Healthcare & Life Sciences

Dr Shakir Meghani Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate Reinstated With Conditions

The Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners issued an Amended Consent Order reinstating Dr. Shakir R. Meghani's controlled substances prescribing authority (Certificate No. ACSC.22917) with conditions. The physician's prescribing privileges had been restricted in October 2019 under a Consent Order. The reinstated authority covers Schedules II through V controlled substances and is contingent upon continued participation in a CPEP education plan, monthly reporting, adherence to preceptor oversight, and agreement to surrender the certificate upon any violation of the order.

Steven W. Powell, MD Voluntarily Surrenders Alabama Medical License

The Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners accepted the voluntary surrender of medical license MD.39044 from Steven Wayne Powell, M.D. The surrender was executed while Powell was under investigation by the Board and carries the same legal effect as revocation under Ala. Code § 34-24-361(g). Powell waived his right to a hearing and knowingly forfeited his right to practice medicine in Alabama.

Evann Herrell, DO Voluntary Surrender - Alabama Medical License and Controlled Substances Certificate

Evann Max Herrell, DO voluntarily surrendered their Alabama medical license (DO.1586) and Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate (ACSC.DO.1586) under Ala. Code § 34-24-361(g). The surrender, executed December 30, 2023, was made while under investigation by the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners and includes all authority to prescribe Schedule II through V controlled substances. The surrender will be reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank and Federation of State Medical Boards.

Victor Jimenez Bonuel MD Voluntary Surrender and Temporary Suspension of Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate

The Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners accepted the voluntary surrender of Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate ACSC.38778 from Victor Jimenez Bonuel, M.D. and simultaneously issued an Order Temporarily Suspending the certificate. The physician was under investigation related to controlled substance prescribing. The surrender covers authority to order, manufacture, distribute, possess, dispense, administer, or prescribe all controlled substance schedules. The Board may summarily deny any reinstatement petition for two years from the effective date.

Medicaid CCBHC Services SPA Template Comment Form

CMS has opened a public comment period on a template for state Medicaid agencies to use when submitting State Plan Amendments (SPAs) to cover Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services. Comments are being accepted through April 30.

CMS Regulatory Comment Form - Regulations.gov

CMS is accepting public comments through Regulations.gov on a pending federal healthcare regulation. The comment period remains open for 32 days. Stakeholders may submit comments as individuals, organizations, or anonymously, with all submissions added to the public docket.

Medtronic SynchroMed Implantable Pump Software Safety Alert for Health Establishments

ANSM has published a safety alert (Ref. R2610621) informing French healthcare establishments of a safety action taken by Medtronic Inc. regarding SynchroMed implantable pumps and associated software for the clinical programming tablet. Users have received a letter dated 16/04/2026 with details of the safety concern and recommended actions.

FH Ortho Biolox Delta Femoral Head Recall - ANSM Safety Alert R2610624

ANSM has recorded a lot withdrawal action by FH Ortho affecting Biolox Delta femoral heads used in hip prostheses. The safety action is registered as No. R2610624. Healthcare establishments that received the recall letter should contact FH Ortho directly with any questions.

Safety Alert: Maintenance of CO2 Laser and VersaPulse PowerSuite DW Systems by Boston Scientific

ANSM registered safety action R2609352 regarding Boston Scientific's CO2 laser systems and dual-wavelength VersaPulse PowerSuite systems. Healthcare facilities using these laser devices have received a direct correspondence from Boston Scientific dated 16/04/2026 containing safety information. ANSM directs users with questions to contact Boston Scientific directly.

Oklahoma Nursing Licenses Revoked, Suspended, Disciplined

Oklahoma Nursing Licenses Revoked, Suspended, Disciplined

Oklahoma Nursing Board July 2025 Disciplinary Actions

Oklahoma Board of Nursing published its July 2025 disciplinary actions, reporting 13 license suspensions and revocations against registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Actions range from temporary suspensions pending Board hearings to permanent revocations spanning two to five years with conditions for reinstatement.

