Healthcare & Life Sciences

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.

CMS Releases Fiscal Year 2027 IPPS and LTCH Proposed Rule

CMS released its fiscal year 2027 proposed rule for the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System on April 10, 2026. The proposed rule would increase IPPS operating payment rates by 2.4 percent for hospitals meeting quality reporting and EHR requirements, with an estimated $1.9 billion increase in total IPPS payments. Key changes include expansion of the CJR Model into mandatory nationwide CJR-X, refinements to CAR-T therapy reimbursement under MS-DRG 018, and proposals affecting New Technology Add-on Payments. Comments are due June 9, 2026.

Suicide Prevention Training Required for WA Health Professionals

The Washington State Department of Health published an informational page explaining suicide prevention training requirements for healthcare professionals under RCW 43.70.442. Beginning July 1, 2017, affected health professionals must complete training from programs on the state's approved Model List to meet statutory content and time requirements.

COVID-19 Continuing Education Requirements Extension for Naturopathic Physicians

The Washington State Board of Naturopathy adopted policy BON 20-01.1 extending continuing education (CE) requirements for naturopathic physicians during COVID-19. The board exercised authority under WAC 246-12-210 to grant CE extensions due to extenuating circumstances. Naturopathic physicians who attested to CE through September 30, 2020 received coinciding extensions with their license renewals. The board will accept online and prerecorded courses meeting WAC 246-836-080 requirements through December 31, 2021. Case-by-case consideration applies to other circumstances beyond licensees' control.

License Holders Must Disclose Sexual Misconduct to Patients

Washington State's RCW 18.130.063 requires license holders who have been sanctioned for sexual misconduct on or after October 1, 2019, to disclose this to patients before or at their first appointment. Licensees must provide the public order or stipulation, describe all sanctions and their duration, include the disciplining authority's phone number, and explain how to access more information on the license lookup website. Patients or their surrogate decision makers must sign an acknowledgment of receipt, which must be kept in the patient's file.

Oregon Naturopathy Disciplinary Actions 2021-2026

The Oregon Naturopathy Board published a list of 29 disciplinary actions against naturopathic doctors (NDs) spanning 2021 through April 2026. Actions include Final Orders by Default, Consent Orders, Settlement Agreements, and Notices of Proposed Discipline covering case numbers from 2019 through 2024. Cases involve practitioners James Said, Matthew Zorn, Richard Krebs, Lakshmi Andersen, Hyo-Shin Kim, Mary Grabowska, Ryan Wood, Francis Poe, David Geller, Usha Honeyman, Nathalie Paravicini, Leslie Hamlett, Russell Marz, Seth Burrell, Michelle Jackson, Jeri Otterstrom, Sayvi George, Angela Carter, Nesbitt Durr Elmore, Mai Nguyen-Pham, Nathan Daniel McVeigh, Katherine Hofmann, Michael Miller, Jason Black, Jocelyn Cooper, Christina Winkelman, George Gonzales, Mihaela Pepel, and Katherine Walker.

File a Complaint Against Licensee or Unlicensed Activity

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) published an informational page explaining how consumers and other parties may file complaints against licensees or individuals suspected of performing unlicensed activity. The page outlines available disciplinary actions, including reprimand, fine, restriction of practice, remedial education, administrative costs, probation, license suspension, or revocation. The page lists dozens of regulated professions including architecture, cosmetology, construction, engineering, and healthcare professions such as chiropractic medicine.

License Denial or Suspension for Tax Delinquency Under AB 1424

The California Board of Naturopathic Medicine announces statutory requirements under AB 1424 to deny licensure applications and suspend licenses of applicants and licensees appearing on Franchise Tax Board (FTB) or Board of Equalization (BOE) certified lists of top 500 tax delinquencies over $100,000. Affected individuals have 90 days from preliminary notice to satisfy outstanding tax obligations or enter a payment installment program with FTB or BOE. The board cannot refund any fees paid for license issuance or renewal when denied or suspended under this law.

Clinical Decision-Making in FAIS

NIH registered clinical trial NCT07536295 studying dynamic assessment methods for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) surgery decisions. The study aims to develop and validate clinic-ready dynamic assessment methods integrating weight-bearing pelvic alignment with 3D hip modeling to support more objective treatment timing.

