MONTEFIORE REPLACES 12 NURSES WITH AI SOFTWARE

Marilyn Shuler, a utilization review nurse with 39 years at Montefiore, was among those terminated Sunday. The role involves reading patient charts and communicating with insurance companies about coverage. The union contends the hospital breached its contract shortly after nurses won improved terms through a strike. A utilization review nurse typically reviews medical records to determine insurance coverage eligibility and necessity of care. The union statement warned that replacing clinical staff with automation could compromise patient care quality. Montefiore has not publicly commented on the layoffs or the software replacement. The move reflects broader healthcare industry trends toward automation in administrative roles, though the timing—immediately following a labor agreement—raises questions about implementation timing and worker protections.