CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®)(www.ncsbn.org) recognized its dedicated and exceptional membership and guests at its annual awards ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010. This ceremony was part of the NCSBN Annual Meeting and Delegate Assembly held in Portland, Ore., Aug. 11 -13, 2010.

Specific award recipients include:
Ann L. O’Sullivan, PhD, MSN, CRNP, CPNP, FAAN, board president, Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, received the Meritorious Service Award, which is presented to a board or staff member of a member board for positive impact and significant contributions to the purposes of NCSBN.

Cathy Giessel, MS, RN, ANP, FAANP, recent past board chair, Alaska Board of Nursing, received the Exceptional Leadership Award, which is bestowed to an individual who has served as president of a member board and has made significant contributions to NCSBN in that role.

Sue Tedford, MNSc, RN, CNS, APN, board staff, Arkansas State Board of Nursing, and Valerie Smith, MS, RN, FRE, board staff, Arizona State Board of Nursing, each received the Exceptional Contribution Award, which is given for significant contribution by a board of nursing staff member who does not serve as an executive officer or a board member who is not the current board president.

The Texas Board of Nursing was awarded the Regulatory Achievement Award that recognizes the member board that has made an identifiable, significant contribution to the purpose of NCSBN in promoting public policy related to the safe and effective practice of nursing in the interest of public welfare.

In addition, service awards were given to the following executive officers of boards of nursing:

Five Years
Toaga Seumalo, MS, RN, executive secretary, American Samoa Health Services
Charlotte Beason, EdD, RN, NEA, executive director, Kentucky Board of Nursing
Rula Harb, MS, RN, executive director, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Betsy Houchen, JD, MS, RN, executive director, Ohio Board of Nursing

10 Years
Barbara Zittel, PhD, RN, executive secretary, New York State Board of Nursing
Claire Doody Glaviano, MN, RN, executive director, Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners

15 Years
Joey Ridenour, MN, RN, FAAN, executive director, Arizona State Board of Nursing
Laura Skidmore Rhodes, MSN, RN, executive director, West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
Kathy Thomas, MN, RN, executive director, Texas Board of Nursing

25 Years
Libby Lund, MSN, RN, executive director, Tennessee State Board of Nursing

The following boards of nursing are celebrating 100 years of nursing regulation in 2010:
South Carolina State Board of Nursing
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also seven associate members.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®)(www.ncsbn.org) elected new members to its Board of Directors during its 2010 Delegate Assembly. Those elected include:

President
Myra A. Broadway, JD, MS, RN, executive director, Maine State Board of Nursing, was previously vice president from 2008-2010 and Area IV director from 2003-2007. During her tenure, Broadway was the board liaison to the Disciplinary Resources, Finance, Examination and Commitment to Ongoing Regulatory Excellence Committees and the Member Board Leadership Development Task Force. She also served as a director-at-large from 2000-2002 when she was board liaison to Commitment to Excellence and Model Rules Subcommittee. Broadway holds a J.D. from Franklin Pierce Law Center, an M.S.B.A. from Boston University, Metropolitan College, an M.S. from the University of Colorado and a B.S. from Hunter College in New York. Broadway served in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps on both active duty and in the Reserves, retiring as a colonel in 1998.

Vice President
Shirley Brekken, MS, RN, executive director, Minnesota Board of Nursing, previously served as Area II Director from 1990-1992. She has served on 12 NCSBN committees/task forces as either chair or committee member. Brekken is a partner in several Minnesota efforts related to patient safety and advancing a “Just Culture” (Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety); nursing excellence (Stratis Health Institute); nursing workforce (Minnesota Center for Nursing BOD, Minnesota Colleagues in Caring and Minnesota Health Education and Industry Partnership Steering Committees); technology (Governor’s e-Licensing Steering Committee); and nursing leadership (Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing).

Treasurer
Randall Hudspeth, MS, APRN-CNS/NP, FRE, FAANP, board member, Idaho Board of Nursing, was reelected treasurer. He previously served as a director-at-large. Hudspeth is an inducted Fellow of the NCSBN Institute of Regulatory Excellence, and has served two terms as board chairman and two terms as vice chairman of the Idaho Board of Nursing during his seven-year tenure as the advanced practice registered nurse representative.

Directors-at-Large
Julio Santiago, MSN, RN, CCRN, has served as director-at-large since 2009 and was the board liaison to the Nursys® Committee. He is the chairperson of the Illinois Board of Nursing and the member representing clinical practice since March 2005. Since 1990, Santiago has had extensive experience in nursing, including critical care, behavioral health and in administrative positions.

Katherine Thomas, MS, RN, executive director, Texas Board of Nursing, was reelected as director-at-large, having served her first term from 2008-2010. She previously served as the NCSBN representative to the APRN Joint Dialogue Group. She was also on several NCSBN Advanced Nursing Practice committees, chairing the APRN Advisory Committee from 1995-2007.

NCSBN delegates also elected members of the Leadership Succession Committee (LSC):

Area II Member
Lisa Emrich, MSN, RN, manager, Practice, Education and Administration, Ohio Board of Nursing

Area III Member
Brenda McDougal, associate executive director — Operations, North Carolina Board of Nursing

Area IV Member
Sue Petula, PhD, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, nursing education advisor, Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

Additionally, the NCSBN Board of Directors appointed Louise Bailey, MEd, RN, interim executive director, California Board of Registered Nursing, to serve as the Area I Member on the LSC.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also seven associate members.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®) (www.ncsbn.org) inducted its fourth group of Fellows of the NCSBN Regulatory Excellence Institute on Aug. 12, 2010, during the NCSBN Annual Meeting and Delegate Assembly held in Portland, Ore. The Institute of Regulatory Excellence (IRE) began in 2004 with the purpose of providing boards of nursing with high quality regulatory education, expanding the body of knowledge related to regulation through research and scholarly work, developing the capacity of regulators to become expert leaders, and developing a network of regulators who collaborate to improve regulatory practices and outcomes.