Oxidative Stress in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

NIH National Library of Medicine registered an observational study (NCT07536529) examining oxidative stress markers in autoimmune rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The study measures blood and tissue redox status to understand free radical impact on biomolecules in inflammatory joint disease patients. This registry entry applies to clinical investigators and healthcare providers involved in the study.

Efficacy of Cosmetic Products in Preventing HEVL-Induced Skin Pigmentation

NIH registered a double-blind, randomized clinical trial (NCT07537595) evaluating the efficacy of seven anti-pigmentation cosmetic formulations in preventing skin pigmentation induced by High Energy Visible Light (HEVL, 400-450nm) in 18-60 year old Caucasian healthy volunteers. Participants will undergo 36 visits over 7 weeks with standardized product applications on delineated skin zones followed by HEVL exposure and colorimetric measurements at 13 time points.

Surgical Robotic Arm with Anatomy State Confirmation, Covidien

The European Patent Office published patent EP4072460A1 for Covidien LP covering a surgical robotic arm system with anatomy state confirmation technology. The invention is classified under IPC A61B (Diagnosis and Surgery) and includes robotic arm mechanisms for confirming anatomical states during surgical procedures. The patent names Meglan Dwight as inventor.

Surgical Stapler with Removable Power Pack, EP3998960A1

European Patent Office published patent EP3998960A1 granting Revmedica, Inc. exclusive rights to a surgical stapler with removable power pack. The patent application was filed by inventors SATTI, WENCHELL, and NIELSEN with IPC classifications covering surgical stapling devices (A61B 17/072, A61B 17/068, A61B 17/115). The patent covers designated European Patent Convention states including DE, FR, GB, IT, ES, NL, and 22 other member states.

Vascular Access Device with Arteriovenous Fistula Support EP4037754A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4037754A1 for a vascular access device designed to support arteriovenous fistulas. The patent was filed by Voyager Biomedical, Inc. and inventors Alan Glowczwski and Kimberly Marie Neely. The invention is classified under A61B 17/11 (surgical anastomosis) and A61M 39/02 (vascular implants).

EP4044910A1 Monitoring of Breathing and Heart Function Patent

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4044910A1 titled 'Monitoring of Breathing and Heart Function' filed by The Children's Medical Center Corporation. Inventors Benjamin Matthews and Christopher Norve developed a system for monitoring breathing and heart function with applications in medical diagnostics. The patent application was published with designated state coverage across European Patent Convention member states including Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and 23 other countries.

Intra-Oral Electroencephalography Device and Method for Neurological Diagnosis

The European Patent Office granted Patent EP4054420A1 to Achaemenid, LLC for an intra-oral electroencephalography (EEG) device designed for neurological diagnosis. The invention (Inventor: Reza Radmand) utilizes IPC classifications including A61B 5/291 (electrical recording of physiological state), A61B 5/384 (brain monitoring), and A61B 5/11 (movement measurement). The patent is designated for all 35 participating EPC contracting states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and other EU member states.

Systems for Assessing Gait, Stability, and/or Balance of a User

European Patent Office granted patent EP4048148A1 to Plethy, Inc. covering AI systems for assessing gait, stability, and balance using neural networks. The patent application was published April 8, 2026, designating multiple European member states including DE, FR, GB, IT, NL, ES, and others.

Brain Control Interface Patent - Synchron Australia

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4048371A1 for Synchron Australia Pty Ltd, covering systems and methods for configuring a brain control interface using data from deployed systems. The patent application includes claims related to A61N 1/05 (neural electrodes), A61N 1/36 (nerve stimulation), and related classifications. The application designates multiple European member states including DE, FR, GB, IT, NL, and others.

Systems and Methods for Automated Ultrasound Image Labeling and Quality Grading

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4028992A1 for Echonous, Inc., titled 'Systems and Methods for Automated Ultrasound Image Labeling and Quality Grading.' The invention covers automated systems using neural networks to label ultrasound images and assess image quality. The patent is designated for all 39 EPC contracting states including DE, FR, GB, IT, ES, NL, and others.

Endoscopic System and Method for Operating the Same (EP4027183A1)

The EPO published patent application EP4027183A1 for Fujifilm Corporation's endoscopic system and method for operating the same. The patent relates to an endoscopic device classified under IPC A61B covering diagnosis and surgery applications. The publication provides intellectual property protection for the disclosed invention across all designated EPC contracting states including AL, AT, BE, DE, FR, GB, IT, NL, and 32 others.

