News

An estimated 28% of children aged 5-11 received a first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine between Nov. 1 and Jan. 18, while 19% received a second dose, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released a Medicare payment code effective Feb. 24 for administering the combination monoclonal antibody therapy Evusheld to prevent COVID-19 in certain patients.

The AHA voiced support for the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 7053 /S. 3792), bipartisan legislation that would extend the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ acute hospital care at home waiver program two years beyond the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency

The House of Representatives passed a $1.5 trillion omnibus appropriations bill that would fund the federal government through the end of the current fiscal year.

Most adults aged 50 to 80 have concerns when deciding whether to have elective surgery but are very satisfied with the outcome if they have the surgery done, according to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. 

In AHA’s newest Advancing Health podcast, recorded for International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Priya Bathija, AHA’s vice president of strategic initiatives, talks to journalist and author Anushay Hossain about the health care experience of women, particularly women of color.

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are retiring their 3G networks, which could impact fire alarm and other building communication systems that use 3G service, the AHA’s American Society for Health Care Engineering advised members.

Fresenius Kabi USA recalledseven lots of sodium acetate injection after finding particulate matter in sample vials, which could cause infection or other serious adverse events if administered. No adverse events were reported.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Office of Minority Health plan to award $35 million through seven grant programs to support mental health and suicide prevention for children and young adults, including $9.2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The House Appropriations Committee announced an agreement on omnibus appropriations legislation funding the federal government through the end of the current fiscal year.

To support National Patient Safety Awareness Week, which starts Sunday, the American Society for Health Care Risk Management has developed free tip sheets and other resources to promote patient safety at hospitals.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will conduct focused inspections through June 9 to assess compliance and readiness at certain hospitals and skilled nursing facilities that treat or handle COVID-19 patients, the agency announced.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response began distributing two COVID-19 antiviral pills directly to certain pharmacy-based clinics, federal health centers and long-term care facilities so their clinicians can prescribe them to eligible patients or residents who test positive for the virus.

Hospitals and health systems added 2,700 jobs in February, while U.S. jobs overall increased by 678,000, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A shortage of BioFlex blood bags made by Fresenius Kabi is impacting an estimated 10%-15% of whole blood collections, America’s Blood Centers and Blood Centers of America reported.

B. Braun Medical Inc. has recalled five lots of 0.9% sodium chloride for injection due to fluid leakage or low fill volume, which could pose an infection risk to patients, the Food and Drug Administration announced.

AHA encouraged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to work with Congress to require Medicare Advantage plans to waive prior authorization and other utilization management policies during public health emergencies, especially for hospitals transferring patients to post-acute care. 

Responding to a request for information on digital health, the AHA Friday urged Congress to permanently eliminate all restrictions on telehealth originating and geographic sites; continue to allow rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to serve as distant sites for all telehealth services beyond mental health; make certain additional practitioners are eligible to deliver telehealth services; allow hospital outpatient departments and critical access hospitals to bill for telehealth services; and allow hospitals to bill the originating site fee when hospital-based clinicians provide telehealth services to hospital outpatients at home. 

The AHA Friday the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to evaluate and adjust the burden estimates associated with the uninsured and self-pay good faith estimates and patient-provider dispute resolution established under the No Surprises Act. 

This week health care leaders and front-line professionals are convening in Chicago to discuss best practices that enhance the patient and caregiver experience, improve quality and increase value. AHA’s Advancing Care Conference is designed to equip participants with customized strategies and an actionable plan to tackle challenges.