Healthcare Compliance

NC DHHS Partners With UNC System to Address Social Worker Shortage

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the UNC System, and the Social Work Coalition on NC Workforce Development announced a five-year partnership to address a shortage of licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) in North Carolina. The partnership establishes the Public Service Leadership Program (PSLP), which will work with high schools, community colleges, and universities to recruit and train future social workers across the state's 100 counties. According to a new report by the Sheps Center for Health Services Research and NCDHHS, North Carolina had 9,830 LCSWs in 2024, averaging 8.95 per 10,000 residents, with metro areas having twice the concentration of LCSWs as non-metro areas.

First 2026 rabies case in New Mexico bobcat

First 2026 rabies case in New Mexico bobcat

Dr. Washington Testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee

Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, delivered confirmation testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 12, 2026. In his testimony, Washington shared personal family health experiences—including his mother's loss of her father to heart disease at 51 and his own father's death at 56 partly due to fragmented behavioral health system barriers—that shaped his commitment to public health. The nominee outlined his public health career spanning federal health policy work in Washington, opioid epidemic response as Deputy Health Commissioner in Philadelphia, and COVID-19 pandemic leadership as Health Director in Mecklenburg County, NC, while previewing priorities including 2026 FIFA World Cup health preparedness and addressing maternal health disparities affecting Black mothers and infants in New Jersey.

Dr. Raynard E. Washington Testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee

Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 12, 2026. In his confirmation hearing testimony, he outlined his personal background, professional experience in public health leadership roles in Washington, Philadelphia, and Charlotte, and his priorities for the NJDOH including addressing maternal health disparities, youth mental health, behavioral health system reform, and preparing for public health emergencies such as measles, avian flu, and the FIFA World Cup. The testimony also highlighted the department's oversight of over 350 long-term care facilities and four state psychiatric hospitals serving more than 1,200 residents.

Nebraska DHHS Reports and Statistics Availability

Nebraska DHHS publishes an index page of available reports and statistics organized by publication year, covering 2012 through 2026 with counts per year (ranging from 1 report in 2026 to 104 in 2017). The page provides links to vital statistics (births, deaths, marriages, divorces) and DHHS published reports. No new regulatory requirements, deadlines, or compliance obligations are established by this index page.

Nebraska DHHS News Releases: Funding, Social Worker Month, Health Topics

Nebraska DHHS published its news release index page listing 30 announcements from December 2025 through March 2026. Topics include RHTP funding opportunities, Social Worker Month recognition, colon cancer screening promotion, developmental disabilities awareness, tobacco cessation resources, pertussis prevention, a pediatric influenza death, the first-in-nation SNAP soda and energy drink waiver effective January 1, 2026, the nation's first Medicaid work requirements, EBT fraud investigations, measles case updates, and Lincoln Regional Center maintaining Joint Commission and CMS accreditation. The page serves as a navigation index to individual releases and does not itself create compliance obligations.

Nebraska DHHS Legislative Services Policy Development

The Office of Legislative Services within Nebraska DHHS provides assistance in the development of legislation, budget, and policy for the Department of Health and Human Services. The office serves to establish and promote legislation that serves the Nebraska population through safe public policy. Contact is available via email at dhhs.legislation@nebraska.gov.

Nebraska DHHS Leadership and Contacts Update

Nebraska DHHS has published an updated leadership roster identifying nine senior officials, including Dr. Steve Corsi as Chief Executive Officer, Bo Botelho as Chief Legal Officer, Timothy A. Tesmer, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer, and six Division Directors overseeing Public Health, Developmental Disabilities, Medicaid & Long-Term Care, Children & Family Services, Economic Assistance, and Behavioral Health. The page provides biographical links for each named leader and an Administrative Contacts PDF for further reference.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for City of Madison, Greenwood County

KDHE has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Madison public water supply system in Greenwood County, effective March 12, 2026. The advisory was triggered by a waterline break resulting in loss of pressure, which may have compromised chlorine residuals and introduced bacterial contamination. Consumers must boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, dispose of ice cubes, and disinfect food contact surfaces. Restaurants and food establishments should contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture's food safety program with questions. Only KDHE can rescind the advisory following laboratory testing.

