PENS vs TENS for Hand Function in Multiple Sclerosis

This randomized, parallel, single-blind clinical trial (NCT07546318) registered by NIH on April 22, 2026, compares percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) versus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for improving hand function in people with multiple sclerosis. Participants receive simultaneous stimulation of the median, radial, and ulnar nerves and are assessed at baseline, immediately after intervention, and 72 hours later. The study evaluates four outcomes: fine manual dexterity, gross manual dexterity, pinch strength, and tactile sensitivity.

Circadian Meal Timing Effect on Postprandial Glucose

The NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registry added a randomized crossover study (NCT07545330) investigating the effect of circadian timing of a standardized meal on postprandial glucose response in healthy adults. The study will compare morning versus evening meal consumption, assessing glucose via incremental area under the curve (iAUC) over 120 minutes. Participants are healthy adults enrolled in a crossover design allowing each subject to serve as their own control.

Serplulimab, H101, Radiotherapy, XELOX Phase 2 Rectal Cancer Study (NCT07543848)

A Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT07543848) registered on ClinicalTrials.gov is evaluating serplulimab (PD-1 inhibitor) combined with oncolytic virus H101, short-course radiotherapy, and XELOX chemotherapy as total neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced low rectal cancer (cT1-3N0M0). The prospective, multicenter, single-arm study will assess the 1-year clinical complete response rate as the primary objective, with secondary outcomes including tumor response rate, organ preservation rate, survival outcomes, and treatment safety.

PFAS, BPA, Pesticides Role in Childhood Obesity Studied

A new clinical trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07545174) by NIH to investigate the potential role of environmental chemicals in pediatric obesity. The study will examine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenol A (BPA), and non-persistent pesticides as potential contributing factors to the onset of childhood obesity. Participants will undergo blood tests, urine samples, and hair sample collection as part of the study protocol.

Phase 4 ICG Study Tests Testicular Torsion Detection

A Phase 4 clinical trial (NCT07545278) is investigating whether indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging and near-infrared spectroscopy can safely and accurately detect testicular torsion in children and young people, potentially reducing unnecessary surgical explorations. The study notes that up to 85% of children undergoing surgical exploration for suspected torsion will not have the condition. Enrollment opens April 22, 2026, with participants receiving an ICG fluorescence injection followed by image capture. The trial aims to eliminate missed torsions while reducing unnecessary surgeries.

PROXERA PSOMED 20 and 40 Clinical Study for Plaque and Palmoplantar Psoriasis

NIH has registered a single-center interventional clinical study (NCT07545902) evaluating the efficacy and safety of PROXERA PSOMED 20 cream for non-palmoplantar plaque psoriasis and PROXERA PSOMED 40 gel for non-pustular palmoplantar psoriasis. Both are CE-marked topical medical devices. The study uses an untreated contralateral control design with primary assessments at 4 weeks (PSOMED 20) and 8 weeks (PSOMED 40). Secondary endpoints include safety, tolerability, quality of life, and local disease activity.

Low-Dose Bevacizumab Atezolizumab TACE-HAIC for HCC

This is a prospective, single-arm, Phase II clinical study (NCT07543510) evaluating the efficacy and safety of low-dose bevacizumab plus atezolizumab combined with transarterial chemoembolization followed by hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (TACE-HAIC) as first-line treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study plans to enroll approximately 38 patients with unresectable, locally advanced HCC who have not received prior systemic therapy. The primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) assessed by investigators according to RECIST version 1.1.

RMT v Story Plant Limited - CAC Decision

The Central Arbitration Committee issued a final decision on Application Ref TUR1/1541(2026) brought by RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union) against Story Plant Limited. The decision document, published on 22 April 2026, sets out the names of CAC panel members, the case manager, the issue in dispute, the views of the parties, the panel's considerations, and the final decision. The decision applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

CAC Decision: RMT v Teleperformance Limited

The Central Arbitration Committee issued its final decision in case reference TUR1/1542(2026), resolving a trade union application brought by RMT against Teleperformance Limited. The decision, published 22 April 2026, sets out the panel's findings on the disputed issue, including the views of both parties and the panel's considerations. The ruling applies across England, Scotland and Wales, with the reference number TUR1/1542(2026) assigned to the matter.

