Healthcare Compliance

Kansas Air Quality Health Advisory for Prescribed Burns in Flint Hills

KDHE has issued an air quality health advisory for the Flint Hills and surrounding areas in Kansas, effective March 20 through early afternoon Saturday, March 21, 2026. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to range from Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, with levels approaching Unhealthy near active burn zones due to ongoing prescribed burning and residual smoke from previous days. The advisory recommends that healthy individuals limit strenuous outdoor exercise and that vulnerable populations remain indoors, with additional protective measures including keeping windows closed and running air conditioners with filters.

TMB Introduces Non-Disciplinary Enforcement Tools and Mandates CE Broker Tracking

The Texas Medical Board announced a new progressive enforcement framework introducing non-disciplinary warning letters and letters of concern for certain violations, effective immediately. Warning letters address administrative matters such as billing, medical records release failures, and CE audit violations, while letters of concern may resolve limited standard of care violations. Separately, Texas law requires all licensed healthcare practitioners under TMB jurisdiction to verify continuing education compliance via CE Broker beginning September 1, 2026; licensees renewing on or after that date must have an active basic CE Broker account and report all completed coursework to the platform.

Protecting Kids from Essential Oils, Caffeine, and Vitamins

The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Poison Information Center published a health advisory on March 20, 2026, warning parents about toxic substances in everyday household products including essential oils, caffeine, and vitamins. The advisory includes 2025 exposure statistics: 291 essential oil exposures, 104 energy drink-related calls, and 979 vitamin exposures reported to APIC. No new compliance obligations are imposed.

Missouri Identifies Two Residents with Clade I Mpox

Missouri DHSS and local public health agencies identified two adult residents with clade I mpox on March 20, 2026 — the first known clade I cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth nationally. Both individuals had recent international travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent; the public health investigation found the cases are unrelated to each other and not connected to locally acquired mpox. Risk to the general public remains low.

Maryland DOH Secures $168 Million Federal Rural Health Transformation Funding

The Maryland Department of Health announced receipt of $168 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen and modernize healthcare in rural communities across the state, with funds renewable over five years. Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani and Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks joined community partners at the Eastern Shore Food Security Symposium in Wye Mills and Chesapeake College to discuss implementation priorities including post-harvest farm infrastructure, nutrition education, and health workforce development. The first meeting of the Rural Health Transformation Committee, representing all five rural regions of Maryland, was held in late February to advise on funding implementation.

Measles Exposure Locations Identified in Salem

Oregon Health Authority and Marion County public health officials have identified two new measles exposure locations in Salem, Oregon. Individuals present at Salem Health Hospital emergency department waiting room on March 16, 2026, between 6:10 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., or at Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office upper level on March 13, 2026, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., should immediately contact their health care provider. Public health officials advise that exposure risk is contained to these specific date and time windows, and that the measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing infection after two doses of the MMR vaccine.

New Mexico Measles Cases Rise to 13

New Mexico's measles case count has risen to 13, with all cases linked to three county detention centers: Luna County Detention Center (8 cases), Doña Ana County Detention Center (3 cases), and Hidalgo County Detention Center (2 cases). The NMDOH has deployed vaccination crews to all three facilities and is encouraging residents to review their vaccination records ahead of spring travel season. The CDC commended NMDOH for its public messaging and vaccination strategies during the 2025 measles outbreak, which reported 100 cases between mid-February and mid-September, with over 60,000 MMR shots administered.

WHO Workshop Charts Path for Responsible AI in Mental Health

On 29 January 2026, over 30 international experts in AI, mental health, ethics, and public policy participated in an online workshop organized by the Delft Digital Ethics Centre at TU Delft, the first WHO Collaborating Centre on AI for health governance. The workshop produced three principal recommendations: recognizing generative AI as a public mental health concern, integrating mental health into AI impact assessments, and ensuring AI tools for mental health support are co-designed with clinical experts and people with lived experience. WHO announced it is establishing a Consortium of Collaborating Centres on AI for Health, with a pre-convening of candidate institutions held 17–19 March 2026 at TU Delft.

