Healthcare & Life Sciences

King County Massage Therapist License Suspended

Washington State health officials have suspended the license of King County massage therapist Jason Senat pending further legal action. The suspension follows charges alleging sexual assault of four clients and is intended to protect patient safety. Senat has the option to request a hearing to contest the charges.

Washington DOH Disciplines Healthcare Providers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions against nine healthcare providers for misconduct, including unprofessional conduct, financial exploitation, and unlicensed practice. These actions range from charges and investigations to denial of credentials and termination of probation.

Pharmacy Commission Meeting Minutes and Actions

The Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy met on October 30, 2024, approving a new pharmacy application with modifications, a pharmacy remodel, and issuing fines totaling $3,000 to Walgreens for violations related to pharmacy closures and compounding standards. The commission also approved reciprocity and new applications.

Pharmacy Commission Meeting Agenda - October 30, 2024

The Connecticut Pharmacy Commission meeting agenda for October 30, 2024, outlines discussions on new pharmacy applications, remodels, pharmacy manager appointments, and reciprocity interviews. The agenda also includes requests for new non-resident pharmacy applications and updates on previously approved or denied applications.

Pharmacy Commission Meeting Minutes - Approvals and Enforcement

The Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy approved new pharmacy premises and several pharmacy remodels during its November 20, 2024 meeting. The Commission also initiated an enforcement action against Walgreens #02410 for alleged violations related to pharmacy manager changes and operating without a manager.

Pharmacy Commission Meeting Agenda

The Connecticut Pharmacy Commission met on November 20, 2024, to review 20 new pharmacy applications, including new and non-resident pharmacies, and address two legal cases. The agenda also included discussions on pharmacy remodels and reciprocity interviews.

Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy Meeting Schedule

The Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy published its 2025–2026 meeting schedule, listing regular meetings on dates ranging from January 2025 through March 2026. Meetings are held at the Plaza North building in Hartford, CT, with most sessions scheduled from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM. The schedule provides public notice of upcoming commission sessions; agendas, minutes, and video recordings are linked where available.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy Legislative and Regulatory Updates

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has updated its regulations regarding pharmacy technician education standards and collaborative practice agreements. Key changes include expanded options for technician training and clarified processes for pharmacists to obtain DEA registration for prescribing controlled substances.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy Staffing Concerns and Statewide Protocols Update

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has updated its guidance on reporting pharmacy staffing concerns and has amended several statewide protocols for pharmacists. Pharmacy permit holders must review and act on staffing reports, and pharmacists can report issues directly to the board without fear of retaliation. The revised protocols cover vaccinations, tuberculosis testing, hormonal contraceptives, naloxone, influenza, and strep throat.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy Revised Online PIC Change Process

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has implemented a revised, entirely online process for completing a change of pharmacist-in-charge (PIC) for pharmacy permits. This update includes electronic payment via credit card and requires uploading a one-page document to finalize the request. A revised Pharmacy Permit Application Form is also now in use for other changes.

Virginia Pharmacy Law and Regulatory Updates

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy presented updates on recent legislative and regulatory changes affecting pharmacy practice. Key changes include expanded educational standards for pharmacy technicians and new provisions for collaborative practice agreements allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain controlled substances.

Virginia Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements Updated

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has issued a notification clarifying updated registration requirements for pharmacy technicians, effective July 1, 2025, pursuant to statute 54.1-3321(B). To be registered as a pharmacy technician, applicants must submit an application and fee, evidence of completing an accredited training program (including programs accredited through the Department of Education's Career and Technical Education program, approved by the Board, recognized by PTCB or NHA, or operated through a federal agency or military branch), and evidence of passing a national certification examination administered by PTCB or NHA.

Massachusetts: 90-day Supply for Certain Schedule II/III Prescriptions

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy updated its policy to allow a 90-day supply for certain Schedule II and III prescriptions, including those for opioid use disorder treatment, non-opioid stimulants, testosterone, and implantable infusion pumps. Other Schedule II and III medications remain limited to a 30-day supply.

MA Board Adopts Rapid Microbial Methods for Sterility Testing

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has adopted a new policy allowing the use of Rapid Microbial Methods (RMMs) as an alternative for sterility release testing of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs). This policy outlines requirements for licensed sterile compounding pharmacies to ensure public safety when using these advanced technologies.

Rapid Microbial Methods Sterility Testing Guidance

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued guidance on the use of Rapid Microbial Methods (RMMs) for sterility testing. This document outlines acceptable approaches and considerations for implementing RMMs in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.

Massachusetts Pharmacy Practice Definitions

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has issued a document defining key terms related to pharmacy practice. This guidance aims to clarify terminology for pharmacists and related entities operating within the state.

