Healthcare & Life Sciences

AHPRA Board Vacancies — Applications Open, Close 10 May 2026

AHPRA has opened applications for appointment to its Board. The agency seeks community members with expertise in health, education, business administration, or regulation, and particularly encourages Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples to apply. Applications close on Sunday 10 May 2026 at 11:55pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Proposed National Qualification Standard for Pharmacist Prescribing

The Pharmacy Board of Australia has opened public consultation on a proposed national qualification standard for pharmacist prescribing, seeking feedback until 15 June 2026. The draft Endorsement for scheduled medicines and accompanying guidelines would establish consistent education and training requirements across all Australian states and territories. Over 40,000 registered pharmacists would be affected by the new standard, which covers physical examination, diagnostics, clinical decision-making, and referral practices.

Joint Warning on Predatory Superannuation Release for Dental Treatments

The ATO and Ahpra issued a joint warning on 14 April 2026 about predatory practices by health practitioners and third parties who exploit Australians into inappropriately accessing superannuation early for dental or cosmetic treatments. The agencies outlined red flags including social media advertising of early super access, requests for myGov credentials, and practitioners recommending unnecessary expensive treatments. Between 2019 and 2025, Ahpra received 95 complaints about practitioners involved in compassionate release of superannuation, resulting in two doctors referred to tribunals for allegedly false documentation, one doctor cautioned, and one dentist with conditions imposed on registration.

MG-K10 Phase III Trial, Adolescents, Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

NIH registered a Phase III clinical trial (NCT07540442) for MG-K10, a humanized monoclonal antibody injection, in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study aims to confirm the efficacy and safety of MG-K10 monotherapy. Trial conditions are limited to atopic dermatitis; no other indications are listed.

AI-Assisted Staging and Treatment Decision-Making for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

NIH's ClinicalTrials.gov has registered NCT07538882, a prospective observational study evaluating an AI model's ability to assist clinical physicians in staging hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and making treatment decisions. The Multi-Rater Multi-Case crossover study will compare physician accuracy under unassisted versus AI-assisted conditions across different hospital tiers to determine whether AI can reduce diagnostic and therapeutic heterogeneity in HCC care.

Adductor Canal Block With Tourniquet for Posterior Knee Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty

NIH registered clinical trial NCT07539467, a randomized study comparing Tourniquet-Assisted Adductor Canal Block (T-ACB) versus Standard Adductor Canal Block (S-ACB) for managing posterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty. The trial enrolled patients with gonarthrosis and tested whether applying a thigh tourniquet postoperatively alongside the adductor canal block improves pain control at the back of the knee. Results from this Phase 4 trial may inform regional anesthesia protocols for knee replacement recovery.

WISE Trial: Therapist-Supervised Wrist Exercise vs Usual Care for Fracture Recovery

NIH registered Clinical Trial NCT07538323, the WISE (Wrist Injury Strengthening Exercise) study, a randomized controlled trial comparing therapist-supervised exercise therapy against usual care self-management advice for adults aged 50 and older recovering from wrist fractures. The trial will measure pain and functional improvement using the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaire at 6 months post-injury. Participants receive either supervised therapy sessions (one 60-minute session plus two 30-minute sessions) plus usual-care advice, or usual-care advice alone.

CHW Diabetes Program for Rural, Low-Income Patients

NIH has registered a clinical trial (NCT07538505) evaluating a Community Health Worker (CHW) program for patients with type 2 diabetes in rural and low-income settings. The study will assess whether monthly diabetes education classes and weekly mobile health check-ins improve blood sugar control, program sustainability, and feasibility. Participants will be recruited from rural clinics remote from the research team.

oXiris Hemofilter in Septic Shock With AKI Trial

NIH registered a multicenter retrospective observational study (NCT07539883) evaluating the clinical effectiveness of the oXiris® hemofilter in patients with septic shock and acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy. The study uses a Target Trial Emulation approach to compare patients treated with oXiris® filters against standard CRRT filters, examining in-hospital mortality, fluid balance, and vasopressor requirements. The study addresses inconsistent evidence regarding whether oXiris® improves survival through endotoxin and cytokine removal.

