Jessica Abrahams is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She specializes in covering topics around gender, global development and international affairs.

Third Quarter 2024 Government Contracts Policy and Regulatory Review

23 Aug 2024  |  www.jdsupra.com  |  English  |  Artificial Intelligence Procurement

In the third quarter of 2024, significant regulatory updates were proposed and finalized affecting U.S. government contracts. The U.S. Small Business Administration suggested amendments to the HUBZone, Women-Owned, and Veteran Small Business programs, focusing on recertification and affiliation rules. The Department of Defense introduced rules to enhance public access to research, prevent conflicts of interest, and adjust cost data requirements. The Office of Management and Budget issued guidance on AI procurement, emphasizing cross-agency collaboration and risk management. The Department of Health and Human Services proposed updates to its acquisition regulations for health IT. These developments present new opportunities and considerations for government contractors.

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Department of Defense Department of Health and Human Services Office of Management and Budget U.S. Small Business Administration

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Shakeel Ahmed is a freelance journalist based in Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

How To Cut Healthcare Costs

01 Nov 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Healthcare Reform

The article addresses the significant concern of rising healthcare costs in the United States, highlighting the $4.3 trillion expenditure in 2021. It discusses various strategies to reduce costs, including increasing price transparency, promoting value-based care, encouraging the use of generic medications, implementing payment reform, increasing competition, investing in preventive care, and lowering administrative costs. The article emphasizes the need for both government and private sector actions to address these issues and improve the efficiency and affordability of healthcare.

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National Institute of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Institute of Medicine Health Affairs Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Kaiser Family Foundation eHealth FDA National Academy of Medicine Third Way American Journal of Managed Care CDC The Commonwealth Fund

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Laurel Bowman is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Laurel Bowman is an award-winning television journalist with more than two decades of production and on-camera experience in the television news and production industry.  Her work has aired on the Voice of America (VOA),...

Madison Launches Program to Cover Indigenous Students' Full Costs

09 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Financial Aid

Indigenous students from Wisconsin's 11 tribes will be able to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison for free starting next fall, as announced by Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin. The Wisconsin Tribal Education Promise program will cover all costs for undergraduate students, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, and books, using private donations and internal funding. The program also extends to law and medical degrees. This initiative is part of UW-Madison's ongoing commitment to diversity, despite recent political challenges regarding diversity hires. The program is expected to significantly impact Indigenous youth by removing financial barriers to higher education.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health University of Maine University of Minnesota University of California University of Wisconsin-Madison Hunt Institute

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Political View

Gillian Branstetter is a journalist based in Harrisburg, United States of America.

Trans Health Care in Florida: What You Need to Know

05 Aug 2022  |  www.aclu.org  |  English  |  Regulation

The Florida Board of Medicine has initiated a regulatory process to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth, despite opposition from medical experts and parents. The proposed regulations would penalize medical providers for offering such care to minors and impose waiting periods and disinformation requirements for adults. The move is part of a broader political agenda led by Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. The medical community and various organizations have condemned these efforts, highlighting the importance of gender-affirming care for the well-being of transgender individuals. Public participation in the rulemaking process and voting in upcoming elections are encouraged to protect transgender rights.

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World Professional Association of Transgender Health Florida Department of Health Agency for Health Care Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Florida Board of Medicine American Academy of Pediatrics

Opinionated

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Far Left

Political View

Gabrielle Canon is a journalist based in Oakland, CA who provides content in many formats, including print, video, broadcast, and photography. She is also available for on-air interviews and can speak on a variety of topics including prison reform, criminal justice, policies to combat homelessness, ...

US president Joe Biden and first lady Jill signal Hawaii trip to review impact of wildfires

16 Aug 2023  |  The Irish Times  |  English  |  Presidential Visit

Joe and Jill Biden are set to visit Hawaii to assess the damage from wildfires that have claimed over 100 lives in Maui and devastated Lahaina. The White House announced the trip, emphasizing the president's commitment to a whole-of-government response and recovery efforts. Despite facing criticism, including from Donald Trump, for his initial silence and a gaffe referring to Maui as the 'Big Island', Biden has been coordinating with FEMA and Hawaii's Governor Josh Green. Green has expressed gratitude for Biden's swift emergency declaration and anticipates the death toll to rise, but not drastically. Federal support includes a mobile morgue unit to assist in identifying victims, as the wildfires are the deadliest in the US in over a century.