California DCC Reminds Consumers to Use Licensed Retailers

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) issued a consumer safety reminder ahead of the 4/20 cannabis holiday, urging consumers to purchase cannabis only from licensed retailers. The DCC states that licensed retailers offer products that are tested, accurately labeled, and tracked through the state's regulatory system.

Penn State Research Foundation Multi-Destination Endoscopic Surgery Planning System Patent EP4468937A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4468937A1 filed by The Penn State Research Foundation for a multi-destination procedure planning and guidance system for endoscopic surgery. The application covers IPC classifications G16H 20/40, G16H 50/50, A61B 1/00, A61B 34/00, A61B 34/10, A61B 34/20, A61B 1/267, and A61B 90/00. The patent is designated for all 38 European Patent Convention contracting states including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Probability of Medical Condition

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4553849A1 filed by Koninklijke Philips N.V. The invention covers systems and methods for assessing the probability of medical conditions using medical image processing and machine learning algorithms. The application is classified under IPC G16H (Health Informatics) and is now publicly available.

Imaging System for Calculating Fluid Dynamics, EP4463053A1

The European Patent Office published patent EP4463053A1, titled 'Imaging System for Calculating Fluid Dynamics', granted to Gentuity, LLC. The patent covers imaging system technology for fluid dynamics calculation and is classified under health informatics (G16H). The patent designation extends across EU member states including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

European Patent - Clinical Event Evaluation - Edwards Lifesciences

The European Patent Office published European patent application EP4505472A1 for Edwards Lifesciences Corporation covering systems and methods for clinical event evaluation in health informatics. The patent includes IPC classifications G16H 10/20, G16H 50/70, G06F 40/20, G16H 15/00, and G16H 50/20, with designated states across EU member states and other European countries.

Systems and Methods for Monitoring Efficacy of Cytotoxic Treatment

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4500551A1 for Washington University, covering systems and methods for monitoring the efficacy of cytotoxic treatments. The patent application includes IPC classifications related to health informatics (G16H), pharmaceutical compositions (A61K), and genetic testing methods (C12Q). The designated contracting states include all major European Economic Area countries, granting Washington University exclusive intellectual property rights in Europe upon grant.

METHOD FOR PATIENT POSITIONING IN A MEDICAL PROCEDURE AND MEDICAL SYSTEM

The European Patent Office granted patent EP4553843A1 to Koninklijke Philips N.V. on April 8, 2026. The patent covers a method and system for patient positioning in medical procedures, utilizing graphics and visualization technologies. The patent is designated across all EU member states and extended European countries.

Calibrating a Digital Image of Skin Tissue

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4531674A1 for a method of calibrating digital images of skin tissue. The application was filed by AI Labs Group, S.L. and lists Taig Mac Carthy Espinar and Alfonso Medela Ayarzaguena as inventors. The patent covers calibration techniques for digital skin tissue imaging using IPC classifications including A61B 5/103 and G16H 50/20.

Systems and Methods for Predicting Patient Recruitment at Clinical Sites

EPO published patent application EP4394784A1 by Tempus AI, Inc. titled 'Systems and Methods for Predicting Patient Recruitment at Clinical Sites.' The invention relates to health informatics systems using predictive algorithms for clinical trial site patient recruitment. The application covers G16H classifications in health informatics. The designated states include all EPO member states covering major European markets.

Device, System, and Method for Determining and Increasing Clinician Engagement with Infusion Devices

The European Patent Office published European Patent Application EP4721093A1 for CareFusion 303, Inc., titled 'Device, System, and Method for Determining and Increasing Clinician Engagement with Infusion Devices.' The patent application was published April 8, 2026, with inventors including Daniel M. Abal, covering G16H 40/40 and G16H 40/63 classifications related to healthcare informatics and medical device management systems. The patent is valid in designated European states including AT, BE, DE, ES, FI, FR, GB, IT, NL, and others.

Wearoptimo Measurement Analysis Patent EP4482372A1

The European Patent Office granted patent EP4482372A1 to Wearoptimo Pty Ltd covering measurement analysis technology. The patent includes claims related to A61B 5/00 (measuring for diagnostic purposes), G16H 50/30 (ICT for treatments or procedures), and G06N 20/00 (machine learning). The patent is designated for all EPC contracting states including DE, FR, GB, IT, NL, and 24 other jurisdictions.