Oklahoma Nursing License Suspensions and Revocations - March 2025 Board Actions

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing's Nursing Investigative Division published March 2025 Board Actions listing disciplinary measures against nursing licensees including suspensions and revocations. Named individuals include registered nurses Amanda Urisa, Kimberly Jo Vessells, Misty Michelle Cox, Elizabeth Woodland Davis, and others with licenses revoked for two years with conditions or suspended per statute. Actions were taken under Oklahoma Statutes 59 OS § 567.7 F, 567.8 N, and 567.17 I.

Oklahoma Nursing Board Revocations and Suspensions, May 2025

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing Investigative Division published a list of license revocations, suspensions, and temporary suspensions following the May 2025 Board Meeting. Actions include revocations for two years with conditions, temporary suspensions pending Board hearings, and suspensions per statute. Legal bases include default from peer assistance program, dishonored payment instruments, and criminal sentencing.

Oklahoma Nursing Board July 2025 Disciplinary Actions

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing issued disciplinary actions against 13 licensees following its July 2025 Board meeting. Actions included suspensions with conditions, temporary suspensions pending hearings, and revocations ranging from two to five years. Affected licensees include registered nurses and licensed practical nurses holding single-state licenses under Oklahoma statutes.

Testing Conversational Agents as a Digital Companion for Autistic Adults

NIH has registered a new clinical trial (NCT07533331) testing an AI-powered digital companion app using conversational-relational agents to provide self-directed goal coaching for autistic young adults ages 18-35. The single-arm study will evaluate whether the technology platform improves mental health, social connection, and life outcomes over a 6-month intervention period. The estimated primary completion date is April 16, 2026.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Dry Needling for Provoked Vestibulodynia

NIH registered a multicenter randomized controlled trial (NCT07534345) on ClinicalTrials.gov evaluating dry needling efficacy for provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), a chronic vulvar pain condition affecting up to 16% of women. The study will randomize 300 women to receive either real or sham dry needling over 8 weekly sessions, with outcomes assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up.

Impella 5.5 Echocardiographic Study on Heart Failure

The NIH has registered a prospective observational clinical study (NCT07534462) on ClinicalTrials.gov evaluating the effects of the Impella 5.5 mechanical circulatory support device on biventricular function in adult patients with end-stage heart failure. The study will assess echocardiographic parameters including left and right ventricular global longitudinal strain and myocardial work at baseline, immediately after device initiation, and during 7-14 day follow-up. This observational study involves collection of echocardiographic imaging and clinical data from patients requiring temporary mechanical circulatory support.

Post-Transplant Dental Cleaning to Prevent Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

NIH's ClinicalTrials.gov registered a new clinical trial (NCT07535008) evaluating whether post-transplant dental cleaning can prevent chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. The trial will study dental cleaning and dental plaque sampling as interventions against chronic and acute GVHD in patients with hematopoietic and lymphatic system neoplasms.

Influence of Clear Aligner Marginal Termination Design on Subgingival Periodontal Microbiota: Split-Mouth Study

NIH registered a clinical trial (NCT07533058) examining whether supragingival versus juxtagingival clear aligner edge designs affect subgingival periodontal microbiota in orthodontic patients. The split-mouth study will compare aligner edge designs covering 2mm of gum tissue versus those following the gumline exactly over 8 weeks of wear. The trial will enroll participants undergoing finishing phase orthodontic treatment to assess disease-associated bacteria levels.

NCT07533409 - Tactile and Pain Sensory Thresholds and Hand Grip Strength in Children

NIH registered an observational clinical trial (NCT07533409) on ClinicalTrials.gov comparing fingertip tactile sensation, hand and finger grip strength, and hand pain thresholds in children diagnosed with specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression versus healthy controls. The study is classified as observational with treatment outcome interventions.

VR Upper Limb Rehabilitation for Chronic Stroke Randomized Trial

NIH/NLM registered a randomized controlled trial (NCT07534124) evaluating non-immersive virtual reality rehabilitation (MindMotion GO) versus conventional occupational therapy for upper limb motor function in chronic stroke patients. The 8-week study with 3-month follow-up will assess motor function, daily living performance, quality of life, and neuroplastic changes via EEG. Enrollment and results will be posted to ClinicalTrials.gov.