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US Department of Health and Human Services White House Federal Emergency Management Agency

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Left

Political View

My work has appeared in  Fox News, Salon, Medscape, Healthline, Epoch Times, MD Magazine, Specialty Pharmacy Times, Contagion Live.

Cellphone radiation research was halted after worrisome findings, expert questions why

04 Dec 2023  |  nexusnewsfeed.com  |  English  |  Scientific Research

Federal agencies in the U.S. have halted research on the health risks of cellphone radiation, a move that has stunned scientists like Devra Davis. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) announced it would no longer investigate the potential harm of cellphone radiation, despite previous studies showing clear evidence of cancer risks in animals. The decision has been criticized for lacking scientific justification and ignoring the precautionary approaches taken in Europe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Communications Commission have also been criticized for dismissing these findings and maintaining outdated radiation exposure standards. The Environmental Health Trust successfully sued the FCC, leading to a court ruling that the FCC acted improperly by ignoring evidence of health risks. The article highlights the significant financial interests involved and the potential public health implications of these regulatory decisions.

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U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Environmental Health Trust U.S. Food and Drug Administration Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program Federal Communications Commission

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Left

Political View

Chiara Crescenzi is a journalist based in Roma, RM, Italia.

The ransomware attack on the multinational UnitedHealth

24 Oct 2023  |  www.wired.it  |  Italian  |  Healthcare

UnitedHealth, a major player in the health insurance sector, suffered a significant data breach in February, exposing the medical records of over 100 million citizens. The ransomware group ALPHV/BlackCat targeted the Change Healthcare platform, causing widespread operational chaos in the healthcare network. Despite UnitedHealth's efforts to mitigate the damage, including a $22 million payment to the cybercriminals, the data remains compromised. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released an official report on the breach's impact, while UnitedHealth continues to notify affected individuals and collaborate with regulatory authorities.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ALPHV/BlackCat Office for Civil Rights

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I'm an Irish journalist, based in Asia. I'm currently in Kuala Lumpur. I specialise in environmental, health, and human rights issues and have my own website, Changing Times (****). I have been a journalist for more than 45 years and am a skilled editor, proofreader, and French-to-English ...

US Department of Health and Human Services suspends government funding to EcoHealth Alliance

16 May 2024  |  CHANGING TIMES  |  English  |  Coronavirus Pandemic

The US Department of Health and Human Services has suspended EcoHealth Alliance from federal funding and initiated debarment proceedings due to alleged failures in oversight and compliance related to gain-of-function research in Wuhan, China. The decision follows a report by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, which highlighted systemic weaknesses in grant procedures. Key figures, including Brad Wenstrup and Raul Ruiz, have criticized EcoHealth and its president, Peter Daszak, for their actions. The suspension is temporary, pending the outcome of debarment proceedings, and aims to protect the integrity of federal procurement activities.

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House Energy and Commerce Committee Wuhan Institute of Virology National Institutes of Health National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases US Department of Health and Human Services EcoHealth Alliance Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Subcommittee on Health Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations U.S. Right to Know

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Political View

Brett Hall is a journalist based in Leicester, United Kingdom.

Virginia Beach church could be group home for migrant children crossing southern border, informational meeting scheduled

07 Jun 2023  |  www.wavy.com  |  English  |  Local Government

Commonwealth Catholic Charities has proposed to use the former Seton Youth Shelters on St. Nicholas Catholic Church's campus in Kings Grant, Virginia Beach, as a temporary home for unaccompanied migrant children aged 5 to 17. The plan aims to reunite the children with family in the U.S. and requires Virginia Beach City Council to modify a conditional use permit. An informational meeting is scheduled for June 15, following concerns from the community and a deferral request by Councilman Chris Taylor. The home will provide on-site services and operate with a staff member present at all times. The Virginia Beach Planning Commission recommends a three-month maximum stay and a limit of 10 children at a time. Financial aid will be provided through the Virginia Department of Social Services, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for the care of unaccompanied children at the border.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Virginia Department of Social Services Commonwealth Catholic Charities Virginia Beach City Council Seton Youth Shelters St. Nicholas Catholic Church