Kansas Awards $493,709 in Waste Tire Grants

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has announced recipients of annual waste tire product grants totaling $493,709.55. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25 per vehicle tire fee. Awards were distributed to 30 municipalities and K-12 public and private schools across Kansas for projects utilizing recycled tire products such as playground surfacing and picnic tables. Individual awards ranged from $1,950 (City of Victoria) to $40,000 (Cities of Kechi, Goddard, and several USD districts).

Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for City of Argonia, Sumner County

KDHE has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Argonia public water supply system in Sumner County. The advisory was issued March 4, 2026 after a contractor-caused waterline break resulted in loss of pressure, which may lead to loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. KDHE officials confirmed the rescind after laboratory testing at a certified laboratory showed no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all risk conditions have been resolved. Consumers with questions may contact the water system at 620-435-6553 or KDHE at 785-296-5514.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for White Cloud, Doniphan County

KDHE issued a boil water advisory for the City of White Cloud public water supply system in Doniphan County, Kansas, effective March 13, 2026, due to a waterline break that caused loss of pressure in the distribution system. The advisory instructs customers to boil water for one minute before drinking or food preparation, dispose of ice cubes, and disinfect dishes, and will remain in effect until KDHE rescinds it following laboratory testing. Food establishments with questions may contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture's food safety and lodging program at 785-564-6767.

Mississippi Marks International HPV Cancer Awareness Day with Stakeholder Campaign

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) recognized International HPV Cancer Awareness Day on March 4, announcing a formal multi-stakeholder campaign with the American Cancer Society and University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) to reduce HPV infections. The campaign targets suboptimal HPV vaccination coverage, low cervical cancer screening rates, and elevated rates of other HPV-related cancers across Mississippi and the Southeast. MSDH also highlighted its MS Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (MS-BCCP), which provides free cervical cancer screening to uninsured or underserved women aged 21-64.

MSDH Provides Free Prenatal Vitamins at County Health Departments

The Mississippi State Department of Health has expanded access to prenatal vitamins by distributing them at no cost to pregnant women at all county health departments that provide nursing services. The vitamins are available to any woman who tests positive for pregnancy and are made possible through grant funding. This initiative is part of MSDH's 'Saving the Smallest' campaign launched in January to address Mississippi's high preterm birth rate and infant mortality rate, which significantly exceeds the national average.

MSDH and State Board of Health Mourn Elayne Hayes Anthony's Passing

The Mississippi State Department of Health and State Board of Health announced the passing of long-time Board of Health member Elayne Hayes Anthony. Anthony served on the Board of Health beginning in 2007, providing policy direction for MSDH for nearly 20 years. At the time of her death, she was Chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Jackson State University and founding head of the Department of Communication at Belhaven University.

MSDH Promotes Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Screening

The Mississippi State Department of Health has released a public awareness campaign during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (March) highlighting that Mississippi has the highest colorectal cancer mortality rate in the United States. The campaign reports an average of 1,650 new CRC cases and 630 deaths annually in the state, urging residents to initiate screening at age 45 or earlier if high-risk factors are present. Governor Tate Reeves has also proclaimed March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Mississippi.

MDHHS Severe Weather Safety Tips and Resources

MDHHS published severe weather preparedness tips and resources during Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 15-21), referencing recent tornadoes in southwest Michigan on March 6 that killed four people and caused widespread power outages and property damage, and last year's ice storm in northern Michigan that left at least 90,000 homes without power for multiple days. The advisory directs residents to the Michigan Prepares website, carbon monoxide safety resources, flood safety guidance, and local emergency alert systems. No new regulatory obligations are created for individuals or businesses.

New Southeast Michigan Psychiatric Hospital Opens Fall 2026

Michigan DHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel and State Budget Director Jen Flood toured the Southeast Michigan Psychiatric Hospital, slated to open this fall with 264 beds for adults and youth, increasing the state's inpatient psychiatric capacity by 54 beds. The facility, made possible by $383.4 million in budget investments by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the legislature, will replace Hawthorn Center (opened 1965) and Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital (opened 1979). The more than 410,000-square-foot facility includes amenities such as a gymnasium, art rooms, and sensory spaces, with separate living and programmatic areas for children and adults.