Metabolic Disorders Accelerate cACLD Progression in 4,307 Adults

ClinicalTrials.gov registered NIH observational cohort study NCT07534046 investigating how metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol) influence progression of compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) in approximately 4,307 adults. The multicenter study across six centers in China will follow participants every 3-6 months for up to 5 years collecting clinical assessments, MRI elastography imaging, metabolic indicators, and biological samples. No experimental treatments are administered; participants receive standard care.

Structured Yoga Program Improves Balance in Children with Down Syndrome: Clinical Trial NCT07534085

NIH's ClinicalTrials.gov registry has posted a new study (NCT07534085) evaluating a 12-week adaptive yoga program on balance and functional performance in 15 children aged 7-12 with Down syndrome. The single-arm intervention includes yoga exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation practices, with balance assessed using sensor-based digital systems. The study's primary completion date is April 16, 2026.

FDA Defaults to Single Pivotal Trial for Drug Approvals

FDA Commissioner Martin Makary and CBER Director Vinay Prasad announced FDA's new default standard requiring only one pivotal trial for drug approvals instead of two. The agency also released draft guidance establishing a Plausible Mechanism Framework for individualized gene-editing and RNA-based therapies targeting rare genetic conditions. Drug sponsors should note potential increased post-market data collection obligations under the new framework.

HHS OIG Provides Succession Planning Roadmap for ASCs

HHS OIG issued Advisory Opinion 26-04 concluding it would not impose administrative sanctions under the Anti-Kickback Statute for a physician's proposed transfer of ownership interests in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) as part of estate and succession planning. Despite the arrangement's failure to satisfy every element of the ASC investment safe harbor, the OIG determined the proposal presented sufficiently low fraud and abuse risk due to fair market value pricing, proportional profit distributions, and absence of referral-related conditions.

New York Requires Employers to Stock Opioid Antagonists

New York enacted NY Labor Law § 27-f, requiring private employers already mandated by OSHA standards to maintain first aid kits to also stock opioid antagonists (naloxone). Governor Hochul signed the amended bill on February 13, 2026, with the law taking effect December 13, 2026. The NY State Department of Labor must issue regulations addressing workplace training and required quantities.

DOJ's Bulk Sensitive Data Transfer Rule: Key Insights for Health Care Compliance

Epstein Becker Green analyzes the U.S. Department of Justice's Bulk Sensitive Data (BSD) Transfer Rule, which imposes compliance obligations on healthcare and life sciences organizations that transfer or provide access to sensitive data, including genomic information. The rule applies when data on as few as 100 individuals is shared, catching many organizations unprepared. The BSD Transfer Rule creates obligations that extend beyond HIPAA, applying even to de-identified or anonymized data, and covers any access by foreign vendors, board members, or investors—not only formal data-sharing agreements.

Hospices Face Increased Scrutiny Under New CMS Scoring

CMS has proposed a new Service and Spending Variation Index (SSVI) scoring system for hospice providers to be implemented in fiscal year 2027. The system will track metrics including non-hospice spending, length of stay, live discharge return rates, and average minutes per routine home care day. Facility SSVI scores will be publicly posted on the CMS Hospice Center webpage, with high scores triggering increased oversight, additional reviews, and potential license revocations.

FDA Regulatory Burdens for Mid-Sized Pharma Under 100% Drug Tariffs

Maynard Nexsen published analysis on April 16, 2026 examining how mid-sized branded pharmaceutical companies and specialty biotech face significant FDA regulatory obligations when attempting to relocate manufacturing to mitigate the 100% drug tariffs announced by President Trump on April 2, 2026. The article explains that moving drug substance, drug product, fill-finish, or packaging operations to new facilities triggers FDA postapproval change requirements, including Prior Approval Supplements that can delay commercial shipments by 6-12+ months.

EMA Q2 2026 Pilot Programme for Breakthrough Medical Devices and IVDs

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is launching a pilot programme in Q2 2026 to provide expert panel advice for developers of breakthrough medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs). Manufacturers may request expert panel opinions on whether their products meet breakthrough criteria (novelty and positive clinical impact) and, if confirmed, obtain advice on clinical development strategies and appropriate pre-clinical or clinical data. The pilot builds on MDCG 2025-9 guidance and will inform the European Commission's proposed revisions to the MDR and IVDR.

