Healthcare & Life Sciences

Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee Meeting, May 11th

The North Dakota Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on May 11, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT at the ND State Capitol in Bismarck, with virtual attendance options available. The agenda includes opioid settlement updates from the ND Attorney General's Office, fund updates from the Opioid Addiction Administrator, and presentations from five Opioid Settlement Fund grantees covering syringe services and addiction treatment programs.

Food Protection Tuesday Training, Virtual, Apr-Dec 2026

The Indiana Department of Health is hosting virtual Food Protection Tuesday Training sessions on select Tuesdays from April through December 2026. Each session runs from 2:00pm to 3:00pm Eastern time. Nine dates are scheduled: April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 15. The training is delivered via virtual format and open to food service professionals seeking instruction on food protection practices.

NCRCB Completes Mandatory Ten-Year Rule Review Under N.C. Statute 150B-21.3A

The North Carolina Respiratory Care Board (NCRCB) completed its mandatory ten-year review of all existing rules under N.C. General Statute §150B-21.3A on July 11, 2024. The Board reviewed rules in 21 NCAC 61 and made initial determinations classifying each rule as either 'Necessary' or 'Unnecessary.' Approved rules will be available for a 60-day public comment period beginning August 7, 2024.

Public Hearing on New Rule for Reinstatement of Respiratory Care License

The North Carolina Respiratory Care Board announces a public hearing on September 17, 2025, to receive comments on the permanent adoption of proposed Rule 21 NCAC 61.0206, which establishes the process for reinstatement of a respiratory care license. The proposed rule was published in the NC Register, Volume 40, Issue 05. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 PM on November 4, 2025.

Apple Health Client Support Contact Information

The Washington Health Care Authority has published contact information for Apple Health (Medicaid) clients, behavioral health clients, providers, and Public Employees Benefits Board members. The page organizes program-specific contacts including phone numbers, email addresses, online forms, and business hours by inquiry type.

Biodegradable Lung Sealant PEG Hydrogel Patent Granted to Ethicon

USPTO granted patent US12599624B2 to Ethicon, Inc. for a rapid-setting biodegradable lung sealant comprising two multi-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) compositions. The first PEG composition contains an alkaline buffer and the second contains a mildly acidic buffer, providing optimized setup time and extended working time. The formulation may include tocopherol as a radioprotectant and a colorant for improved visualization against lung tissue. The patent contains 22 claims and is classified under CPC codes A61K and A61P.

Drug Delivery System and Methods of Using the Same

The USPTO granted Axogen Corporation Patent US12599701B2 for a drug delivery system combining polydioxanone polymer with neuro-regenerative or immunosuppressive agents to form an implantable biomaterial. The patent includes 16 claims covering the method of combining, melting, and extruding the polymer with at least one immunophilin ligand. The invention is classified under CPC codes including A61P 25/02 (nervous system therapeutic activity) and A61L 27/54.

Dr. Gerald Buchoff Consent Order - License Discipline for Veterinary Negligence

The New Jersey Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners issued a Consent Order against Dr. Gerald Buchoff for multiple acts of negligence in treating a ten-year-old Yorkshire Terrier named Oliver in July-August 2020. The Board found violations including premature removal of IV port post-surgery, failure to replace IV when the dog crashed, failure to take pre-surgical x-rays, failure to respond appropriately to a medical emergency, and failure to maintain proper documentation. Dr. Buchoff must pay a $7,500 civil penalty and complete 5 credit hours of Board pre-approved emergency protocol continuing education within six months.

Dr. Gerald Buchoff Consent Order - Veterinary License Discipline

The New Jersey Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners issued a Consent Order against Dr. Gerald Buchoff (License No. 29VI00222600) for multiple acts of negligence in treating a Yorkshire Terrier named Oliver in July-August 2020. The Board found violations of N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(d) including premature removal of IV port post-surgery, failure to take pre-surgical x-rays, failure to respond appropriately to a medical emergency, failure to refer to an emergency veterinarian, and failure to maintain proper documentation. Respondent agreed to pay a civil penalty of $7,500 over 18 months and complete 5 credit hours of Board pre-approved emergency protocol continuing education within 6 months.

