Health Care


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.



NY State Sues OxyContin's Maker

"Our investigation found a pattern of deception and reckless disregard for New Yorkers' health and well-being as Purdue lined its own pockets by deliberately exploiting our communities and fueling an opioid epidemic that's destroyed families across the state," Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood said Aug. 14.

CDC Preparing to Host ICEID 2018

The International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases is held every two to three years, and CDC has hosted it since 1998.

Colorado's Chief Medical Officer Resigns

Dr. Larry Wolk has accepted the role of chief medical officer with the Wonderful Company. "During his tenure, Larry has been challenged by marijuana legalization, increasing oil and gas development, and the domestic introductions of Ebola and Zika viruses, to name a few. His development of state plans to address these and other emerging issues are just a few examples of his impressive legacy," Gov. John Hickenlooper said.

DOL Appoints 12 to Nuclear Workers Health Panel

The 12 members were appointed for two-year terms; eight are returning members who served on the initial advisory board appointed in 2016 and four are new to the board. The advisory board will meet at least twice annually.

FDA Releases Draft Guidance on Inhaled Nicotine Replacement Therapies

The guidance focuses on data recommended to evaluate potential toxicities associated with orally inhaled nicotine-containing drug products, including products such as e-cigarettes.

New Illinois Law Protects Prescribers When Responders Use EpiPens

The bill amends the State Police, Illinois Police Training and Medical Practices acts and took effect immediately. It includes in the protected class physicians, physician's assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses with prescriptive authority who provide a prescription or standing order for epinephrine for an Illinois police department.

There are a few gloves on the market today that meet or exceed NIOSH recommendations for safety, allowing no permeation of either fentanyl or gastric acid for greater than 240 minutes. (Ansell photo)

Fentanyl Risks Put Focus on Hand Protection in Many Environments

Those most likely to be exposed, such as police and fire personnel, EMTs, ER staff, and forensic lab personnel, should be transitioning to gloves that provide comprehensive protection against fentanyl.

NY Governor Creating Hepatitis C Elimination Task Force

Gov. Cuomo announced it as part of a broad strategy to stop the spread of the virus. "As a physician, I have seen firsthand the harmful effects Hepatitis C can have, and as the number of cases continues to increase across the state, it is clear we need to address this problem head on," Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker said.

One Month to Go Until Safety+ 2018

The Aug. 28-31 event in Nashville will feature more than 100 educational workshops and an expo hall filled by more than 250 exhibitors.

CDC Launches Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System

According to CDC, an estimated 61 million adults in the United States are at high risk for serious vision loss, and the annual economic impact of major vision problems among Americans older than 40 is more than $145 billion.

NYC Steps Up Tick Control Measures on Staten Island

"Lyme disease is a serious issue, and anyone who thinks that the worst-case scenario simply involves a prescription for antibiotics is dangerously unaware of Lyme's true medical and societal implications," said Jimmy Oddo, Staten Island borough president.

New FDA Guidance to Spur Development of Abuse-Deterrent Generics

"We believe that transitioning from the current market, dominated by conventional opioid analgesics, to one where most opioids have abuse-deterrent properties may have the potential to further reduce misuse and abuse," FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said July 20.

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