The 2010 class of Fellows includes:

Susan K. Odom, PhD, RN Chair, Idaho Board of Nursing

William E. Spooner, Regulatory Supervisor Consultant, Florida Board of Nursing

The IRE is a series of educational conferences held annually with the following topics rotated on a four-year cycle: Public Protection/Role Development of Nursing Regulators, Discipline, Competency and Evaluation/Remediation Strategies, and Organizational Structure/Behavior.

The IRE Fellowship Program is a four-year comprehensive educational and professional development program designed for current regulators who want to enhance their knowledge of and leadership in nursing regulation. The program includes experiences in analyzing issues involving public policy and regulation, strategic planning, patient safety and communication. It also requires the application of evidence-based concepts in decision making and leadership.

Individuals who complete the Fellowship Program requirements are called a Fellow of the NCSBN Regulatory Excellence Institute (FRE) and are entitled to use the initials FRE after their name in recognition of their accomplishment.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also seven associate members.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

IRVING, TX–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  WaveTwo, LLC and its Health IT 2015 division have been chosen by the North Texas Regional Extension Center (NTREC) to be an official agent to all Physicians in North Texas. As an official agent, WaveTwo will assist North Texas physicians in implementing electronic health records (EHR) and qualifying for incentive payments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

NTREC was recently awarded an $8.5 million grant from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to assist primary care providers, in a 41 county North Texas region, to adopt and achieve Meaningful Use of electronic health records (EHR). NTREC is the region’s designated federal expert in Meaningful Use standards as promulgated by the Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). WaveTwo is now NTREC’s official agent to these physicians.

WaveTwo services to physicians will include education, technical EHR assistance, guidance in meeting Meaningful Use criteria and obtaining CMS incentive payments. WaveTwo’s goal is to assist 1,498 physicians in reaching Meaningful Use by April 2012. Physicians who do so will then qualify for incentive payments up to $44,000 per eligible professional.

“We are very proud to be chosen to perform this important work for Physicians and NTREC,” said John Arnott Sr., Managing Partner for WaveTwo. “Our entire Health IT 2015 division’s focus — for the next two years — will be to lead each of the applicants to ‘meaningful use’ and qualify for all of the incentive funds available to them.”

About WaveTwo. WaveTwo is a leading Texas provider of professional services focused on solving business problems through technology and processes, with a strong focus on healthcare clients. Founded in 2002 , WaveTwo provides Business Intelligence, Enterprise Systems, Managed IT Services, and CIO On-Demand Services. Its Health IT 2015 division provides vendor-agnostic healthcare technology planning and implementation services. For more information, contact WaveTwo at 214-271-0033 or visit www.wavetwo.com and www.healthIT2015.com.

About North Texas Regional Extension Center. The North Texas Regional Extension Center (NTREC) was established as a program by the Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Council Education and Research Foundation (DFWHC-ERF) in April 2010. Its primary purpose is to promote the adoption and meaningful use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in the practices of priority primary care providers.

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CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc., a healthcare compensation and human resource management consulting firm, is in the process of publishing the 2010 Survey of Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems now in its eighteenth edition. This year, 288 health systems and 906 hospitals participated in the survey, a respected industry resource. Participants submitted data for nearly 22,000 executives and managers between February and June 2010. SullivanCotter’s national healthcare survey provides not only cash compensation data for executive and management jobs in hospitals and health systems, but also data on pay practices, annual incentive plans, supplemental benefits, perquisites, nonqualified retirement plans, and much more. Modern Healthcare, the nation’s leading healthcare weekly magazine, released portions of Sullivan, Cotter and Associates survey in its annual issue on healthcare executive compensation this week. 

When comparing the data from 211 health systems and 642 hospitals that participated in both 2009 and 2010, base salaries increased on average 2.9% and 2.6%, respectively. These increases are consistent with the projected 2010 salary increase budgets, which were 3.2% for health systems and 2.8% for hospitals. 

“Salary increases continue to be moderate,” noted SullivanCotter Managing Principal Tom Pavlik. “We continue to see this moderation in the reported executive and manager projected salary increase budgets for next year; the preliminary data indicate budgets of 3.0% for health systems and 2.7% for hospitals. However, we did see around a 5.5% increase in total cash compensation levels.”

The 2010 Survey of Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems will be available for purchase in September. The cost to healthcare organizations agreeing to participate in next year’s survey is $950; for those not wishing to participate, the cost is $1,950. The survey is also available to non-healthcare organizations. To order a copy, please visit the Sullivan, Cotter and Associates website at www.sullivancotter.com or contact Mary Kowalczyk, survey manager, at 312/739-2000, toll-free at 888/739-7039, or email [email protected].

Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc. specializes in the development and implementation of strategic total compensation and reward programs for the healthcare industry. Since 1992, SullivanCotter has worked closely with healthcare organization executives, boards, and compensation committees to devise innovative compensation solutions that attract and retain leadership talent while satisfying not-for-profit missions and regulatory requirements. A leader in independent consulting, benchmarking, trends, and analyses, SullivanCotter has developed the most widely recognized physician and executive compensation surveys in the United States. SullivanCotter has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York City, Parsippany, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Westport. For more information, visit www.sullivancotter.com or call 888-739-7039.

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HOUSTON, TX–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  Nothing is worse than needing a good night’s sleep, but waking in the middle of the night with leg pain and movement. Houston Chiropractor Dr. Karen Thomason of 1960 West Chiropractic Center notes that many patients suffer from Restless leg syndrome (RLS), the irresistible urge of an individual to move their legs.

Restless leg syndrome can begin at any age, but it is more common in older patients and women, who are more likely to develop this condition than men. The symptoms include cramping, tingling, aching and a “crawling” sensation in the legs, thighs and calves. RLS affects most people at night, and lying down and trying to relax activates the symptoms. As a result, sleep is affected and exhaustion often ensues.

