CMS Issues Guidance on New Medicaid and CHIP Funding Limits for Noncitizens
CMS issued guidance implementing new limits on federal Medicaid and CHIP matching funds for certain noncitizens under Public Law 119-21 Section 71109. States must implement system changes by October 1, 2026, including updates to eligibility systems, applications, verification, and claims processing. Exceptions exist for emergency medical conditions and coverage of lawfully residing children and pregnant women.
Managing Genetic Testing Risk and Lessons from Recent DOJ Enforcement
Genetic testing fraud, DOJ lessons from $328M cases
Upcoming ASM Payment Model Changes Impact Healthcare Lenders
Holland & Knight LLP analyzes the upcoming CMS Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM), a mandatory two-sided risk payment model starting January 1, 2027. The model focuses on heart failure and low back pain specialists in specific geographic areas over five performance years (2027-2031). Healthcare lenders and specialty practices should prepare for new reimbursement variability tied directly to clinician performance metrics.
Task Force targets federal benefits fraud, healthcare focus
The White House signed Executive Order 14235 on March 16, 2026, establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by the Vice President and including representatives from Treasury, DOJ, HHS, USDA, Labor, HUD, VA, and other agencies. The interagency task force will coordinate a national strategy to combat fraud, waste, and abuse across federal benefits programs including healthcare, housing, food assistance, and medical care. The task force is directed to develop eligibility verification improvements, identify fraud-prone transactions, and establish minimum anti-fraud requirements for federal benefit programs.
Court Allows ECPA Claim Over Health Info Tracking
A federal court denied a motion to dismiss in a case alleging Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) claims arising from sharing of health information through a website's online tracking technology. The court found that ECPA's crime-tort exception could apply where website publishers allegedly intended to violate HIPAA's criminal prohibition against unauthorized disclosure of individually identifiable health information.
OSHA and NY Workplace Violence Update in Health Care
Cozen O'Connor summarizes three workplace violence developments affecting healthcare employers. OSHA's proposed 'Workplace Violence in Health Care and Social Assistance' rule was moved to the Long-Term Action item in Spring 2025, effectively delaying federal action indefinitely. The 10th Circuit affirmed an OSHA citation against a psychiatric hospital in UHS of Delaware v. OSHRC for failing to protect employees from patient violence. New York enacted a law on December 12, 2025 requiring hospitals and nursing homes to establish workplace violence prevention programs with annual safety assessments beginning in 2027.
Radiation Advisory Council Quarterly Meeting - April 17, 2026
The Ohio Department of Health announced the Radiation Advisory Council quarterly meeting scheduled for April 17, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 246 North High Street in Columbus. The meeting will cover radiation safety matters and is open to the public with virtual participation available via Microsoft Teams.
Colorectal Cancer Prevention - Ohio Statistics and Screening Recommendations
The Ohio Department of Health published a feature story highlighting colorectal cancer statistics and prevention recommendations. The article notes that colorectal cancer is diagnosed in over 5,600 Ohioans annually and claims approximately 2,100 lives each year, with screening rates and early detection emphasized as critical factors for survival outcomes.
DEA Houston Warns Counterfeit M30 Pills Contain Fentanyl
DEA Houston Division issued a public safety alert warning that counterfeit M30 pills (resembling oxycodone) seized during law enforcement operations have tested positive for fentanyl. The agency is urging the public not to use these pills as they pose a deadly risk and are part of the ongoing fentanyl crisis affecting communities.
DEA Detroit Public Safety Alert: Cychlorphine Synthetic Opioid Warning
DEA Detroit Division issued a public safety alert warning law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals about Cychlorphine, a powerful synthetic opioid identified through DEA lab testing. The substance appears in powder form and has been found mixed into counterfeit pills, presenting serious risks including sedation, respiratory depression, and death.
Montana Disability Employment Summit May 13-14 Helena
MT DPHHS announced the 2026 Montana Disability Employment Summit scheduled for May 13-14 in Helena. The free two-day event aims to equip Montana employers with tools for building inclusive teams through disability-driven innovation, featuring sessions on youth employment pathways, entrepreneur showcases, and workplace accommodations.
LHD Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Course - Marion County Health Department
The Indiana Department of Health announced a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) training course scheduled for April 8, 2026, at the Marion County Public Health Department in Indianapolis. The course is open to Local Health Department (LHD) staff and public pool operators seeking CPO certification or recertification.