Tayla Holman is a journalist based in Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision)

05 Feb 2024  |  HR Software  |  English  |  Health IT

ICD-10, the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, is a global standard for classifying and coding mortality and morbidity data, adopted by the U.S. for mortality coding in 1999 and for morbidity coding in 2015. Developed by the World Health Organization, ICD-10 offers more classification options than its predecessor, ICD-9, and is used by healthcare providers, insurance carriers, and government agencies for various purposes including health records, epidemiological tracking, and medical reimbursements. The U.S. developed its own standards based on ICD-10, namely ICD-10-CM for medical diagnosis and ICD-10-PCS for hospital inpatient procedures. Despite initial resistance and delays, ICD-10 was eventually implemented, providing more detailed information for healthcare quality, safety, and efficacy. ICD-11, adopted in 2019, brings further improvements and is entirely digital, though its adoption in the U.S. remains uncertain.

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National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services U.S. National Center for Health Statistics World Health Organization American Medical Association Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society

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Mike Hove is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Ghana Startup Vows to Change Global Cancer Research

25 May 2022  |  www.voaafrica.com  |  English  |  Healthcare Innovation

Yemaachi Biotech, a Ghanaian health startup, is pioneering cancer research by creating a genomic archive of cancers in black people globally, addressing the lack of African representation in genomic studies. The startup, led by CEO Yaw Bediako and supported by pathologist Kafui Akakpo, aims to shift Africa's healthcare focus from infectious diseases to cancer. Yemaachi has developed Ghana's first home testing kit for Human Papillomavirus and secured over $4 million in funding, including from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop Africa's first cancer cure.

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Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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I cover global development by way of science and technology. I write for Scientific American, Rethink, and many other magazines and have produced radio packages for BBC Radio 4, Deutsche Welle and NPR's Here and Now. 

I have lived in and reported from the US, UK, Switzerland, and Mexico. I now ...

Political Backlash Ramps Up Digital Privacy Laws

01 Oct 2023  |  IEEE Spectrum  |  English  |  Legislation

The U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has led to a proprivacy backlash, with new digital privacy laws being proposed and enacted at both federal and state levels. These laws aim to protect personal data, particularly related to abortion, from being accessed by law enforcement and data brokers. However, industry lobbying and legislative gaps may still allow for data misuse. Key legislative actions include the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's bill to prevent data purchases by law enforcement, updates to HIPAA by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and state-level bills in California, Massachusetts, and Washington. Despite these efforts, experts warn that digital breadcrumbs will continue to pose privacy risks.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. House Judiciary Committee U.S. Supreme Court Restore the Fourth California appeals court

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Cynthia Mao is a bilingual journalist and OSINT researcher based in Vancouver, Canada. 

Fluent in English and Mandarin, she has published two travel guidebooks with Lonely Planet. She is also the publisher of Found in Translation (****), an online publication exposing the Chinese Communist Party ...

Fact Check: Soldiers' Organs Harvested, Eastern Ukraine Battlefield Becomes Western Black Market for Human Organs?

18 Jan 2023  |  Radio Free Asia  |  Chinese  |  Misinformation

A fact-checking report by the Asia Fact Check Lab debunks false claims circulating on Chinese websites about Western doctors harvesting organs from Ukrainian soldiers in Bakhmut, Eastern Ukraine, and selling them in Europe. The report finds no technical, logical, or evidential basis for these claims. It highlights the complexity of organ transplantation, the lack of verifiable identity for the Dutch doctor Elisabeth Debru mentioned in the rumors, and the history of similar Russian misinformation narratives. The Mozart Group, a private military organization implicated in the rumors, has categorically denied involvement. The report concludes that the claims are false and part of a pattern of Russian misinformation.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services The Mozart Group RIA Novosti

Faustine Ngila is Kenya's renowned technology journalist based in Nairobi.
He has reported widely on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, covering emerging technologies and innovations in Kenya and Africa.
He writes for the Daily Nation, Business Daily, Taifa Leo and The East African. He is one of a ...