While many turn to prescription medications, Dr. Thomason notes that chiropractic treatment can alleviate many of the unpleasant symptoms of RLS and allow patients to have an uninterrupted night’s sleep, which is essential for good health.

“The symptoms of RLS are very uncomfortable and difficult to withstand,” said Dr. Thomason. “We have helped many patients with treatments to release the tension in the legs and calves. Chiropractic sessions have been effective in alleviating pain naturally, without the use of drugs.”

RLS affects as many as 12 million Americans and Houston chiropractic care is available through 1960 West Chiropractic to enable individuals suffering from RLS, or many other physical conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, leg numbness and many more physical ailments, to heal naturally.

About 1960 West Chiropractic Center
1960 West Chiropractic Center was founded by native Houstonian, Dr. Karen S. Thomason. The practice, specializing in Chiropractic Care, has proven results in realigning or resetting the body to proper balance. Chiropractic treatment has been effective for patients in recovery from job injuries, accidents, sports injuries and chronic pain. Services include Chiropractic care, massage therapy, X-Ray Services and onsite active rehabilitation. 1960 West Chiropractic is a member of the Texas Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association.

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WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  The National Risk Retention Association will open its 22^nd annual conference October 5 with an all day session devoted to issues affecting healthcare Risk Retention Groups, Sanford “Sandy” Elsass, Conference Chairman and President/CEO of Uni-Ter Underwriting Management Corporation, announced. Gloria Everett, President/CEO of MedAmerica Mutual Risk Retention Group, is Chair of the Healthcare Pre-Conference.

“Two thirds of the 247 RRGs in business today provide liability insurance to healthcare organizations so the pre-conference program will cover issues important to this sector of the industry,” Elsass said.

NRRA is the national trade association that represents the interests of Risk Retention Groups — insurance companies authorized by the federal Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 to operate nationally without additional regulation when licensed in a single state. RRGs generated more than $2.5 billion of premiums in 2009.

“The pre-conference will provide healthcare RRG CEOs, captive managers, and related professional services firms information essential to successful operations in today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment,” Everett said. The program will feature topics ranging from State reporting requirements and tax issues to how to compete in a soft market.

Program topics, expert speakers, and panelists include:

Historical Perspectives on the Importance and Impact of Expert Witnesses: Dr. William Luria, President, Lancet Indemnity RRG; Kirsten Ullman, Managing Partner Southeast Region, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP.

Gauging the Results of Proactive Claims Portfolio Management: John Spinella, Spinella & Associates, Inc.

Insurance Claims Coverage Issues: Moderator, Kimberley Wynkoop, Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Co. RRG; Panelists: Jeffrey Johnson, attorney, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer; Myra Barsoum Stockett, Reminger Attorneys at Law.

Reinsurance Placement: Moderator, Ken Barrett, Besso Re, Ltd.; Panelists: Jo McCann, Beazley Furlonge, Ltd.; Paul Western, Amlin Underwriting, Ltd.

Can RRGs Compete with Commercial Carriers in a Soft Market: Robert Bates, Continuing Care RRG;Gloria Everett, President, MedAmerica Mutual RRG; Sanford “Sandy” Elsass, President, The Uni-Ter Group.

Medical Professional Liability Claims Reporting: Michael Stinson, Physician Insurers Association of America and Kimberley Wynkoop, Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Co. RRG

Trends in Losses and Reserves — Hard Markets Follow Drops in Surplus: Moderator, Joseph Petrelli, President/CEO, Demotech, Inc.; Panelists: Kevin Bingham, Deloitte Consulting, LLP; Richard Lord, Milliman.

Investment Strategies for Long-Tail Liability Reserves: Moderator, Patrick Tuohy, Senior Vice President, Prime Advisors, Inc.; Panelists: Steven Lee, Managing Director, Logan Capital Management; Christopher Mertes, CFO, MedAmerica Mutual RRG.

The conference will be held at The Ritz Carlton Pentagon City Hotel, Washington, DC. Attendees can register online and the full Conference schedule is available on the web site, www.riskretention.org.

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KANSAS CITY, MO–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  Xact Data Discovery (XDD) is excited to announce the completion of HIPAA certification in its national offices. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 was enacted to ensure that individuals would be able to maintain their health insurance between jobs as well as to ensure the security and confidentiality of patient information/data.

Xact Data Discovery’s HIPAA certification process included development of new policies surrounding the handling of client information. As a Business Associate, XDD is compliant with the regulations in all areas of HIPAA and will conduct annual risk assessments as well as associate training to ensure that all electronic personal health information (EPHI) and personal health information (PHI) is protected. XDD’s Director of Human Resources, Katie Ervin will administer the program. Ervin has nearly 13 years experience working with HIPAA achieving certification as a Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP).

“While we have always protected all information we process for clients, this certification just takes it to a higher level,” said Robert Polus, President and CEO of XDD. “We take the extra steps above and beyond to be sure we are compliant. This allows us to work with those covered entities that must follow HIPAA such as hospitals, insurance carriers, and pharmacies to name a few.”

Xact Data Discovery is a national Data Discovery and Management company that provides streamlined Forensic, Electronic Discovery, Data Hosting, Data Management, Imaging/Coding and Paper Discovery Services to law firms, corporations and government agencies. At Xact Data Discovery, communication is everything — because clients need to know where their data is throughout the entire process, as well as understand the valuable information and knowledge they can attain from it.

Via a personable “human-interface” approach, Xact Data Discovery streamlines the complex communication process between people, technology and data by orchestrating proactive, clear, consistent and relentless communication throughout all project phases. Xact Data Discovery helps clients and their customers find, produce, use and understand information crucial to their organizations.

IRVINE, CA–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNH) today announced the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 26,750,000 shares of its common stock, as well as the closing of the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase an additional 4,012,500 shares of common stock. The net proceeds of the offering, after giving effect to the issuance and sale of all 30,762,500 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $7.75 per share, were approximately $224.8 million after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses. Sun intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the outstanding term loans under its existing credit facility.