Final Consent Order - Chigounis Evans W

The NJ Massage Therapy Board issued a Final Consent Order regarding licensed massage therapist Chigounis Evans W. The document finalizes a disciplinary settlement addressing violations of massage therapy practice standards. The consent order establishes specific requirements and/or restrictions on the licensee's practice in New Jersey.

New Background Screening Requirements for Health Care Practitioners Effective July 1, 2025

The Florida Acupuncture Board announced that effective July 1, 2025, all health care practitioners in Florida must comply with new background screening requirements when applying for initial licenses or renewing existing licenses. The new requirements are integrated into the licensure process, with renewal applications opening 90 days before license expiration. Practitioners who fail to complete the required background screening will be prevented from obtaining or renewing their license.

FY 2025-26 Q2 Quarterly Performance Report Released

The Florida Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) has released the FY 2025-26 Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter Two. The report covers MQA's key trends in licensing, enforcement, and information, along with financial insights. Required under sections 456.005 and 456.025(9), Florida Statutes, the report provides stakeholders with quarterly snapshots of performance statistics, accomplishments, and activities including the HB 975 Cleared to Care campaign, MQA's Virtual Agent ELI, and unlicensed activity outreach.

Dr. Katelyn Felts Veterinary Settlement Letter

NJ State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners completed review of complaint #VFT-2025-05817 concerning Dr. Katelyn Felts' treatment of a dog and patient record deficiencies. Board found violation of patient record regulation N.J.A.C. 13:44-4.9 and offers settlement requiring $500 civil penalty within 21 days to avoid formal disciplinary proceedings.

Dr. Gerald Buchoff Consent Order for Veterinary Negligence

The New Jersey Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners issued a Consent Order against Dr. Gerald Buchoff for multiple acts of negligence in treating a Yorkshire Terrier in July-August 2020, resulting in the dog's death. The Order requires Dr. Buchoff to complete 5 credit hours of emergency protocol continuing education within 6 months and pay a $7,500 civil penalty over 18 months. The Board found violations of N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(d) including premature IV port removal, failure to maintain emergency equipment, and inadequate documentation.

Nicole Desmond DVM Settlement - $2,000 Civil Penalty for Negligence

The New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners issued a settlement letter to Dr. Nicole Desmond requiring a $2,000 civil penalty for repeated acts of negligence, malpractice, or incompetence related to refusal of emergency care and failure to provide follow-up care to a patient. The settlement must be accepted within 21 days or the matter proceeds to formal disciplinary proceedings.

Oregon Board Massage Therapy Rules Committee Meeting March 16

The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists Rules Committee will meet on March 16, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM virtually via GoToMeeting. The agenda includes discussion of SB3819 (incorporating felony, placard requirements, and civil penalties), facility permit renewability, CPR/BLS requirements, mandatory reporter training for continuing education, zombie licenses, and ethics rules regarding dual relationships.

NCBMBT Winter 2022 Newsletter

The NC Massage Therapy Board published its Winter 2022 newsletter reminding Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapists of license renewal procedures, continuing education requirements (24 hours including 3 ethics hours), complaint filing processes, and best practices for client communication and documentation. The newsletter notes that online CE completion is permitted for the 2023 renewal period only, and that establishment and individual licenses must be displayed at practice locations.

2024 Winter Board Newsletter: CE Requirements, License Renewals, and Disciplinary Actions

The NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy issued its 2024 Winter Newsletter reminding licensees of 2024 continuing education requirements (24 hours including 3 ethics hours, 12 in-classroom minimum), license renewal procedures with December 31 deadline, and new late fee provisions. The Board announced new members Laura Ford and Nancy Harrell appointed to positions previously held by Rachael Crawford and Valory Hicks, with officer elections including Amy Swink as Chair and Robert Reeves as Vice Chair. The newsletter also outlines establishment licensure requirements, mandatory reporting obligations, and license display requirements for LMBTs and establishment owners.

Abruzzo Reprimanded for NJ Unlicensed Accountancy, $5,000 Fine

The New Jersey State Board of Accountancy issued a Consent Order on April 11, 2012 against Christopher Abruzzo for engaging in the unlicensed practice of public accountancy from approximately January 2004 through June 2009. The Board reprimanded Abruzzo and assessed a civil penalty of $5,000, payable within 30 days per N.J.S.A. 45:2B-62(a). The respondent held a valid New York CPA license but never obtained a New Jersey license.

