A recent Ernst & Young (EY) survey reveals that cybersecurity teams can generate significant enterprise value, averaging $36 million per initiative, but budgets for these teams have dropped from 1.1% to 0.6% of annual revenue over the past two years. This decline indicates a missed opportunity for organizations to leverage cybersecurity investments as a means of value creation rather than merely viewing them as a risk mitigation expense. Furthermore, only 13% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are brought into strategic decision-making processes early, highlighting a gap in acknowledging their potential impact on business growth. The study underscores the need for healthcare professionals and executives to reassess how they integrate cybersecurity into broader organizational strategies to optimize both security and business outcomes.

Cybersecurity Teams Drive Business Growth Amid Budget Cuts Infosecurity Magazine

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in Original Medicare by reducing unnecessary services. This initiative utilizes advanced technology to modernize the prior authorization process, aiming to safeguard Medicare beneficiaries and reduce costs for taxpayers by combating wasteful healthcare practices that contribute significantly to U.S. healthcare spending. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz highlighted that the model combines tech innovations with clinical expertise to ensure that only essential procedures are authorized, thereby improving patient safety and potentially saving billions in unnecessary expenditures. Overall, the WISeR Model represents a critical step in reforming Medicare's approach to care delivery and resource allocation.

CMS Launches WISeR Model to Combat Medicare Waste and Inefficiency CMS

The MIT-MGB Seed Program has been established to accelerate healthcare innovations through a collaboration between MIT and Mass General Brigham, funded by Analog Devices Inc. This initiative aims to support the development of next-generation therapies, diagnostics, and digital tools by combining MIT's technological expertise with MGB's clinical knowledge. By fostering interdisciplinary research, the program will highlight advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, ultimately driving innovation in medical care. The initiative will fund approximately six projects annually over three years, along with entrepreneurial workshops to facilitate the transition from lab research to practical applications in healthcare.

MIT and MGB Unite to Accelerate Health Innovations With ADIs Support MIT News

Avera Health has launched the Avera Nursing Advantage program in collaboration with Mount Marty University and Bishop O'Gorman Catholic High School to create a streamlined career pathway for future nurses. This initiative addresses the regional shortage of skilled nurses by providing financial support for junior and senior nursing students who gain practical experience through part-time roles at Avera facilities. Additionally, the Nursing Degree in Three program allows high school students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in three years, emphasizing early education and accelerated coursework. These programs are significant for healthcare professionals as they not only strengthen the nursing workforce but also enhance the quality of care delivered within the Avera Health system.

Avera Health Launches Fast-Track Nursing Program to Tackle Workforce Shortage AHA