Richard K. Matros, Sun’s chairman and chief executive officer, commented, “We are pleased with the response to the equity offering, which provides us the ability to pay down a significant portion of our indebtedness. Following the success of this offering, we are looking forward to completion of the proposed separation of our operating businesses and our real estate assets.”

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy the shares of Sun’s common stock described herein, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The prospectus supplement and the related prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained by written request to Jefferies & Company, Inc., Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10022; by telephone at (877) 547-6340; or by e-mail at [email protected]; or Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Attention: Credit Suisse Prospectus Department, One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 or by telephone at (800) 221-1037.

About Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: SUNH) subsidiaries provide nursing, rehabilitative and related specialty healthcare services principally to the senior population in the United States. Sun’s core business is providing, through its subsidiaries, inpatient services, primarily through 166 skilled nursing centers, 16 combined skilled nursing, assisted and independent living centers, 10 assisted living centers, two independent living centers and eight mental health centers. On a consolidated basis, Sun has annual revenues of $1.9 billion and approximately 30,000 employees in 46 states. At June 30, 2010, SunBridge centers had 23,209 licensed beds located in 25 states, of which 22,427 were available for occupancy. Sun also provides rehabilitation therapy services to affiliated and non-affiliated centers through its SunDance subsidiary, medical staffing services through its CareerStaff Unlimited subsidiary and hospice services through its SolAmor subsidiary. 

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking” statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements containing words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “hope,” “intend,” “may” and similar expressions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ are identified in the public filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include our ability to complete the separation of our operating businesses and our real estate assets. More information on factors that could affect our business and financial results are included in our public filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which are available on Sun’s web site, www.sunh.com. The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond our control. We caution investors that any forward-looking statements made by Sun are not guarantees of future performance. We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to announce publicly the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.

ALEXANDRIA, VA–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) is joining forces with the American Diabetes Association‘s African American Initiatives — known as Live EMPOWERED — to stop diabetes in the African American Community. The collaboration is driven by the reality that African Americans are greatly affected by diabetes; they are 1.8 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than non-Latino whites. 

To combat this epidemic, beginning in the spring of 2011, the AKAs will designate 10 undergraduate chapters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to lead diabetes workshops and activities. Through this initiative, the Sorority hopes to spread the message about how to prevent diabetes and provide tools to assist those with diabetes to live a productive life with this disease. In announcing the partnership, AKA’s newly installed international president Attorney Carolyn House Stewart stated, “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s goal is to help our community recognize the risks of this disease, its many complications and treatment options. We will host forums that will heighten awareness and offer prevention strategies to help eliminate this deadly disease that shortens lives and impacts the quality of life of many African Americans of all ages.” 

AKA and the American Diabetes Association share common priorities and interests in reaching African Americans, students and other key constituents with important awareness messaging relating to diabetes, including risk factors, prevention strategies, warning signs, and management of the disease.

Both organizations have unique competencies to address these issues and believe that there will be a greater opportunity to promote mutual goals through multiple communications channels. This collaboration is especially significant, because African-American women are at a greater risk for the number one complication of diabetes: heart disease.

“By getting this powerful group of women to join us in our movement to Stop Diabetes, we have the potential to change many lives and communities,” said Earnestine Walker, Director of Community Outreach at the American Diabetes Association.

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority:
Founded in 1908, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American college-educated women. AKA’s membership is comprised of 260,000 distinguished women in graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States and abroad who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and who are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. Attorney Carolyn House Stewart is the 28th International President and will serve from 2010 – 2014. Her administration’s theme is “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.”

About the American Diabetes Association:
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

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CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^® )(www.ncsbn.org) sets an ambitious research agenda designed to advance the science of nursing regulation. NCSBN recently added to its body of research with the publication of four new briefs titled, Report of Findings from the 2009 TUNING Analysis: A Comparison of U.S. and International Nursing Educational Competencies; Report of Findings from the 2009 Job Analysis of Nurse Aides Employed in Nursing Homes/Long-term Care, Hospitals/Acute Care and Community/Home Health Care Settings; Report of Findings from the Comparison of Entry-level Registered Nurses in the U.S. and Ontario, Canada; and Report of Findings from the Comparison of Entry-level Registered Nurses in the U.S. and British Columbia, Canada.

Report of Findings from the 2009 TUNING Analysis: A Comparison of U.S. and International Nursing Educational Competencies is an account of a new initiative that seeks to understand the role of nurses and nursing education from an international perspective. The goal of this study was to evaluate the consistency of nursing educational competencies globally.

Report of Findings from the 2009 Job Analysis of Nurse Aides Employed in Nursing Homes/Long-term Care, Hospitals/Acute Care and Community/Home Health Care Settings reports the importance ratings for activities performed by certified entry-level nurse aides/nursing assistants (NAs) employed in various health care settings. The findings from this study are used to evaluate the validity of the test plan, content outline and examination questions for the nurse aide certification examination.

Report of Findings from the Comparison of Entry-level Registered Nurses in the U.S. and Ontario, Canada compares entry-level nursing activities of U.S. registered nurses with a cohort from Ontario, Canada. The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) collaborated with NCSBN on this initiative.

Report of Findings from the Comparison of Entry-level Registered Nurses in the U.S. and British Columbia, Canada compares entry-level nursing activities of U.S. registered nurses with a cohort from British Columbia, Canada. The College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) collaborated with NCSBN on this initiative.

NCSBN offers 48 volumes of research that include practice analyses and national surveys of the profession, covering topics such as nursing education and professional issues. Previously only available for purchase through NCSBN, these research briefs are now downloadable free of charge by visiting www.ncsbn.org.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also seven associate members.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^® )(www.ncsbn.org) is raising the passing standard for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP^®) Written and Oral Examination. The new passing standard is 1.57 logits, 0.24 logits higher than the current standard of 1.33 logits. The new passing standard will take effect on Jan. 1, 2011.