Maldonado Yehudi Athletic Trainer Consent Order

The New Jersey Athletic Trainer Board issued a consent order resolving disciplinary proceedings against Maldonado Yehudi, an athletic trainer licensed in New Jersey. The consent order addresses violations of the Athletic Trainer Licensing Act and establishes terms for resolution of the matter. Athletic trainers and healthcare employers in New Jersey should review the consent order terms for compliance implications.

License Investigation Scam Alert for Wyoming Physicians

The Wyoming Board of Medicine issued an alert warning Wyoming physicians and physician assistants about scam calls from an individual claiming to be a Board investigator. The caller, who uses the name 'Brian Clark' and spoofs the Board's phone number, threatens license action and media exposure for alleged illegal conduct. The Board states it has no one by that name and does not conduct investigations in this manner. The alert advises recipients to verify suspicious calls by calling the Board office directly at 307-778-7053.

Wyoming Board Offers ACCME CME Tracking Service for Physicians

The Wyoming Board of Medicine is offering physicians free access to ACCME's CME tracking service via the Program and Activity Reporting System (PARS). The service automatically reports accredited CME credits to participating state boards, simplifying compliance verification for the Board's biennial CME audits.

Wyoming Board of Medicine Regular Meeting, April 16-17, 2026

The Wyoming Board of Medicine published its regular meeting agenda for April 16-17, 2026, to be held at the Board office in Cheyenne and via video conference. The two-day agenda covers license application reviews, disciplinary proceedings including four consent decrees, IMLC policy discussions, operational reports, and officer elections. Four disciplinary dockets are scheduled for executive and public sessions.

Interim Consent Order Temporarily Suspends Professional Counselor

The NJ Counseling Board Professional Counselors Examiner Committee issued an Interim Consent Order on January 14, 2026, temporarily suspending the license of a professional counselor. This enforcement action restricts the individual's ability to practice counseling in New Jersey pending further review.

Dana McLaughlin LPC Restrictions Terminated, New Jersey

The New Jersey Professional Counselor Examiners Committee has issued an order terminating all license restrictions imposed on Dana McLaughlin, LPC (License No. 37PC00581700). The restrictions, originally imposed in December 2022 following a complaint, included a stayed suspension, supervised practice requirements, and a prohibition on supervising others. The Committee determined that McLaughlin satisfied all conditions of the Consent Order, including completing required coursework and receiving supervisor attestation of readiness for independent practice. McLaughlin may now practice professional counseling in New Jersey without restriction.

Tara M. King Summary Order of Suspension

The New Jersey Professional Counselor Examiners Committee issued a Summary Order of Suspension against Tara M. King (License No. 37PC00161400) for failure to cooperate with a Board investigation. The licensee failed to respond to two letters of inquiry sent via email, regular mail, and certified mail, constituting professional misconduct under N.J.A.C. 13:45C-1.2 and 1.3 and N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(e). The license to practice professional counseling in New Jersey is hereby suspended until further Order of the Board.

Internationally Trained Dentists Becoming Licensed Dental Hygienists

Virginia's HB 1036 and SB 282 permit the Board of Dentistry to license dental hygienists who were eligible to practice dentistry outside the United States, effective July 1, 2026. The Board must promulgate implementing regulations outlining criteria for foreign-education assessments, supervision levels, and clinical exam requirements. The laws authorize expedited procedures bypassing standard APA rulemaking steps; however, no projected timeline for finalizing regulations has been established.

Two New Directors Join Virginia Board of Dentistry

The Virginia Board of Dentistry August 2025 newsletter announces two new directors joining the Board and provides updates on Continuing Education (CE) audits, showing 81% of dentists and 72% of dental hygienists currently in compliance. The Board also reports 50% completion of OMS audits and discusses progress toward the Dental and Dental Hygiene Compact, with projected implementation in late 2026 to early 2027.

