Baldrige interrupted. Premier and North Mississippi both took home the prestigious quality award, but their victory celebrations were shortlived.

Winning an award as prestigious as the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award is usually excellent news. For two recent victors, however, their wins were overshadowed by questions over past business practices and possible conflicts of interest, in particular at alliance Premier. (At right, a Premier employee conducts client training).

Guilty in Rhode Island. Conviction of hospital executives in Roger Williams case strengthens the argument that stronger oversight needed.

The conviction of two former Roger Williams Medical Center executives in Rhode Island is sure to keep up the heat for more vigorous oversight of hospitals. Robert Urciuoli and Frances Driscoll were both convicted of fraud. "It's not to say that directors should be running these organizations," says attorney Patrick Coffey, left.