The updated passing standard was set during a standard-setting workshop, held April 21-22, 2010. A panel of 10 registered nurses (RNs) representing a variety of practice settings across the country volunteered as subject matter experts (SMEs) for the workshop. After consideration of all available information, the SMEs determined that safe and effective certified entry-level nurse aide/nursing assistant (NA) work requires a greater level of knowledge, skills and abilities than was required in 2006, when the current standard was implemented. The passing standard was increased in response to changes in U.S. health care delivery that have resulted in a wider range of knowledge required by certified entry-level NAs to perform their authorized duties. The SMEs used multiple sources of information, including the results of a criterion-reference standard-setting workshop, to guide their evaluation and discussion regarding the change in passing standard.

In accordance with contractual agreements with client jurisdictions, NCSBN is responsible for evaluating the passing standard of NNAAP every five years to protect the public by assuring minimal competence for entry-level certified NAs. NCSBN coordinates the passing standard analysis with the five-year cycle of test plan evaluation. This five-year cycle was developed to keep the test plan and passing standard current and reflective of entry-level work expectations for certified NAs. The 2011 NNAAP^® Examination Test Plan/Test Specifications Report is available to download free of charge at www.ncsbn.org/2011_NNAAP_Test_Plan-Test_Specifications_Report_links.pdf.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also seven associate members.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) – With health insurance all over the news and a main topic in politics, it’s more important than ever to get the right coverage for the future. Health insurance can be a complicated service for those that are not well versed in the industry. It can be difficult for individuals and businesses to find the right plan. In many cases consumers and companies either have a plan that does not fit their needs or may be paying too much. It is always a good idea to research and talk with professionals about their health insurance coverage in order to make sure they are getting the coverage they need.

ChicagoGroupHealthInsurance.net connects individuals and consumers with a group health insurance agent, where they can speak with an insurance agent about their prospective plan. This can open up new possibilities for Illinois residents seeking health insurance.

For small business owners group health insurance has various cost and tax incentives for both them and their employees. These benefits can vary depending on the individual and business owner’s situation. Connecting with a professional can help them assess their situation.

ChicagoGroupInsurance.net offers a free consultation with a group health insurance representative which can be taken advantage of at their company website www.ChicagoGroupInsurance.net/

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YPSILANTI, MI–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  The Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan is pleased to announce: Walkin’ on the Wild Side for Hemophilia, its second annual fundraising walk at the Detroit Zoo. Walkin’ on the Wild Side for Hemophilia takes place on Sunday, August 29, 2010. Join hundreds of walkers to raise money to support the many programs of the HFM while taking in the beauty of the Detroit Zoo.

Form a team, walk by yourself, or be a virtual walker — support the cause without actually walking! Adults, children, families, co-workers, and friends; people of all ages are encouraged to join. Registration (with breakfast) begins at 7:45 am; the 2.1 mile Walk kicks off at 8:45 am. There will be entertainment, prizes, and fun for all ages. 93.9 The River will be there with music and giveaways. Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a day at the zoo after the Walk.

In 2009, Walkin’ on the Wild Side for Hemophilia raised over $100,000 — just about the annual cost of treatment for a person with hemophilia; had 64 walk teams, 770 walkers and 50 volunteers. This year, HFM is aiming to increase the numbers in all those categories!

NEW for 2010: For every contribution of $100 made by Wednesday, August 25th, the individual donor’s name will be put in a drawing for three exciting prizes! These prizes include: A 50″ plasma TV, an Apple iPad, and an Amazon Kindle. Winners will be drawn immediately after the Walk ends at 10:30 am on the Grassy Knoll at the Detroit Zoo. Winners need NOT be present.

For a minimum donation of $15, an individual will receive admission to the event, refreshments, a Walk t-shirt, and the rest of the day at the zoo. There is no admission charge for children under 2 years of age. Please keep in mind this event is a FUNDRAISER — we need everyone’s help to exceed last year’s amount of $101,000 to support services for individuals with bleeding disorders and their families.

Will you be Walkin’ on the Wild Side for Hemophilia? To form a team online or donate to a team, go to www.hfmich.org or contact Dawn at 1-800-482-3041.

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NATICK, MA–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  To provide healthcare IT professionals with continuing education, purchase planning assistance and peer networking around issues facing hospitals and healthcare systems, Interbit Data has partnered with Iatric Systems, Inc. and Array Software to form the Healthcare IT Solutions Exchange (HITSE). HITSE will host an ongoing series of healthcare IT conferences starting this fall with HITSE New England 2010, to be held October 26 and 27 at the Doubletree Hotel, Westborough, MA.

“The primary intention of HITSE is to fill a void left by other healthcare IT conferences and user associations,” states Arthur Young, president of Interbit Data. “Other conferences have missed opportunities to extend the educational process on certain topics and allow vendors to convey beneficial, user-valued product solutions information outside of the exhibit area, which is often disregarded by attendees. HITSE was designed to provide a setting in which users and vendors can communicate and collaborate in order to develop and implement solutions that improve healthcare.” 

HITSE’s initial healthcare IT conferences will include educational tracks on Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE), MEDITECH 6.0, Meaningful Use and Revenue Cycle Improvement, with sessions on industry updates, technology and compliance, and panel discussions featuring industry experts. Vendor sessions will offer case studies, product demonstrations and user group discussions. Each conference will include the Solutions Exchange, which will bring together hospital information systems users and vendors to discuss the selection, planning, implementation and support of healthcare IT solutions. The HITSE conference agenda will continuously evolve according to emerging trends and healthcare IT user needs.

All members of the healthcare IT community can participate and benefit from HITSE, including CIOs, IT managers, IT department managers, IT staff and consultants, as well as IT vendors. Vendors can participate in HITSE healthcare IT conferences by exhibiting, attending or serving as a sponsor, as well as conducting vendor sessions.

