Health News
Health
HHS fines New York medical center for HIPPA violation
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.
Health
Millions to boost community behavioral health services
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
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Health
The pharmaceutical industry acted like a drug cartel.
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.
Health
Bipartisan bill introduced to improve healthcare transparency
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...
Health
Proposed rule sparks controversy over short-term health insurance
The proposed rule to restrict short-term health insurance plans has sparked controversy among healthcare experts who warn of the far-reaching consequences. One prominent healthcare authority, Michael F. Cannon, has voiced concerns about the potential impact of this regulation on short-term limited duration health insurance (STLDI) plans. Under this rule, STLDI plans would be limited to a four-month duration and renewals within a 12-month period for the same individual would be prohibited, potentially leaving those with illnesses without coverage.
Health
CDC advises all individuals aged 6 months and above to get updated COVID-19 vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommended everyone aged 6 months and older to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. This move comes as a strategy to fend off the potentially grave repercussions of the COVID-19 illness that are anticipated this fall and winter, according to a press release.
Health
HHS commits $8 million to enhance healthcare training for underrepresented populations
In a bid to address healthcare disparities faced by individuals with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency (LEP), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new initiative. Guided by its Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the department is investing over $8 million to promote culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate healthcare education, according to an announcement from Sept. 15.
Health
Study shows fentanyl-laced stimulant deaths have increased dramatically
Overdose deaths from fentanyl-laced stimulants have risen 50-fold since 2010, according to a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal "Addiction." This, along with many other factors, showcases how dangerous the fentanyl epidemic is in the United States.
Health
Becerra: 'We will do everything in our power to assist Florida officials with responding to the health impacts of Hurricane Idalia'
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra declared a public health emergency for Florida in response to the health impacts of Hurricane Idalia.
Health
Rainer: HHS OCR 'has a long history of taking enforcement actions to protect the rights of people with disabilities'
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey reached a settlement agreement with Comfort Hands Home Healthcare LLC.
Health
Admiral Levine: 'Our TPP program provides new research on innovative practices or specific populations and settings'
On Aug. 25, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the allocation of roughly $23 million through the Office of Population Affairs (OPA) to enhance the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) program, according to a press release. Admiral Rachel L. Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health, emphasized the program's goal of improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health while prioritizing equity.
Health
Becerra: 'The president’s prescription drug bill is reducing costs and increasing access'
President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act allows individuals with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage to spread out-of-pocket costs over the year through monthly payments starting in 2025.
Health
Becerra: 'We must do everything we can to keep our schools and kids safe'
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in collaboration with the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice, launched a public awareness campaign to promote federal school safety resources available through SchoolSafety.gov.
Health
Becerra said: 'The United States is currently facing an unprecedented mental health crisis'
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, granted more than $88 million to address the nation's mental health crisis and substance use disorder challenges.
Health
Becerra said: 'Nurses are an essential part of our nation’s health care system'
The Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced more than $100 million in funding to enhance nurse training and expand the nursing workforce.
Health
Antitrust attorney: 'Merger guidelines will increase deal timelines, the merging parties’ burden and overall uncertainty and potential antitrust risk as to the outcome'
New merger guidelines and HSR (Hart-Scott-Rodino) rules signal intensifying antitrust scrutiny in the healthcare sector, reflecting a significant shift that could complicate and prolong the merger review process, according to a recent article.
Health
Vera California director: 'The county's continued failure to address the issue puts incarcerated Angelenos in undeniable peril'
Three deaths in Los Angeles' Men's Central Jail have prompted Vera California's director Michelle Parris to call for immediate action, as 2023's death toll reaches 29 in the country's largest jail system, according to a press release.
Health
Becerra: 'Health centers provide young children with developmental disabilities in our highest need communities with the support they need'
During National Health Center Week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted $30 million to 151 HRSA-funded health centers through the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Health
Becerra: 'Heat is no longer a silent killer'
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, introduced the EMS HeatTracker.
Health
Fontes Rainer: 'Child welfare organizations must ensure that they have policies and practices in place that do not that limit opportunities for people with disabilities'
The Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reached a voluntary resolution agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, including those in recovery from substance use disorder, based on federal disability laws.
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