New Board Member Dr. Quigg Joins Virginia Dentistry Board

The Virginia Board of Dentistry announced Dr. Richard Quigg as a new board member. The February 2026 Briefs reports 2024 CE audit results showing 78% compliance among 77 dentists and 60 hygienists audited, with 16% non-compliant facing public discipline. An audit of 24 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons with cosmetic procedure certificates found 3 fully compliant; 12 received Advisory Letters and 9 received CCAs for profile update failures. The Board recognized CE Broker as its official voluntary CE tracking system.

Christina Blanchard Physical Therapy License Suspension

The NJ Physical Therapy Board issued a license suspension order for physical therapist Christina Blanchard (License #40QA00670000) effective September 10, 2025. The enforcement action modifies her legal authority to practice physical therapy in New Jersey. Affected parties include the licensee, current patients receiving treatment, and referring healthcare providers who must seek alternative care arrangements.

Fernando Salazar Interim Consent Order - License Surrender

The New Jersey Board of Physical Therapy Examiners issued an Interim Consent Order requiring Fernando Salazar to voluntarily surrender his license to practice physical therapy following his arrest in California on sexual battery charges. The surrender is deemed a temporary suspension effective immediately. Respondent must cease and desist from practice, surrender all credentials, and may only apply for reinstatement after all criminal charges are fully resolved.

NJ Physical Therapy Board Interim Suspension Order - Possible Criminal Activity

The NJ Physical Therapy Board issued an interim suspension order against a licensee based on evidence of possible criminal activity. The order references a third-degree crime and cites information that, if proven, would constitute criminal conduct. This interim suspension is effective immediately and remains in place pending further board action or resolution of the underlying criminal matter.

Montana Dental Board Archived Rule Notices

The Montana Board of Dentistry maintains an archive of historical dental practice rule notices on its regulatory website. This index page provides access to past dental regulations and board decisions. No new regulatory obligations are created by this archived listing.

Montana Board of Dentistry Members Listed by Role

The Montana Board of Dentistry published its current board membership listing, identifying ten members including the Board Chair, Denturists, Dentists, Hygienists, and Public Members. Board members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The listing provides a general contact email for board inquiries.

Montana State Board of Dentistry Meetings

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry published the Board of Dentistry meeting schedule listing upcoming committee and full board meetings through March 2027, along with past meeting minutes and recordings. No regulatory actions, compliance obligations, or enforcement matters are presented. The Board holds hybrid meetings at 301 S Park Ave in Helena, MT, with some meetings virtual-only or partially closed to the public.

Christopher Abruzzo Unlicensed Accountancy Consent Order

The New Jersey State Board of Accountancy issued a Consent Order against Christopher Abruzzo for engaging in the unlicensed practice of public accountancy in New Jersey from January 2004 through June 2009. The Board found the respondent violated N.J.S.A. 45:2B-62(a) and imposed a reprimand along with a civil penalty of $5,000, payable within 30 days of the order. Failure to remit payment will result in filing a Certificate of Debt.

Oregon Board of Dentistry Amends Nine Rules, Updates Fees

The Oregon Board of Dentistry filed amendments to nine administrative rules (OBD 2-2025), effective December 1, 2025. The filing includes updated biennial license fees for dental, dental hygiene, and dental therapy professions, along with new patient care standards requiring written informed consent for botulinum toxin and dermal filler administration. Additional changes address medication storage requirements and expand dental hygienist scope of practice to include extraoral procedures.

Berkowitz PhD Settlement - Professional Misconduct Inquiry

The New Jersey State Board of Psychological Examiners issued a modified offer of settlement to Dr. David L. Berkowitz following a consumer complaint finding probable cause for professional misconduct. The Board determined Dr. Berkowitz made an inappropriate statement to a prospective client who missed appointments, stating 'You must have dementia,' in violation of N.J.S.A. 45:1:21(e). The settlement requires a $250 civil penalty and a cease-and-desist commitment. The respondent has 15 days to accept the settlement terms or the matter will be referred for formal enforcement proceedings.

Gary Borer - Modified Offer Settlement

The New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners filed a Modified Offer Settlement with Gary Borer on January 23, 2026. The settlement represents a disciplinary resolution concerning the licensed psychologist's professional practice. The specific terms, conditions, and any resulting restrictions on the licensee's practice are contained within the filed settlement document.