More information on HITSE and the October New England conference can be found at http://www.hitse.org.

About Interbit Data
Founded in 1997 and named to the 2009 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest growing companies, Interbit Data helps healthcare organizations deliver better, more consistent patient care with secure, reliable and cost-effective software solutions that improve operational efficiency. The company’s information distribution products deliver information securely over the Internet in multiple formats, such as fax, print, email, encrypted file or HL7 message format, and integrate it easily into physicians’ practice EMRs. Interbit Data’s business continuance products give healthcare providers continuous access to patient data in the event of a network or system outage. Interbit Data products are used by more than 650 MEDITECH^® customers worldwide. For more information about Interbit Data and its NetSolutions products, visit the company Website at www.interbitdata.com.

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TAMPA, FL–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  Sage North America Healthcare Division, which provides practice management software and services to approximately 80,000 physicians in North America, today announced that Good Neighbor Community Health Center, based in Columbus, Neb., has selected Sage Intergy CHC as its electronic health records system. Sage products are used by approximately 25 percent of all Community Health Centers throughout the U.S. to manage their practices.

Sage Intergy CHC is an integrated, scalable practice management and electronic health records system, specifically designed for community health centers. Patient data can be shared or isolated across practices and locations, allowing access from anywhere for clinical, financial and administrative management.

Sage Intergy easily tracks the details of a patient’s clinical history, shares and manages clinical information and combines complex medical practice functions into easy-to-navigate menus and buttons, and fully integrates with EDI services to manage payments, Intergy Practice Portal to manage secure patient communications, Sage Intergy RIS to manage medical images and Sage Intergy Practice Analytics to report on practice efficiency and patient trends that can help to improve patient care.

“Good Neighbor Community Health Center is a data-driven clinic and we feel the analytic capabilities of the Sage Intergy system will allow us to best care for our patients while helping us track key health trends in the population we serve,” said Becky Rayman, Executive Director of Good Neighbor Community Health Center.

Additionally, Rayman’s experience with Sage’s customer support won her over. “Sage continues to provide us with great responses, and great customer service. We’re not a networked clinic, it’s us here alone, and if it were not for Sage and their support, we might not be able to implement the EHR,” Rayman added.

Good Neighbor Community Health Center is a multi-specialty clinic offering medical, pediatric, dental and mental health services, with seven physicians serving more than 8,000 patients annually. Sage Intergy CHC enables Good Neighbor Community Health Center to customize its system to adapt to existing workflows throughout the clinic and enables clinic staff to access the entire medical record online, in real time.

Currently, all patient records are paper based. Sage Intergy CHC will allow for a seamless transition to an electronic health record and propel the clinic closer to its goal of meeting the federally-backed meaningful use.

Sage has been providing ambulatory healthcare systems for almost 30 years, serving approximately 80,000 physicians in the United States with practice management, electronic health records, and other services to streamline patient care. 

View Sage Healthcare Division YouTube interviews.
View Sage Healthcare Division information.

About Good Neighbor Community Health Center
Good Neighbor Community Health Center works to increase access to primary preventive healthcare and to improve the health of the underserved and vulnerable populations. Since 1998, Good Neighbor Community Health Center has been providing primary care to anyone in the community who desires to visit our clinic.

About Sage North America
Sage North America is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services. Sage North America employs 4,000 people and supports 3.1 million small and midsized business customers including approximately 80,000 physicians. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs 13,100 people and supports 6.2 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit the website at www.sagenorthamerica.com.

© 2010 Sage Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sage, Sage Software, Sage logos and the Sage product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software, Inc. or its affiliated entities. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Aug. 18, 2010) – GrowthPoint Capital Corp. (“GrowthPoint”) is issuing this press release pursuant to the early warning requirements of applicable securities laws in Canada with respect to Vigil Health Solutions Inc. (“Vigil”).

Pursuant to a private agreement, on July 27, 2010, GrowthPoint acquired ownership of $100,000 in debt which is convertible into, subject to adjustment, 1,000,000 common shares of Vigil at a conversion price of $0.10 per common share, representing approximately 1.0% of Vigil’s outstanding common shares.

Following this transaction, in addition to the $100,000 in convertible debt which if converted would represent approximately 1.0% of Vigil’s outstanding common shares, GrowthPoint and its affiliates also hold 9,929,000 common shares representing approximately 9.9% of Vigil’s outstanding common shares; 650,000 Deferred Stock Units representing approximately 0.7% of Vigil’s outstanding common shares; and 744,000 Stock Options representing approximately 0.7% of Vigil’s outstanding common shares. In aggregate, assuming the full exercise and conversion of the aforementioned securities, GrowthPoint and its affiliates would hold approximately 12.3% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Vigil.

In addition to owning or exercising control over the Vigil securities through GrowthPoint Capital Corp., GrowthPoint acts jointly or in concert with Greg Peet and GrowthPoint Ventures (VCC) Corp.

GrowthPoint acquired these securities for investment purposes. GrowthPoint may, depending on market conditions and other factors as well as applicable securities laws, acquire additional securities of Vigil through the facilities of the TSX Venture Exchange, private agreements or otherwise. At the current time, however, GrowthPoint does not intend to acquire more than 19.99% of the outstanding common shares of Vigil (assuming full exercise or conversion of any securities of Vigil that GrowthPoint may acquire). GrowthPoint may, depending on market conditions, sell any or all of its common shares of Vigil.

For additional information, or for a copy of the early warning report filed in respect of the above transaction, please see contact information below.

BETHESDA, MD–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) – GetWellNetwork, Inc., the leader in interactive patient care solutions, today announced a new solution — GetWellNetwork for Seniors — designed to improve senior patients’ hospital experience and outcomes. Based upon extensive patient and caregiver research, GetWellNetwork for Seniors addresses the impact of aging and the ability of the senior population to use technology in a hospital setting. Using the bedside TV, GetWellNetwork for Seniors enables elderly patients to easily take part in their care process and to affect their own health outcomes.

