Healthcare & Life Sciences

Drowsy Driving Risk Warning Due to Daylight Saving Time

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has issued a warning to motorists about the increased risk of drowsy driving associated with the start of Daylight Saving Time. The notice advises drivers to be aware of potential fatigue and take precautions to ensure safety on the road.

Health product recall: APO-BRIMONIDINE-TIMOP weight out of specification

Health Canada has issued a recall for APO-BRIMONIDINE-TIMOP due to a weight specification issue in lot VK2312. The recall is classified as Type II, indicating a low probability of adverse health consequences. Retailers are instructed to remove the affected product from shelves.

Olympus MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444 Valves Recall

Health Canada has issued a Type II recall for Olympus MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444 valves. These valves are no longer compatible with OER-Pro and OER-Elite automated endoscope reprocessors and require reprocessing via updated instructions. Healthcare providers should contact the manufacturer for further information.

Shimadzu FDR Visionary Suite Health Product Recall

Health Canada has issued a Type II recall for Shimadzu Corporation's FDR Visionary Suite medical device due to a potential safety issue with the X-ray high voltage generator. The issue could lead to overheating and smoke. Healthcare providers are advised to contact the manufacturer for more information.

Lifeworks Technology Massage Guns Recalled as Unauthorised Device

Health Canada has recalled Lifeworks Technology Vibra-Heal and Restore Massage Guns because they were distributed without a valid medical device licence. Sales have ceased, and the company plans to apply for the necessary licence.

CDPHE Launches Environmental Justice Grants Dashboard

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has launched a new interactive dashboard for its Environmental Justice Grant Program. The dashboard provides transparency on how grant funding is being used to address environmental issues and improve community health across Colorado.

Colorado Campaign Promotes Tax Credits to Reduce Child Poverty

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has relaunched its Get Ahead Colorado campaign to encourage families to file taxes and claim state and federal tax credits. Research indicates these credits can reduce child poverty in Colorado by 37%. The campaign provides resources for free tax filing assistance and tax credit estimation.

US Measles Cases Exceed 1,100; Washington Reports 26

The Washington State Department of Health reported 26 measles cases in early 2026, with national cases surpassing 1,100. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with nearly 80% of Washington cases occurring in unvaccinated children. The DOH emphasizes the MMR vaccine as the primary prevention method.

EMA Draft Guidance on Clinical Trials During Public Health Emergencies

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published draft guidance for conducting clinical trials during public health emergencies. This guidance, open for consultation until April 30, 2026, aims to streamline the authorization of new trials and modifications to ongoing trials.

Board of Registration in Medicine v. Brian J. Poore - Reciprocal Discipline

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine has issued a Final Decision and Order for Dr. Brian J. Poore, imposing reciprocal discipline based on a prior disciplinary action by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners for substance misuse. The Board adopted the findings and conclusions of a Recommended Decision, asserting jurisdiction despite the respondent's lapsed Massachusetts license.

Dr. Agrawal Faces Medical License Suspension

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine has issued a Final Decision and Order against Dr. Amy Agrawal, recommending the suspension of her medical license. This action follows her failure to respond to a Statement of Allegations, appear for a pre-hearing conference, and respond to a Motion to Default.

Measles Outbreak Declared in Broomfield, Colorado

Colorado public health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak following a third connected case. The announcement details known exposure sites and dates in Broomfield, urging unvaccinated individuals to consider post-exposure prophylaxis and monitor for symptoms. The public is advised to contact health officials if symptoms develop.

Colorado QuitLine Offers Incentive to Quit Tobacco

The Colorado QuitLine is offering adults up to $100 in incentives for completing a tobacco and nicotine cessation coaching series. This initiative aims to increase quit rates, with participants receiving personalized coaching and free nicotine replacement therapy.

Andrew Sorial Agrees to Cease Practicing Medicine

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine has entered into a voluntary agreement with physician Andrew L. Sorial, M.D., to cease practicing medicine in the Commonwealth. This agreement is non-disciplinary but will be reported to national data banks.

FDA Draft Guidance on 3-Year Exclusivity for Drug Products

The FDA has issued draft guidance to assist applicants requesting 3-year exclusivity for drug products. The guidance, available for public comment, clarifies the statutory and regulatory criteria for eligibility and provides recommendations on request content and format. This aims to support the Drug Competition Action Plan.

FDA Guidance on Real-World Data for Medicine Safety Assessment

The FDA has issued final guidance on using real-world data for medicine safety assessments, replacing a previous draft and withdrawing an older guidance. This document provides principles for planning, designing, analyzing, and reporting non-interventional studies utilizing real-world data for drugs and biological products.