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Firefighter Health Screenings

MDHHS has issued a Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) to identify and fund qualified entities to deliver comprehensive preventive health screenings focused on early detection of occupational illnesses to active, full-time Michigan firefighters. A total of $3.5 million is available over three years, with up to two awards anticipated. Applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Thursday, April 9, with the grant start date of July 1, 2026.

MDHHS Director Visits Hegira Health Psychiatric Facility and DWIHN Integrated Crisis Care Campus

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel toured Hegira Health's psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRT) and DWIHN's Integrated Crisis Care Campus in southeast Michigan on March 10, 2026. The visits highlight the state's continued investment in behavioral health infrastructure, including new PRTFs and crisis stabilization units. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's FY27 budget proposes $8.3 million for additional PRTFs in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Livonia, expected to add 50 new transitional beds. A $60 million appropriation from the FY2023 budget funded the DWIHN campus construction. Michigan currently has 35 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), with 30 Medicaid-funded CCBHCs serving approximately 133,300 unique individuals in FY2024.

MDHHS Launches Phase 2 Juvenile Justice Bed Management Tool

MDHHS announced Phase 2 enhancements to its statewide Bed Management Tool for juvenile justice placement coordination, building on the initial July 2025 launch. The tool was developed in partnership with the University of Michigan's Child and Adolescent Data Lab and is funded through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Phase 2 adds advanced search and filter capabilities, expanded service arrays, length-of-stay information, and detailed facility descriptions to help courts, facilities, and policymakers make more informed placement decisions that align youth needs with appropriate treatment and services.

March 2026 Legislative Oversight Committee Reports Submitted

The Louisiana Department of Health submitted the March 2026 Legislative Oversight Committee reports to the respective legislative oversight committees in accordance with R.S. 49:968(D)(1)(b)(c). Prior submissions are available in the archives for reference.

OPH Bureau of Engineering Services Launches Public Records Portal RIMS

The Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Public Health Bureau of Engineering Services launched the Records Information Management System (RIMS), an online portal enabling the public to search, download, and share engineering services records—including sample results, inspection reports, and plan review and permitting documents—without filing a formal public records request. At launch, records from January 2024 to present are available, with older records being added through an ongoing digitization effort.

Louisiana Medicaid Allows Year-Round Managed Care Plan Switching

Effective March 1, 2026, Louisiana Medicaid members may switch their health or dental plans at any time during the year without providing a reason. Members are permitted up to two plan changes per 12-month period; after two changes, they must remain in their selected plan until the next annual period. The fixed annual period runs from March 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 for 2026 only, then shifts to January 1 through December 31 for 2027 and beyond. Enrollment information and plan comparison tools are available at www.myplan.healthy.la.gov or by calling 1-855-229-6848.

Maryland Proclaims Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month March 2026

Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has proclaimed March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, recognizing the unlimited potential of citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities. The proclamation specifically highlights Maryland's commitment to inclusive environments with equal access to communication, education, employment, housing, transportation, and public accommodations. It also references Maryland's Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy as a national model for connecting people with disabilities to employment opportunities.

Water Advisories Lifted for Charles and Prince George's Counties

The Maryland Department of Health announced on March 5, 2026 that recreational water advisories for Charles and Prince George's counties have been lifted effective immediately, based on water quality sampling results from the Maryland Department of the Environment showing bacteria at acceptable levels for recreational use. Montgomery County's advisory remains in effect until further notice due to continued elevated bacteria levels near the spill site on federal land.

Lee Grossman Elected NAMD President Elect, Effective April 1

Iowa Medicaid Director Lee Grossman has been elected President Elect of the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) Board of Directors, effective April 1, 2026. Grossman previously served as Wyoming's Medicaid Director for two and a half years before joining Iowa HHS as Medicaid Director in fall 2025, bringing more than 14 years of public-sector experience to the role. NAMD represents state and territory leaders who administer health coverage for 76 million individuals through Medicaid and CHIP.