RMT v Telent Technology Services - CAC Labour Dispute Decision

The Central Arbitration Committee published its final decision on an application from trade union RMT against Telent Technology Services Limited, case reference TUR1/1538(2026). The decision document sets out the CAC panel members, case manager, issue in dispute, views of the parties, panel considerations, and the final ruling. The decision applies across England, Scotland and Wales.

CAC Decision Favors RMT Against Cubic Transportation Systems

The Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) published its outcome in the dispute between RMT (the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union) and Cubic Transportation Systems Limited on 22 April 2026. The decision, reference TUR1/1539(2026), sets out the panel's views, considerations, and final determination on the application brought by RMT. The document applies to employers and workers in England, Scotland and Wales.

RMT v Heavy Haul Rail Limited - CAC Decision

The Central Arbitration Committee published its decision on an application from the RMT trade union against Heavy Haul Rail Limited on 22 April 2026. The decision (Reference: TUR1/1540(2026)) covers England, Scotland and Wales. The source page is a document listing rather than the full decision text; it does not disclose the specific outcome of the arbitration. The decision is published as a binding outcome of the CAC's statutory function in trade union recognition disputes.

Kantor Foundation and Kantor Charitable Foundation Removed from Register

The Charity Commission for England and Wales has published inquiry results confirming that Kantor Foundation (charity number 1173549) and Kantor Charitable Foundation (charity number 1173550) were both removed from the register of charities on 30 May 2025. Both entities are now former registered charities with no legal status as charitable organisations in England and Wales.

Charity Commission Updates Trustee Conflict of Interest Guidance After 23% Rise in Private Benefit Abuse Cases

The Charity Commission published updated guidance CC29 for charity trustees on identifying and managing conflicts of interest, covering both financial conflicts and conflicts of loyalty. Research by the regulator found that compliance cases involving alleged abuse of charitable status for private benefit rose by 23% in a single year, with unmanaged trustee conflicts a recurring factor. The guidance is shorter and clearer, with common examples to help trustees recognize conflicts. The Commission warns that decisions made without properly managing conflicts may be legally invalid, potentially rendering trustees jointly liable for losses from their own resources.

Kantor Foundation Investigation Concludes, £1.3m Redistributed to Good Causes

The Charity Commission concluded statutory inquiries into the Kantor Foundation and Kantor Charitable Foundation, finding both charities no longer viable after their founder Dr Vitacheslav Kantor was designated as a 'designated person' under the UK's Russia Sanctions regime in April 2022. The inquiries found Dr Kantor responsible for misconduct and/or mismanagement for failing to proactively resign following designation and for non-cooperation with the regulator. Interim Managers distributed £1,388,000 to charitable causes and recovered a violin worth £150,810 for gifting to a registered charity promoting musical education. Both charities have been wound up and removed from the Register of Charities.

MA Pharmacy Board Issues Guidance on Medication Administration

The Board of Registration in Pharmacy issued guidance on pharmacist administration of medications, effective March 11, 2026. The document provides the board's regulatory framework governing how pharmacists may administer medications within their scope of practice in Massachusetts. Pharmacists and pharmacy operators should obtain and review the full guidance to ensure their medication administration practices comply with current board standards.

Weather-Health Alert System User Guide

UKHSA published a user guide for the Weather-Health Alert system, operated jointly with the Met Office to issue Heat-Health Alerts (June 1 to September 30) and Cold-Health Alerts (November 1 to March 30). Users must register on the system specifying their government region to receive alerts, which are triggered by joint dynamic risk assessments when weather episodes are forecast to impact health. Alerts communicate risk to NHS England, the government, and the public health system, with advice sent to health and social care professionals working with at-risk groups.

Sanders Amendment 5159 - Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing Vote Rejected

The Senate rejected Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline regarding Sanders Amendment 5159 by a 49-49 vote on April 23, 2026, falling short of the 3/5 majority required. The amendment to S.Con.Res. 33 sought to reduce prescription drug prices in the United States by more than 50 percent through adoption of Most Favored Nation drug pricing, ensuring Americans would pay no more for prescription drugs than Europeans or Canadians. Two senators (Grassley and Warner) did not vote.