FDA Final Guidance on Post-Approval Safety Data Reporting

The FDA has issued final guidance on post-approval safety data reporting, updating standards for managing and reporting individual case safety reports. This guidance clarifies the use of new data sources and replaces previous versions from 2003 and a draft from March 2024.

Colorado Public Health Officials Confirm Measles Case

Colorado public health officials confirmed a measles case in an Adams County resident and identified locations and times of potential public exposure in Broomfield and Westminster. The notice advises individuals who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and contact health officials if they develop them.

HHS OIG: Colorado Medicaid Improper Payments for ABA Services

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that Colorado made at least $77.8 million in improper fee-for-service Medicaid payments for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services provided to children in 2022 and 2023. The OIG recommended Colorado refund $42.6 million to the Federal Government and improve guidance for ABA providers.

FDA Import Alert: GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Bulk Drug Substances

The FDA has issued Import Alert #66-80, placing Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist Bulk Drug Substances on Detention Without Physical Examination. This action is due to concerns that these substances, used in compounding, may be adulterated and not meet current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) requirements.

FDA Import Alert 16-120: Detention of Non-Compliant Fish Products

The FDA has updated Import Alert 16-120, revising guidance for field personnel regarding the detention without physical examination (DWPE) of fish and fishery products from foreign processors not in compliance with the Seafood HACCP regulation. The update includes changes to the title, reason for alert, and guidance sections, incorporating foreign remote regulatory assessments as a compliance verification method.

FDA Import Alert 98-06: New Tobacco Products Detained Without Authorization

The FDA has updated Import Alert 98-06, which detains new tobacco products lacking required marketing authorization. This revision clarifies guidance and agency contacts, noting that ENDS products are now covered under a separate alert (98-07). Manufacturers and importers must ensure proper authorization to avoid detention.

New York Announces $10 Million for School-Based Dental Care

The New York State Department of Health announced $10 million to expand dental care services at school-based health centers. This funding will support dental service delivery, offset costs, cover staffing, purchase equipment, and expand service capacity for students across the state over five years.

Washington State Health Department Revokes/Suspends 37 Provider Licenses

The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of 37 health care providers in February 2026. Actions were taken for reasons including noncompliance with child support orders, infection control violations, and failure to complete required ethics courses.

BSCC Releases $125 Million for Illicit Cannabis Enforcement

The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) has released $125 million in grant funding to support local governments in their efforts to combat illicit cannabis operations. This funding, part of a larger statewide initiative, aims to address public health and safety impacts associated with illegal cannabis activities.

EMA Recommends Ojemda for Paediatric Low-Grade Glioma

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended a conditional marketing authorisation for Ojemda (tovorafenib) to treat paediatric low-grade glioma in patients aged 6 months and older with specific BRAF gene alterations. This recommendation addresses an unmet medical need for a targeted therapy in this patient population.

EMA CHMP Recommends 12 Medicines for Approval

The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended 12 new medicines for approval and six for extension of therapeutic indications. This includes novel treatments for influenza, COVID-19, paediatric brain tumours, Parkinson's disease, and several biosimilar medicines.

California Officials Seize Illegal Cannabis Plants Worth $57 Million

California state officials, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, announced the seizure of over 58,000 illegal cannabis plants and approximately three tons of processed cannabis in November. The operation, conducted by the Department of Cannabis Control, targeted the illicit market and resulted in the eradication of plants and product valued at an estimated $56.5 million.

Cannabis Business Dispute and Fraud Avoidance Guidance

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has issued guidance on avoiding business disputes and fraud within the cannabis industry. The document outlines proactive measures for vetting partners, understanding contracts, and maintaining records to prevent common pitfalls.

DCC Awards $30 Million in Cannabis Research Grants

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) awarded nearly $30 million in research grants to nine academic institutions for 22 projects. This funding, derived from cannabis tax revenues, supports research on economic dynamics, public health, and environmental impacts related to cannabis.

Sonoma County CEQA Cannabis Projects Public Comment

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has released draft environmental documents for three commercial cannabis projects in Sonoma County for public review and comment. These documents, prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), analyze potential environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures. The comment period is open until March 1, 2026.

California Seizes Over $1.2 Billion in Illegal Cannabis

California announced state officers have seized and destroyed over $1.2 billion in illicit cannabis products through the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF). Seizures in 2025 alone reached $609 million, an 18-fold increase since 2022, highlighting the state's efforts to combat the illegal market.