30% of Americans have faced health data breaches this year

01 Oct 2023  |  qz.com  |  English  |  Healthcare Data Breaches

Over a quarter of the US population has experienced health data breaches in 2023, with nearly 87 million patients affected due to increased ransomware attacks and hacking efforts. California and New York are the most impacted states. The healthcare sector is a prime target for cybercriminals, with significant breaches reported by HCA Healthcare and Managed Care of North America. The US Department of Health and Human Services is investigating numerous breach cases. The cost of data breaches in the healthcare sector has risen, with the average cost reaching $10.9 million.

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US Department of Health and Human Services Prospect Medical Holdings

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Natalia Ningthoujam is a journalist based in Imphal, India. She has been reporting and writing on entertainment and lifestyle since 2010. She has interviewed Bollywood biggies like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif, and global stars like Pitbull, Ellie ...

Ruptured ovarian cyst: Here’s what it feels like and what to do about it

27 Nov 2024  |  www.healthshots.com  |  English  |  Medical Conditions

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on or within the ovaries, often resolving without medical intervention. However, complications such as ruptured ovarian cysts can occur, leading to symptoms like severe abdominal pain, fainting, and rapid heartbeat. Causes of rupture include high-impact activities, hormonal changes, and sexual intercourse. Diagnosis involves medical history review, pelvic exams, and ultrasounds, while treatment ranges from observation and pain management to surgical intervention for severe cases. Prompt medical attention is advised for significant symptoms to prevent complications like hemorrhage, infection, and scar tissue formation.

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US Department Of Health And Human Services UK National Health Service

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Ali Noorani is currently a broadcast Specialist at NHKWorld Japan. 
Before, he was Agence France-Presse’s former correspondent in Tehran, where he covered a wide range of topics on the country. He has appeared on networks like France24 English, DW English, NPR, BBC, Al Jazeera English, etc. ...

The Moral Clarity of Resettling Refugees

11 Mar 2022  |  www.thebulwark.com  |  English  |  U.S. Immigration Policy

The article discusses the urgent need for the United States to take a more active role in resettling Ukrainian refugees amidst the ongoing crisis. It criticizes the Trump administration's significant cuts to refugee admissions and highlights the Biden administration's efforts to rebuild the system. The text calls for raising the refugee resettlement cap, streamlining entry processes, and enhancing partnerships with international relief organizations. It emphasizes the moral and strategic importance of a robust refugee resettlement program, drawing historical parallels to past U.S. actions during major refugee crises.

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Departments of State, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services U.S. consulates in Poland, Romania, and Hungary Ohio’s Department of Jobs and Family Services U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Biden administration Trump administration Congress

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Alberto Payo is a journalist based in Mérida and Madrid, Spain. Graduated in Audiovisual Communication by Universidad Complutense and in Journalism by Universidad Carlos III is a very skilled and 360 professional. He can write articles and reports, make interviews, take pictures and video, edit ...

Three million Americans affected by ransomware attack on a medical software firm

24 Dec 2023  |  www.escudodigital.com  |  Spanish  |  Data Breach

Eso Solutions, a company providing software to hospitals and emergency medical services across the U.S., suffered a ransomware attack. The breach, which occurred on September 28, was confirmed on October 23 to have compromised personal health information of over 2.7 million patients. Eso Solutions has notified the Office for Civil Rights and state attorneys general, and the FBI is investigating. The company restored its systems using backups and is offering one or two years of free credit monitoring services through Kroll. The responsible group and whether a ransom was paid remain unknown.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) FBI

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Roni Robbins is a journalist.