Observational Study on ADEM Outcome Predictors in Children

The National Institutes of Health has registered an observational study (NCT07540182) aimed at determining outcome predictors in children diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). The study will observe patients with ADEM, encephalomyelitis, and encephalopathy conditions. No new compliance obligations or regulatory requirements are established by this study registration.

Optimizing Weblink Design in Digital Vaccination Invitations to Raise Trust and Booking Intention: Online Experiment 3

NIH registered a behavioral research study (NCT07538349) examining how weblink design in digital vaccination invitation emails affects recipient trust and appointment booking intention. The study plans to enroll 4,000 participants (2,000 from the UK and 2,000 from the US) testing three link formats: an NHS control link and two experimental weblink variants including an improved version and a text-embedded hyperlink. This is a clinical trial registration entry documenting study design rather than a regulatory action or compliance requirement.

Social Media Support Groups for Adolescent Vaping Cessation - Pilot

NIH has registered a pilot study (NCT07540780) on ClinicalTrials.gov evaluating the Quit the Hit Toolkit, a social media-based nicotine vaping cessation program adapted for teens and young adults in community settings. The study will assess feasibility and acceptability of the intervention targeting vaping, vaping cessation, and nicotine dependence. No compliance obligations or regulatory deadlines are created by this study registration.

Sertraline Combined With Lactobacillus Crispatus in Adolescents With Depression Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Trial

The NIH National Library of Medicine has registered a Phase 2 multicenter randomized controlled trial (NCT07539805) evaluating sertraline combined with Lactobacillus crispatus versus sertraline combined with placebo in adolescents aged 12-18 with major depressive disorder. The 8-week trial includes clinical assessments and safety monitoring every 4 weeks. No compliance obligations or deadlines are imposed on external parties.

Virginia Board of Dentistry Adds Dental Hygienist Monetary Penalty Case

Mistie Dodson, a dental hygienist licensed in Stephens City, VA, received a Monetary Penalty and Terms Imposed-Other from the Virginia Board of Dentistry on April 15, 2026. The enforcement action is recorded under License Number 0402203415. No specific violation details or penalty amount are stated in the source.

Phase 2 Study of WGI-0301 Plus Lenvatinib in Patients With Advanced HCC

NIH registered a Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT07540832) evaluating WGI-0301 in combination with Lenvatinib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at multiple hospital sites. The open-label study will assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and early efficacy signals of the combination therapy.

Phase 2 Trial of Absorbable and Moldable Skull Base Support Plates in Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery

NIH registered a Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT07539792) on April 20, 2026, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of absorbable and moldable skull base support plates used in extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for sellar tumors. The primary endpoint is the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea within 1 month after surgery; secondary endpoints include intracranial infection rates, surgery duration, hospital stay length, and nasal complications. The study is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Multi-Omics Analysis of Lens Zonule Relaxation in PACG Pathogenesis

NIH registered observational clinical study NCT07539675 on ClinicalTrials.gov examining differential molecular expression in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma patients with zonular laxity compared to those without and controls. The study involves no experimental interventions and seeks to construct a mechanistic network from identified molecules.

Sup19 CAR-T Phase 1 Trial for CD19 Therapy Failures and B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

NIH registered a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07539610) evaluating Sup19 CAR-T cells in patients with B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or B-ALL/Lymphoma where prior CD19-targeted therapy has failed or CD19 is weakly expressed. The single-arm prospective study will assess safety and efficacy of the investigational cell therapy product.

ADEPT Diarrhea Prediction Tool Pilot, LMICs

NIH has registered a pilot before-after feasibility trial testing the Accessible Diarrhea Etiology Prediction Tool (ADEPT), a mobile phone-based clinical decision-support application, among informally trained healthcare providers in low- and middle-income countries. The study aims to assess the tool's acceptability, feasibility, and utility in reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for pediatric diarrhea. Participants will use the ADEPT application during routine patient care, with outcomes measured before and after implementation.

Pilot Study: Mental Health Treatment Toolkit for Autistic Individuals

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) registered a pilot study (NCT07539519) to improve mental health treatment for autistic individuals. The study will conduct remote focus groups to identify barriers and develop a prototype therapist resource, which will then be pilot tested in a community clinic setting. Participants will receive either enhanced psychotherapy or treatment as usual.