Medicaid Fraud Control Units Annual Report: FY 2025

HHS OIG published the FY 2025 Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Annual Report summarizing activities across 53 MFCUs. The report documents $4.64 recovered per dollar spent, with combined criminal and civil recoveries totaling nearly $2 billion ($1.3 billion criminal, $706 million civil). MFCUs reported 1,185 convictions (856 for fraud, 329 for patient abuse or neglect) and 674 civil settlements and judgments. Pharmaceutical manufacturers accounted for the most civil settlements and judgments. OIG excluded 900 individuals and entities from Federal health care programs based on MFCU convictions. MFCUs received 5,991 fraud referrals from managed care entities during FY 2025.

South Dakota DOH Updates Fish Consumption Advisory for Lake Louise Largemouth Bass

The South Dakota Department of Health has updated its online Fish Consumption Advisory listing to include Lake Louise in Hand County for Largemouth Bass following a recent review of mercury sampling data. The advisory is part of an annual monitoring program the state has conducted since 1996 in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Game, Fish and Parks. The update provides South Dakotans with current information to help them make informed decisions when consuming locally caught fish.

FNS Seeks Comments on Information Collection Revision

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is seeking public comments on a proposed revision to an information collection for its Food Distribution Programs. This revision aims to prevent a lapse in OMB approval and ensure the effective administration of programs like the National School Lunch Program and The Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meetings

The National Institutes of Health, through the Center for Scientific Review, has published a notice announcing upcoming closed meetings. These meetings are scheduled for April 16, 2026, and involve discussions that are not open to the public.

Exempt Chemical Preparations Under the Controlled Substances Act

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a notice regarding exempt chemical preparations under the Controlled Substances Act. This notice opens a 60-day public comment period for interested parties to submit their views on the matter.

Governor Healey Announces Support for Lifting Sunday Hunting Ban and Expanding Hunting Access

Governor Maura Healey announced she will introduce legislation to modernize Massachusetts hunting laws, including allowing hunting on Sundays, expanding crossbow use, and reducing bowhunting setback distances from 500 feet to 250 feet, following five public listening sessions that generated over 11,200 comments with majority support. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) separately announced that alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) will become a reportable condition for healthcare providers and laboratories beginning April 1, 2026, for an initial one-year period, as a proactive measure due to the northward expansion of lone star tick populations linked to climate change.

NIH Government Inventions Available for Licensing

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a notice announcing the availability of government-owned inventions for licensing. This notice provides information for parties interested in obtaining licenses for these inventions.

NIH Center for Scientific Review Closed Meetings Notice

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a notice regarding upcoming closed meetings for the Center for Scientific Review. These meetings are scheduled for April 16, 2026, and are part of the standard operational procedures for reviewing grant applications.

National Human Genome Research Institute Meeting Notice

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published a notice announcing an upcoming meeting for the National Human Genome Research Institute. The meeting is scheduled to take place on May 18-19, 2026. This notice serves as an informational announcement regarding the meeting details.

FDA Variance Application from Kenyon Productions, LLC Closed

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has closed a variance application submitted by Kenyon Productions, LLC. The specific details of the variance and the reasons for its closure are not provided in the available document.

FDA Variance Application - Furew Floral Event and Landscaping

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received a variance application from Furew Floral Event and Landscaping. The application, submitted by CDRH, is available for review on Regs.gov.

FDA Complaint Filed

The FDA has filed a complaint regarding a matter related to its regulatory oversight. The document indicates that comments were closed on March 19, 2026. No specific details about the complaint's nature or the parties involved are available in the provided metadata.

FDA Complaint Posted for Public Comment

The FDA has posted a complaint for public comment, with the comment period closing on March 19, 2026. The document is available on Regulations.gov, though no content is directly viewable, only an attachment labeled 'Complaint' from the author CTP.