NV BON Disciplinary Actions: Agreements, Fines, Probations, Suspensions

The Nevada State Board of Nursing issued disciplinary orders against multiple nurses including RNs, APRNs, LPNs, and CNAs for violations including unprofessional conduct, controlled substance violations, practicing without proper licensure, and failing to meet standards of practice. Actions include agreements, reprimands, fines ranging from $100 to several hundred dollars, probationary terms, required continuing education, and license denial.

NV Nursing Board 13 Disciplinary Actions Jul-Sep 2024

The Nevada State Board of Nursing issued 13 disciplinary actions against nurses and nursing assistants for the period July 31 through September 30, 2024. Actions included agreements for reprimand with continuing education, probation, license revocation, and voluntary surrender of licensure. Violations cited included unprofessional conduct, controlled substance/alcohol issues, patient privacy breaches, and failure to comply with Board orders.

Nevada State Board of Nursing Disciplinary Actions February-April 2025

The Nevada State Board of Nursing published disciplinary and licensure actions for the period February 3, 2025 through April 10, 2025. The document records multiple enforcement outcomes including license revocations, reprimands with continuing education requirements, renewal application denials, and voluntary surrenders. Violations cited include NRS 632.347 (unprofessional conduct, controlled substances, criminal convictions, action in another state) and NAC 632.890 (customary standards of practice, failure to collaborate with healthcare team, threats of violence).

Nevada State Board of Nursing Disciplinary Actions October 16 Through December 8 2025

Nevada State Board of Nursing published its quarterly disciplinary and licensure actions covering October 16 through December 8, 2025. The document summarizes multiple enforcement cases against registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, certified nursing assistants, and CNA applicants. Violations cited include NRS 632.347 (1)(g) unprofessional conduct, medication errors, unauthorized drug administration, scope of practice violations, diversion of supplies, and fraud in license procurement. Actions include agreements for reprimand, probation, practice restrictions, voluntary license surrender, application denial, and revocation orders.

Nevada Nursing Board Probations, Reprimands, License Denials, Surrenders

The Nevada State Board of Nursing published its disciplinary and licensure actions for the period December 8, 2025 through February 4, 2026. Actions taken include agreements for probation (terms of 18 months to 5 years), reprimands with required continuing education, CNA renewal application denials, and voluntary certificate surrenders. Violations cited include NRS 632.347 (unprofessional conduct), NAC 632.890 (various practice standards including inaccurate recording, falsifying records, practice beyond scope, customary standards of practice, and violation of state/federal nursing law), and NRS 632.415.

Public Comment Guidelines for Montana Board of Nursing Meetings

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry's Business Standards Division implemented public comment guidelines for professional and occupational licensing board meetings, including the Montana Board of Nursing, effective August 1, 2022. The guidelines establish procedures for public comment on non-agenda items and agenda items during board meetings, with written comments due seven days prior to scheduled meetings.

Public Comment Guidelines for Montana Nursing Board Meetings

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry Business Standards Division implemented public comment guidelines for professional and occupational licensing board meetings, effective August 1, 2022. The guidelines establish a consistent approach for public members to comment during board meetings, including procedures for submitting written comments at least seven days prior to scheduled meetings. The board may limit or close public comment periods and cannot act on items not on the current agenda.

Montana Board of Nursing Public Comment Guidelines for Meetings

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry's Business Standards Division implemented public comment guidelines for professional and occupational licensing board meetings effective August 1, 2022. The changes establish consistent procedures for public participation including non-agenda public comment periods and agenda item-specific comment periods, with written comments required seven days prior to scheduled meetings.

Public Comment Guidelines for Montana Professional Licensing Boards

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry's Business Standards Division implemented public comment guidelines for professional and occupational licensing board meetings effective August 1, 2022. The guidelines establish procedures for public comment during meetings, including requirements for written submissions to be made at least seven days before scheduled board meetings, with specifications for including name, organization representation, and agenda item references. These changes apply to all professional and occupational licensing boards under the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.

