CDC says Americans who tested positive no longer must isolate for five days under certain conditions; FDA grants emergency use authorization to the first at-home test detecting both the flu and COVID-19.
view more »COVID-19: Paxlovid EUA Revised, V-safe Reopens
Jan. 30, 2024 ||Paxlovid will no longer be authorized for emergency use after March 8; V-safe, the CDC's vaccine safety monitoring system, is once again open.
view more »COVID-19: JN.1 Cases Rise, COVAX Ends
Jan. 3, 2024 ||CDC reports no clear link between COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment and reduced risk of infection rebound as JN.1 cases rise; COVAX comes to an end after distributing nearly 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses.
view more »COVID-19: Wastewater Surveillance, At-Home Tests Cleared
Dec. 4, 2023 ||The CDC launched the National Wastewater Surveillance Program to detect traces of infectious diseases as COVID-19 hospitalizations increase for the third week in a row.
view more »COVID-19: Mask Recommendation, Youth Vaccine Dosage
Nov. 7, 2023 ||A CDC advisory committee recommends providers wear masks during routine check-ups to prevent the spread of respiratory infections; FDA advises providers to ensure they administer the correct vaccination dosage to youth.
view more »CDC Releases Respiratory Virus Toolkits
Oct. 27, 2023 ||Health care provider resources include strategies for talking with patients about flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Recommends Updated Vaccines, HHS Awards Project NextGen
Sept. 12, 2023 ||FDA approves Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech's updated COVID-19 vaccines, and HHS announces $1.4 billion for Project NextGen.
view more »CDC Notifies Clinicians about RSV Spike
Sept. 6, 2023 ||CDC notifies health care providers about a monoclonal antibody and two vaccines that can prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection.
view more »CDC Issues Health Advisory for Vibrio vulnificus Infections
Sept. 6, 2023 ||Health care providers should send suspected isolates to a public health laboratory and promptly initiate antibiotic therapy or surgical intervention.
view more »CDC Announces Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements
Aug. 29, 2023 ||Ahead of Sepsis Awareness Month in September, CDC provides seven core elements to guide the creation of hospital sepsis management programs.
view more »HHS to Host Listening Session on Hospital Preparedness
Aug. 22, 2023 ||HHS will host the Aug. 24 webinar to gather input from a variety of health care stakeholders on hospital preparedness before, during, and after emergencies.
view more »COVID-19: EG.5 Variant, Long COVID Response
Aug. 15, 2023 ||HHS announced the formation of the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice to lead the long COVID response as EG.5 subvariant cases increase.
view more »COVID-19: Bridge Access Program, GAO Recommendations
July 18, 2023 ||The CDC Bridge Access Program will provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults following the end of the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Program; the GAO released a new report outlining recommendations for future public health emergency preparedness.
view more »COVID-19: Antibody Study, Incidence Rate Disparities
July 10, 2023 ||CDC reports that roughly three-fourths of all Americans aged 16 and older had contracted COVID-19 by the end of 2022; the agency also reports new data showing the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on the lowest-income communities.
view more »COVID-19: Medicaid and CHIP to Cover Only FDA-Approved Vaccines
July 5, 2023 ||Starting Oct. 1, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program will cover only COVID-19 vaccines that have been fully approved by the Food and Drug and Administration.
view more »COVID-19: Moderna Vaccine, Monoclonal Antibody, New Subvariant
June 27, 2023 ||Moderna seeks FDA authorization for an updated vaccine, Invivyd announces a pathway to potential emergency use authorization for the monoclonal antibody adintrevimab, and the CDC tracks a new subvariant, EU.1.1.
view more »COVID-19: Youth Vaccination Safe, At-Home Test Approved
June 9, 2023 ||A CDC study confirms that a third mRNA vaccine is safe for children; FDA grants marketing authorization for the Cue at-home COVID-19 test.
view more »Two CDC studies indicate that adults who have not received a bivalent mRNA booster vaccine have little remaining protection against COVID-19–associated hospitalization and that half of Americans aged 16 and up have hybrid immunity against the virus.
view more »On the Hill: Debt Ceiling Crisis Averted
June 6, 2023 ||After months of back and forth between Republican lawmakers and the White House, President Joe Biden signs legislation to suspend the debt ceiling through 2024. The bill does not include work requirements for Medicaid recipients, a condition Republicans had sought early in negotiations.
