Healthcare & Life Sciences

Mature Virus-Like Particles of Flaviviruses Vaccine

The EPO published patent application EP3976768A1, filed by Chiang Mai University and NSTDA, covering mature virus-like particles (VLPs) of flaviviruses for use as vaccines. The invention relates to the production of immunogenic VLP compositions and methods for preventing flavivirus infections. The patent designates 33 European states including major markets such as DE, FR, GB, IT, and ES.

Turkish Sex Pain Questionnaire Validation for Chronic Pain Conditions

NIH registered observational study NCT07536672 on ClinicalTrials.gov to validate the Turkish version of the Sex Pain Questionnaire developed by Rafael Ballester-Arnal in 2022. The study evaluates sexual function problems in patients with chronic pain conditions including fibromyalgia, neck pain, and lower back pain. The questionnaire consists of 17 items across two factors measuring sexual dissatisfaction and the effect of chronic pain on sexual life. No regulatory obligations or compliance requirements are imposed by this registration.

GLP-2 (Teduglutide) Phase 2 Trial for Environmental Enteric Dysfunction in Undernourished Women, Dhaka

The NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registry published a Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT07537686) evaluating teduglutide (a GLP-2 analog) for treatment of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) in 40 undernourished women aged 18-35 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The randomized study will assess whether 30 days of daily subcutaneous teduglutide injections improve intestinal damage (via biopsy) and gut inflammation markers. icddr,b (Bangladesh) is a collaborating institution.

Public Complaint Form for Violations Against Licensed Optometrists

The Nevada State Board of Optometry has published a public complaint form allowing individuals to file complaints against licensed optometrists for alleged violations of NRS Chapter 636 or NAC 636. Complainants must provide facts with particularity, cite specific statutes, and submit credible evidence supporting their claims or the complaint will be rejected.

Turkish Version of the Eksterociptive Body Awareness Questionnaire Validation Study NCT07536685

The National Institutes of Health registered an observational study (NCT07536685) to validate the Turkish version of the Eksterociptive Body Awareness Questionnaire (EBA-Q). The study involves 70 healthy adult participants who will complete a survey using the questionnaire. The study aims to establish the validity and reliability of the instrument for use in Turkish research.

KIA-Korekt: Staged Unimodal-to-Multimodal AI Evaluation for Perioperative Risk Prediction in Colorectal Cancer

NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registered NCT07537491 (KIA-Korekt study), an observational study conducted at University Hospital Brandenburg investigating whether multimodal AI analysis of medical imaging can predict perioperative complications in colorectal cancer patients. The study integrates digital histopathology (H&E-WSIs), CT/MRI radiomics, and multiplex tissue imaging across a retrospective cohort of approximately 750 CRC patients (2011–2021) and a prospective validation cohort of approximately 210 patients (2026–2028).

ESPB vs ICNB Postoperative Pain VATS Randomized Trial

NIH's ClinicalTrials.gov has registered study NCT07535697, a prospective randomized trial comparing ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) to thoracoscopically-guided intercostal nerve block (ICNB) for postoperative pain management in adults undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The study will evaluate analgesic consumption over 24 hours, pain levels at predefined time points, and procedure duration to determine whether ESPB provides comparable analgesia to ICNB.

Observational BMPR2-Activin Pathway Study in Group II Pulmonary Hypertension

The NIH registered a prospective observational study (NCT07537517) on ClinicalTrials.gov evaluating the BMPR2-activin signaling pathway in Group II pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease. The study will enroll 150 heart failure patients undergoing hemodynamic assessment with a 1-year follow-up, plus a nested substudy of 40 heart transplant candidates for vascular morphometric analysis. Results may inform PH-LHD classification, precision-medicine models, and targeted therapies such as activin inhibitors.

Open Label SKY-0515 Huntington's Disease Trial Phase 2

NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registered a Phase 2 open-label extension study (NCT07537075) for SKY-0515, an oral medication being evaluated for Huntington's Disease. The trial will enroll adults aged 25 and older with genetically confirmed HD to assess whether SKY-0515 can lower harmful proteins associated with the disease and improve symptoms. The study is registered as Phase 2 with an anticipated start date.