Senate Vote 98 Rejects Markey Amendment on Home Electricity Bills 48-50

The Senate rejected Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline regarding Markey Amendment No. 5001 to S.Con.Res. 33, which sought to create a point of order against legislation that would not decrease home electricity bills. The motion failed 48-50 (YEAs 48, NAYs 50, Not Voting 2), falling short of the 3/5 majority required. All 100 senators voted or recorded their position.

Hickenlooper Amendment 4956 Rejected 47-51 on Tariffs Iran Consumer Protection

The Senate rejected Hickenlooper Amendment 4956 to S.Con.Res. 33 on April 22, 2026, with a 47-51 vote (2 not voting), falling short of the 3/5 majority required. The amendment sought to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund protecting consumers from price increases associated with tariffs and the Iran war. The motion to waive all applicable budgetary discipline was also rejected, preventing the amendment from advancing.

Hawley Amendment No. 4794 Rejected 50-48 on Motion to Waive Budgetary Discipline Relating to Medicaid Abortion Payments

The US Senate voted 50-48 to reject Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline regarding Senator Hawley's Amendment No. 4794 to S.Con.Res. 33, which sought to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to extending the prohibition on Medicaid payments to abortion providers. The motion required a 3/5 majority (60 votes) to pass but fell short by 10 votes. Two senators did not vote (Grassley R-IA and Warner D-VA).

Child Care Funding Amendment Vote Rejected 47-51

The Senate rejected Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline regarding Alsobrooks Amendment No. 5294 to S.Con.Res. 33 by a 47-51 vote on April 22, 2026. The amendment sought to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for increasing child care funding for families. The motion required a 3/5 majority (60 votes) to pass but fell short by 13 votes. Forty-seven senators voted Yea, 51 voted Nay, and 2 were not voting.

Senate Rejects Merkley Amendment 5235 on Hedge Fund Home Ownership

The Senate voted 46-52 to reject S.Amdt. 5235, the Merkley Amendment to S.Con.Res. 33, on April 23, 2026 at 1:51 AM. The proposed amendment sought to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund addressing the impacts of hedge fund ownership of single-family homes and rent prices. With 52 senators voting against and 46 in favor (plus 2 not voting), the measure fell short of the simple majority required for adoption.

Paul Amendment No. 5378 Rejected, 25-73 Senate Vote

Senator Paul's Amendment No. 5378 to S.Con.Res. 33 was rejected by a 25-73 Senate vote on April 23, 2026. The amendment would have reduced new budget authority for functions 150, 250, 500, and 600 by offsetting $70 billion in new spending through $45 billion in foreign aid cuts, $5 billion in refugee spending elimination, $16 billion from the Department of Education, and $4 billion from the NSF. The amendment failed to achieve a majority, with 73 senators voting against and 2 not voting.

Senate Rejects Kennedy Amendment Voter ID Proposal 48-50

The Senate voted 48-50 on April 23, 2026, to reject a motion to waive budgetary discipline for S.Amdt. 5414, the Kennedy Amendment to S.Con.Res. 33, falling short of the 3/5 majority required for passage. The amendment sought to establish federal voter identification requirements for federal elections, including photo ID requirements for voter registration and voting, as well as provisions for election day procedures and ballot counting. The procedural failure prevents the voter ID measure from advancing through the current budget reconciliation process.

Ossoff Amendment Rejected 49-49, Insurance Companies Patient Care

The Senate voted 49-49 (with 2 not voting) on April 22, 2026, to reject a motion to waive budgetary discipline for Ossoff Amendment No. 4897 to S.Con.Res. 33, falling short of the 3/5 majority required. The amendment sought to create a point of order against budget reconciliation legislation that fails to address insurance companies intervening between patients and doctors to delay or deny care. The failed vote means the proposed amendment will not be included in the budget resolution.