view more »Senate Passes Debt Ceiling Bill
June 2, 2023 ||This legislation effectively postpones the debt ceiling issue for two years, dispelling concerns of a potential financial catastrophe. This Action Update summarizes the legislation and provisions of interest to essential hospitals.
view more »COVID-19: WHO Vaccine Recommendation, NIOSH N95 Mask Recall
May 23, 2023 ||A World Health Organization advisory group recommends using the XBB subvariant in future vaccines; the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recalls eight respirators.
view more »COVID-19: PHE End, Project NextGen, Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
May 16, 2023 ||An HHS fact sheet details policy changes with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency; ASPR announces Project NextGen; CDC says the Johnson & Johnson vaccine no longer is available in the United States.
view more »The World Health Organization has ended the COVID-19 global health emergency designation, and the CDC will use hospitalization data to track COVID-19 spread.
view more »FDA amends the Pfizer vaccine authorization for immunocompromised children aged 6 months to 4 years old, while the Biden administration ends its vaccine requirement for federal employees.
view more »COVID-19: Bivalent Vaccine Recommendation, HHS Uninsured Program
April 25, 2023 ||CDC simplifies vaccine recommendations for all age groups; a new HHS program supports COVID-19 vaccines and treatments for uninsured Americans.
view more »CDC Issues Marburg Virus Disease Advisory
April 10, 2023 ||Amid two international outbreaks of the rare but highly fatal viral hemorrhagic fever, CDC provides virus identification and biosafety recommendations.
view more »COVID-19: CDC, WHO Revise Booster Recommendations
April 4, 2023 ||Both the CDC and World Health Organization now recommend just one bivalent booster dose for healthy adults and children with no immunocompromising conditions.
view more »CDC Warns of Threat from Spread of Emerging Fungus
March 27, 2023 ||The agency calls the rapid rise and geographic spread of Candida auris concerning and emphasizes the need for surveillance, expanded lab capacity, quicker diagnostic testing, and adherence to infection prevention and control.
view more »The April 13 webinar will highlight how health care institutions can advance climate-informed patient care, climate mitigation, and community climate resilience.
view more »COVID-19: Booster and Combination Vaccines, Medicaid Snapshot
March 7, 2023 ||A bivalent vaccine that protects against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza will not be available this year, while a CDC advisory committee says there is not enough evidence to recommend more than one annual COVID-19 booster for immunocompromised people.
view more »CDC Issues Health Advisory for Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigella
Feb. 28, 2023 ||Shigella infections caused by extensively drug-resistant strains comprise about 5 percent of Shigella infections reported to CDC.
view more »COVID-19: Long COVID-19 Disparities, Youth Immunization Study
Feb. 22, 2023 ||National Institutes of Health research finds that Black and Hispanic Americans face greater long COVID-19 risks, the CDC says that primary series vaccination protects children ages 3–5 for four months, and Novavax will deliver an additional 1.5 million doses.
view more »COVID-19: Youth Immunization Schedule, New Test Cleared
Feb. 14, 2023 ||The CDC updated the 2023 immunization schedule for children and adolescents to include the COVID-19 primary vaccine series, and the FDA cleared for commercial distribution a device that detects 15 respiratory viral and bacterial infections.
view more »A CDC report finds that patients receiving dialysis treatment for end-stage kidney disease, especially Hispanic patients, are at an increased risk of contracting Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections.
view more »FDA no longer requires a positive COVID-19 test to receive a Paxlovid or Lagevrio prescription; CDC reports that bivalent boosters protect against XBB and XBB.1.5 SARS-Co-V-2 subvariants.
view more »FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee votes to replace the original monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, Evusheld no longer is authorized under emergency use, and the CDC launches a COVID-19 testing locator.
view more »COVID-19: FDA Committee to Vote on Vaccine Future, CDC Unveils Interactive Trackers
Jan. 24, 2023 ||An FDA committee will vote on the future of the COVID-19 vaccine, while CDC unveils two trackers for COVID-19, flu, and RSV–related hospital and emergency department visits.
view more »COVID-19: Home Test to Treat Program, Vaccine Safety Concern
Jan. 17, 2023 ||The National Institutes of Health launches the Home Test to Treat program; FDA and CDC report a COVID-19 vaccine safety concern for those ages 65 and older.
view more »COVID-19: XBB.1.5 Cases Evade Therapeutics; Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pediatric Vaccination Status
Jan. 10, 2023 ||FDA and CDC say Evusheld is unlikely to neutralize the XBB.1.5 subvariant, and a CDC report indicates COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents is highest among Asian and Hispanic youth.