SFDA, Saudi Innovation Club Sign Digital Transformation MoU
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Innovation Club to advance digital transformation. The agreement focuses on e-service development, user experience optimization, and knowledge exchange to enhance digital capabilities across both organizations. Key cooperation areas include joint programs to foster innovation culture and collaboration on sectors of mutual interest.
Washington HB 2548 Expands Health Care Transaction Review Requirements
Washington Governor signed HB 2548 into law on March 25, 2026 (effective June 11, 2026), expanding the state's health care transaction review law under Chapter 19.390. The new law broadens the definition of material change to include changes in ownership or control, transfers of majority assets, and nonprofit-to-for-profit conversions. Parties to covered transactions must now provide additional ownership disclosures and pay tiered filing fees ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 based on transaction value.
HIPAA Allows PHI Disclosure to Law Enforcement and Courts with Warrants
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick published a client alert summarizing HHS guidance on when HIPAA permits covered entities to disclose protected health information to law enforcement. The alert covers court orders, warrants, subpoenas, and administrative requests under 45 CFR 164.512(f), noting that guidance is informal and subject to change.
International Review of CCTV Effectiveness in Care Home Settings
RQIA in Northern Ireland commissioned Queen's University Belfast to conduct a rapid evidence assessment on the effectiveness of CCTV use in care home settings. The January 2020 review examined international evidence on surveillance technology in care homes, covering ethical debates, rights-based issues, practical perspectives, and existing policies and guidance. The review found the evidence base for CCTV effectiveness in care homes is limited overall.
Child Abuse Prevention Month Services and Support Availability
North Dakota HHS has reminded residents that support services are available during Child Abuse Prevention Month, including FamilyFirst Services designed to strengthen families through practical support, behavioral health services, and other assistance. The announcement follows 532 confirmed cases of child abuse and/or neglect reported in calendar year 2025.
Alcohol deaths in New Mexico fell 23 percent since 2021
The New Mexico Department of Health announced that alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico dropped 23 percent between 2021 and 2024, coinciding with Alcohol Awareness Month in April. The announcement highlights the health risks of alcohol consumption, including links to seven types of cancer, and promotes free screening resources available to residents.
Free Health Services During National Public Health Week
The New Mexico Department of Health announced during National Public Health Week (April 6-12) that residents can access free vaccinations, reproductive health services, opioid use disorder treatment, nutrition support, and children's medical services at public health offices statewide. Services include children's medical case management, family planning, medication for opioid use disorder through the NMPathways Program, STI testing, vaccinations, and WIC nutrition assistance.
National Human Genome Research Institute Amends Meeting Notice
The National Human Genome Research Institute has amended a prior Federal Register meeting notice to modify the schedule for the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research meeting. The open session is moved to May 18, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the closed session moved to May 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A videocast link has also been added for the open session.
Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meetings
NIH Center for Scientific Review announces two closed virtual meetings scheduled for May 1, 2026. The meetings will review and evaluate grant applications for career development awards in social and community influences research, and chemical countermeasures against the nervous system. Both meetings are closed to the public under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to protect confidential trade secrets and personal information.
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Meeting Notice
NIH announces the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) will hold an open hybrid meeting on April 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET at the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. The meeting will discuss committee business, updates, and autism research and services activities. Public comments are accepted through April 14, 2026.
Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meetings
The NIH Center for Scientific Review announces five closed meetings scheduled for May 1-4, 2026. These virtual meetings will review grant applications related to clinical neuroscience, hepatitis C vaccines, endocrinology, CTSA programs, and mental health conditions. Meetings are closed under the Federal Advisory Committee Act due to confidential trade secrets and personal privacy considerations.
Blaenau Gwent children's services pass assurance check
Care Inspectorate Wales completed an assurance check of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council's children's services between 23-25 February 2026. The inspection found strong, child-centred practice with effective early help and safeguarding arrangements underpinned by supportive leadership. Areas identified for improvement include recording quality, reflective analysis, and communication with families at transition points.
Stakeholders consulted on Andrographis removal from permitted medicines
TGA proposes removing Andrographis from permitted medicines
Field Safety Notices: 30 March - 3 April 2026
MHRA published a weekly summary of Field Safety Notices received from medical device manufacturers for 30 March - 3 April 2026. The listing includes four FSNs: Abbott Afinion HbA1c diagnostic devices, Boston Scientific ACCOLADE cardiac devices, Ivoclar Vivadent Adhese 2 dental adhesives, and Resoundant Acoustic Driver System imaging devices. MHRA clarifies the listings are for information only and recommends contacting manufacturers directly with questions.
