News and reports from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The U.S. federal government has expressed concern over the low vaccination rates among nursing home residents. In response to this, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently conducted an online meeting with leaders from nursing homes. He emphasized their critical role in ensuring that both staff and residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

President Biden has tasked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with the mission to reduce overdose deaths. In this regard, regulations are being proposed to ensure that all federal facilities are equipped with overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone. The General Services Administration (GSA) is supporting these measures.

Ultragenyx, a pharmaceutical company, has agreed to pay $6 million for allegations of paying kickbacks that contributed to increased claims for its drug, Crysvita. The company is accused of submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid by offering free genetic tests to encourage prescriptions of its drug.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released data that underscores its concerns regarding state laws that affect families during the renewal process for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The HHS revealed that states, particularly those with expanded Medicaid programs supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), are better equipped to maintain coverage for children.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Xavier Becerra, has announced an update to the National Plan to combat Alzheimer's disease. The National Plan is a comprehensive initiative outlining how HHS and its stakeholders can lead in the development of treatments, research, care provision, support for people living with dementia and their caregivers, and action to mitigate risk factors.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association (ANA), has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare in 2023. This ranking celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a significant impact on healthcare.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a proposed article outlining the cybersecurity strategy for the medical sector. The conceptual paper delves into various strategies for mitigating cyber attacks that affect all stakeholders in hospital operations.

The under-representation of Africa in medical research regarding new infections is an issue the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and H3D Foundation (H3D-F) aim to address, as their renewed partnership focuses on equipping early and mid-career African scientists with skill development opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) commemorated World Aids Day by announcing that 90 percent of people with HIV receiving medical care through a department program are virally suppressed. The revelation comes as part of an effort to increase awareness and support for those living with the disease.

Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra has announced an initiative to enhance the domestic supply chain for essential medicines and medical countermeasures as part of the inaugural meeting of the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience. This move comes as part of a concerted effort by the U.S. government to ensure a stable supply of vital medical supplies and reduce dependency on foreign sources.

The 2024 marketplace open enrollment period has seen roughly 4.6 million people sign up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance since opening on Nov. 1. These new enrollees come from both states utilizing HealthCare.gov and those with their own state-based marketplaces.

A non-profit academic medical center in New York has reached a settlement with the government for an alleged violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The agreement was reached between Saint Joseph’s Medical Center and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after an investigation into a breach of patient confidentiality.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has granted nearly $130 million via SAMHSA to expand Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) nationwide

The pharmaceutical industry's role in the opioid crisis has been likened to that of a drug cartel, according to a recent exposé by NPR. The article sheds light on the intricate connections between the pharmaceutical industry, legislation, law enforcement, Mexican drug cartels, and the devastating opioid crisis that has plagued the nation. It underscores the urgent need for accountability and addressing the root causes of this epidemic.

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with the aim of improving transparency in healthcare. The bill mandates hospitals to disclose the true costs of health services in a consumer-friendly format, in an effort to encourage price transparency and combat deceitful billing practices. Families USA executive director, Frederick Isasi, expressed approval of the legislation, stating that every family in the nation should be able to know the cost of a hospital service before it is provided. The bill also includes provisions to promote competition...