view more »Million Hearts Initiative to Host Webinars on Climate Change and Cardiovascular Health
Jan. 4, 2023 ||Registration is open now for the two Climate Change and Cardiovascular Disease Collaborative webinars on Jan. 12, at noon ET, and Feb. 9, at noon ET.
view more »FDA approves the use of Actemra, a monoclonal antibody treatment, as COVID-19 cases caused by the XBB.1.5 subvariant of SARS-CoV-2 spike.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Expands Bivalent Vaccine Recommendation for Children
Dec. 13, 2022 ||CDC expands its recommendation for bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years old as health agencies confront low vaccination rates among children.
view more »FDA pauses its emergency use authorization of bebtelovimab, which does not protect against prevalent SARS-CoV-2 subvariants; CDC updates its guidance for managing COVID-19 in congregate living settings to align with previous guidance.
view more »COVID-19: Bivalent Boosters Protect against New Subvariants, Pediatric Vaccination Rates Remain Low
Nov. 21, 2022 ||Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna data indicate that bivalent vaccines provide greater protection than the original monovalent vaccine against the emerging BQ.1.1 omicron subvariant, while the CDC reports low COVID-19 vaccination numbers among children.
view more »AHRQ Supports U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week
Nov. 18, 2022 ||The agency shares toolkits to help acute-care, long-term care, and ambulatory care facilities adopt the Four Moments of Antibiotic Decision Making framework.
view more »COVID-19: Test-to-Treat Access Study, White House Equity Summit
Nov. 15, 2022 ||A JAMA Network open study highlights disparities in access to Test-to-Treat sites; the Biden administration holds a White House COVID-19 Equity Summit.
view more »COVID-19: Study Finds Paxlovid Reduces Long COVID-19 Risk, Pfizer Shares Bivalent Vaccine Data
Nov. 8, 2022 ||A new report from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that Paxlovid can reduce risk of long COVID-19; new data show Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines substantially increase immune responses compared with monovalent vaccines.
view more »COVID-19: Administration Launches Updated Vaccine Outreach
Nov. 1, 2022 ||President Joe Biden urges Americans to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine, which protects against the original SARS-CoV-2 variant and BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Recommends Immunization Schedule Update, Administration Launches Biodefense Strategy
Oct. 25, 2022 ||A CDC committee recommends the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccines in the 2023 immunization schedule; the administration releases a biodefense strategy.
view more »CDC recommends for younger age groups updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccines that target the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of SARS-CoV-2.
view more »HHS links COVID-19 vaccinations to fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, and NIH details its plan to study long COVID-19 effects.
view more »CDC Urges Vigilance amid Uganda Ebola Outbreak
Oct. 11, 2022 ||CDC issued a health advisory reminding health care providers to remain aware of a patient’s international travel history.
view more »CDC updates guidance on infection control for health care personnel and staff shortages, as well as its global pandemic response strategy.
view more »COVID-19: Mortality Lower from Omicron Variant, PRF Report Due Sept. 30
Sept. 20, 2022 ||CDC reports lower in-hospital mortality rates from the omicron variant, providers have until Sept. 30 to report period 3 Provider Relief Fund spending.
view more »Administration to Host Hunger Conference, Seeks Commitments
Sept. 19, 2022 ||The Biden administration encourages organizations to commit to working toward its goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Recommends Bivalent Vaccine Boosters
Sept. 6, 2022 ||CDC recommends updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccines that target the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of SARS-CoV-2.
view more »COVID-19: No-Cost, At-Home Tests to End, CDC Fall Vaccination Plan
Aug. 30, 2022 ||No-cost, at-home COVID-19 tests no longer will be offered through the United States Postal Service, CDC releases a fall vaccination plan, and FDA warns prescribers about Paxlovid drug interactions.
view more »Pfizer applies for emergency use authorization for its omicron-specific booster vaccine, the National Healthcare Safety Network will take over hospital data reporting, and CMS tells hospitals to brace for the public health emergency's end.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Updates Safety Guidance, Bebtelovimab Goes Commercial
Aug. 16, 2022 ||CDC updated its COVID-19 safety guidelines, FDA warned of false negative test risks, and bebtelovimab will transition to the commercial marketplace.
view more »COVID-19: HHS Secures Moderna Bivalent Vaccine Doses, CDC Releases Booster Safety Update
Aug. 1, 2022 ||HHS agreed to purchase 66 million Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine doses, while the CDC reported fewer vaccine reactions for those older than 50 who receive a second mRNA booster shot.