Web-Based Stroke Diagnostic Tests Validation Study (Observational, NCT07538076)

The NIH registered observational study NCT07538076 to validate two web-based diagnostic tests — the Star Cancellation Test and Line Bisection Test — for assessing visuospatial neglect in hemiplegic stroke patients. The study will compare digital tablet-and-stylus versions of these tests against conventional paper-and-pencil assessments to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and clinical usability. Participants include stroke patients who will complete both conventional and digital versions of each test along with routine cognitive assessments.

TUVA BX and iCover Stent Grafts BEVAR Observational Study

ClinicalTrials.gov registered an observational study collecting retrospective patient data on TUVA BX and iCover stent grafts used during branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR) to treat complex aortic aneurysms. The multi-center, single-arm study will review medical records from the original procedure through the 1-year follow-up visit for patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms or abdominal aortic aneurysms. No patient groups are assigned to specific interventions.

Maryland Home Visiting Week Proclaimed April 20-24, 2026

Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has proclaimed April 20-24, 2026 as Maryland Home Visiting Week. The proclamation recognizes early childhood home visiting programs and parenting education as tools to promote healthy child development, strengthen families, and reduce the risk of abuse and neglect. The observance is symbolic and does not create enforceable obligations or penalties.

FY 2025-26 Q2 Quarterly Performance Report Now Available

The Florida Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance released the FY 2025-26 Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter Two, covering key trends in licensing, enforcement, and financial information. The report is required under sections 456.005 and 456.025(9), Florida Statutes, and provides quarterly snapshots for MQA staff, board members, consumers, and other stakeholders.

Council on Dental Hygiene Meeting Documents - April 2026

The Florida Board of Dental Hygiene posted meeting documents for the Council on Dental Hygiene scheduled April 21, 2026. The posting includes the meeting agenda and public book. A FAR Notice document is also available. All materials are open to public inspection per Florida Statute 456.014.

Complaint Review Process for Respiratory Care Practitioners

The California Respiratory Care Board publishes its complaint review process for respiratory care practitioners (RCPs). The document informs consumers, employers, and licensees how to file complaints against RCPs for violations including sexual misconduct, substance abuse, incompetent practice, falsifying patient records, and unlicensed practice. The RCB states it will pursue immediate suspension when a licensee poses an immediate threat to public safety.

California Respiratory Therapy Laws and Regulatory Codes Index

The California Respiratory Care Board publishes an index of state laws and regulations governing respiratory therapy practice. The index covers the Business and Professions Code provisions for respiratory therapy including certification, education standards, suspension/revocation, and enforcement, as well as the California Code of Regulations Title 16 covering applications, continuing education, scope of practice, citations, and fees. The board currently reports no pending regulations and maintains a rulemaking calendar.

Navigation Portal for Respiratory Care Discipline

The California Respiratory Care Board provides a navigation portal for disciplinary information, linking to final disciplinary actions, license search tools, document request services, automated status updates, and enforcement-related policies.

Midwifery Complaint Process Guide, Washington State

The Washington State Department of Health issued a guide explaining the complaint and disciplinary process for licensed midwives under RCW 18.130 (Uniform Disciplinary Act). The guide covers report intake, case assessment, investigation procedures, timelines, enforcement actors, and due process requirements. It applies to all licensed midwives in Washington State.

Guidelines for Licensed Midwives Using Birth Assistants

The Washington State Department of Health Midwifery Program issued updated guidelines clarifying appropriate duties for licensed midwives versus unlicensed birth assistants. The guideline distinguishes clinical tasks requiring licensed midwife judgment (prenatal/intrapartum/postpartum exams, vital sign assessment, fetal heart tone assessment, APGAR scoring, newborn transition assessment) from duties appropriate for birth assistants under direct supervision (labor support, supply checks, vital sign reporting, newborn monitoring, breastfeeding assistance, documentation). The document explicitly states it is not legally binding and does not constitute a duly promulgated regulation.

Effects of Menstrual Cycle on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery

The National Institutes of Health registered observational study NCT07539831 on April 20, 2026. The study evaluates the effect of menstrual cycle phase (follicular vs. luteal) on optic nerve sheath diameter measurements in women undergoing elective laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Researchers will assess perioperative ONSD measurements and postoperative outcomes including nausea, vomiting, and cognitive function.