More than 40% of Georgia’s counties lack maternity care places, such as hospitals and birth centers

12 Sept 2024  |  ajc  |  English  |  Maternal Mortality

Georgia faces significant challenges in maternity care, with over 40% of its counties lacking essential maternity care facilities. The state has a high maternal mortality rate and a significant number of women living in maternity care deserts. The March of Dimes report highlights the worsening state of maternity care, particularly in rural areas and among women of color. Efforts to address these issues include funding from the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as proposals for telehealth services and mobile health centers. The report emphasizes the need for improved access to quality maternity care to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for mothers and infants.

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Georgia’s Department of Public Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention March of Dimes

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Journalist interested in human rights and International news.
Coverage of Ukrainian crisis in 2014 from Kiev and Crimea.
Reporting conditions of Syrian and Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan. Investigation about violation of human rights towards Kurds in Southeastern Turkey. Feature Photo ...

One-Third Of U.S. Cannabis Users Would Turn To Illicit Market If Feds Limit Access To Pharmacy Only Sales, Poll Suggests

26 Jan 2024  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Public Opinion

A poll by NuggMD.com found that 32% of cannabis users would turn to the illicit market if federal regulations limited access to pharmacy-only sales. The survey comes as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which would not automatically make it a legal prescription drug. The poll indicates a strong preference for state-regulated dispensaries over FDA-approved pharmacy sales, with 85% favoring descheduling cannabis entirely. Deb Tharp of NuggMD highlighted the risk of pushing millions into the unregulated market and called for a balanced regulatory approach that maintains state markets and meets consumer needs.

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Food and Drug Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services NuggMD.com Drug Enforcement Agency

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Center

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Laura is an award-winning journalist, travel writer and broadcaster based in the West Midlands, U.K. 

She has worked with the BBC, Conde Nast Traveller, Euronews, The Independent Travel, Lonely Planet and Which? Travel, among others. Laura is a regular on the Which? podcasts offering travel ...

Vaccines, fluoride, raw milk: How RFK Jr.’s views may shape public health

14 Nov 2023  |  Science News  |  English  |  COVID-19

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as the leader of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has sparked debate due to his controversial views on public health issues, including vaccines, fluoride, and raw milk. Despite scientific consensus on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, Kennedy has been a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement. His stance on removing fluoride from drinking water contradicts established public health practices that have significantly reduced dental decay. Additionally, Kennedy's support for raw milk and discredited COVID-19 treatments like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin raises concerns about potential public health impacts under his leadership.

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World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Food and Drug Administration National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services American Academy of Pediatrics American Dental Association

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Right

Political View

Bejan Siavoshy is a multi-media journalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area after working in East Asia for the past five years. Be it sitting in a sweltering gym with key players of Hong Kong’s local pro wrestling circuit or staying out at all hours of the night with the most prominent ...

What RFK Jr.'s Confirmation Would Mean for the Health of the Nation

16 Jan 2025  |  www.kqed.org  |  English  |  Cabinet Nominations

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as head of the US Department of Health and Human Services by President-elect Trump is controversial due to his views on vaccines, fluoride, and food regulation. The article explores potential implications of his 'Make America Healthy Again' platform, with insights from Dr. Céline Gounder on the possible impact on public health policy.

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KFF Health News US Department of Health and Human Services CBS News

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Political View

Michael Sutton is a researcher based in Phoenix, United States of America. As an Edupreneur, he applies gamification, serious gaming, ed-tech (wikis and blogs), experiential/ active learning, and simulations within his workshops and courses to motivate ENGAGEMENT, INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, RETENTION, ...

HHS Announces 42 Part 2 Final Rule to Align with HIPAA

14 Mar 2024  |  www.lexblog.com  |  English  |  HIPAA Compliance

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have released a Final Rule to revise the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records regulations at 42 C.F.R. Part 2. This rule aligns Part 2 confidentiality protocols with HIPAA and HITECH Act requirements, aiming to improve care coordination and reduce administrative burdens while safeguarding SUD records. Key changes include allowing a single patient consent for all future uses and disclosures, enhanced protections for counseling session notes, breach notification requirements, and penalties for violations. The rule takes effect on April 16, 2024, with full compliance required by February 16, 2026.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HHS SAMHSA

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