Healthcare Compliance

FDA: L-Theanine Powder Supports Relaxation Claim

The FDA has received a submission regarding L-Theanine Powder, specifically from Threshold Enterprises (Source Naturals), for its product that claims to support relaxation and ease everyday stress. This notice indicates a submission for a dietary supplement claim.

FDA - Better Being Co. Solaray StressMag Product Information

The FDA has posted information regarding Better Being Co.'s Solaray StressMag product, which claims to support mood and relaxation. This filing appears to be a notification or informational submission related to a specific product. No new regulations or enforcement actions are detailed.

VDH Lifts Potomac River Recreational Water Advisory

The Virginia Department of Health is lifting the recreational water advisory for the Potomac River from the American Legion Memorial Bridge (I-495) to the Route 120 Chain Bridge, effective March 17, 2026. The advisory was initially issued February 13, 2026, following a sewage spill on January 19 and subsequent discharges in early February. DC Water completed emergency repairs to the Potomac Interceptor on March 14, 2026, and water quality sampling by Virginia DEQ, Maryland, and Washington DC partners confirms bacteria levels are acceptable for recreational use. Montgomery County, Maryland continues to maintain a separate advisory for land areas impacted by the overflow and portions of the river within 200 feet of the Maryland shoreline between Swainson Island and Lock 8.

Ashley County Health Unit Closure and Service Relocation

The Ashley County Health Unit in Crossett, Arkansas, closed until further notice on March 17, 2026, following damage from the prior month's winter storm. All services previously available at the Crossett location—WIC, immunizations, women's health, prenatal care, STD testing and treatment, breastfeeding support, and Vital Records—are now offered at the Ashley County Health Unit at 401 N. Cherry Street in Hamburg, which operates Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Hamburg facility can be reached at 870-853-5525.

South Carolina Measles Outbreak Reaches 997 Cases

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported one new measles case since Friday, March 13, bringing the state's total to 997 cases linked to the Upstate outbreak. Eight individuals remain in quarantine with the latest release date set for April 2. Of the 997 confirmed cases, 932 (93.5%) were unvaccinated, 20 were partially vaccinated, 26 were fully vaccinated with two-dose MMR, and 19 had unknown status.

Hospital Price Transparency Requirements and Resources Fact Sheet

CMS has published a fact sheet (MLN7215754) describing hospital price transparency obligations under federal requirements, including what pricing information hospitals must publicly disclose and resources to help hospitals meet accessibility and machine-readable file requirements. The fact sheet is part of CMS Medicare Learning Network educational materials intended to support provider compliance with existing transparency rules. No new compliance obligations are established by this document.

Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Expanded Model Booklet

CMS Medicare Learning Network publication MLN34893002 provides informational guidance on the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model. The publication explains how healthcare organizations can become Medicare-enrolled MDPP (Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program) suppliers and deliver diabetes prevention services to Medicare patients with prediabetes. The booklet is formatted as a downloadable PDF resource under the MLN preventive services product line.

ATSDR Seeks Nominations for Toxicological Profile Development Substances

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is seeking nominations for substances to be evaluated for toxicological profile development. The public comment period for nominations closes on May 18, 2026.

NY DOH Statement on Federal Court Ruling in AAP v. ACIP Case

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued a statement on March 16, 2026 responding to a federal court ruling in the American Academy of Pediatrics v. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices case. The Commissioner characterized the court's decision as encouraging recognition of ACIP's formation and expertise deficiencies, while reaffirming New York's commitment to science-based vaccine recommendations.

ATSDR Toxicological Profile Public Comment Period

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is providing a public comment period for its toxicological profiles. Interested parties can submit comments and attachments through the Regulations.gov portal. The deadline for submitting comments is May 18, 2026.

ATSDR Substance Nominations for Toxicological Profiles

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is seeking public nominations for substances to be evaluated for upcoming toxicological profiles. This notice opens a comment period for interested parties to suggest substances and provide rationale, with comments due by May 18, 2026.

VA Accelerates Federal Electronic Health Record Deployment

The Department of Veterans Affairs is providing an update on the acceleration of its Federal Electronic Health Record modernization program, which has undergone multiple stops, restarts, and resets since its inception during President Trump's first term. Secretary Collins has established accountability for the program, implemented a single governance council model, and directed leaders to deploy the EHR across remaining VA medical centers as soon as 2031. The Federal EHR is currently live at six VA sites serving more than 13,000 users who have provided health care to over 188,000 Veterans, with Oracle Health operating the system and reporting strong performance metrics including 100% outage-free operation for 27 of the last 31 months.

Salmonella Cases Linked to Live it Up Super Greens Dietary Supplement

The Minnesota Department of Health issued a public warning advising consumers not to consume Live it Up Super Greens powdered dietary supplement after linking three Salmonella infections to the product, with one hospitalization. The outbreak has expanded to 45 cases across 21 states. The company notified the FDA on January 14, 2025 that it would initiate a voluntary recall of the product, which has expiration dates from August 2026 to January 2028 and is sold online and in stores in original and wild berry flavors.