ALN-4915 Phase 1 Trial, Healthy Volunteers

Alnylam has registered a Phase 1 clinical trial for ALN-4915 on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07535606). The study will evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of ALN-4915 in adult healthy volunteers. The trial involves approximately 60 participants receiving ALN-4915 or placebo.

Telerehabilitation vs Conventional Rehab Non-Inferiority Trial for Subacromial Pain

NIH has registered a clinical trial (NCT07536009) on ClinicalTrials.gov evaluating whether a telerehabilitation program is non-inferior to conventional in-person physical therapy for patients with subacromial pain syndrome. The prospective, randomized, parallel-group, single-center controlled non-inferiority trial will measure primary outcome of shoulder function using the QuickDASH questionnaire at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, range of motion, treatment adherence, and long-term functional outcomes.

AI-ECG Observational Study for Acute Aortic Dissection

NIH registered a prospective multicenter observational study (NCT07536932) evaluating an AI-ECG model for diagnosing acute type A aortic dissection in emergency department patients with chest pain. The study will enroll adults at five tertiary hospitals and compare AI model predictions against CTA-confirmed diagnoses. Clinical and ECG data will be collected as part of standard care to assess diagnostic performance across centers.

Measurement of Ocular Blood Flow and Retinal Oxygen Extraction in Diabetic Patients

NIH has registered a clinical trial (NCT07536516) investigating the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) and GIP/GLP-1 dual agonists (tirzepatide) on ocular blood flow and retinal function in diabetic patients. The study will use Laser Speckle Flowgraphy (LSFG), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) as diagnostic interventions. The trial focuses on patients with diabetes mellitus to evaluate potential neuroprotective effects on retinal microvasculature.

Phase 2 CAOP Trial for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

NIH registered a Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT07535762) evaluating CAOP (Aclarubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Prednisone) in elderly patients with newly diagnosed Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL). The trial targets three subtypes: PTCL-NOS, Nodal T-follicular Helper Cell Lymphoma, and ALK-1 Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. The study aims to address poor survival rates with current CHOP-based therapies in this rare cancer population.

State Public Health Nurse Honored With Nursing Excellence Award for HIV-PrEP Work

The New Mexico Department of Health announced that Gina Fullbright, a registered nurse practitioner with the Public Health Division's Southwest Region, received a Nursing Excellence Award from the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence on April 11, 2026. Fullbright was recognized for her work expanding access to HIV-PrEP preventative treatment in southern New Mexico. Four other NMDOH nurses were also nominated for the award.

Wyoming Veterinary Board Disciplinary Actions

The Wyoming Veterinary Medical Board publishes its record of disciplinary actions taken against licensed veterinarians. These actions may include license revocations, suspensions, probations, fines, reprimands, or mandatory continuing education requirements for licensees found in violation of veterinary practice standards.

WV Vet Board Publishes Website Navigation for Licensee Search and Complaint Filing

The WV Veterinary Medical Board published its website navigation structure at wvbvm.org, providing public access to license verification search, complaint filing procedures, practitioner forms, continuing education guidelines, and facility registration information for veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and certified animal euthanasia technicians in West Virginia.

Disciplinary Actions, Reprimands, Suspensions, Revocations

The WV Veterinary Medical Board maintains a public webpage listing disciplinary actions taken against veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and certified animal euthanasia technicians licensed in West Virginia. Actions include reprimands, suspensions, and revocations. The page provides access to board disciplinary records for public transparency.

Disciplinary Actions and Citations Search Tool

The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) provides a public search tool allowing users to query entity names, license numbers, or individual names to discover disciplinary actions and citations issued by the UT Vet Board and other licensing boards. The search is accessible via db.dpl.utah.gov/disciplinary-actions/. This is an informational tool, not a new regulatory requirement or enforcement action.

NCVMB Complaint Process and 3-Year Filing Deadline

The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board published its complaint filing procedures and statute of limitations. The Board enforces a 3-year deadline from the date of incident for filing complaints against licensees and registrants. Complaints cannot be accepted anonymously, by fax, email, or telephone. The Board investigates incompetence, malpractice, gross negligence, and misrepresentation, with possible outcomes including dismissal, caution, reprimand, or license suspension.