FDA Variance Approval Letter to DJ Ken-E. Ken

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted a Variance Approval Letter related to DJ Ken-E. Ken. The document was issued by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). No other details or documents are available for viewing.

FDA Variance Amendment from Whisky A Go Go

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted a variance amendment related to "Whisky A Go Go." The document is available for review on regulations.gov, though no specific details or downloadable content are provided directly in the listing.

FDA CDRH Variance Approval Letter to Smack Shack

The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) has issued a variance approval letter to Smack Shack. This document grants a specific variance, the details of which are not publicly available in the provided text.

FDA Variance Amendment from Leo Weeks Photographers

The FDA has posted a variance amendment submitted by Leo Weeks Photographers. The document is available for review on Regulations.gov, though no specific details or full text are provided directly in the listing.

FDA CDRH Variance Approval Letter to Furew Floral

The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) has issued a variance approval letter to Furew Floral Event and Landscaping. This document signifies an approval for a specific variance requested by the company.

FDA Variance Amendment from Furew Floral Event

The FDA has posted a variance amendment related to the Furew Floral Event and Landscaping. This document, authored by CDRH, is available for review on Regulations.gov. No specific compliance actions or deadlines are detailed in the provided information.

FDA Variance Application from Jennifer Rishel

The FDA has posted a variance application submitted by Jennifer Rishel. The application, filed by CDRH, is available in redacted format on regulations.gov. No specific details on the nature of the variance or its implications are provided in the posting.

FDA Completeness Assessment Correspondence

The FDA has issued a completeness assessment correspondence to Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. regarding a submission. The document is a standard communication within the drug approval process and does not contain new regulatory requirements or guidance.

FDA Variance Application from JSMJ Group LLC

The FDA has received a variance application from JSMJ Group LLC. The application pertains to medical device regulations. No documents are currently available for viewing or download.

FDA Letter to Patent Office

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a letter to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This communication is related to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and is part of the FDA's ongoing regulatory processes. The comment period for this notice has closed.

FDA Letter to U.S. Patent Office

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a letter to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The letter is authored by CDER and was posted on March 19, 2026. No documents are available for viewing or download.

FDA Letter to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted a letter addressed to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The document is available on Regulations.gov and was authored by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

FDA Acknowledgment Letter to Whisky A Go Go

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an acknowledgment letter to Whisky A Go Go. The letter, originating from the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), confirms receipt of correspondence but provides no further details on its content or implications.

Measles Outbreak Confirmed in Washtenaw County, Michigan

Michigan DHHS and Washtenaw County Health Department have confirmed a measles outbreak with three linked cases reported since March 12, 2026, in Washtenaw County. The initial Michigan case was associated with travel to Florida, and additional linked cases demonstrate rapid spread among non-immune individuals. Public health officials urge all Michigan residents to verify MMR vaccination status, particularly before spring break travel, as over 1,350 measles cases have been recorded across 31 states during the first three months of 2026.

KDHE Rescinds Boil Water Advisory for Madison, Greenwood County

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Madison public water supply system in Greenwood County. The advisory, originally issued March 12, 2026 due to a waterline break causing loss of pressure, has been removed following laboratory testing that found no evidence of bacteriological contamination. Consumers may now use water from the Madison public supply without boiling it.

Governor Hochul Announces Major Seizure of Illicit Vape Products in Nassau and Orange Counties

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that police in Nassau and Orange counties seized more than 28,500 pounds of illicit vapor products linked to Ecto World (also known as Demand Vape), a Buffalo-area distributor. The NY DOH Bureau of Investigations conducted a three-month investigation into wholesale vape distribution across New York State. In Nassau County, over 26,000 pounds (25 pallets, 570+ boxes) were intercepted through coordination with the Nassau County Police Department. In Orange County, approximately 2,761 pounds (2 pallets, 60+ boxes) were seized through coordination with the Town of Montgomery Police Department. Criminal charges against Ecto World and its owner will be pursued through the Nassau County District Attorney's Office and the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Poultry Health Risks: Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Avian Influenza