“Our hospital participated in the testing of the new GetWellNetwork for Seniors, and I was immediately impressed,” said Barb Ochsner, RN, clinical director, Medical Center of the Rockies, “Our patients really get it — they knew who their care team would be and appreciated having all the information available at their fingertips.”

Elderly patients often leave the hospital with incomplete knowledge of their medications, diagnosis, dietary regimens and safety information, all of which impact their overall health and recovery. The GetWellNetwork solution is a proven way to engage patients and to increase learning opportunities by giving patients the option to review medical information at their own pace and return to specific health information as many times as needed throughout their hospital stay. In addition, GetWellNetwork for Seniors supports important patient care priorities by providing easy and reliable access to information on medication, safety, health education, and services right from the patient’s bedside TV.

In addition to the vast array of care features, GetWellNetwork for Seniors accommodates the broad range of familiarity seniors have with consumer technology devices. It is specially designed so that little or no knowledge of computing is necessary to interact comfortably with the GetWellNetwork system. Design elements include large, high-contrast text and generous spacing between buttons so that it creates a friendly, comfortable experience for elderly patients. In addition, a subtle, audible tone notifies users when they have made a selection and on-screen messages alert patients when a task is complete.

“Coming off the R&D success of our GetWell Town for children, we took a similarly deep approach to understanding the senior population over the past two years to better meet their needs. We are proud to introduce GetWellNetwork for Seniors, which we believe will make a dramatic improvement in patient outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients,” said Michael O’Neil, CEO and founder, GetWellNetwork. “Effective patient education is the first step in ensuring a successful hospital stay and, more importantly, the critical link in promoting a full recovery and a healthy lifestyle when they return home.”

About GetWellNetwork, Inc.
GetWellNetwork, Inc. uses the bedside TV to entertain, educate and empower hospital patients and caregivers to be more actively engaged in their care. This patient-centered approach improves both satisfaction and outcomes for patients and hospitals. GetWellNetwork is the leader in interactive patient care solutions and exclusively endorsed by the American Hospital Association. More information about GetWellNetwork can be found at www.GetWellNetwork.com.

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BETHESDA, MD–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) – GetWellNetwork, Inc., the leading provider of interactive patient care solution, today announced the availability of QuickCare, a new feature that provides clinicians and staff with the ability to order patient education and execute service requests at the point of care using the patient’s bedside TV. QuickCare assists clinicians and staff by enabling them to log-in to a secure GetWellNetwork system menu to perform six frequent care tasks for patients. Ultimately, this will help clinicians and staff to deliver better, more efficient care and to improve patient satisfaction.

By executing key nursing tasks directly from the patient’s room, clinicians optimize their time with patients and can take advantage of valuable teachable moments to initiate patient education without waiting to get back to the nurse’s station or computer terminal. Patients also feel confident that their service requests are quickly handled because clinicians and staff are initiating the orders right from their bedside. These service requests are then directed to the appropriate department, thereby off-loading non-clinical tasks from the clinician’s busy schedule.

“Using QuickCare, our nurses are able to easily complete important medication teaching without ever leaving the patient’s room. This helps expedite care and our patients feel more involved and personally cared for; ultimately, making a positive impact on patient satisfaction,” said Katherine E. Pereira-Ogan, RN, BSN, BC, MSSL, director of service excellence at Christiana Care Health System.

The bedside tools available in QuickCare assist clinicians in delivering timely, consistent education that yields better patient comprehension and provides better patient care through more efficiently managed service requests. 

QuickCare provides fast, one-click access in six key care areas:

• Patient Safety: Clinicians can prescribe safety education for their patients at the point of care, such as falls prevention information or hand hygiene, which also helps meet The Joint Commission requirements for patient safety.
• Patient Education: QuickCare enables clinicians to consistently and effectively engage patients in learning about their condition by initiating patient-specific education sessions at optimal teachable moments from the point of care. Improving patient education leads to improved patient outcomes.
• Medication Teaching: Clinicians can improve patient satisfaction by helping to engage patients in learning more about the importance of their medication regimen. QuickCare lets clinicians access the full medication database and retrieve real-time list of their patients’ prescribed medications.
• Patient Care Plan: Clinicians can reduce the number of readmission by guiding their patients through a comprehensive multi-phase care plan such as heart failure or asthma on the GetWellNetwork system. 
• Admissions and Discharge: Helping patients complete the steps for discharge ensures that patients can go home on time and reduce the length of stay. It also gives clinicians the ability to keep patients well informed about any aftercare instructions to ensure better patient outcomes. 
• Service Requests: Makes it easy for clinicians to contact the right department for non-clinical service requests such as notifying environmental services for room cleaning or sending a message to dietary services for their patients.

“We have put more control in the hands of caregivers at the point of care — QuickCare gives clinicians and staff the ability to assess patients’ needs and act on them immediately,” said Carrie Hallock, RN, BSN, product line director, nursing practice at GetWellNetwork. “The more we can do to optimize nursing workflows, the more time clinicians have for delivering the kind of patient care that inspired them into the nursing profession.” 

About GetWellNetwork
GetWellNetwork, Inc. uses the bedside TV to entertain, educate and empower hospital patients and caregivers to be more actively engaged in their care. This patient-centered approach improves both satisfaction and outcomes for patients and hospitals. GetWellNetwork is the leader in interactive patient care solutions and exclusively endorsed by the American Hospital Association. More information about GetWellNetwork can be found at www.GetWellNetwork.com.

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CENTERVILLE, MA–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  UV Flu Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: UVFT) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Trade Network, Inc., dba Creative Media and Buying Services, to produce a series of television advertisements in order to publicize a national awareness campaign featuring the ViraTech UV-400 product line, and its proven health benefits in relationship to the ongoing and growing dangers presented by poor indoor air quality in homes, and workplaces across the nation.