Modified Settlement Offer - Lee, Case No. 8B.S., February 10, 2026

The New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners filed a Modified Settlement Offer for Case No. 8B.S. on February 10, 2026. This document modifies a prior settlement offer related to professional licensing discipline for an individual named Lee. The settlement modifies the terms of a previous settlement offer as filed with the Board.

Combination of KDM6B Inhibitor and Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy for Use in a Method of Treating Glioblastoma

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4149512A1 on April 8, 2026. The patent covers a combination therapy using KDM6B inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade for treating glioblastoma. Applicants are the Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, with inventors including Goswami, Sharma, and Allison.

Shiseido Granted Patent for Skin Composition Formulations and Methods

USPTO granted Patent US12599623B2 to Shiseido Company, Limited on April 14, 2026. The patent covers body corrective cosmetic formulations and methods of use thereof, including skin treatment compositions. The application was filed on June 29, 2017 under Application No. 15638059 with 13 claims.

One Measles Case Confirmed in Maryland Resident with Recent International Travel

The Maryland Department of Health announced one confirmed case of measles in a Baltimore metro area resident with recent international travel. Health officials have identified potential exposure locations including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, FastMed Urgent Care in Baltimore, and Sinai Hospital's emergency department. Marylanders who visited these locations during specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms for 21 days and verify their MMR vaccination status.

First Measles Case of 2026 Confirmed in Providence County

The Rhode Island Department of Health has confirmed the first measles case of 2026 in Providence County. Health officials are notifying the public and monitoring the situation for potential exposures. This announcement serves as a public health notification regarding the confirmed case.

Integrated Preparedness Plan Workshop - Noblesville, April 20, 2026

Indiana Department of Health announces an Integrated Preparedness Plan Workshop on April 20, 2026, from 10:00am to 2:00pm EDT at Riverview Health in Noblesville, IN. The workshop objectives include validating preparedness priorities based on Joint Risk Assessment and Hazard Vulnerability Assessment results, identifying capability gaps using After Action Reports and Public Health Hazard Risk Assessment data, and incorporating lessons learned from real-world events. Intended audience includes Local Health Department Preparedness Coordinators, Healthcare Coalition Readiness and Response Coordinators, and other preparedness organizations.

Dynamic Flash Adjustment Based on Retinal Pigmentation (EP4120888A1)

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4120888A1, filed by Digital Diagnostics Inc., covering a system and method for dynamically adjusting flash intensity in retinal imaging devices based on individual retinal pigmentation. The invention aims to improve image quality and patient comfort during fundus photography by adapting illumination to varying levels of ocular pigmentation. The patent application names Warren James Clarida, Ryan Earl Rohret Amelon, Abhay Shah, Jacob Patrick Suther, Meindert Niemeijer, and Michael David Abramoff as inventors.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MODELING PREDICTIVE OUTCOMES OF ARTHROPLASTY SURGICAL PROCEDURES

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4135620A1 for Exactech, Inc., covering a method and system for modeling predictive outcomes of arthroplasty surgical procedures. The A1 publication includes the search report and is now publicly available across all designated EU member states. The patent protects predictive modeling technology for orthopedic joint replacement planning.

Image Processing Device and Image Processing Method

The European Patent Office published Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.'s patent application EP4113436A1 for an image processing device and method for diagnosis and surgery. The patent covers image processing technology with applications in medical diagnosis (A61B) and was published on April 8, 2026. Inventors include Saito, Hamasaki, Kanamori, and Iwase.

Systems for Computer-Assisted Shape Measurements in Video (EP4135567A1)

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4135567A1 for Kaliber Labs Inc., covering computer-assisted systems and methods for performing shape measurements in video data. The patent application relates to medical imaging technologies including ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, and video-based analysis for surgical and diagnostic applications. The patent was published under the A1 publication type on April 8, 2026.

Protective Device for Use in Surgery Applications (EP4132408A1)

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4132408A1 for Relmat Pty Ltd titled 'Protective Device for Use in Surgery Applications.' The invention relates to protective devices for surgical procedures and has been classified under IPC category A61B (Diagnosis & Surgery). The patent designates multiple European member states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.