Minnesota Uninsured Rate Rises Sharply in 2025

The Minnesota Health Access Survey shows the state's uninsured rate increased from 3.8% in 2023 to 5.8% in 2025, adding approximately 116,000 uninsured Minnesotans. This is the highest rate since 2017, reversing years of coverage gains. Public coverage dropped from 44.1% to 39.6%, and children's uninsurance rose from 2.7% to 4.6%. Disparities persist, with Hispanic Minnesotans at over 20% uninsured—three times the statewide rate—while Black and American Indian Minnesotans also show disproportionately high rates above 10%.

Groundwater Awareness Week Highlights Private Well Testing Importance

The Minnesota Department of Health is reminding private well owners during National Groundwater Awareness Week (March 8-14) to test their drinking water annually to ensure safety. MDH recommends testing for nitrate and coliform bacteria every year and for arsenic, lead, and manganese at least once using an accredited laboratory. Recent testing in eight southeast Minnesota counties showed approximately 40% of households had lead in drinking water and 9% had nitrate above the federal drinking water standard, with free test kits available in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona counties.

Q2 MQA Quarterly Performance Report Released

The Florida Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) released the FY 2025-26 Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter Two, covering 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 quarterly snapshots of performance statistics for MQA staff, decision-makers, board and council members, consumers, and other stakeholders. The report also highlights accomplishments including the HB 975 Cleared to Care campaign, MQA's Virtual Agent ELI, and unlicensed activity outreach activities.

Whooping Cough Continues Wyoming Spread

Wyoming Department of Health officials reported 26 confirmed pertussis cases in Wyoming so far this year, with roughly two-thirds of cases among Fremont County residents. The 2025 total of 148 cases was the highest since 1951, and officials warn actual numbers are likely higher due to underdiagnosis. Infants under 1 year old face the greatest risk, with approximately one-third requiring hospitalization. The WDH is urging residents to stay current on pertussis vaccines and to seek medical care and antibiotics if symptoms develop.

Wisconsin Childhood Vaccination Rates Decline in 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services released 2025 annual vaccination data showing 66.9% of children had received recommended vaccinations by age 24 months, representing a decline of nearly 2% from 2024. Nearly 3 in 10 children did not have the recommended vaccinations at that age. Adolescent HPV and Tdap vaccination rates also showed minor decreases, while meningococcal vaccination rates for adolescents increased and adult vaccination rates remained steady. State health officials characterized the declining childhood rates as an alert signal that the health and well-being of Wisconsin children and communities are at risk.

Wisconsin Applies for Food is Medicine State Officer Program

Wisconsin DHS announced on March 4, 2026, that the Evers Administration has submitted a letter of intent to the Center for Health Care Strategies for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program, a three-year federal initiative that would provide funding, training, technical assistance, leadership coaching, and support to expand food-based health interventions. Wisconsin hopes to be among the 10 states selected; states must submit final proposals by May 1, 2026. If chosen, Wisconsin would begin recruiting a dedicated state officer in summer 2026 to coordinate nutrition services across Medicaid, public health, and related programs.

Utah Measles Cases Rise to 358, DHHS Urges MMR Vaccination

Utah's measles outbreak has expanded to all regions of the state, with 358 confirmed cases documented as of March 3, 2026, including transmission linked to a large wrestling tournament held in late January across multiple counties. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services is urging all residents to verify their vaccination status and is advising anyone exposed to monitor for symptoms for 21 days. Individuals experiencing symptoms are instructed to call their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent further spread.

Utah Measles Cases Rise; DHHS Urges Vaccination

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services issued a public health alert on March 3, 2026, reporting 358 confirmed measles cases statewide since the outbreak began in June 2025, with recent exposures traced to a large multi-county wrestling tournament held in late January. DHHS is urging unvaccinated residents to stay home if symptomatic and is advising anyone exposed to monitor their health for 21 days, noting that the MMR vaccine is 97% effective after two doses.

Measles Outbreak Update: South Carolina Reports Three New Cases, Total 996

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported three new measles cases since Tuesday, March 10, bringing the total number of cases in the Upstate outbreak to 996. Currently, 30 people are in quarantine and 4 in isolation, with the latest quarantine end date set for April 2. Of the 996 cases, 262 are under age 5, 639 are ages 5-17, and 87 are adults 18 and older. Vaccination status shows 930 unvaccinated, 18 partially vaccinated, 26 fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR, and 22 with unknown status. DPH continues to recommend vaccination as the best prevention measure.

Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Oconee County; One Person and One Pet Exposed

South Carolina DPH confirmed a raccoon found near Childress Drive and Bassett Trail in Townville tested positive for rabies on March 11, 2026. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined per the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. This is the first animal to test positive for rabies in Oconee County in 2026, with 17 confirmed cases statewide this year.

SC DPH Asks Residents to Submit Dead Birds for West Nile Virus Testing

SC DPH has launched its 2026 dead bird surveillance program, asking South Carolina residents to submit dead crows, blue jays, house finches, house sparrows, and other songbirds for WNV laboratory testing from March 16 through November 30. The program, which in 2024 found 6 of 30 tested birds positive for WNV across 12 counties, enables DPH to identify areas with increased virus activity so local mosquito control programs and officials can take preventive action to protect public health.

SC DPH Measles Update: 993 Cases, 42 Quarantined, Latest Isolation End April 2

South Carolina DPH reports two new measles cases since Friday, March 6, 2026, bringing the total number of cases related to the Upstate outbreak to 993 as of March 10. Currently 42 people are in quarantine and two are in isolation, with the latest quarantine end date set for April 2. Of the 993 cases, 927 are unvaccinated, 19 are partially vaccinated, and 26 are fully vaccinated with the two-dose MMR sequence.

Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Saluda County; One Pet Exposed

SC DPH confirmed a raccoon found near West Creek and Beulah roads in Leesville tested positive for rabies on March 9, 2026, after being submitted for testing on March 6. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. This is the second rabid animal case in Saluda County and the 16th confirmed rabies case statewide in 2026, with South Carolina averaging approximately 136 positive cases per year since 2002.

South Dakota Rural Health Transformation RFPs - Round 2

The South Dakota Department of Health has released Round 2 of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative's Request for Proposals (RFPs), offering three new funding opportunities: the Doula Workforce Advancement Program, a Statewide Maternal Health Access and Services Assessment, and Rural Health Forward, a statewide training and resource hub for rural healthcare professionals. The RHT project is supported by a $189,477,607.26 CMS/HHS award with 100% federal funding and no state match requirement. Applicants should review eligibility requirements and submission deadlines for each RFP on the state's posting board.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Mission and Resources

The Pennsylvania Department of Health homepage outlines its mission to promote healthy behaviors, prevent injury and disease, and assure safe delivery of quality health care for all Pennsylvanians. The page provides links to various programs including medical marijuana registration, vital records, immunizations, environmental health, and healthcare facility information, as well as recent press releases highlighting the Shapiro Administration's investments in EMS professionals, maternal health, and period products in schools. No new regulatory obligations are established by this informational page.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Mission and Resources

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) published its agency mission statement and resources overview on its public website. The DOH states its mission is to promote healthy behaviors, prevent injury and disease, and assure safe delivery of quality health care for all Pennsylvanians. The page provides links to public health programs including vital records, immunizations, medical marijuana registration, environmental health, and maternal health services.

Oregon State Health Improvement Plan 2025-2029 Launched

Oregon Health Authority launched its five-year State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) 2025-2029 on March 10, 2026. The plan establishes four strategic priorities: healthy environments, individual/family/community well-being, health promotion and disease prevention, and emergency preparedness. Developed with community input through a steering committee, the SHIP contains 64 total strategies across its four priorities and aligns with OHA's 2024-2027 Strategic Plan toward the 2030 goal of eliminating health inequities. The plan is required for public health accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board.

Measles Exposure Location Identified at Gresham WinCo Foods

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County public health officials have identified WinCo Foods at 2511 SE 1st St., Gresham as a measles exposure location for Saturday, March 7, 2026, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Individuals present at the store during that date and time are urged to contact their health care provider immediately and inform them of potential measles exposure. The notification includes measles symptom guidance and instructions for those experiencing symptoms not to arrive unannounced at medical offices to avoid spreading the virus in waiting rooms.

OHA Shares Safe St. Patrick's Day and Spring Break Tips

Oregon Health Authority issued public health guidance on March 16, 2026, offering safety tips for St. Patrick's Day and spring break celebrations. The advisory highlights that alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in Oregon, with 200 people killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2023. OHA recommends planning safe transportation, using designated drivers or rideshares, and avoiding impaired driving during increased holiday travel periods.

OHA E-Bike and E-Scooter Injury Data Shows Injuries More Than Doubled 2021–2025

OHA's Injury and Violence Prevention Program analysis of Oregon hospital and emergency department data shows e-scooter injuries rose from 211 in 2021 to 509 in January–September 2025, with 17 fatalities recorded from 2018–2025. The agency is urging riders to wear helmets, follow traffic laws, use lights, and stay alert as micromobility devices expand statewide.

