Wyoming WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines and Modernized Program Access
The Wyoming Department of Health announced updated WIC income eligibility guidelines effective April 1, 2026. The program also introduced a new Online Participant Portal allowing families to apply, schedule appointments, message staff, and upload documents. Children enrolled in KidCare CHIP now automatically meet WIC income requirements. For a family of four, the monthly qualifying income is under $5,088.
South Carolina Measles Outbreak Update - 997 Cases, No New Infections
South Carolina DPH reported no new measles cases since March 17, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. The outbreak has been ongoing since 2025 with 932 unvaccinated, 20 partially vaccinated, and 26 fully vaccinated individuals among confirmed cases. No persons are currently in quarantine or isolation.
Rabid Cat Confirmed in Anderson County; Two People, Sixteen Cats, and Nine Dogs Exposed
The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a rabid cat in Anderson County near Belton, S.C. Two people were exposed and referred to healthcare providers; 16 cats and 9 dogs were also exposed. This is the fourth animal to test positive for rabies in Anderson County in 2026, with 22 cases reported statewide this year.
Delayed Implementation of Prior Authorization for Medicare WISeR Services
CMS issued a notice delaying the implementation of prior authorization requirements for two services under the WISeR (Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction) Model: Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease (NCD 160.24) and Percutaneous Image-Guided Lumbar Decompression for Spinal Stenosis (NCD 150.13). The original January 1, 2026 implementation date for these services has been postponed. The new implementation date will be announced in a future Federal Register notice.
WISeR Model Prior Authorization Requirements Correction
CMS issued a correction notice to fix typographical and technical errors in the WISeR Model prior authorization requirements originally published July 1, 2025. The corrections revise the list of covered service codes for epidural steroid injections, vertebral compression fracture procedures, fusion procedures, and sleep apnea services, reducing the number of applicable codes in each category. The notice also clarifies that Skin and Tissue Substitutes prior authorization applies only to selected WISeR MAC jurisdictions with active LCDs during performance years starting January 1, 2026.
Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden in Family Violence Prevention Services
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) published a proposed rule to remove duplicative or unnecessary sections from 45 CFR Part 1370, which governs Family Violence Prevention and Services programs. The changes aim to streamline regulations and reduce administrative burden. Comments on the proposed rule are due May 6, 2026.
Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meetings
The NIH Center for Scientific Review published a Federal Register notice announcing five closed meetings scheduled for April 29-30, 2026. The meetings, conducted virtually, will review grant applications including Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers, Musculoskeletal/Skin/Oral Sciences PAR Panel, R21/R03 proposals, and neuroscience topics. Meetings are closed pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act to protect confidential trade secrets and personal privacy.
Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meetings
The NIH Center for Scientific Review published a Federal Register notice announcing four closed meetings scheduled for April 29 through May 1, 2026. The meetings will review grant applications for research in communication/language, biocontainment laboratories, biomaterials/nanoscience, clinical care interventions, and oncology fellowships. All meetings will be held virtually and closed to the public under exemptions for confidential trade secrets and personal privacy.
Center for Scientific Review Closed Meeting Notices
The National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review announced five closed meetings scheduled for April 28-29, 2026, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The meetings will review grant applications for topics including health services research, basic and translational cancer research, medical technology partnerships, mentored career development awards, and shared-use biomedical research equipment. All meetings will be held virtually.
Center for Scientific Review Closed Meeting Notices
The NIH Center for Scientific Review published a Federal Register notice announcing three closed meetings scheduled for April 28-30, 2026. The meetings will review grant applications for research programs including myocardial physiology, fellowships, and microplastic impacts. Meetings are closed under Federal Advisory Committee Act provisions to protect confidential grant information and personal data.
E2B(R3) Data Standards for Postmarketing Safety Reports
FDA issued a notice proposing updated E2B(R3) data standards for electronic submission of postmarketing individual case safety reports to the FDA Adverse Event Monitoring System. The notice introduces new regional data elements and establishes an implementation schedule. Comments are due by October 1, 2026 (180 days from publication).
STRATTERA Not Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness
The FDA determined that STRATTERA (atomoxetine hydrochloride) capsules at all dosage strengths (5mg through 100mg) were not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness. This determination allows generic drug manufacturers to reference this finding in abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) without providing separate safety and effectiveness data.
Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Children, Youth, and Family Programs
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within HHS has published a proposed rule to reduce bureaucratic burden and administrative requirements for programs serving children, youth, and families. The rule aims to streamline regulations affecting child welfare, foster care, youth development, and family support programs. Public comments are being accepted through May 6, 2026.
ACIP Charter Renewal Notice
The CDC renewed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) charter through April 2028. This routine administrative notice confirms the committee's continued operation under its federal advisory committee mandate. No new policy requirements or compliance obligations are established.