Spesolimab GPP flare prevention appraisal terminated, no evidence
NICE has terminated its appraisal of subcutaneous spesolimab (Spevigo) 1-ml formulation for preventing generalized pustular psoriasis flares in patients 12 years and older. The termination occurred because the manufacturer did not provide an evidence submission, leaving NICE unable to assess clinical effectiveness or cost-effectiveness. No NHS funding guidance will be issued for this indication.
Regulatory Horizons: Supply Chain Sovereignty - U.S. and EU Life Sciences Manufacturing
BakerHostetler published a podcast on April 7, 2026 analyzing how U.S. and EU regulatory priorities are reshaping life sciences manufacturing. The discussion covers the BIOSECURE Act, EU Critical Medicines Act, and FDA inspection priorities, examining how divergent regulatory execution creates new compliance challenges for global pharmaceutical companies.
Philips Azurion Interventional Radiology Recall, 847 Units
ANSM has recorded safety action R2603230 regarding Philips Azurion interventional radiology systems manufactured by Philips Medical Systems Nederland BV. Affected French healthcare facilities have received direct notification from Philips. The recall encompasses 847 units of the Azurion system. Healthcare providers should immediately review their inventory and contact Philips Medical Systems for corrective action.
WHO and France Launch One Health Initiatives at Lyon Summit
WHO and France hosted the One Health Summit in Lyon on World Health Day, announcing four major initiatives to operationalize the One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health. The Summit brings together global leaders to prevent future health crises, noting that 60% of known infectious diseases in humans originate from animals and 75% of emerging diseases are zoonotic. Outcomes will inform G7 discussions on health threat preparedness.
Medicare Advantage and Part D Program Changes for Contract Year 2027
CMS has published a final rule implementing comprehensive changes to Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), and Medicare cost plan regulations for contract year 2027. The rule codifies Inflation Reduction Act changes including the sunset of the Coverage Gap Discount Program and implementation of the new Manufacturer Discount Program, along with updates to Star Ratings, marketing standards, enrollment processes, and special needs plan requirements. The regulations are effective June 1, 2026 and apply to coverage beginning January 1, 2027.
Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Community Services Programs
The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families proposes to amend regulations governing Block Grants, Individual Development Account Reserve Funds, and the Emergency Community Services Homeless Grant Program. The proposed rule seeks to eliminate unnecessary or obsolete regulatory requirements. Public comments are being accepted through May 8, 2026, with the goal of reducing administrative burden on community services organizations.
SRAE National Evaluation Impact and Implementation Study Information Collection
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is seeking public comments on a new information collection request for the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) National Evaluation: Impact and Implementation Study. The study will collect data through youth surveys administered three times (pre-randomization, immediate post-program, and 6-month follow-up), along with semi-structured interviews with program staff and youth focus group discussions. Comments are due May 8, 2026.
Executive Order Imposing Section 232 Tariffs on Patented Pharmaceuticals
President Trump issued an Executive Order imposing Section 232 tariffs on imports of patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients, citing national security concerns over U.S. reliance on foreign pharmaceutical supply. The Secretary of Commerce found that pharmaceutical imports threaten access to life-saving medications during supply chain disruptions. Tariffs take effect July 31, 2026 for certain companies and September 29, 2026 for others.
Florida Appeals Court Invalidates DFS Rules on Physician Dispensing in Workers' Compensation
Florida's First District Court of Appeal invalidated two rules from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) that protected physician dispensing in workers' compensation cases. In Publix Super Markets v. Dep't of Fin. Servs., the court held the rules exceeded DFS's authority because the statutory "absolute choice" provision applies only to pharmacies and pharmacists, not dispensing practitioners. Workers' compensation insurers may now require injured workers to use pharmacies instead of receiving medications directly from treating providers.
EU Design Act strengthens medical device design protection
Hogan Lovells analyzes the EU Design Act (effective May 1, 2025 with further reforms July 1, 2026) and its implications for medical device manufacturers. The reform extends design protection to digital and dynamic elements, strengthens enforcement against unauthorized digital replication and 3D printing, and addresses the repair clause for spare parts.
Trump Administration Announces Tariffs on Imported Patented Medication and Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Mayer Brown summarizes the Trump Administration's April 2, 2026 proclamation imposing sweeping tariffs on imported patented medications and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The proclamation establishes a 100% ad valorem duty on products of companies without approved MFN pricing or onshoring agreements, effective July 31, 2026 for non-compliant companies and September 29, 2026 for others. The tariffs are justified on national security grounds, citing that 53% of US patented pharmaceuticals and 85% of patented APIs were produced abroad as of 2025.
