Health Care News
New Jersey medical provider fined $160,000 for failing to provide patients with medical records in timely fashion
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared a settlement with Optum Medical Care of New Jersey, a multi-specialty physician group serving patients throughout New Jersey and Southern Connecticut, under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) supported this announcement.
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials publishes its top 10 state public health policy issues for 2024
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) has disclosed its top 10 state public health policy issues, as part of the Legislative Prospectus Series. The list aims to predict the trends that state legislatures, policymakers, and public health professionals will concentrate on in 2024.
Latest News
HHS hopes to enhance cybersecurity measures at hospitals across America
By Federal Newswire | Dec 6, 2023
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.
Increased social media use for people with PTSD has a negative effect on their mental health
By Federal Newswire | Dec 6, 2023
Research indicates that increased social media use among individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression can have detrimental effects on their mental health. This correlation between social media usage and mental health was discussed by Doctors Colleen Becket-Davenport and Matthew Price in a podcast produced by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
National Council of Urban Indian Health joined other tribal organizations in letter to Congress to support opioid crisis funding
By Federal Newswire | Dec 5, 2023
The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has publicly expressed its support for President Joe Biden's proposed $250 million supplemental funding to combat the opioid crisis in Native American communities. The council, alongside the National Indian Health Board, the National Congress of American Indians and the Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium, articulated their backing in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership. The funding is intended to be allocated through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as...
Majority of patients on Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program have undetectable viral load
By Federal Newswire | Dec 2, 2023
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.
American Medical Association's new principles provide guidance on health care augmented intelligence
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
The American Medical Association (AMA) has approved a set of principles to provide guidance to the medical industry and government agencies on the development of a regulatory framework for health care augmented intelligence (AI). This new initiative aims to balance the potential benefits of AI in healthcare with ethical considerations and possible risks.
EDU continues to back the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs
By Federal Newswire | Nov 29, 2023
A joint effort to back the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs has been announced by the U.S. Department of Education (EDU) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This initiative seeks to promote inclusivity from an early age, fostering a culture that embraces individuals with disabilities across all stages of life.
US school districts can order free COVID-19 tests
By Federal Newswire | Nov 29, 2023
Schools across the country will soon have access to free COVID-19 tests thanks to a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This nationwide initiative is a collaborative effort aiming to curb the spread of COVID-19 among students, staff, and community members.
HHS announces initiative to enhance US domestic supply chain for essential medicines
By Federal Newswire | Nov 28, 2023
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.
HHS approves $74.4 million to improve behavioral health communities
By Federal Newswire | Nov 19, 2023
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced notices of funding opportunities this week for grant programs that address behavioral health challenges in local communities by preventing substance use initiation, reducing the progression of substance use, and addressing other related concerns. The grants are a part of the government's approach to tackle behavioral health crises in America.
Million Veteran Program reaches one millionth Veteran in the club
By Federal Newswire | Nov 15, 2023
The Million Veteran Program, which paves way for life-saving and groundbreaking research, hits its one millionth Veteran member.
Veterans Affairs launches new medical education program to help Veterans in underserved communities
By Federal Newswire | Nov 15, 2023
The goal of the new medical education program launched by the Veteran Affairs is to help expand health care access to Veterans that reside in underserved communities.
More Veterans than ever received care and benefits in fiscal year 2023
By Federal Newswire | Nov 6, 2023
Veterans Affairs (VA) has set a record in the fiscal year 2023 for delivering healthcare and benefits to Veterans across the nation. It's reported that more Veterans received care and benefits in 2023 than ever before, improving their access to healthcare resources.
Becerra: 'This rule is the next step in ensuring we take patients out of the middle of billing disputes between insurers and health care providers'
By Federal Newswire | Oct 31, 2023
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra was quoted in the HHS release, "The Biden-Harris Administration continues to take actions to protect patients from junk health insurance and unfair billing practices." According to the HHS press release,...
Director of OCR: 'Telehealth is a wonderful tool that can increase patients' access to health care and improve health care outcomes'
By Federal Newswire | Oct 28, 2023
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers new resources on telehealth privacy and security
EPA announces $3.8 Million for children's health research
By Federal Newswire | Oct 21, 2023
Based on the EPA's press release, the initiative aims to urgently investigate the health risks confronting children, which result from a mix of agricultural pollutants and other non-chemical factors like poverty and inadequate access to essential services.
Department of Defense and ODNI release fiscal year 2023 report on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena
By Federal Newswire | Oct 19, 2023
The Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have released their Annual Report on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) for fiscal year 2023. This report is a result of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, as amended by the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2023.
Biden administration allegedly reopening an "influx care facility" in Carrizo Springs, Texas, to house unaccompanied migrant children
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2023
The Biden administration is reportedly reopening an "influx care facility" in Carrizo Springs, Texas, to house unaccompanied migrant children. This decision comes in response to a surge in border crossings and increased strain on federal, state, and local resources, including in major urban centers like New York and Chicago, according to CBS News.
HHS: 'While ORR has worked to build up its licensed bed capacity, additional capacity is urgently needed to manage the increasing numbers of unaccompanied children referrals from DHS'
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2023
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HHS reports over ten thousand unaccompanied migrant children in the care of its Office of Refugee Resettlement, prompting efforts to manage the surge.