In downturn, hospital business feels the stress

Lynn Nicholas, named president and chief executive of the Massachusetts Hospital Association in 2007, has represented hospitals across the state in their efforts to expand access, improve quality, and rein in medical costs through the economic downturn. Before her appointment to the Burlington-based MHA, she led the American Diabetes Association. Nicholas previously ran hospital associations in Louisiana and New Jersey. She spoke with health care business reporter Robert Weisman at the Globe last week.