Predictors of Clinical Response After Interlaminar Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection for Cervical Radiculopathy

NIH registered a new observational retrospective cohort study (NCT07535476) on ClinicalTrials.gov to evaluate predictors of clinical response after interlaminar cervical epidural steroid injection in patients with cervical radiculopathy. The study will analyze demographic, clinical, and procedure-related variables including pain scores before and after the procedure. Enrollment is anticipated to begin April 17, 2026.

Complete List of Board Disciplinary Actions

The Wyoming Board of Psychology publishes its complete historical list of disciplinary actions taken against licensed psychologists and applicants. The document provides public access to enforcement records including license revocations, suspensions, probations, fines, and reprimands issued by the board under Wyo. Stat. § 33-27.

Examining Board of Psychology - Board Duties, Members, and 2026 Meeting Schedule

The Washington State Examining Board of Psychology published its annual meeting schedule for 2026 and updated member roster. The board is composed of 9 psychologist members and 2 public members who regulate psychologist competency, licensing, and discipline in Washington. The board meets six times annually and oversees complaint investigations that may result in disciplinary actions from Notice of Correction to license revocation.

PSYPACT Proposes Rules on Residency Definition and Authorization Denial Grounds

The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) Commission has published Proposed Rules open for a 60-day public comment period through October 3, 2025. The proposed rules add a residency definition per PSYPACT Legislation, clarify grounds for denying or revoking authorizations, expand the appeals process to separately address denials and revocations, and revise rule numbering for alignment. Stakeholders may submit written comments via the PSYPACT website.

ND Joins PSYPACT - Proposed Rules Open for Public Comment

The PSYPACT Commission has published Proposed Rules following North Dakota's joining of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. The proposed rules establish the framework for telepsychology and interjurisdictional psychology practice across member states. The comment period runs for 60 days through October 3, 2023, with a public hearing scheduled for November 16, 2023 at 11:00 am Eastern via Zoom.

CE Broker Audit for Psychologist Licensees

The North Dakota State Board of Psychology Examiners announced that continuing education audits for renewing psychologist licensees will now be conducted using CE Broker technology. Licensees selected in the 10% CE audit required by statute must submit their audit information through the CE Broker platform. Licensees are not required to maintain CE records on CE Broker generally, but audit submissions must be made through the platform. Dr. Paul Kolstoe serves as the Board's technical assistant for CE Broker support.

Minnesota Psychology Board Disciplinary and Corrective Actions List

The Minnesota Psychology Board published its updated list of disciplinary and corrective actions against licensed psychologists. The list includes 40 individual orders spanning from September 2023 through March 2026, containing stipulations, consent orders, agreements for corrective action, findings of fact, license suspensions, and unconditional license reinstatements.

How to File Complaints Against Healthcare Professionals and Facilities

The Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure (BHPL) issued guidance explaining the complaint filing process against healthcare professionals and facilities. Anyone may submit a complaint via the Online Complaint Portal or paper form. The Bureau may open a formal complaint, pursue staff action investigation, or close the matter. If formal action is taken, outcomes range from advisory letters and non-disciplinary probation to reprimand, suspension, or revocation. The Board requires clear evidence of statutory or regulatory violation to impose sanctions. Investigations may take one month to three years depending on complexity.

Observational Trial NCT07537153 - Unapproved Device

NIH registered observational clinical trial NCT07537153 on ClinicalTrials.gov. The trial involves a device that has not been approved or cleared by the U.S. FDA for its intended use. Registration satisfies FDA requirements for ongoing clinical investigations of unapproved devices. Trial status listed as active with data collection ongoing.

Complaint Form Against Louisiana Psychologists Licensees

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists provides an online complaint form enabling individuals to file complaints against licensed psychologists and specialists in school psychology. The form collects complainant information, details of the person being investigated, and incident descriptions across categories including competence, dual relationships, sexual misconduct, substance abuse, and record release failures. The Board investigates complaints in accordance with LA R.S. 37:2351-2378 and may initiate disciplinary proceedings if warranted.