The Alabama Department of Public Health issued health education guidance warning the public about health risks associated with handling backyard poultry during the annual "Chick Days" event, which began March 1 and continues through summer. In 2025, outbreaks linked to backyard poultry resulted in 559 illnesses, 125 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths across 48 states; Alabama reported 7 cases including 1 hospitalization. The guidance advises against kissing birds, recommends handwashing after contact, and suggests keeping shoes worn in poultry environments outside the home.

WHO Hub Berlin Highlights 2025 Achievements in Pandemic Intelligence

The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin released its 2025 Annual Report, showcasing advances in AI-powered outbreak detection through the EIOS system (now used by 120 countries), pathogen genomics expansion through the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (309 partners in 101 countries), and pandemic modeling through its Collaboratory (1,300 members from 50 countries and 200 institutions). German Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken visited the Hub on March 19, 2026 to review progress and officially launch the report.

Nursing Homes' Inappropriate Use of Antipsychotic Drugs Poses Risk to Residents

HHS OIG's evaluation (OEI-02-23-00200) of 40 focused CMS nursing home inspections found that facilities administered antipsychotic drugs to dementia residents to manage behavior for staff benefit, despite FDA warnings that these drugs may increase mortality risk. The report found that medical directors failed to prevent inappropriate use, pharmacists did not identify concerns or recommend dose reductions, and inadequate policies undermined resident safeguards. OIG issued four recommendations to CMS including developing resources to reduce inappropriate use, ensuring medical directors and pharmacists fulfill their roles, and improving policies and procedures. CMS partially nonconcurred with the recommendations.

Indiana Nursing Homes Generally Complied with Federal Background Check Requirements

HHS OIG completed an audit of Indiana's oversight of nursing home compliance with federal background check requirements. OIG reviewed 825 employees across 8 selected nursing homes and found that all but 13 employees had completed background checks. The employees with completed background checks had no disqualifying offenses, and licensed employees had current licenses with no disqualifying actions. OIG recommends that Indiana advise nursing homes to verify background checks are completed and maintain documentation of those checks. Indiana did not indicate concurrence or nonconcurrence but stated it would continue taking actions to address the recommendation.

HHS OIG Finds Nursing Homes Misdiagnosed Schizophrenia to Mask Antipsychotic Drug Misuse

HHS OIG issued report OEI-02-23-00201 on March 16, 2026, finding that nursing homes inappropriately diagnosed residents with schizophrenia to mask misuse of antipsychotic drugs and artificially inflate their CMS star ratings. Reviewing 40 CMS nursing home inspections, OIG found instances where medical directors made inappropriate schizophrenia diagnoses to justify prescribing antipsychotics, and where facilities used these diagnoses to skirt Medicare safeguards. OIG recommends that CMS build on existing efforts to reduce inappropriate diagnoses, expand data monitoring, and increase transparency for residents and families regarding antipsychotic drug use.

CA Board of Registered Nursing Unlicensed Practice Citations

The California Board of Registered Nursing maintains a public list of individuals cited for unlicensed practice as a registered nurse or unauthorized use of the RN title, pursuant to Business and Professions Code Sections 2795 and 2796. The listing includes persons cited across multiple years from 1997 through 2025, with associated aliases, locations, employing facilities, and citation dates. Healthcare employers, staffing agencies, and licensing verification systems may reference this list as part of credential screening processes.

Disclosure of Convictions and License Discipline

The California Board of Registered Nursing publishes guidance for licensees on reporting obligations at renewal. The Board requires disclosure of any conviction (including pleas of no contest and convictions set aside under Penal Code sections 1000 or 1203.4) and any license discipline by a government agency since the last renewal. Failure to disclose convictions may constitute falsification and grounds for disciplinary action against the nursing license.