Search

Public Health Alert: Warning Against 7-OH Products

Texas health officials have issued a warning against the use of products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a chemical found in kratom. The alert highlights a significant increase in reported exposures and serious health issues linked to concentrated 7-OH products, urging the public to avoid them.

Health Advisory: New World Screwworm Parasitic Fly

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a health advisory on September 26, 2025, to raise awareness about the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic fly. While no current cases are reported in Texas, healthcare providers are urged to remain vigilant for potential travel-related cases and report suspected infestations immediately.

Texas DSHS Prohibits Sale of Consumable Hemp to Minors

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has adopted emergency rules prohibiting the sale of consumable hemp products to individuals under 21 years of age. These rules are effective immediately and implement Governor Greg Abbott's executive order GA-56, with potential penalties including license revocation for violations.

Texas Pertussis Cases Surge; CDC Recommends Vaccines

The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert regarding a significant surge in pertussis (whooping cough) cases, with over 3,500 reported in 2025, a fourfold increase from the previous year. The CDC recommends vaccination for all ages, with particular emphasis on pregnant women and those around newborns.

Texas DSHS Issues Measles Alert for West Texas

The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a notice on January 27, 2026, regarding three confirmed cases of measles in non-Texas residents who traveled through West Texas. The alert urges the public to remain vigilant and provides potential exposure locations and dates.

Guidance on Psychiatric Evaluation and Discharge Practices

The New York State Office of Mental Health and Department of Health have issued updated joint guidance on psychiatric evaluation and discharge practices for individuals with behavioral health conditions. This update aligns with recent changes to state regulations and provides guidance for emergency departments, comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs, and inpatient psychiatric units.

Missouri Failed to Collect $12.2M in Medicaid Drug Rebates

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that Missouri failed to collect $12.2 million in federal rebates for Medicaid physician-administered and pharmacy drugs between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022. The OIG recommends Missouri refund the federal government $9.7 million for physician-administered drugs and $2.5 million for pharmacy drugs.

State Revokes/Suspends Health Care Provider Licenses

The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of four health care providers due to findings of neglect or abuse of vulnerable adults. These actions prohibit the individuals from practicing or having unsupervised access to vulnerable populations.

ACF Contract for Unaccompanied Alien Children Services Noncompliant

The HHS OIG found that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) awarded a $529 million sole source contract for unaccompanied alien children services in a noncompliant manner. The contract was double the cost estimate and lacked required pre-award documentation.

HHS OIG: West Virginia Failed to Collect $6.1M in Medicaid Drug Rebates

The HHS Office of Inspector General found that West Virginia failed to collect an estimated $6.1 million in federal rebates for physician-administered drugs dispensed to Medicaid managed-care enrollees. The audit identified failures in internal controls that prevented the state from invoicing manufacturers for these rebates.