License Verification Fee $15, Online Search and Mailing List Services

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP) publishes its license verification and search services. License verification costs $15 plus $0.74 online processing fee. A licensee mailing list is available for $100 plus $3.20 processing fee. The board also publishes annual lists of licensed psychologists and specialists in school psychology dating back to 2016.

Kentucky Psychology Board Disciplinary Actions List

The Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology maintains a public index of disciplinary actions issued against licensed psychologists from 2000 to present. The list includes recent actions through March 2026 and older actions dating back to 2000, accessible via PDF links for each individual case.

Pre-COSALFA 52 International Seminar on Emergency Vaccination Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease

PANAFTOSA/SPV of PAHO/WHO held the Pre-COSALFA 52 International Seminar on April 14, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to analyze emergency vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease as a strategic response tool. The seminar addressed progress on the Regional Antigen Bank for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (BANVACO), operational challenges, and gaps in interinstitutional coordination and decision-making. Conclusions will inform the 52nd COSALFA meeting scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana.

Team ECC Talks Episode 1 Spotlights Event-Based Surveillance in Eastern Caribbean

PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries released Episode 1 of the Team ECC Talks video series, focusing on Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) as an early warning system for public health threats. The episode features PAHO colleagues Dr. Prabhjot Singh and Mrs. Fiona Anthony discussing EBS functions, implementation in small island states, and community engagement strategies. PAHO provides technical assistance, training, and coordination support to ministries of health across the Eastern Caribbean region.

PAHO Launches Policy Briefs on Long-Term Care Across the Americas

PAHO released a new series of policy briefs to support countries in strengthening long-term care systems across the Americas. The documents address person-centered care, caregiver roles, and governance and financing mechanisms. Approximately 14.4% of people aged 65 and older in Latin America and the Caribbean, around 8 million individuals, currently require long-term care, with projections indicating this will rise to 16% by 2050.

Dominica Launches Inaugural Primary Health Care Week Honoring Dr. Carissa Etienne

PAHO/WHO congratulates the Government of Dominica on declaring its inaugural Primary Health Care Week, 13-17 April 2026, honoring Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Dominican national and Director Emeritus of PAHO. The observance recognizes Dominica's district-based health system serving over 66,000 people through more than 50 public health centres. This is a commendatory statement reaffirming PAHO's support for strengthening community-centered primary health care as the foundation for universal health.

PAHO Supports Barbados Health Minister on Biennial Work Plan 2026–2027

PAHO met with Barbados' newly appointed Minister of Health and Wellness to discuss the Biennial Work Plan 2026–2027. The meeting covered ongoing and planned technical cooperation activities including health systems strengthening, HIV, disease prevention, maternal health, noncommunicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and pharmaceutical systems. The engagement sets the foundation for continued collaboration aligning PAHO technical cooperation with Barbados' evolving national health priorities.

Quarterly Provider Update: Provider Directory API Launch, Accreditation Updates, Webinar Schedule

NC Medicaid announces the launch of its Provider Directory API per CMS-9115-F interoperability requirements, making network provider information publicly accessible. Behavioral health providers are reminded of national accreditation requirements per NC Gen Stat § 122C-81. Enrolled providers must disclose adverse actions against licenses, certifications, or accreditations within 30 calendar days under NC Gen Stat 108C-4.

80 New ICD-10-PCS Codes Effective April 1, 2026

CMS has released 80 new ICD-10-PCS procedure codes effective April 1, 2026. NC Medicaid Direct and NC Medicaid Managed Care providers must use these codes for discharges and patient encounters from April 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026. The complete code list is available on the CMS ICD-10 webpage.

Innovations Waiver Providers Must Add 39 Services and Accreditation by April 20

NC Medicaid is updating the Provider Permission Matrix (PPM) for taxonomy 251S00000X to add 39 new Innovations Waiver Service options for Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) service providers. Beginning April 20, 2026, providers must report national accreditation when selecting these services. Providers currently using the single Community/Behavioral Health service must migrate to a new Innovations Waiver Service and report accreditation by April 20, 2027, or lose reimbursement eligibility.