Hazardous Waste Worker Training OMB Comment Request 42 CFR Part 65
NIH/NIEHS published a corrected notice reopening the 30-day public comment period for an information collection request regarding hazardous waste worker training under 42 CFR Part 65. The original notice was published on March 18, 2026. This correction notice extends the comment period for stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed training requirements for workers handling hazardous waste.
Notice of Public Data Asset Release Under OPEN Government Data Act
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Federal Register notice announcing the release of public data assets under the OPEN Government Data Act. This notice informs the public that CMS has made certain data assets available in compliance with federal open data requirements. The action applies to healthcare providers, researchers, and other stakeholders who utilize CMS public data.
TANF Work Participation Rate Calculation Changes
The HHS Children and Families Administration (ACF) has published a proposed rule to recalibrate the TANF work participation rate calculation, specifically modifying the caseload reduction credit methodology and prohibiting small checks in the calculation. The proposed changes would affect how states demonstrate compliance with federal work participation requirements under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Comments on the proposed rule are due by May 6, 2026.
PIC/S GMP Guide Revised Chapters 3, 5, 8 and Annex 17
PIC/S has revised Chapters 3, 5, 8 and Annex 17 of the GMP Guide (PE 009-14), aligning them with EU GMP principles and Quality Risk Management. Key changes include new cross-contamination prevention requirements in Chapters 3 and 5, updated supplier qualification requirements, and expanded quality defect evaluation expectations in Chapter 8. The revision entered into force on 1 July 2018.
DMV Urges New Yorkers to Register as Life-Saving Organ Donors
The New York DMV has launched a public awareness campaign urging state residents to register as organ donors, highlighting that approximately 8,000 New Yorkers are currently awaiting organ transplants. The campaign notes that 52.9% of eligible state residents have registered as donors. This is an informational initiative rather than a regulatory mandate.
System and Method for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea
USPTO granted US Patent 12,589,246 B2 to The Cleveland Clinic Foundation for a neuromuscular stimulation system to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a power source, controller, and electrodes configured to deliver therapy signals to tissues controlling the posterior base of the tongue. The patent contains 25 claims.
Ultrasonic treatment device
USPTO granted patent US12589264B2 to Shenzhen Peninsula Medical Group for an ultrasonic treatment device with integrated cooling mechanism. The patent, covering 14 claims, was granted March 31, 2026, with a filing date of September 6, 2024. The technology relates to ultrasonic treatment tips with sealed cavities, sound-transferring medium, and heat-transferring surfaces for thermal management during treatment.
Widex Aura Hearing Aid Trademark Application
USPTO published trademark application TM79429013 for 'WIDEX AURA' covering hearing aids and parts. The application was filed on June 18, 2025, and entered the opposition period on April 2, 2026. Third parties have an opportunity to file oppositions against this registration.
DR SYSTEM Dental Equipment Trademark Application
The USPTO published trademark application TM79396790 for DR SYSTEM covering dental equipment including prostheses, artificial teeth, dentures, dental instruments, implant components, bone implants, and ultrasound apparatus. The application, filed on April 9, 2024, has entered the opposition period following publication on April 2, 2026. Third parties have a standard 30-day window to file opposition if they believe the mark should not be registered.
ARTA Trademark - ECG Monitors and Software
USPTO published trademark application TM79434017 for "ARTA" covering electrocardiograph devices (ambulatory ECG monitors, cardiac event monitors) and downloadable smartphone software for performing electrocardiographs. The application was filed on July 1, 2025, and published for opposition on April 2, 2026.
Bronchostop Registered Trademark - Pharmaceutical Preparations
USPTO registered trademark TM79418696 for BRONCHOSTOP in Class 5 (pharmaceutical preparations), filed February 12, 2025. The registration covers pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations, disinfectants, and related medical products. The trademark is now active and provides the registrant exclusive rights to use the BRONCHOSTOP mark in connection with the specified goods.
VACSAF Trademark Registration - Chemicals and Biochemicals (Class 005)
USPTO cancelled trademark registration TM79221183 for VACSAF on April 2, 2026. The registration covered chemicals, biochemicals, and pharmaceutical preparations in Class 005 including reagents, excipients, and therapeutic preparations. The trademark is now removed from the federal register.
Trimodulin Pharmaceutical Trademark Cancellation
USPTO cancelled trademark registration TM79222116 for "Trimodulin," covering pharmaceutical immunoglobulin preparations for treating immunological disorders and bacterial infections including severe community-acquired pneumonia. The cancellation took effect April 2, 2026. This is a routine administrative action that terminates the registered trademark.