FDA Grants Limited Enforcement Discretion for CBD Dietary Supplements
The FDA announced a new enforcement discretion policy for orally administered, hemp-derived CBD products effective April 1, 2026. The policy only applies to CBD dietary supplements meeting four criteria and provided to Medicare beneficiaries at the direction of a treating physician. CMS has established a Substance Access BEI program allowing participating organizations to offer up to $500 per year of hemp products to eligible Medicare beneficiaries.
FDA clarifies compounded GLP-1 policies, warns telehealth companies
FDA clarifies compounded GLP-1 policies, warns telehealth companies
CMS ACCESS Model and FDA TEMPO Pilot: Outcome-Based Payments and Digital Health
Offit Kurman analyzes CMS's ACCESS Model (a CMMI initiative) testing outcome-aligned payments tied to measurable clinical improvements for Medicare Part B providers, running concurrently with FDA's TEMPO pilot supporting digital health technology integration. The article details participation requirements, payment structures involving 50% upfront and 50% withheld amounts subject to reconciliation, and FDA enforcement discretion possibilities for digital health devices used within the model.
CMS Reaches $100 Million in Stark Self-Disclosure Settlements
CMS released 2025 settlement data for voluntary self-disclosures under the physician self-referral law (Stark Law), settling 244 cases totaling over $20.4 million. Aggregate settlements since the SRDP's inception in 2011 have now exceeded $105 million. A record single settlement of $2.68 million more than doubled the previous high from 2018.
FDA Draft Guidance on 483 Responses for Drug Manufacturers
Cooley LLP summarizes FDA's new draft guidance providing, for the first time, formal recommendations for drug manufacturers on responding to Form FDA 483 observations following cGMP inspections. The guidance applies to domestic and foreign facilities manufacturing human or animal drugs regulated by CDER, CBER, or CVM, including combination-product manufacturers when CDER or CBER is the lead center. Key recommendations include structured response formatting, executive summaries, detailed remediation plans, risk assessments, and interim reporting requirements.
DOH Warns Parents About Sweetened Fruit Drink Marketing Targeting Keiki
The Hawaii Department of Health relaunched its Sweet Lies! public awareness campaign to warn parents and caregivers about misleading marketing of sweetened fruit drinks to children. The campaign addresses statistics showing nearly one in three school-aged children in Hawaii are overweight or obese, and more than 75% of keiki consume at least one sweetened beverage daily. The initiative runs through May 15, 2026, across television, radio, digital platforms, social media, and shopping malls statewide.
Cable passer for multiple cerclage cables bone fracture
USPTO granted patent US12594106B1 to Joseph Mitchell for a cable passer device designed to pass multiple cerclage cables simultaneously during bone fracture repair procedures. The device features a handle, an extending arm, and a concavely curved slot tube with multiple channels for cable management. The patent contains 7 claims and covers the structural configuration enabling simultaneous passage of multiple cerclage cables.
Hallux valgus bone alignment system patent
The USPTO granted patent US12594107B2 to Wright Medical Technology, Inc. for a minimally invasive osteotomy fragment shifter, stabilizer, and targeter system designed to correct hallux valgus deformity (bunions). The system includes an intramedullary hook, screw assembly with skin-interfacing portion, and guide pin aperture for anchoring to the metatarsal. The patent contains 19 claims and was filed on June 27, 2025.
Intramedullary Nail Patent US12594108B2 Granted to Globus Medical
USPTO granted patent US12594108B2 to Globus Medical Inc. for intramedullary nail systems and aiming guide assemblies used in surgical implantation procedures. The patent covers nail designs with self-retaining connection bolt mechanisms and collet configurations. Inventors Mark Rossney and David E. Laird, Sr. received the B2 patent grant containing 20 claims.
Surgical extractor with ratcheting handle device
USPTO granted patent US12594109B2 to Shukla Medical for a surgical extractor with ratcheting handle device. The invention comprises an extractor device with proximal and distal ends, first and second jaws configured to engage a fastener at the distal end, and a ratchet handle device extending from the proximal end. The patent contains 7 claims and was assigned CPC classifications related to surgical instruments.