Pharmacy Policy: Definitions for Automated Dispensing, Compounding, and Events

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has adopted Policy 2025-02, defining key terms related to automated dispensing devices, automated pharmacy systems, pharmacy processing automation, quality-related events, and serious adverse drug events. These definitions clarify regulatory expectations for pharmacies operating in the state.

Illinois IDFPR January 2025 Enforcement Actions

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) published enforcement actions taken in January 2025 across its Division of Banking, Division of Financial Institutions, and Division of Professional Regulation. Key actions include the FDIC being appointed receiver for Pulaski Savings Bank, a consent order against Block Inc. for Bank Secrecy Act violations, cease and desist orders against unlicensed practitioners with civil penalties up to $10,000, and professional license suspensions spanning cosmetology, dentistry, clinical psychology, and private security for tax delinquency, child support arrears, and conduct violations.

IDFPR February 2025 Enforcement Actions

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced enforcement actions taken in February 2025 against 30 entities. Actions include license suspensions, consent orders for violations of various acts, and settlements for late renewal payments.

Illinois March 2025 Disciplinary Actions

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced enforcement actions taken in March 2025. Actions include consent orders for unlicensed activity, late renewal payments, reciprocal discipline, and settlements for violations of various acts. Several professional licenses were suspended for failure to pay state income taxes or child support.

Illinois IDFPR May 2025 Enforcement Actions

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced enforcement actions taken in May 2025 against 21 individuals and 7 companies. Actions include license revocations, consent orders, settlements, and civil penalties for violations of various financial and professional regulations.

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Enforcement Actions April 2025

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced enforcement actions taken in April 2025 against 31 individuals and 10 companies. Actions include consent orders, settlements, and license suspensions related to violations of various state acts.

California Board of Pharmacy News Roundup - August 2025

The California Board of Pharmacy issued a news roundup for August 2025, providing updates on Rite Aid closures, emergency refills, medication error reporting requirements effective September 1, 2025, and a new online portal for drug theft/loss reporting. A new Pharmacist-in-Charge training webinar is also available.

California Board of Pharmacy: Vaccine Administration Update

The California Board of Pharmacy issued a news roundup detailing changes to pharmacist authority regarding vaccine administration, effective January 1, 2026, due to Assembly Bill 1503. The update encourages pharmacists to transition to a standard of care practice model for immunizations for patients three years and older.

California Board of Pharmacy December Update: Standard of Care, Vaccines, CAMER

The California Board of Pharmacy's December 2025 update announces the transition of certain pharmacist-provided patient care services, including vaccine administration, to a standard of care model effective January 1, 2026, per AB 1503. It also reminds schools about standing orders for albuterol and epinephrine and mandates reporting medication errors to the CAMER system for events on or after September 1, 2025.

California Board of Pharmacy Updates and AB 1503 Changes

The California Board of Pharmacy is updating its regulations effective January 1, 2026, due to Assembly Bill 1503. Key changes include a transition to a Standard of Care practice model for certain pharmacist-provided services and new requirements for nonresident pharmacies operating in California, effective July 1, 2026.

California Board of Pharmacy Updates on SCRA, AB 1503, and Nonresident Pharmacies

The California Board of Pharmacy issued a news roundup detailing updates on the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), Assembly Bill 1503 impacting pharmacist practice, and new requirements for nonresident pharmacies. Key changes include the transition of certain pharmacist-provided patient care services to a standard of care model and new PIC designation rules for out-of-state pharmacies operating in California.

OIG Audit: Medicaid Agencies Made $207M in Unallowable Payments for Deceased Enrollees

The HHS OIG has released an audit report finding that Medicaid agencies made an estimated $207.5 million in unallowable capitation payments to managed care organizations on behalf of deceased enrollees between July 2021 and June 2022. The report recommends CMS provide agencies with data to recover payments and explore OBBB Act implementation.

Maine Medicaid Autism Services Improper Payments

The HHS OIG has issued a report finding that Maine made at least $45.6 million in improper fee-for-service Medicaid payments for autism services provided to children. The audit identified that all sampled claims were improper or potentially improper, leading to recommendations for refunds and improved provider guidance.

HHS OIG: ACF Can Improve Homeless Youth Services Compliance

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) can improve services to homeless youth by strengthening grant recipients' compliance with Transitional Living Program (TLP) requirements. The audit found significant documentation gaps in service provision for a large percentage of youth served by TLP grants.

HHS OIG: Hospital Cybersecurity Controls Need Improvement

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that a large southeastern hospital needs to improve its cybersecurity controls, particularly for web applications. The OIG made four recommendations to enhance defenses against cyberattacks, which the hospital has concurred with.

Philadelphia K-12 Schools COVID-19 Testing Program Audit

The HHS Office of Inspector General found that Philadelphia did not consistently monitor its COVID-19 screening testing program for K-12 schools, leading to $257,620 in unallowable costs and overpayments. The OIG recommended Philadelphia update its procedures for oversight and compliance.