Oklahoma RHT Program Announces Community-Led Wellness Hubs Microgrants NOFO

The Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program released its first public grant application via a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Community-Led Wellness Hubs Microgrants, with applications due 11:59 p.m. CT on April 13, 2026. Eligible applicants must operate in or serve a rural county, serve communities with populations of 55,000 or fewer, and maintain required federal registration and insurance documentation. The program is part of Oklahoma's $223,476,948.62 million allocation from a $50 billion federal CMS investment authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for a five-year grant period focused on improving healthcare access in rural Oklahoma.

OSDH Invites Employers to Free Workplace Wellness Training

The Oklahoma State Department of Health is inviting employers to participate in the free Work@Health training program scheduled for March 25-26 at The Well in Norman. To qualify, employers must be headquartered in the United States, provide employee health insurance, and employ at least 20 individuals. Up to two representatives per organization may attend the two-day hands-on course. Since the program launched in Oklahoma, 49 employers have participated, reaching more than 24,000 employees statewide.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month Proclaimed March 2026

Governor Kelly Armstrong has proclaimed March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in North Dakota. The HHS Behavioral Health Division is offering free and confidential services including individual and group counseling, online recovery courses, responsible gambling education, and financial guidance for individuals and families affected by gambling disorders. Resources are available at gamblernd.com or by calling 1-877-702-7848.

HHS Grafton Office Delayed Opening Due to Weather

North Dakota Health and Human Services announced a two-hour delayed opening for the Northeast Behavioral Health Clinic's Grafton outreach office on March 13, 2026, due to hazardous weather and road conditions. The office will open at 10 a.m. Clients with previously scheduled appointments are being contacted directly. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline remains available 24/7 for behavioral health crises.

First Measles Case Reported in Traill County; One New Case in Pembina County

ND HHS confirmed one measles case in Traill County (the county's first) and one new case in Pembina County, bringing North Dakota's 2026 statewide total to 23 confirmed cases. Four North Dakota cases required hospitalization in 2026. Pembina County is designated an outbreak area, triggering an early and accelerated vaccination recommendation for residents and travelers. The United States has reported 1,136 measles cases in 2026, with Manitoba, Canada currently experiencing an outbreak and increased cases reported globally.

Ohio Department of Health National Nutrition Month Theme 2026

The Ohio Department of Health has published a feature story recognizing National Nutrition Month 2026, observed every March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The 2026 theme is "Discover the Power of Nutrition," with Dr. Mary DiOrio, ODH Medical Director, quoted on the role of nutrition in individual and community health. The article provides educational information on nutrition benefits, healthy habits, and ODH resources including the WIC Program, Healthy Eating Active Living initiative, and breastfeeding support.

Sewage Treatment Systems Technical Advisory Committee Meeting Notice

The Ohio Department of Health announces a Sewage Treatment Systems Technical Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Ohio Department of Health, Basement Conference Room A/B, 246 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. The meeting is open to the public.

Newborn Screening Advisory Council Meeting Notice

The Ohio Newborn Screening Advisory Council will hold an open public meeting on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 9:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 8995 E. Main St., Bldg 4, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. Virtual attendance is available via Microsoft Teams. The meeting is open to the public with no advance registration required.

North Carolina Upgrades Mental Health Bed Registry With Hourly Automated Updates

NCDHHS announced major updates to the Behavioral Health Statewide Central Availability Navigator (BH SCAN), switching from manual daily updates to automated hourly updates, and integrating the system with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The system now tracks more than 3,500 mental health care beds across 112 facilities statewide, covering 80% of North Carolina's total inpatient psychiatric bed capacity. 988 dispatchers can now access real-time bed availability during crisis calls, and county DSS offices have been integrated for referrals. North Carolina is the first state in the country to implement hourly automated bed availability updates, resulting in a 1,400% increase in bed updates per day since the expansion went live. The goal is to have all providers on the system by early 2027.

NC DHHS Launches $1.5M Mobile Crisis Dispatch Program

NCDHHS announced a $1.5 million investment in Trillium Health Resources to establish Mobile Crisis Dispatch (MC Dispatch), a real-time dispatch platform that streamlines mobile crisis team response to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The program is now operating in 10 eastern North Carolina counties (Duplin, Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Sampson, Warren, Wayne, and Wilson), with expansion to 27 counties expected by end of April and eventual statewide coverage. MC Dispatch is administered by REAL Crisis Intervention, Inc., North Carolina's 988 service provider, and tracks key performance metrics including response times, service-level adherence, client demographics, and disposition outcomes.

Youth Mental Health Care Partnership for Justice-Involved Youth

NCDHHS, NCDPS, Alliance Health and New Hope Treatment Centers announced a pilot partnership to improve mental health care for justice-involved youth at the Dillon Juvenile Detention Center in Butner. The $3.5 million investment will fund crisis mental health services for youth with significant mental health needs, including those on repeated suicide watch or experiencing psychosis or substance use withdrawal. The program will serve up to 10 young people at a time in a designated facility space, with a mental health care team providing assessments, clinical interventions and whole-person care coordination.