State Directed Payment Programs Approved to Provide $4.5 Billion to Georgia Healthcare Providers

The Georgia Department of Community Health announces approval of State Directed Payment Programs providing $4.5 billion to Georgia healthcare providers. The programs include the $218.8M GREAT Health Program which received federal approval on February 26, 2026. These are state-directed Medicaid payment initiatives targeting rural health transformation and healthcare provider reimbursement.

GA Medicaid Provider Login Portal Navigation

The Georgia Medicaid Provider Portal (mmis.georgia.gov) has posted an alert informing providers that Group Enrollment is now open. Providers can access the Provider Enrollment Application and select the Group/Billing Application Type to enroll groups, entering their existing Payee Medicaid ID on the Payee panel. The deadline to enroll groups has been extended until late spring 2026.

Georgia Pathways Healthcare Coverage for Medicaid-Ineligible Residents

Georgia Pathways is a healthcare coverage program administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health for state residents who meet program eligibility requirements but do not qualify for traditional Medicaid. The program offers coverage through the Georgia Gateway eligibility system, with applicants required to complete qualifying activities such as employment, education, or community engagement to maintain eligibility.

Georgia Gateway Session Timeout and Member Access Portal

Georgia Gateway announces planned system maintenance windows on April 23, 2026 (8:00 PM to 11:00 PM) and April 25, 2026 (6:00 PM to 11:59 PM). The portal provides information for applying to SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Child Care, and WIC benefits, as well as the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program for eligible adults ages 19-64 with household income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Georgia Medicaid Redetermination Dashboard 2023-2024

Georgia Medicaid published a public dashboard tracking redetermination activities and outcomes during the 2023-2024 Medicaid unwinding period. The dashboard provides transparency into renewal processing metrics, enrollment status changes, and case disposition data for Georgia's Medicaid program.

Advisory on Immigration Enforcement Activities in Healthcare and Social Services Facilities

The Pennsylvania Departments of Health, Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Aging issued a non-regulatory advisory informing healthcare and social services facilities that the federal DHS has lifted restrictions previously prohibiting immigration enforcement actions at protected locations including hospitals, clinics, shelters, and treatment facilities. The advisory provides information on HIPAA protections for patient health information, distinguishes between judicial and administrative warrants, and recommends that facilities develop written policies and procedures for responding to immigration enforcement agents.

Illinois Child Support Services Celebrates 50th Anniversary, Historic Top-30 Ranking

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced the 50th anniversary of Child Support Services during Child Support Awareness Month. Illinois achieved a historic top-30 national ranking for comprehensive child support services, with a 16th-place ranking for paternity establishment. The Family Resource Connections program was made permanent as part of a whole-family approach. The program serves over 330,000 Illinois families and collects more than $1 billion annually.

Illinois Invests $4M in Planned Parenthood Funding for Reproductive Healthcare

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced a $4 million investment in Medicaid family planning programming to backfill federal funding cuts to Planned Parenthood resulting from the Trump Administration's HR1 budget bill. The funding will support contraception, STI testing and treatment, and cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood clinics serving approximately 35,000 Illinois Medicaid customers. Illinois operates 13 Planned Parenthood health centers with an additional clinic in Fairview Heights receiving funding.

Illinois Receives $193M Federal Rural Healthcare Transformation Funding

Illinois has been awarded $193,418,216 per year for five years through the federal Rural Healthcare Transformation Program (RHTP). The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) developed the application around three key initiatives: transforming rural healthcare delivery through regional partnerships and value-based care, overcoming geographic barriers through mobile and telehealth services, and building a resilient rural healthcare workforce. Funding will be directed to entities serving the 1.9 million rural residents across 85 Illinois counties.

Illinois Medicaid Launches Coverage for Home Visiting Services for Pregnant and Parenting Individuals

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced new Medicaid coverage for home visiting services for pregnant and parenting individuals, effective November 21, 2025. Covered services include prenatal home visits with health education, blood pressure monitoring, behavioral health screenings, domestic violence education and screenings, stress management, and service referrals. Providers seeking to enroll as home visiting organizations must be certified by the appropriate national governing body. HFS will host a Maternal Child Health Provider Town Hall on December 9 to provide updates and home-visiting training.