Health Care


HHS Selects Pilot Projects to Show Better Path to Disaster Medical Care

Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Neb., and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston received $3 million grants from ASPR's Hospital Preparedness Program to conduct pilot projects that show the potential effectiveness and viability of a Regional Disaster Health Response System.

DOL Proposes Change in HO 7 on Patient Lifts

The NPRM points out that some members of Congress have sought this change for several years, contending that the current HO 7 discourages health care employers in their states from employing 16- and 17-year-olds, which deprives the teens of training opportunities and causes staff shortages in health facilities, particularly those located in rural areas.

FDA Releases New Guidance on Drug Compounding

Anna Abram, deputy commissioner for Policy, Planning, Legislation and Analyis, said FDA frequently finds insanitary conditions during its inspections of compounding facilities, "such as vermin, insects, and microbial growth in areas where drugs required to be sterile are produced."

UN Prioritizes Tuberculosis Prevention for High-Risk Occupations

"The UN General Assembly is taking an important step in highlighting the need for governments and global health funders to invest in primary prevention to reduce silica dust hazards in high-risk workplaces. This UN action recognizes that we can take action to prevent TB, and not just treat it," said Perry Gottesfeld, executive director of OK International.

John Hancock Adding Wellness Component to All Life Insurance Policies

"We have smart phones, smart cars, and smart homes. It's time for smart life insurance that meets the changing needs of consumers. We believe offering Vitality on all life insurance policies, at no additional cost, is the right thing to do for our customers, our business, and society," said Brooks Tingle, president and CEO of John Hancock Insurance.

'Boston Med' Filming Results in HIPAA Settlements

Three health care organizations are paying $999,000 in this case, which is the second HIPAA case involving an ABC medical documentary television series. OCR reached a settlement in April 2016 with New York-Presbyterian Hospital in association with the filming of "NY Med."

HHS Agencies Award $1 Billion in Opioid Grants

"Addressing the opioid crisis with all the resources possible and the best science we have is a top priority for President Trump and for everyone at HHS," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "The more than $1 billion in additional funding that we provided this week will build on progress we have seen in tackling this epidemic through empowering communities and families on the front lines."

Two States Investigating Outbreak of Psittacosis at Poultry Plants

According to CDC, the latest data suggest the outbreak is only affecting people who work at the identified poultry slaughter plants, but public health officials are investigating whether other people exposed to chickens that were shipped to the affected plants got sick.



Wisconsin Reports 16 More Cases of Severe Bleeding from Synthetic Cannabinoids

The cases have ranged in age from 16 to older than 50, and there has been one death in Wisconsin associated with the outbreak. "Synthetic cannabinoids are not safe, and we urge people not to use them," said Karen McKeown, State Health Officer. "This outbreak shows how hazardous they can be to your health."

WTC Health Program Seeks Nominations for Advisory Committee

Appointments to the STAC may last up to 3 years. The STAC makes recommendations to the WTC Program Administrator on eligibility criteria and other health conditions based on scientific and medical evidence.

Global Preparedness Monitoring Board Holds First Meeting

"There's no substitute for preparedness, and investing in it should be a top priority for the entire global community," said Dr. Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank Group. "It is important that countries are beginning to take pandemic preparedness much more seriously."

Trial of Anti-Malarial Drug Enrolling Subjects

"The increasing problem of drug resistance demands that we continue to find new and effective treatment options for malaria infection," said NIAID Director Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

AGs Urge Passage of SOFA Act

A letter to congressional leaders signed by 52 state and territorial attorneys general urges passage of the Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act, saying it "utilizes catch-all language which will allow the Drug Enforcement Agency to proactively schedule all newly modified fentanyl analogues and thus will assist law enforcement's efforts on the front end."

Agreement Raises Canadian Investment in Substance Abuse Treatment

"The opioid crisis continues to have a profound impact on thousands of people and their families across the country. I am pleased that we have signed this agreement with the government of British Columbia to help accelerate access to treatment services," said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canada's minister of Health.

Clinical Trial Tests Whether Topical Cream Can Boost Flu Vaccine Immune Response

Investigators are evaluating whether imiquimod cream, commonly used to treat genital warts and certain skin cancers, can boost the body’s immune response to an H5N1 influenza vaccine.

More Montana Pharmacies to Get Drug Collection Boxes

The 38-gallon boxes and starter packs of liners are being offered at no cost to retail pharmacies and hospitals and clinics with on-site pharmacies to be used to collect and then dispose of prescription drugs.

Arizona's Safe Drug Disposal Program Expands

Gov. Doug Ducey's partnership with Walgreens started with disposal kiosks at 18 Walgreens locations in 2016. Arizona now has 35 kiosks around the state with 24-hour accessibility.

Oregon blue clay may help fight disease-causing bacteria in wounds, including treatment-resistant bacteria, ASU and Mayo Clinic researchers showed. (Photo by Lynda Williams, Arizona State University)

Natural Clays Effective Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

The researchers showed that certain clays kill bacteria, including many drug-resistant pathogens. "Working with Mayo Clinic, we showed that these clays also diminish populations of bacterial biofilms, as well as bacteria common in wounds that are more resistant to drugs," said Arizona State University biogeochemist Lynda Williams.

AHA Statement Warns of Chagas Disease Risk

Chagas disease is caused by a parasite, transmitted by a blood-sucking insect— Trypanosoma cruzi – and less frequently, from mother to fetus or by contaminated food or drink. About one-third of people infected with it develop chronic heart disease. It is found mostly in Central and South America, but there are now an estimated 300,000 infected persons in the United States

Workplace Violence Toolkit Released by Oregon Hospitals Association

"At the end of the day, we all care deeply about keeping people safe while they care for the sick and believe that we should take all steps possible to reduce violence in our hospitals and health care settings to zero," OAHHS President and CEO Andy Davidson said.

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