I&S LLC Stipulation, Agreement, and Order

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has entered into a Stipulation, Agreement, and Order with I&S LLC. The order addresses alleged deceptive advertising practices related to the company's subscription services. I&S LLC has agreed to specific terms to resolve these allegations.

Dutch Botanicals LLC Stipulation Agreement Order

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Stipulation Agreement Order against Dutch Botanicals LLC. This order likely addresses violations related to the manufacturing or marketing of food products, requiring specific actions and potentially imposing penalties.

Galactic Meds LLC Stipulation, Agreement, and Order

The US Department of Justice has entered into a Stipulation, Agreement, and Order with Galactic Meds LLC. This agreement resolves alleged violations related to the False Claims Act, requiring Galactic Meds LLC to pay a settlement amount and implement compliance measures.

Grateful Grove LLC Stipulation Agreement Order

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Stipulation Agreement Order against Grateful Grove LLC for deceptive advertising practices related to its "Get Sleep" product. The order prohibits the company from making unsubstantiated claims about the product's efficacy and requires specific disclosures.

Medical Board of California: SB 815 Changes

California's SB 815, effective January 1, 2024, enacts significant changes to the Medical Board of California, including increased physician licensing and renewal fees, extended Postgraduate Training License validity, and expanded guest rotation training allowances. The bill also establishes a Complainant Liaison Unit to improve communication regarding the enforcement process.

Medical Board of California Elects 2024-2025 Leadership

The Medical Board of California has announced its elected leadership for the 2024-2025 term, with Kristina D. Lawson continuing as President. The board also highlighted physician mental health and wellness as a key priority for the upcoming year.

Medical Board of California Annual Report 2023-2024

The Medical Board of California has released its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The report details the Board's activities, including licensing, enforcement programs, and implementation of legislative changes. It also provides updates on pilot programs and regulatory revisions.

CURES AB 82 Exempts Testosterone and Mifepristone Reporting

California Assembly Bill 82, signed into law on October 13, 2025, exempts dispensers from reporting the dispensing of testosterone and mifepristone to the CURES database. This change impacts dispensers of these specific controlled substances within the state.

Medical Board of California Annual Report 2024-2025

The Medical Board of California has released its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The report summarizes the Board's activities, including progress on physician wellness programs, budget updates, licensing process improvements, and enforcement statistics.

CT DPH Urges Flu Vaccination Amidst Rising Cases

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging residents to get vaccinated against influenza due to a significant increase in cases, with over 600 reported in November. The DPH highlights the importance of vaccination during National Influenza Vaccination Week.

Connecticut Confirms First Measles Case in Years

The Connecticut Department of Public Health has confirmed the state's first measles case in several years. This notice serves to inform the public and healthcare providers about the confirmed case and to remind individuals about the importance of vaccination.

Valatie Receives $5.5M State Grant for PFAS Treatment Facility

New York State has awarded a $5.5 million grant to the Village of Valatie to construct a PFAS treatment facility. This funding, part of a larger state investment in water quality, aims to protect drinking water and public health while managing costs for local ratepayers.

NY Health Launches Living Donor Support Program Campaign

The New York State Department of Health has launched a media campaign to promote its Living Donor Support Program. This program aims to reimburse eligible living organ donors for expenses incurred during the donation process, such as travel and lost wages, up to $14,000.

New York State Department of Health Celebrates 125 Years

The New York State Department of Health is celebrating its 125th anniversary on February 19, 2026. The notice highlights the department's historical achievements in protecting public health and advancing health equity for New Yorkers since its founding in 1901.

NY DOH Urges RSV Vaccinations Amid High Case Numbers

The New York State Department of Health is urging eligible residents to get vaccinated against RSV, as cases and hospitalizations remain high and exceed those for influenza and COVID-19 combined. The notice details vaccination recommendations for various age groups and risk factors, emphasizing the availability of immunizations.

Helen Hayes Hospital Updates Shabbos Room

Helen Hayes Hospital, a New York State Department of Health facility, has completed renovations to its Shabbos Room, enhancing the space for Jewish patients and families. The updated room offers improved comfort and functionality to support religious observance.

Sujata R Maddineni, M.D. agrees to cease medical practice

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine has entered into a Voluntary Agreement Not to Practice Medicine with Dr. Sujata R Maddineni. Effective immediately, Dr. Maddineni agrees to cease all medical practice in the Commonwealth. This agreement is non-disciplinary but will be reported to national data banks.

Dr. Maddineni - Board of Medicine Disciplinary Action

The Massachusetts Board of Medicine has taken disciplinary action against Dr. Maddineni. This action involves specific findings and sanctions related to professional conduct. Further details on the nature of the disciplinary action are available in the document.