Public Comment Guidelines for Professional Licensing Board Meetings

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry Business Standards Division implemented public comment guidelines for professional and occupational licensing board meetings effective August 1, 2022. The guidelines standardize how public members may comment during board meetings, establish submission deadlines, and define procedural rules for comment periods. Nursing professionals, licensees, and members of the public seeking to participate in board meetings are affected by these procedures.

California Vocational Nursing Disciplinary Actions October 2025

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians published its October 2025 disciplinary actions report documenting accusations, citations, and final decisions against licensees. The report lists 16 accusations filed against vocational nurses, 2 statements of issues filed, 33 citations issued to licensees including VNs and PTs, and 16 final decisions and orders issued against vocational nurses and entities.

California Vocational Nursing Disciplinary Actions, November 2025

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians published November 2025 disciplinary records covering 29 accusation filings against vocational nurses, 29 citation issuances, and 6 decisions and orders. The records include respondent names, license numbers, and filing dates from November 4-25, 2025.

December 2025 CA VN Accusations, Citations, Decisions

CA BVNPT published December 2025 monthly enforcement summary listing 11 accusations filed against vocational nurses (License types VN), 25 citations issued to VN and PT licensees, and 7 decisions and orders filed including 1 entity. The document records administrative enforcement actions for the month of December 2025.

January 2026 VN Accusations, Citations, and Disciplinary Decisions

CA BVNPT published its monthly enforcement compilation for January 2026, documenting 17 accusations filed against VN and PT licensees, 38 administrative citations issued, 6 statements of issues filed, and 18 final disciplinary decisions and orders. All listed licensees hold either Vocational Nurse (VN) or Psychiatric Technician (PT) credentials issued by the California board.

February 2026 Accusations Citations and Decisions List

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians published its February 2026 enforcement summary documenting accusations filed, citations issued, and final decisions against licensees. The document records 12 accusations filed against vocational nurses, psychiatric technicians, and one registered nurse; 30 citations issued; and 6 decisions and orders finalizing prior enforcement actions.

Radiographic Head and Neck Positional Changes in Response to Low-Powered Prismatic Lenses

NIH's ClinicalTrials.gov has registered a new observational study (NCT07532642) investigating short-term modifications in head and neck positioning through use of low-powered prismatic lenses in patients with Postural Deficiency Syndrome. The matched-pair study will evaluate patients using low-dose biplanar radiography before treatment and 15 minutes after lens application.

Functional Outcomes and Control Using Synchron BCI - Australia (FOCUS-AUS)

NIH has registered a clinical trial on ClinicalTrials.gov for Synchron's brain-computer interface (BCI) device, known as the Stentrode. The FOCUS-AUS study will evaluate functional outcomes in patients with motor neuron disease and paralysis at Australian trial sites. The study has an anticipated completion date of April 16, 2026.

Berry Mango Leaves Extract for Acute Rhinosinusitis Phase I Trial, 10 Subjects

ClinicalTrials.gov registered a Phase I controlled clinical trial (NCT07534280) studying the safety and efficacy of Berry leaves and Mango leaves herbal tea mixture for management of acute rhinosinusitis in adults. Ten subjects aged 18-70 will be enrolled from Minia University ENT outpatient clinic and followed for one month with telephone assessments at Days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 28.

BREATHE III Brazilian Registry of Heart Failure

NIH registered BREATHE III, a prospective multicenter observational registry on ClinicalTrials.gov studying acute heart failure patients in Brazil. The 12-month follow-up study will assess patient characteristics, treatment patterns, guideline-directed medical therapy adherence, time to treatment optimization, and clinical outcomes including barriers to implementation and regional variations in care.

Skin Acceptability Test for GINPI in Female Volunteers

NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registered Study NCT07533461, a Phase 4 clinical trial evaluating skin acceptability of the cosmetic product GINPI in healthy female adult volunteers under gynecological control. The study assesses organoleptic characteristics, subjective efficacy, and monitors for unexpected adverse events over a twice-daily application regimen for 54 participants.