Graham Amendment 5281 Establishes Deportation Reserve Fund, Passes Senate 98-0

The Senate voted 98-0 (with Sens. Grassley and Warner not voting) to adopt Graham Amendment 5281 to S.Con.Res. 33 on April 22, 2026. The amendment establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to the apprehension and deportation of adult illegal aliens convicted of rape, murder, or sexual abuse of a minor after illegally entering the United States. The amendment is part of the broader Senate concurrent resolution on the budget.

Senate Rejects Hirono Amendment 4884 on School Meals

The Senate rejected Hirono Amendment 4884 on April 22, 2026, by a vote of 48-50, failing to achieve the required 3/5 majority to waive budgetary discipline. The amendment would have created a point of order against reconciliation legislation that reduces funding for or participation in school meal programs. Since the amendment failed, no procedural protection for school meal funding was established in this legislative vehicle.

$2.04B CRISI Rail Modernization Funding Announced

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a $2.04 billion investment into rail infrastructure modernization under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program on April 20, 2026. The investment targets congestion reduction, passenger rail ridership growth, regional railroad infrastructure improvements, and safety programs to prevent trespassing and reduce injuries and fatalities. Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on June 22, 2026, with the program under Secretary Duffy prioritizing safety, American families, workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation.

$4.7B for Amtrak, New York Penn and Union Station

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a $4.7 billion investment into rail projects on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor to modernize New York Penn Station and Washington Union Station. The funding is part of the Partnership-Northeast Corridor Program (Partnership-NEC), which aims to reduce backlogs, streamline performance, and expand intercity passenger rail service. Applications for the first round of Partnership-NEC funding focusing on High Priority Major Station Projects must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on May 5, 2026.

$5 Billion Amtrak Northeast Corridor Investment for NY Penn, Washington Union

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a nearly $5 billion investment into Amtrak's Northeast Rail Corridor, targeting upgrades at New York Penn Station and Washington Union Station. The funding will support infrastructure improvements along one of the busiest rail corridors in the United States. This represents a significant federal commitment to modernizing passenger rail infrastructure on the East Coast.

First AIFA Institutional Mission to Japan

AIFA President Robert Nisticò led the first-ever institutional mission to Japan, accompanied by Board Advisor Emanuele Monti and Dr. Armando Magrelli from the International Relations Office. The delegation held bilateral meetings with the Japanese Ministry of Health and PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) under President Yasuhiro Fujiwara, discussing shared regulatory challenges including research and innovation, longevity and chronic disease management, polypharmacy in elderly patients, AI in regulatory affairs, and healthcare system sustainability. Both nations, sharing universal healthcare systems, identified this mission as a foundation for future cooperation and best-practice exchange between Italian and Japanese pharmaceutical regulators.

AIFA Approves AIFA Ascolta and AIFA Incontra Stakeholder Engagement Regulations

AIFA has definitively approved and published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale the regulations for two new stakeholder engagement initiatives: AIFA Ascolta, a structured dialogue space for patient associations, networks, and federations focused on improving pharmaceutical access and health protection; and AIFA Incontra, a privileged dialogue channel between the Agency and institutional, scientific, industrial, and civic stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and health sectors. Both initiatives include a Transparency Register that will make meeting objectives, participants, final reports, and related documentation publicly available on the Agency's website. Meetings under both programs will typically be scheduled on a quarterly basis.

Precision Medicine: Tailored Therapies Replace One-Size-Fits-All Care

AIFA published a dossier on April 17, 2026, examining the clinical and economic impact of precision medicine and pharmacogenomics in Italy's National Health Service. The document highlights that 68% of Italians over 65 receive at least five different drug prescriptions and 28.5% take ten or more medications, increasing risks of drug interactions and adverse reactions. AIFA President Robert Nisticò emphasized that precision medicine should be a right for all patients, not a luxury, and positioned pharmacogenomics as a bridge between genetic knowledge and daily clinical practice.