Eastern Iowa Measles Exposure Locations Identified After Illinois Resident Traveled to Independence

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services notified the public of potential measles exposure after an Illinois resident with confirmed measles traveled to Iowa during their infectious period. The identified exposure location is Comfort Inn and Suites, 2100 Swan Lake Blvd, Independence, IA 50644, visited from March 4, 2026 at 5:30pm through March 5, 2026 at 9:00am. Individuals who visited this location during the specified timeframe should monitor for measles symptoms, with unvaccinated persons born after 1957 at higher risk. As of March 5, 2026, 1,281 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States in 2026, with 1,191 (93%) among unvaccinated individuals.

Delaware Highlights DTRN360 Behavioral Health Care Coordination Platform

Delaware state government news feed lists multiple agency announcements including DPH's feature of DTRN360, an innovative behavioral health care coordination platform. Other items cover DNREC environmental initiatives, DOJ enforcement, education funding, public safety, and community programs across Delaware.

Delaware State News Feed - Multiple Agency Updates

Delaware state government news feed published March 17, 2026 listing 20+ agency announcements including DNREC environmental updates, DOJ conviction notices, Delaware Libraries anniversary celebration, early literacy funding allocation, and various public safety bulletins. No single regulatory action constitutes the primary content of this index page.

Costco Meatloaf Recall Due to Salmonella Contamination

The Hawaii Department of Health's Food and Drug Branch is alerting residents to a recall issued by Costco Wholesale for its Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Glaze, Item #30783. The recall was triggered after ingredient supplier Griffith Foods Inc. announced a recall of an ingredient used in the product due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled product was sold chilled in a black-and-clear plastic container with sell-by dates between 03/05/2026 and 03/16/2026 and was distributed to Costco Wholesale stores in Hawai'i.

Measles Case Confirmed in Visitor on Oʻahu — DOH Notifies Public of Exposure Locations

The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed a case of measles in a vaccinated adult visitor to Oʻahu who had arrived from a region of the continental United States with known measles transmission. The visitor became ill after arrival and is recovering at a private residence. The DOH has identified multiple public exposure locations on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island including Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Lāʻie Mormon Temple, Hilo International Airport, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with specific dates and times listed for each location. Individuals who were at these locations during the specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms until three weeks after their last exposure and to contact their healthcare provider if unvaccinated or experiencing symptoms. The DOH is directly notifying individuals with known contact and will issue a statewide medical advisory to healthcare providers.

Hawaii DOH Reports Travel-Related Dengue Case on Oahu

The Hawaii Department of Health identified a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oahu on March 9, 2026, bringing the state's total to three cases for 2026. DOH Vector Control Branch teams have been deployed to the affected area to conduct inspections and implement mosquito-reduction measures. Dengue is transmitted from an infected person through mosquitoes to another person; while Hawaii has mosquitoes capable of carrying the virus, the disease is not endemic in the state and all current cases are linked to travel.

OHCA Issues $1,500 Penalty Against Romeo Valdez for Fraudulent Care Home Application

The Hawaii Department of Health Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) issued a Notice and Finding of Violation and Order (NOVO) against Romeo Valdez of Hale Lehua Care Home on March 4, 2026, imposing a $1,500 administrative penalty. The enforcement action stems from an ARCH application received on June 18, 2025, that contained three fraudulent, forged, or counterfeit documents ($500 per document). Romeo Valdez has 20 days from receipt to request a hearing, after which the order becomes final and enforceable.

Georgia DPH Confirms First Measles Case of 2026

Georgia DPH confirmed a measles case in a baby too young to receive routine measles vaccination. The infant acquired the virus while traveling internationally and lives in the Coastal Health District. DPH is working to identify individuals who may have been exposed. This is the first reported measles case in Georgia in 2026; there were 10 confirmed cases in 2025. The document provides CDC-recommended MMR vaccination guidance, including a dose for internationally traveling babies aged 6-11 months before their first birthday.

Alabama Hospitals Improve Quality by Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections

The Alabama Department of Public Health released its 2024 annual Healthcare-Associated Infections report, finding that Alabama hospitals performed better than the national performance level in three of four infection categories — catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and colon surgery surgical site infections — while performing similarly to national benchmarks in the abdominal hysterectomy category. The ADPH HAI program, active for 14 consecutive years, works with hospitals to improve reporting accuracy and care quality, and publishes hospital-specific infection rates alongside national comparison data on Hospital Compare.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Month - March 2026

The Alabama Department of Public Health published a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month health promotion article encouraging Alabamians 45 years or older to undergo regular screening. The article states that if both men and women 45 years or older had regular screening tests, medical experts believe at least 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided. The article provides information on screening options including colonoscopy every 10 years and take-home stool-based tests every 1-3 years, along with lifestyle recommendations to reduce CRC risk.

