Healthcare Compliance

Governor Hochul Announces First-in-Nation Cybersecurity Regulations and $2.5M SECURE Grants for New York Water Systems

Governor Kathy Hochul announced first-in-nation cybersecurity regulations developed jointly by the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation for drinking water and wastewater systems, effective March 11, 2026. The new minimum standards include mandatory cybersecurity training for certified operators, incident reporting requirements, risk-based tiered standards, and designation of cybersecurity leads at larger drinking water systems. The State is simultaneously launching the $2.5 million Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancements (SECURE) grant program, administered by the Environmental Facilities Corporation, with awards of up to $50,000 for assessments and up to $100,000 for implementation upgrades.

WHO Publishes Target Product Profiles for Urgently Needed Antibiotics

WHO published three new Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for antibacterial agents targeting drug-resistant bacteria, marking the first set of TPPs for antibiotics published by WHO in recent years. The TPPs cover severe multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections, Gram-positive infections in immunocompromised patients, and bacterial meningitis. Developed through extensive global consultation, the TPPs define minimum and preferred characteristics for future antibacterials, supporting researchers, product developers, regulators, and funders in aligning innovation with unmet clinical needs and WHO bacterial priority pathogens.

WHO Launches Hepatitis Elimination Implementation Handbook

WHO released a consolidated implementation handbook on hepatitis B and C to support countries in expanding prevention, testing, treatment, service delivery, and programme monitoring. The handbook consolidates over 80 WHO evidence-based recommendations from 2015-2025 into a single practical reference for programme managers, policymakers, clinicians, donors, and partners. WHO estimates 254 million people live with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C, with hepatitis-related deaths reaching 1.3 million in 2022, underscoring the urgency of accelerating progress toward the 2030 elimination goal.

Medicare.gov Enhanced Login Options

Today, CMS released Medicare.gov Enhanced Login options, adding ID.me, CLEAR, and Login.gov as free identity verification services for beneficiaries. These third-party services meet strict federal security standards including NIST and FedRAMP requirements and include multi-factor authentication and encryption. Medicare beneficiaries who create new accounts or verify their identity can now choose from these enhanced login methods, while existing users may continue using their current credentials.

CMS Extends GENEROUS Model Application Deadline

CMS has extended the application deadline for the GENEROUS (GENErating cost Reductions fOr U.S. Medicaid) Model from March 31, 2026, to April 30, 2026, giving prescription drug manufacturers additional time to apply. The extension responds to feedback from drug manufacturers and is intended to allow small and midsize manufacturers to participate. The final deadline for manufacturer participation remains June 30, 2026. CMS will schedule meetings with interested manufacturers beginning April 1, 2026.

HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027 Proposed Rule

CMS and HHS issued the 2027 Payment Notice proposed rule on February 9, 2026, setting standards for Health Insurance Exchanges, qualified health plan (QHP) issuers, brokers, and agents facilitating ACA coverage enrollment. The proposed rule covers payment parameters, risk adjustment programs, user fees, eligibility verification, marketing conduct standards, plan certification flexibilities, hardship exemptions, catastrophic plan reforms, Essential Health Benefit definitions, APTC eligibility aligned with the Working Families Tax Cut legislation, and Civil Money Penalty authority. Public comments are due March 13, 2026.

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Urge Severe Weather Preparedness During Awareness Week

The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts in Virginia issued public safety advisories during Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 9-13, 2026), providing guidance on tornado, thunderstorm, lightning, and flooding preparedness. The advisories include shelter recommendations for various severe weather scenarios and reference Virginia's statewide tornado drill scheduled for March 10 at 9:45 a.m. The districts encourage residents to create family emergency plans, build disaster supply kits, and sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts and local weather warnings.

Over $15 Million in Improper Medicare Payments for Emergency Services Billed With Non-Emergency Department Sites of Service

HHS OIG audit A-07-23-05139 found that CMS did not ensure compliance with Medicare requirements for claims billed using emergency department procedure codes but with non-emergency department place of service or revenue center codes. Medicare improperly paid physicians $922,524 for 9,749 procedures, and made $14.2 million in potentially improper payments to hospitals. Enrollees may have been charged Part B deductibles that hospitals should not have assessed. CMS concurred with the first of five recommendations to recover physician payments but did not concur with the remaining four.

Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program Launches in Six NY Counties

New York State has launched the Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program across six counties, with applications opening March 9, 2026 for Dutchess and Putnam County residents. The NY DOH, in partnership with the DEC and Environmental Facilities Corporation, has budgeted $1.5 million per county to fund free PFAS testing for private well users and mitigation rebates of up to $5,000 for water treatment systems or up to $10,000 for connecting to public water supplies. Orange, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester counties will open applications as county contracts are finalized. Eligible participants whose test results show PFOA or PFOS at or above New York's 10 parts per trillion standard may apply for rebates after completing treatment projects. Applications will be reviewed in order received while funding remains available.

Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Encourages Healthy Behaviors to Prevent Colon Cancer

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District issued a public health announcement recognizing National Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March 2026, promoting screening guidelines recommending that average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, and sharing lifestyle recommendations to reduce risk including tobacco cessation, healthy eating, regular exercise, weight management, and limiting alcohol consumption. The announcement provides links to CDC resources and Virginia's Quit Now program, emphasizing that early detection saves lives and screening can prevent cancer by identifying precancerous polyps. No compliance obligations, deadlines, or enforcement actions are associated with this informational announcement.