MOCHA Perinatal Mental Health Integration Study Registration

NIH registered observational study NCT07540585 examining a Collaborative Mental Health Care Program integrated into high-risk obstetric inpatient settings. The single-arm implementation study will assess feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of delivering brief inpatient psychotherapy, symptom monitoring, and three-month post-discharge follow-up for pregnant and postpartum patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD symptoms.

Adiponectin Biomarker Trial for Metabolic Disorders

NIH registered an open-label randomized controlled trial (NCT07539584) evaluating whether high-molecular-weight adiponectin levels predict treatment response in 130 adults aged 40-65 with type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Patients are randomized to SGLT2 inhibitor monotherapy, GLP-1 receptor agonist monotherapy, combination therapy, or no drug therapy. The primary outcome is change in serum HMW-adiponectin levels over 6 months; secondary outcome is change in liver steatosis measured by Controlled Attenuation Parameter.

Benmelstobart, Anlotinib, and Chemotherapy for Extensive-stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registered a Phase 2 single-center study at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital evaluating benmelstobart plus anlotinib and platinum-etoposide chemotherapy with sequential thoracic radiotherapy in 33 adult patients with previously untreated extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. The open-label, non-randomized trial uses objective response rate as the primary endpoint.

Safety Evaluation of Bioactive Glass Based Bone Cement Combined With Ultrasound in Implantation for Metastatic Bone Tumors

The NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registry has recorded a Phase safety trial (NCT07540468) evaluating the use of bioactive glass-containing bone cement combined with intraoperative ultrasound for patients with metastatic bone tumors. The study aims to assess safety and feasibility of this combined treatment approach for bone stabilization and pain reduction. All participants will receive standard care plus the study intervention with close safety monitoring.

Effect of AI Critical Appraisal Training on Critical Thinking in Nursing Students

NIH registered a new cluster randomized controlled trial (NCT07538986) evaluating an AI Critical Appraisal Training method against traditional case-based learning for undergraduate nursing students. The study measures critical thinking disposition, AI literacy, and clinical reasoning skills pre- and post-intervention, with no stated compliance obligations for external parties.

Connected Toothbrush Study for Children Post-Operating Room Treatment

NIH ClinicalTrials.gov has registered an observational study (NCT07539064) titled 'Children in the Operating Room: Kids That go Thru Operating Room Will be Given a Connected Health Toothbrush, Kids Anticavity Toothpaste and Behavioral Health Intervention to Reduce Claim Costs.' The study examines whether compliance and brushing adherence using a connected toothbrush with a behavioral health intervention can improve oral health outcomes for children previously treated for caries in an operating room setting.

AL001 vs Lithium Carbonate Phase 1 Bipolar I Disorder Trial

NIH registered Phase 1 trial NCT07540338 to assess safety and brain/plasma pharmacokinetics of investigational drug AL001 (a crystallized lithium formulation) compared to marketed immediate-release lithium carbonate in subjects with Bipolar I Disorder. The crossover study will enroll participants who take each drug for 14-day periods at MGH research unit with MRI and blood draw monitoring. No compliance obligations are imposed by this registry entry.

Real-World Cohort Study Comparing Adjuvant HP vs T-DM1 in HER2+ Breast Cancer Non-pCR Patients

NIH's ClinicalTrials.gov registered a multicenter, retrospective, real-world cohort study (NCT07540520) comparing two adjuvant treatment regimens for HER2-positive breast cancer patients with non-pCR after neoadjuvant therapy: trastuzumab combined with pertuzumab (HP group) versus ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1 group). The study will analyze data from patients treated between July 2019 and July 2025 with a planned enrollment of 2,000 cases.

Effects of Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training on Strength and Kicking Performance in Taekwondo Athletes

NIH registered a new clinical trial (NCT07538037) on ClinicalTrials.gov investigating the effects of low-intensity blood flow restriction training (LI-BFRT) on lower-limb strength and kicking performance in taekwondo athletes. The study examines physical performance and athletic performance conditions using LI-BFRT and HIRT interventions. This is an informational study registration; it creates no compliance obligations for external parties.