Serie Generale 93: Legislative Decrees, Municipal Dissolutions, Drug Authorizations

The Official Gazette Serie Generale No. 93 of 22 April 2026 publishes 14 distinct official acts spanning legislative decrees, presidential decrees, ministerial orders, and regulatory communications. Key items include Legislative Decree No. 51 of 2 April 2026 transposing EU Regulation 2023/2411 on geographical indications for craft and industrial products, three presidential decrees dissolving municipal councils in Simeri Crichi, Sarnico, and Maracalagonis with appointment of extraordinary commissioners, and five AIFA communications modifying or granting marketing authorizations for human medicines (Berates, Allopurinolo EG Stada, Sacubitril e Valsartan Pensa, Ampenaia, Brivaracetam Amarox). Reconstruction ordinances from the Extraordinary Commissioner for 2016 earthquake cover public and private reconstruction timelines, church reconstruction plans, and public works reconstruction for Marche and Umbria regions following 2022-2023 seismic events.

Contratti Pubblici n.45: Ultra-Broadband Grants, 2 Auctions

The Italy Official Gazette (Serie Speciale - Contratti Pubblici n. 45 del 22-4-2026) publishes a procurement notice from INVITALIA S.p.A. for public grants to finance ultra-broadband network investment projects (codice redazionale TX26BFM192), alongside two real estate auction notices from Comune di Caselle Torinese (TX26BIA194) and Comunità Montana Valli del Verbano (TX26BIA193) for the sale of properties including the 'Pradaccio' complex. These notices provide opportunities for telecommunications companies and infrastructure investors to participate in Italian public procurement.

Guidance on Investigator Brochure Content for ATMP Clinical Trials

The Danish Medicines Agency has published guidance on the required content of the Investigator's Brochure for clinical trials involving Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). The guidance integrates the ICH GCP IB format description with ATMP-specific recommendations from the EMA guideline on ATMPs in clinical trials. Sponsors and clinical investigators conducting ATMP trials should review the guidance and ensure their Investigator's Brochures align with these requirements.

PRAC Concludes NAION Is Very Rare Side Effect of Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy

PRAC completed its safety assessment concluding that NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) is a very rare side effect of semaglutide medicines. Product information for Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy was updated on 30 September 2025 to include this finding. The frequency classification of 'very rare' means the side effect may affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people. As of May 2025, the Danish Medicines Agency had received 28 reports of NAION in patients treated with semaglutide; by October 2025, this had risen to 32 Danish reports (14 Ozempic, 17 Wegovy, 1 both Ozempic and Rybelsus).

Taste of India 1 Denied 19 Oregon Workers Overtime, DOL Recovers $200K

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division investigation found Taste of India 1 in McMinnville, Oregon violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by misclassifying 19 workers as exempt, failing to pay overtime premiums, and using an invalid tip pool arrangement. The division recovered $200,137 in back wages and $15,256 in civil money penalties assessed for willful violations. Employers in the food service industry should review their exempt status classifications and tip pool arrangements for compliance.

FY 2025-26 Q2 MQA Quarterly Performance Report Released

The Florida Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) has released the FY 2025-26 Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter Two, covering MQA's key trends in licensing, enforcement, and information along with insights into MQA's financials. The report is required under sections 456.005 and 456.025(9), Florida Statutes, and provides quarterly snapshots of key performance statistics for MQA staff, decision-makers, board and council members, consumers, and other stakeholders. The announcement also references MQA initiatives including HB 975 Cleared to Care campaign, MQA's Virtual Agent ELI, and unlicensed activity outreach activities.

Imdylltra Positive CHMP Opinion for Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

The European Medicines Agency's CHMP, with Dutch participation through CBG-MEB, issued a positive opinion recommending Imdylltra (tarlatamab) for marketing authorization as an immunotherapy for adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). The opinion is based on a study of over 500 patients showing longer survival compared to standard treatment. The most serious side effects include cytokine-release syndrome and neurological inflammation. The opinion has been forwarded to the European Commission for final decision on marketing authorization.

CBG-MEB Issues Registration Call for Lithium Carbonate Tablets to Address Medicine Shortages

CBG-MEB is publishing a call for registration of lithium carbonate 200mg, 300mg, and 400mg tablets as part of its new initiative to address urgent medicine shortages where prolonged unavailability is expected. Lithium carbonate is used to stabilise mood swings in patients with bipolar disorder, treating and preventing manic and depressive episodes. Marketing authorisation holders or companies interested in bringing these medicines to the Dutch market can contact CBG-MEB directly to explore registration pathways.