CDPH Advises Avoiding Sick Wildlife Due to H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in California Elephant Seals

CDPH has confirmed H5N1 bird flu in northern elephant seal pups at Ano Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County, marking the first detection of the virus in any marine mammal in California. The agency advises the public to stay at least 150 yards away from marine mammals and seabirds, avoid touching sick or dead wildlife, and keep pets leashed near beaches. Wildlife workers handling potentially infected animals must wear PPE including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection. The risk to the general public remains very low with no evidence of seal-to-human transmission.

Pelot's Pharmacy License Verification With Discipline

Florida pharmacy license verification record for Pelot's Pharmacy (PH2470) at 831 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208. License is active with obligations for a Community Pharmacy Schedule II & III license expiring 2/28/2027. The record shows Discipline on File and a Public Complaint. The managing pharmacist is Robert L. Pelot (PH12705) with a pharmacy relationship dating to 1972. No continuing education hours were recorded as of March 7, 2026.

CVS Pharmacy 00319 License Verification Sarasota FL

Florida Department of Health MQA license verification record for HOLIDAY CVS, L.L.C. operating as CVS PHARMACY #00319 (License PH20667) shows Active license status with Obligations. Discipline on File is listed as Yes and Public Complaint is listed as Yes. The pharmacy holds a Community Pharmacy Schedule II & III License with expiration date of 2/28/2027, originally issued 07/30/2004. Seven pharmacy affiliates and one pharmacist manager are listed as of the data date 3/7/2026.

Serenity House Detox Palm Beach LLC Pharmacy License Revoked

The Florida Department of Health has revoked the pharmacy license PH29291 held by Serenity House Detox Palm Beach LLC, a Class II Type B pharmacy. The license, originally issued August 5, 2015, shows a status of Revoked/Qualifications Modified with a recorded discipline on file and a public complaint. The revocation, recorded as of March 7, 2026, represents a final disciplinary action by the Florida Board of Pharmacy or its governing authority.

Golden Glades Treatment Center Pharmacy License Revoked

The Florida Department of Health MQA records show pharmacy license PH32001 held by Golden Glades Treatment Center (address of record) with a current status of Revoked/Qualifications Modified as of March 7, 2026. The license was originally issued on April 9, 2019 under Class II Type B and was subject to discipline and a public complaint on file. The revocation permanently prohibits the licensee from operating as a licensed pharmacy in Florida and dispensing legend drugs.

Harmony Discount Pharmacy LLC Placed on License Probation

The Florida Department of Health MQA has issued a final order placing Harmony Discount Pharmacy LLC (License PH33486) on probation. The pharmacy, located at 25 E 13th Street, Saint Cloud, FL 34769, has both discipline and a public complaint on file. The license remains in probation/active status with an expiration date of 2/28/2027. Supervising practitioners include Tina Ittera as RX DPT MGR/COR/POR and Benjamin Johns as Pharmacy Affiliate. Continuing education records show no hours received from approved providers as of the report date.

Illinois Tax Season Public Health Voluntary Contribution Program

The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding taxpayers about the state's voluntary contribution program available through Schedule G of the 2025 Illinois tax form. Taxpayers may designate a portion of their state tax refund to support one of six charitable funds, including the Alzheimer's Disease Research, Care, and Support Fund, the Assistance to the Homeless Fund, the Diabetes Research Fund, the Hunger Relief Fund, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities Fund. The program allows contributions starting at one dollar and supports public health initiatives administered by IDPH and the Illinois Department of Revenue.

IDPH Releases First Carbon Monoxide Surveillance Report for Illinois, 2019–2023

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released its first-ever carbon monoxide (CO) surveillance report covering 2019–2023. The report found that CO exposures resulted in an average of 940 emergency department visits, 126 hospital admissions, and nearly 57 deaths annually over the five-year period. Fire departments responded to over 50,000 total CO incidents statewide, with 95% occurring in residential settings, and 81% of incidents lacked data on whether a working CO detector was present. IDPH will use the data to strengthen public information campaigns, support local health department outreach, encourage detector use and appliance maintenance, and improve interagency coordination with first responders.

Drowsy Driving Risk Warning Due to Daylight Saving Time

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has issued a warning to motorists about the increased risk of drowsy driving associated with the start of Daylight Saving Time. The notice advises drivers to be aware of potential fatigue and take precautions to ensure safety on the road.

CDPH Urges Vaccination as Measles Cases Rise in Sacramento Region

CDPH is urging vaccination after six measles cases were reported in Placer and Sacramento counties, representing the third measles outbreak in California in 2026. On March 4, Sacramento County reported a fifth case in a child from the same community who attended an educational enrichment program where as many as 130 children may have been exposed while the child was infectious; the program voluntarily closed temporarily. CDPH is working with county health officials to notify those who may have been exposed. Californians are advised to verify immunity status, receive MMR vaccine if unvaccinated, and contact their health care provider before visiting any facility if measles is suspected.