Moderna is facing allegations that it misused innovations from researchers at Northwestern University to develop its mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, which became widely available to the public in 2021 to combat the pandemic. 

The Ascension Foundation for Health Equity granted more than $1 million to nonprofit organizations across the U.S. to support postpartum mothers and their families.

Throughout her career, Elizabeth Veliz, the first chief human resources officer of Ithaca, N.Y.-based Cayuga Health System, has seen a range of strategies to recruit more women or people of color and retain them. She has also gained insights on successful leave policies for mothers.

Moody's has downgraded Meadowbrook, Pa.-based Redeemer Health's rating to "B1" from "Ba2." 

Tricia Costigan has stepped down as president of two Brewer, Maine-based Northern Light Health facilities following the resignation of another hospital president.

The judge overseeing Dallas-based Steward Health Care's bankruptcy has approved  a request for reimbursement of $36 million for fees and expenses from the company's lawyers, The Boston Globe reported Oct. 17.

Norman-based University of Oklahoma has received a $17.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to improve cancer outcomes in Native American tribal nations and communities. 

The following leadership moves made by women have been reported by or shared with Becker's this year:

Hattiesburg, Miss.-based Forrest Health has named an interim president and CEO following the resignation of its leader of the past five years.

Two North Carolina health systems are offering proposals to secure a 3D body scanner that would cost millions, The Charlotte Observer reported Oct. 15.

The largest Medicare Advantage insurers have prioritized profits over patient care by increasing the use of prior authorization in recent years to frequently deny post-acute care services to older adults, according to a report published Oct. 17 by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

Kevin Spiegel has joined Vista Health System in Waukegan, Ill., as CEO. 

EHR vendor Epic Systems holds the largest market share for digital health records in hospitals.

Renton, Wash.-based Providence's CIO, BJ Moore, has left the health system after six years in the role.

Midland-based MyMichigan Health's operating income jumped 294% year over year to $51.3 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, one month before the health system acquired three underperforming hospitals, according to financial documents published Oct. 17. 

Research led by a Northwestern Medicine team found that, despite higher upfront costs, bariatric surgeries offer two more quality years of life compared to GLP-1 therapies.

A number of hospitals and health systems are reducing their workforces or jobs due to financial and operational challenges. 

An Alabama health system unveiled its new name in October amid a $250 million expansion.

An Alabama circuit court has ruled that a receivership must take over Thomasville (Ala.) Regional Medical Center, a 29-bed acute care facility that shut down operations last month due to financial challenges and staff shortages, The Clark County Democrat reported Oct. 16. 

Boston Children's Hospital researchers sought to identify the optimal staffing model for pediatric infection prevention amid current shortfalls in infection preventionist staffing ratios.