Cryosurgical probe and manufacturing method
USPTO granted patent US12594110B2 to Metrum Cryoflex S.A. for a cryosurgical probe and manufacturing method. The patent describes a cryoprobe for cryotherapy comprising working and drain tubes welded together, with a concentric drain tube featuring a perforated end near the working tube's distal end and a throttle perforation enabling fluid passage and expansion. The patent contains 19 claims.
BTG International - High Pressure, Low Temperature Coupling Patent
USPTO granted Patent US12594111B2 to BTG International Limited for a multi-stage, reusable coupling device with temperature-responsive sealing engagements. The invention enables sealed coupling at different temperature conditions for medical/surgical applications, including cryogenic procedures. The patent contains 18 claims covering the device system and methods.
Cryogenic Applicator Patent for Skin Treatment
The USPTO granted Patent US12594112B2 to Cryogeneus Inc. on April 7, 2026, covering a portable cryogenic applicator system for skin treatment. The patent claims a vessel for liquid nitrogen delivery through a porous biocompatible rotating roller, a capillary U-bend preventing spontaneous discharge, and a vacuum valve maintaining ambient external surface temperature. The patent includes 19 claims covering the cryogenic applicator design and operation for dermatological applications.
Ablation probes including flexible circuits for heating and sensing
The USPTO granted patent US12594113B2 to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. for an ablation probe incorporating flexible circuits with radio frequency emitters for delivering RF energy to target tissue. The patent claims a shell with cryogen supply conduit and flexible circuit positioned on the outer surface. The patent contains 19 claims and was filed on June 21, 2022.
Medical Electrode Device with Movable Active Electrode
The USPTO issued Patent US12594117B2 to Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. on April 7, 2026, covering a medical device featuring a shaft with a distal passive electrode containing a central opening and a movable active electrode. The active electrode can transition between an extended position (not contacting the passive electrode) and a retracted position (contacting the passive electrode). The patent contains 18 claims.
Water-cooled flexible microwave ablation probe
The USPTO granted patent US12594120B2 to COSWAVE MEDICAL INC. for a water-cooled flexible microwave ablation probe designed for surgical ablation procedures. The probe features a coaxial water cooling system with inlet and outlet channels that circulate cooling water through the probe cavity to cool the feed cable and reflector. The patent includes 13 claims covering the flexible elongated water tube design and coaxial tuning cavity configuration.
SpineGuard Surgical Navigation System Patent Granted
USPTO granted SpineGuard patent US12594127B2 on April 7, 2026, for a surgical navigation system that verifies surgical procedures align with pre-operative surgical plans using sensor-based tracking and visual or audible confirmation signals. The patent contains 20 claims covering systems, instruments, and methods for displaying surgical tool trajectories overlaid on anatomical images and confirming proper tool penetration according to the surgical plan.
Context aware surgical systems via hyperspectral image analysis
The USPTO granted patent US12594122B2 for a context-aware surgical system using hyperspectral image analysis to configure medical devices during procedures. The system identifies devices via electromagnetic or RF tracking, processes images to determine context measures, and adaptively configures device parameters based on the surgical context. The patent includes 10 claims covering methods and systems for real-time device configuration during medical procedures.
Intraluminal navigation system using virtual satellite targets for catheter guidance
USPTO granted Canon U.S.A., Inc. Patent US12594126B2 for an intraluminal navigation system that provides catheter guidance using virtual satellite targets. The system comprises a catheter, tracking system, processor, and display that registers catheter tip position and generates virtual targets to guide users through luminal procedures. The patent includes 21 claims with inventors including Brian Ninni.
Visualization system and method for ENT procedures
The USPTO granted patent US12594125B2 to Acclarent, Inc. covering a visualization system for ENT procedures that integrates image-guided surgery navigation with head-mounted displays. The system uses magnetic position tracking and camera-based image analysis to overlay surgical navigation data onto patient anatomy viewed through a transparent HMD screen. The patent includes 7 inventors and 15 claims.
Laceration system and device patent - Boston Scientific
USPTO granted Boston Scientific Patent US12594115B2 for a laceration device used in medical procedures. The patent covers a shaft with perforation and laceration electrodes, an outwardly extending barb, and associated electrical connectors for connection to a power source. The invention is assigned to Boston Scientific Medical Device Limited with four listed inventors.