Netherlands Temporarily Authorizes Vaxxon Clone ND Vaccine Amid EU Shortage

The Bureau Diergeneesmiddelen (BD) has granted temporary authorization for Vaxxon Clone, an ND vaccine not approved on the EU market, for use in the Netherlands. The authorization addresses an acute shortage caused by reduced production of SPF eggs (needed for live vaccine production) due to bird flu cullings at suppliers, combined with increased demand from ND outbreaks in Poland since October 2025 and now in Germany. Commercial poultry keepers and turkey farmers in the Netherlands, where ND vaccination is mandatory, should verify their vaccination status and source supply through the temporary authorization mechanism.

AEMPS 2026 Work Plan Details Five Strategic Objectives for the Year

AEMPS published its 2026 Annual Work Plan on March 27, 2026, outlining objectives aligned with its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan. The five strategic objectives cover guaranteeing supply of human medicines, combating antimicrobial resistance, strengthening Spain's positioning in European and Ibero-American pharmaceutical networks, optimising processes including AI-based solutions, and improving human resources and information technology capabilities. The plan draws from AEMPS's ordinary operations, specific action plans, and the European BEMA V benchmarking programme.

EU Opens 60-Day Public Consultation on PFAS Restriction Affecting Pharmaceuticals

The Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) of ECHA has opened a 60-day public consultation on its provisional opinion on restricting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), published on 20 April 2026. The RAC's opinion is already final and concludes restriction is justified to protect human health and the environment, citing PFAS persistence, dispersion, bioaccumulation, and potential toxic effects including reproductive harm and cancer risk. The SEAC opinion, expected to be finalised by end of 2026, may include specific exemptions for uses where no alternatives exist. The European Commission will then develop a regulatory proposal under REACH for Member State voting.

MiPLUS Help: Apply, Renew, Track License Online

The Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS) is the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing's online licensing and regulatory database application for health and occupational professionals in Michigan. The system enables applicants to apply online, track application status, and receive electronic notifications, while licensees can renew licenses and modify existing licensing information. This help page provides instructions for registration, application, modification, and renewal processes using MiPLUS.

Michigan Board of Nursing Meeting Agendas and Minutes 2025–2026

The Michigan Board of Nursing maintains a public index of board meeting agendas and disciplinary subcommittee meeting minutes, organized by date in reverse chronological order. Documents span from January 2025 through April 2026 and include both full board and disciplinary subcommittee materials, with several agendas marked as amended. PDFs are hosted by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Professional Licensing.

Michigan Board of Nursing Authority Origins and Membership

The Michigan Board of Nursing publishes its authority origins and current membership composition. The Board was originally created under the Nurse Practice Act of 1909, with authority transferred to the Nursing Practice Act of 1967 and finally to the Public Health Code of 1978. The Public Health Code establishes the Board's powers including nurse licensure qualifications, education program standards, competency assurance, and disciplinary authority. The Board consists of 24 members: 9 registered nurses, 1 nurse midwife, 1 nurse anesthetist, 1 nurse practitioner, 3 licensed practical nurses, and 8 public members. The page lists current named members with their represented seats and term expiration dates through June 2029.

Family Violence Witnesses Gain Alternative Evidence-Giving Options in NZ Family Court

The Evidence (Giving Family Violence Evidence in Family Court Proceedings) Amendment Act 2025 establishes new legislative protections allowing witnesses in family violence proceedings to give evidence via courtroom screens, closed circuit TV from witness rooms, or audio visual link from external locations—removing the requirement to testify from an open witness box. The entitlement applies to proceedings commenced on or after 26 February 2026, with witnesses required to notify the court and opposing party at least 28 days before the hearing.

Parliament Amends Alcohol Sales Law, Effective 3rd April

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day) Amendment Act 2026 comes into force on 3 April 2026, amending the law regarding the sale of alcohol by on-licences, cellar doors and RSAs on restricted trading days. The Ministry of Justice advises licensees to seek independent legal advice as a Local Alcohol Plan or other specific licence conditions may affect what they can or cannot do on a restricted trading day.