, 4/5; CMS SNF proposed rule  fact sheet, 4/4; Turner/Berryman, Modern Healthcare, 4/4; CMS IPF proposed rule fact sheet, 4/4)
• Minnesota: Bright Health Group  late last month notified the Securities and Exchange Commission  of plans to seek shareholder approval for a reverse stock split to raise the value of its stock. According to Bright Health, a reverse stock split would consolidate the company's shares by as much as one-to-80. A vote is planned for Bright Health's annual meeting on May 4. If the reverse stock goes through, the company's board of directors will reevaluate executive compensation. (Tepper, Modern Healthcare, 3/28)
• Washington: Amid a lawsuit in Texas that could overturn FDA's approval of abortion medication mifepristone and remove it from the market, Washington state has stockpiled several thousand doses of the drug in case it becomes more difficult to access nationwide. According to Gov. Jay Inslee (D), the  Washington Department of Corrections has purchased 30,000 doses of mifepristone for patients in the state, or roughly a three-year supply. One of the state's universities has also purchased 10,000 doses, which is enough for an additional year of supply. Inslee noted that Washington is the first state to take action to ensure access to the drug, calling it "an insurance policy" if mifepristone becomes unavailable. "This Texas lawsuit is a clear and present danger to patients and providers all across the country. Washington will not sit by idly and risk the devastating consequences of inaction," Inslee said. "We are not afraid to take action to protect our rights. Washington is a pro-choice state and no Texas judge will order us otherwise." (McCammon, NPR, 4/4)