ADPH Seeks Public Input for 2026 Community Health Opinion Survey

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has launched the 2026 Community Health Opinion Survey as part of its State Health Assessment, inviting Alabama residents aged 18 or older to share their perspectives on local health issues and challenges. Participation is voluntary, responses are confidential, and the survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete. The collected data will inform ADPH's priorities for addressing the state's highest-need health concerns at the community level.

Social Work Month Honors Alabama Public Health Social Workers

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recognizes March 2026 as Social Work Month with the theme "Social Work: Uplift, Defend. Transform." The announcement highlights Bill Kennedy, Director of Public Health Social Work at ADPH, and details the department's multidisciplinary social work teams serving across county and state programs. ADPH social workers operate in approximately 20 programs including ALL Babies, ALL Kids Children's Health Insurance, HIV Care Coordination, Suicide Prevention, and Home Health, connecting Alabamians with resources and advocating for health needs.

National Kidney Month Highlights Kidney Functions and Health Issues

Alabama Public Health published health education content for National Kidney Month on March 9, 2026, raising awareness about kidney functions, chronic kidney disease (CKD) risks, and kidney stone prevention. The notice highlights that CKD affects millions of Americans and is a leading cause of death, with no early-stage symptoms affecting approximately 40% of those with reduced kidney function. The content provides guidance on maintaining kidney health through diet, exercise, blood pressure management, and diabetes control.

HRSA Updates Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Parts A and B Funding Methodology

HRSA announced updates to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Parts A and B formula funding methodology. Starting in FY 2026, awards will be calculated using the number of living HIV/AIDS cases based on a person's most recent address rather than residence at time of HIV diagnosis, better aligning resources with current care locations. The transition will occur over five years (FY 2026 through FY 2030) to minimize disruption. The program serves over 600,000 people with HIV annually through Eligible Metropolitan Areas, Transitional Grant Areas, states, and territories.

HRSA Awards $5M to 26 Teaching Health Centers for Medical and Dental Training

HRSA announced over $5 million in grants to 26 teaching health centers operating primary care medical and dental residency programs at rural and community health centers through the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program. The funding will support approximately 100 residents in the current academic year. HRSA projects a shortage of more than 70,600 primary care physicians by 2038, with particularly acute impacts in rural areas.

State Health Commissioner Comments on Federal Court Ruling in AAP v. ACIP Case

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued a public statement on March 16, 2026 responding to a federal court ruling in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The Commissioner stated it is encouraging that the court acknowledged flaws in the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and concerns about their vaccine expertise. The Department affirmed its commitment to rigorous science and medicine, noting that currently recommended vaccines provide the best protection against preventable diseases.

Medicaid Home Health Face-to-Face Requirements public comment notice

Medicaid Home Health Face-to-Face Requirements public comment notice

CMS Notice of Public Comment for Information Collection

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking public comment on its intention to collect information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This notice provides a 60-day comment period for the public to review and provide feedback on proposed information collections, including extensions of existing ones.

CMS Agency Information Collection Activities: OMB Review Comment Request

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has submitted an agency information collection activity for review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This notice requests public comments on the proposed collection, with a deadline of April 16, 2026.

CMS Agency Information Collection Activities Proposed Collection Comment Request

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a notice proposing a new agency information collection activity and is seeking public comment. This notice outlines the proposed collection and provides a deadline for submitting comments.

CDC Seeks Nominations for Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on its Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women. The committee comprises 15 experts in various fields related to breast cancer. Nominations must be received by April 20, 2026.

CDC Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the Maritime Illness Database and Reporting System (MIDRS) information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This notice allows an additional 30 days for public comments on the proposed extension of this surveillance system.

CDC Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information collection request titled “Land travel-related Public Health Activities” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This notice allows an additional 30 days for public and affected agency comments on the proposed data collection.