What Matters: Pilot changes could reduce hospital margins in FY26.

Why It Matters: CFOs should stress-test for payer pushback now.

Action: Draft two contingency budgets (–2% and –5%).

What Matters: Travel agency rates are dipping in Q3, especially across the Midwest.

Why It Matters: Hospitals may regain negotiation leverage with staff and agencies.

Action: Rebalance retention strategies — shift funds from agency contracts into targeted in-house retention bonuses.

What Matters: Vendors are pitching generative AI as a cost-saving tool in clinical settings.

Why It Matters: Ethical, regulatory, and workforce risks are often underplayed in vendor proposals.

Action: Run every AI proposal through the Ellis Model™ lens (Ethical, Legal, Financial, Workforce) before pilots or contracts.