How to optimize an equipment leasing program.

To enable their organizations to get the most value from an equipment leasing contract, healthcare finance executives should: Be aware of "yield enhancers" that could result in unnecessary expenses for the organization (including advance fee requests, restocking fees, and conditions related to contract renewals) Know how to incorporate value-added services as part of contracts (such as asset tracking, memory scrubbing, and equipment disposal) Thoroughly understand the master lease agreements and schedules and be prepared to negotiate, if possible, cross-default language that links to other indebtedness or material contracts

Secondhand smoke in apartment buildings: renter and owner or manager perspectives.

This study explored the views of Minnesota renters and apartment owners or managers about environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) transfer between units in multifamily buildings and about smoke-free housing. A convenience sample of 49 decision makers who manage 27,116 rental units in Minnesota were aware of some ETS transfer in their buildings, but most felt it was rarely or never a significant factor in tenants' decisions to rent or to move. Most of those who had never designated a building smoke free had little or no interest in doing so, due to concerns that it would increase vacancy rates, constitute discrimination, or engender costs for enforcement. Owners who had already designated smoke-free buildings, however, had seen mostly neutral or positive effects on vacancies, turnover, and time required to manage the buildings, and planned to continue offering them. A total of 48% of households in a random sample of 405 reported that at times ETS enters their apartment from elsewhere; 10% said this occurs often or most of the time. Of those experiencing ETS transfer, 37% said it bothered them a lot or so much that they were thinking of moving. Only a small fraction of renters currently live in smoke-free buildings, but nearly half would be extremely or very interested in doing so. Interest is high across ethnicities, income levels, rent levels, and age groups and regardless of whether the household has children. 54% of respondents would be very likely to choose a smoke-free building, all other things being equal, and 34% would be willing to pay more to live in one.

Avoiding leasing pitfalls.

Even though most physicians will only negotiate a few leases during their careers, it pays to be proficient in the language of leasing. Understanding a few key terms and concepts up front will prevent unnecessary hassles and unexpected expense. This article explains some of the most common misunderstandings in the leasing process, such as types of leases, rentable vs. usable space, escalations, and other considerations. Physicians will benefit from these practical suggestions by learning what questions to ask before signing a lease.

Fact sheet: EPA and HUD move to protect children from lead-based paint poisoning; disclosure of lead-based paint hazards in housing

Rules to be followed by sellers, landlords and agents during sales and rentals of housing built before 1978, for preventing lead-based paint hazards. Document in pdf format; Acrobat Reader needed.

EPA and HUD real estate notification and disclosure rule: questions and answers.

Questions and answers about the rule that ensures that purchasers and renters of housing built before 1978 receive the information necessary to protect themselves and their families from lead-based paint hazards.

A quality assurance audit of Illawarra PADP Scheme home glucose meters and evaluation of their use by patients.

A total of 187 home glucose meters have been issued to Illawarra residents by the Program of Aids for Disabled Patients (PADP) Scheme operating out of Port Kembla District Hospital in a 5-year period ending 31 December 1989. These meters, representing a valuable health resource, have been loaned to patients without audit or follow up. Sixteen per cent of meters were unable to be located and 33.2% could not be located using existing PADP records. Of those meters which could be tested, 16.4% were inaccurate; the recipient's technique was inadequate for accurate results in 36.1% of instances. This survey has revealed a significant loss of health resources in addition to inadequate clinical assessment and supervision.