Phase 1 PK Study of HRS9531 Injection in Mild to Normal Hepatic Function

The NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registry has published a Phase 1 clinical study (NCT07540754) to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of HRS9531 Injection in participants with mild and moderate hepatic impairment compared to participants with normal hepatic function. The study will also assess safety. Participants have conditions of Diabetes Mellitus and Weight Loss. The study was registered with an anticipated date of April 20, 2026.

Phase 1 Mirdametinib Trial for CNS Tumors

NIH registered Phase 1 trial NCT07539441 to evaluate mirdametinib as a treatment for central nervous system tumors, specifically glioma and neurohistiocytosis. The study is listed on ClinicalTrials.gov as a Phase 1 safety and efficacy assessment. No compliance obligations or deadlines are associated with this registration notice.

CMS Has Limited Oversight of Selected Compounded Drugs in Medicare Part D

HHS OIG completed an audit (A-05-21-00008) of CMS oversight of compounded drugs under Medicare Part D, finding that CMS's oversight is limited because data obtained from sponsors does not provide a complete picture of compounded drug ingredients. The audit identified instances where enrollees received FDA-approved drugs potentially misidentified as compounded drugs, drugs subject to misuse (gabapentin) concurrent with opioid prescriptions, and controlled substances (ketamine) not listed on PDE records. OIG made three recommendations to CMS, all of which CMS concurred with.

Hologic Mammographe RX 3Dimensions and Selenia Dimensions Safety Notice

ANSM (France) notified healthcare facilities of a safety action conducted by Hologic Inc. for Mammographe RX 3Dimensions and Selenia Dimensions mammography systems, registered under reference number R2609345. Affected users received a direct communication from the manufacturer with further details. This action involves medical imaging equipment used in breast cancer screening.

Cardiac Cryoablation Device Recall - Boston Scientific Polarx System Safety Alert R2610453

ANSM has recorded safety alert R2610453 following Boston Scientific's recommendation to stop use and recall of its Polarx and Polarx Fit cardiac cryoablation balloon catheters, PolarSheath steerable sheaths, and SmartFreeze cryoablation system consoles. Affected healthcare establishments have received direct notification from Boston Scientific. Users seeking further information are directed to contact Boston Scientific directly.

Philips MRI Elastography Safety Information R2611182

ANSM has recorded a field safety corrective action by Philips affecting MRI systems with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) installed at healthcare facilities and medical imaging centers. The action is registered under reference R2611182. Affected users have received direct communication from Philips containing the specific safety instructions and required actions. ANSM directs all enquiries regarding this safety action to Philips as the issuing party.

December 2025 Disciplinary Actions: Accusations, Citations, and Decisions

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians published its December 2025 disciplinary actions list, recording 11 accusations filed, 25 citations issued, and 7 decisions/orders entered against vocational nurses (VN) and psychiatric technicians (PT) licensed in California. Actions span licensees identified by name, license type, and license number across accusation filing dates from December 4–18, 2025, citation issuance dates from December 4–29, 2025, and decision/order filing dates from December 8–19, 2025.

January 2026 Accusations, Citations, and Decisions - Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians published its January 2026 enforcement listings, including 17 accusations filed, 6 statements of issues filed, 40 citations issued, and 18 decisions/orders filed against licensed vocational nurses (VN) and psychiatric technicians (PT). The listings contain respondent names, license types, and license numbers only — no specific violations, conduct descriptions, or penalties are detailed in the document.

CA BVNPT Files 40+ Disciplinary Actions Against Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians February 2026

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) filed over 40 disciplinary actions in February 2026 against licensed nurses and psychiatric technicians. Actions include 12 accusations filed, 30 citations issued, and 6 decisions and orders entered against respondents holding RN, VN, and PT licenses. Affected licensees include Priscilla Cortez (RN), Angela Surace (VN), Kaitlin Mustard (PT), and numerous others across vocational nursing, psychiatric technician, and registered nursing categories.

PTBC Licensing Enforcement Terms and Definitions

The California Physical Therapy Board (PTBC) published a definitions resource explaining terminology used in its enforcement actions against physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The document clarifies the distinction between Citations and Fines (administrative, non-disciplinary) versus formal Disciplinary Actions (Accusations, Revocations, Suspensions). Citations remain on a licensee's file for five years before purging, while disciplinary actions carry more serious long-term consequences.