Surgical instrument for colorectal polyp removal, US12594114B2
Surgical instrument for colorectal polyp removal, US12594114B2
Neuromodulation Systems and Methods for Enhanced Nerve Targeting
USPTO granted Medtronic Ireland Manufacturing Unlimited Company Patent No. US12594118B2 covering neuromodulation systems with enhanced nerve targeting capabilities. The patent discloses methods for positioning reference and ablation electrodes intravascularly, obtaining impedance measurements, and identifying electrode groups for treatment based on those measurements. Medtronic secured intellectual property protection for these neuromodulation innovations.
Medical systems and related methods for imaging material removal
The USPTO granted patent US12594124B2 to Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. for a method of identifying material to be removed from a patient using medical imaging. The patent covers systems and methods for obtaining image data, analyzing it based on darkness, contrast, or saturation, and generating coded images to guide material removal with an insertion device.
Chronic rhinitis electrosurgical treatment, Olympus patent
The USPTO granted patent US12594116B2 to Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbH on April 7, 2026. The patent covers a method for treating chronic rhinitis using a handheld electrosurgical applicator for treatment of hypertrophic nasal conchae and/or submucosal ablation of the posterior nasal nerve to reduce cardinal symptoms. The patent was filed in July 2022 and includes 2 claims.
Shock wave balloon catheter with multiple shock wave sources
USPTO granted patent US12594119B2 to Shockwave Medical, Inc. for a shock wave balloon catheter apparatus featuring multiple shock wave sources distributed within an inflatable balloon. The invention targets calcified regions in the body, with shock waves propagating through the liquid inside the balloon to impinge upon adjacent tissue. The patent contains 18 claims.
Measles Outbreak Update: No New Cases Since March 17, Total Holds at 997
The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported no new measles cases since March 17, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. No individuals are currently in quarantine or isolation. The outbreak appears stable pending the 42-day no-case period required for declaration of outbreak end.
South Carolina Stroke Advisory Council to Meet April 9, 2026
The South Carolina Department of Public Health announced that the South Carolina Stroke Advisory Council will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually, with the agenda and link to view the proceedings available on the department's meeting event page.
Michigan licenses second dental therapist to help increase access to dental care
Michigan DHHS announced the licensing of the state's second dental therapist, Jamie Toney, who will practice at The Wellness Plan Medical Center in Metro Detroit. The announcement also highlighted Ferris State University's development of Michigan's first dental therapy training program, led by Dr. Deborah Brown, with MDHHS providing $85,000 in federal HRSA grant funding to support program development.
Michigan Loan Repayment Program for SUD Providers, April 30 Deadline
Michigan DHHS announced the opening of the application period for the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program (MIOTA) through April 30, 2026. The program provides $15,000 to $30,000 in student loan repayment assistance to healthcare providers who begin or expand opioid addiction treatment services. Eligible providers include medical doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case managers, and SUD counselors working in various healthcare settings.
Screw implants for bone fusion - Globus Medical fixation assembly
The USPTO granted patent US12594104B2 to Globus Medical, Inc. on April 7, 2026, covering a fixation screw assembly with a polyaxial flexible washer member designed for bone fusion procedures. The assembly prevents backout of the bone engagement portion when implanted. The patent is applicable to various fusion procedures, including sacroiliac joint fusion.
Surgical Suture Assembly Patent US12594102B2
The USPTO granted Patent US12594102B2 on April 7, 2026, to inventor Murali Dharan for a surgical suture assembly configured for closure of biological tissue including sternum bony tissue. The patent contains 22 claims with CPC classifications A61B 17/82, A61B 17/823, A61B 17/8861, and A61B 17/06166 covering surgical fasteners and sutures. The invention addresses bleeding mitigation during tissue closure procedures.
Method and device for bone fixation
The USPTO granted patent US12594101B1 to inventor Vitaly Piluiko for a method and device for bone fixation. The invention covers a bone plate and bone hook system that engages the interior of bone to apply counterforce during fracture repair procedures. The patent contains 18 claims under CPC classifications related to surgical bone fixation devices.
Photodynamic articular joint implants and methods of use
The USPTO granted patent US12594105B2 to IlluminOss Medical, Inc. covering photodynamic devices for replacement of an articular head of a bone. The patent includes 16 claims and covers photodynamic support members attachable to articular members with bearing surfaces for joint implant applications.
18-year-old charged for alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods
HSA charged an 18-year-old male in Singapore court on 6 April 2026 for alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods. During an enforcement operation on 4 April, HSA officers seized 108 etomidate pods, one vaporiser, and duty-unpaid cigarettes. This is the second prosecution of an 18-year-old for etomidate trafficking, following enhanced penalties that took effect on 1 September 2025.