FTC Creates Healthcare Task Force for Competition and Consumer Protection
The FTC has established a Healthcare Task Force drawing staff from multiple bureaus to coordinate competition and consumer-protection enforcement in healthcare markets. The Task Force formalizes ongoing enforcement against consolidation, exclusionary conduct, and deceptive practices, including a $945 million medical device acquisition block, IDD services merger challenge, and cataract surgery laser merger opposition.
Home Health Company Overtime Misclassification Settlement
ViaQuest Residential Services LLC agreed to pay $975,000 to settle a collective action alleging misclassification of program managers as exempt from overtime under the FLSA and Ohio wage laws. The case centered on whether program managers' primary duty was management or direct patient patient care. One hundred-six plaintiffs received pro rata payments representing approximately 76.4 percent of their calculated alleged unpaid overtime.
Missouri marijuana research facility licensing rules proposed
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation has filed proposed rules 19 CSR 100-1.200 establishing a new marijuana research facility license category. The rules define authorized research activities, application requirements, and licensing procedures for entities seeking to conduct cannabis research in Missouri. Public comments will be accepted May 1-31, 2026, with final rules expected in summer 2026.
Measles Exposure Location Confirmed at Safeway in Portland
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County public health officials announced a measles exposure location at Safeway, 2800 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, Oregon, occurring March 26-29, 2026. Individuals present at this location during specified time windows should contact their healthcare provider to assess measles immunity based on vaccination records, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection. This is an informational public health notice with no compliance deadlines or penalties.
Virtual media briefing on measles in Oregon
Oregon Health Authority announced a virtual media briefing on measles to be held April 3, 2026 at 1 p.m. State Epidemiologist Dean Sidelinger will provide an update on the state's response to measles cases, including latest case data, exposure location advisories, and wastewater sampling findings. Oregon has reported 13 measles cases so far in 2026.
Warning Against Baby Poultry Gifts Due to Salmonella Risk
Oregon Health Authority issued a public health notice on April 2, 2026, warning against giving chicks, ducklings, or other baby poultry as Easter gifts due to salmonella risks. Since 2020, five outbreaks linked to baby chicks have occurred in Oregon, affecting at least 55 cases of salmonellosis, with approximately half of cases involving children under 18. The notice recommends that children under 5, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals avoid handling live poultry.
FDA CTP Complaint - Closed for Comments
The FDA Center for Tobacco Products filed a complaint (Docket FDA-2026-H-3161-0001) that was closed for comments on April 3, 2026. The complaint document was submitted through regulations.gov and is now archived. No documents are available for public viewing in this docket.
Justin Lachance Pharmacist Emergency Suspension
The New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy issued an emergency suspension order for pharmacist Justin Eric Lachance following evidence that he posed an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare. The license was suspended on February 18, 2026, after the Board reviewed a verified petition filed by OPLC Enforcement on February 17, 2026. A full adjudicative hearing was held on March 3, 2026, to determine whether the emergency suspension should remain in effect pending a complete investigation into potential controlled substance violations.
Louisiana Healthcare Connections Prior Authorization Audit Findings
HHS OIG completed an audit of Louisiana Healthcare Connections (LHCC), a Louisiana Medicaid managed care organization, examining 76 sampled behavioral health service denials requiring prior authorization. LHCC complied with Federal and State requirements for 64 of 76 sampled denials (84%), but 12 denials failed to meet administrative or procedural requirements, primarily missing written notices of adverse determination. OIG estimates 3,209 prior authorization denials (15.8%) during the audit period did not comply with requirements.
Houston Doctor Charged with Illegal Opioid Distribution
The DEA Houston Division announced criminal charges against a Houston doctor for allegedly illegally distributing over one million opioid pills over a four-year period. The DOJ has filed the charges, marking a significant enforcement action in the ongoing effort against opioid diversion. This case highlights continued DEA scrutiny of healthcare providers suspected of improper opioid prescribing practices.
Counterfeit Pills Public Safety Warning
DEA Chicago Division issued a public safety alert warning that counterfeit pills can be fatal. The alert advises that taking pills not prescribed by a licensed physician and dispensed from a registered pharmacy poses potentially fatal risks. The alert includes imagery comparing authentic versus counterfeit oxycodone pills.
Nashville Drug Enforcement Operation Results
DEA Louisville Division and law enforcement partners in Nashville, TN arrested 8 individuals and seized 161 lbs of methamphetamine, 4 kg of fentanyl, 10 kg of cocaine, 4.4 lbs of marijuana, .5 kg of counterfeit pills, over $700,000 in cash, and 10 firearms on April 1, 2026.
Vibrent Health, NIH award, $16.5M unallowable costs
Vibrent Health, NIH award, $16.5M unallowable costs