The commercials are slated to air beginning in October, just prior to the onset of the traditional flu season, and will be broadcast on a variety of national television networks at various airtimes. They will be broadcast throughout this heightened period of awareness and, as such, are designed to offer an informative and educational outlook demonstrating the design and proven effectiveness of the UV-400 bacteria killing air purifier in action.

The indoor air quality (“IAQ”) sector is a vast market that grows in significance every time an airborne illness penetrates public mainstream awareness. This generally occurs in the fall and spring seasons and is usually in the forefront of public awareness during the fall season when the Company’s advertisements are scheduled for broadcast.

“This campaign is expected to not only to raise national awareness of the ViraTech UV-400 and its ability to kill bacteria and other contaminants, but to also spotlight the epidemic increase in respiratory problems due to poor indoor air quality generally,” stated Jack Lennon, President of UV Flu Technologies. “These television spots are an integral part of our overall marketing plan intended to capture a significant percentage of the worldwide multibillion dollar air-purification and filtration product marketplace, by demonstrating a product that actually works, and which has been cleared by the FDA as a medical device specifically for killing bacteria. The UV-400 product, along with several other products currently under development is directly aimed at reducing the extraordinary number of deaths attributed to poor indoor air quality that occur around the world every year.”

The UV-400 is uniquely positioned to attract serious attention by consumers due to its listing as a Medical Device with the FDA which resulted after a battery of rigorous laboratory tests proved the UV-400 kills 99% of airborne bacteria in its patented UV chamber. The device is designed to easily circulate the air within the average home or work environment multiple times per hour, and will be demonstrated within a number of real life situations and applications throughout the television presentations.

Further details regarding the Company’s business, financial reports and agreements are filed as part of the Company’s continuous public disclosure as a reporting issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) EDGAR database.

About UV Flu Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: UVFT)
UV Flu Technologies is an innovative developer, manufacturer and distributor of bio technology products initially targeting the rapidly growing Indoor Air Quality (“IAQ”) industry sector. The Company manufactures the VIRATECH UV-400, which utilizes high-intensity germicidal ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) inside a killing chamber that goes beyond filtration to destroy harmful airborne bacteria at rates exceeding 99.2% on a first-pass basis. The FDA has issued a coveted Class II medical listing that enables UV Flu Technologies to market the product as a medical device.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

UV Flu Technologies, Inc.
—————————–
John J. Lennon, President & CEO

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LAKE FOREST, IL–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  Hospitals and health systems can double revenue from their own employee health plans by implementing the right benefit strategies, according to research released today by CoreSource, one of the nation’s leading administrators of employee benefit plans for self-funded hospitals, health systems and other employers.

“When deciding how to offer medical benefits to their employees, hospitals and health systems embark on a complex process because they serve as both a health plan sponsor and a provider of healthcare services. For a hospital, offering an employee health plan and managing its costs require the institution to balance the need to grow patient volume and revenue with the need to control labor costs,” said Rob Corrigan, Vice President of Product Management and Planning, CoreSource.

A comprehensive analysis of the employee benefit strategies of nearly 70 CoreSource hospital and health system clients from across the country shows that a hospital using its domestic network of healthcare providers can increase its revenue, on average, by more than $1,200 per employee per year compared to a hospital that outsources its network to a commercial PPO contracting with all health system providers.

The study finds that hospitals employing this “direct contracting” model for their own employee health plans average about $2,500 in revenue per employee per year, compared to about $1,250 for those who employ the “outsourced PPO” model. The findings are contained in the CoreSource white paper, “Hospitals and Healthcare Systems: An Inside Look at Group Health Plan Strategies To Control Costs and Provide Access to Healthcare.”

According to the CoreSource study, hospitals generally use one of five benefit strategies when offering a self-funded PPO to their employees. The study also found that self-funded hospitals and health systems have, on average, six percent higher health benefit costs per employee than other CoreSource clients.

“The primary driver of the higher benefit costs for hospitals and health systems is their demographics,” Corrigan said. “Our analysis shows that hospitals and health systems typically employ more women, employees older than 40 and individuals with chronic conditions than other self-funded groups. These sectors of the population use healthcare services more often than other groups of individuals.”

The analysis also demonstrates how important employee compliance is for cost control. Compliance with preventive testing and disease management for employees of hospitals is better than for other self-funded employers, according to the research, while the average length of stay is 28 percent lower than other groups. “Without this level of compliance, it is fair to reason that hospital and health systems benefit plan costs would be even higher,” he said.

Understanding how different benefit strategies work is important for any hospital or healthcare system seeking to control costs and boost revenue, but it is critical for a hospital that wishes to become designated an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), a new payment and healthcare delivery system created by healthcare reform legislation.

“An ACO is designed to drive healthcare quality while stepping away from the traditional fee-for-service payment approach. A hospital using a domestic network or contracting directly with providers will have operational mechanisms in place that will help the institution make the transition. A hospital that outsources its network may not have the mechanisms readily available to make the shift easily,” Corrigan said.

Hospitals must look at their employee population, market conditions, reimbursement levels and relationships with physicians, and weigh many other factors before determining how to proceed with their benefit strategy. “Information gleaned from the analysis can help guide them in determining the right plan design for their institution,” Corrigan said. “Regardless of the strategy selected, a hospital must monitor cost and utilization trends so that it maintains the desired balance between competing financial objectives and positive relationships with employees, doctors and other stakeholders.” 

For more information on CoreSource and hospital and health system benefit administration, visit this website.

About CoreSource
 CoreSource is one of the nation’s leading TPAs, delivering integrated, customized employee benefit solutions to self-funded employers. CoreSource utilizes cutting-edge products and services designed to facilitate effective cost-containment strategies. CoreSource is a subsidiary of Trustmark Mutual Holding Company and has nine sales and customer service offices across the country. Trustmark has assets of more than $1.7 billion and, through CoreSource and other subsidiaries, administers more than $2.5 billion in health and life benefits annually. For more information, visit www.coresource.com.