view more »As the World Health Organization declares monkeypox a global health emergency, CDC updates clinical guidance, and HHS plans to allocate additional vaccine doses.
view more »CDC recommends the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adults and reports that additional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster doses increase protection against moderate and severe COVID-19.
view more »Antimicrobial-resistant hospital-onset infections and deaths both increased from 2019 to 2020, according to a new CDC analysis.
view more »Administration Announces First Phase of Monkeypox Response
July 5, 2022 ||The strategy aims to deploy vaccines rapidly in the most affected communities, facilitate testing, and engage stakeholders to mitigate spread.
view more »HHS to Host Climate Change Webinar Series
July 5, 2022 ||The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity announced a climate change webinar series, beginning July 14, and shared a companion resource compendium.
view more »COVID-19: FDA Committee to Deliberate Vaccine Composition
June 28, 2022 ||CDC recommends the Moderna vaccine for kids ages 6 to 17; an FDA committee will consider modifying COVID-19 vaccine composition to reflect virus mutations.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Recommends Moderna, Pfizer Vaccines for Children
June 20, 2022 ||CDC recommends that children ages 6 months to 5 years receive a COVID-19 vaccine; Pfizer study data shows Paxlovid failed to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms.
view more »Florida Declines to Preorder COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children
June 20, 2022 ||The Florida Department of Health does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines for "healthy children" and will not facilitate statewide vaccine distribution; health care providers still may order vaccines directly from the federal government.
view more »CDC Confirms Monkeypox Case in United States
May 24, 2022 ||CDC is tracking monkeypox, a virus endemic to west and central Africa, after confirming a case in a Massachusetts resident who recently traveled to Canada.
view more »Pfizer and BioNTech release promising data on a three-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to younger than 5; CDC expands booster shot eligibility to include everyone 5 years old and older.
view more »COVID-19: Janssen Limits, Vaccines Linked to Medicare Savings
May 10, 2022 ||FDA limits authorized use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine after reports of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome following vaccination; a new analysis estimates vaccines are associated with $2.6 million in savings due to a reduction in Medicare hospitalizations.
view more »A new omicron subvariant, BA.2.12.1, constitutes more than 30 percent of U.S. genomic sequences; Moderna files for emergency use authorization for a vaccine for children younger than 6.
view more »COVID-19: Moderna Bivalent Booster, CDC Forecasting Center
April 26, 2022 ||Moderna releases promising preliminary data on its variant-specific COVID-19 booster shot; CDC launches a Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics.
view more »COVID-19: Long COVID-19 Initiative; Sotrovimab Authorization Limited
April 11, 2022 ||President Joe Biden announces a national research plan on prolonged illness developed after COVID-19; FDA limits authorization of sotrovimab to treat COVID-19.
view more »COVID-19: New Booster Recommendations, COVID.gov Site
April 4, 2022 ||CDC recommends an additional COVID-19 booster for older and immunocompromised adults; COVID.gov aggregates COVID-19 prevention and treatment tools; CDC data show threats to youth mental health during the pandemic.
view more »COVID-19: Second Booster Authorized for Older, Immunocompromised People
March 29, 2022 ||FDA authorizes a second vaccine booster for older and immunocompromised individuals; OSHA reopens the comment period for its emergency temporary standard.
view more »Research shows mRNA vaccines effectively prevent ventilation and death from COVID-19; Pfizer and Moderna seek authorization for an additional booster dose.
view more »COVID-19: Public Transit Mask Mandate, Test to Treat FAQ
March 15, 2022 ||The Transportation Security Administration extends to April 18 its public transit mask mandate; HHS shares a fact sheet on the COVID-19 Test-to-Treat initiative.
view more »COVID-19: National Preparedness Plan, FEMA Aid, OSHA Inspections
March 8, 2022 ||President Joe Biden unveils a new COVID-19 National Preparedness Plan; FEMA extends its 100 percent federal cost share for COVID-19 efforts.
view more »COVID-19: Community Levels Framework; Accessibility Plan
March 1, 2022 ||CDC announces a new community-level framework that assesses COVID-19 risk; the Biden administration unveils a new COVID-19 mitigation plan for people with disabilities.
view more »COVID-19: National Emergency Extended; Post-Infection Conditions
Feb. 22, 2022 ||National emergency extended; new study highlights conditions and symptoms developed after COVID-19 infection; CDC updates vaccine guidance with clarifications for immunocompromised people.
view more »COVID-19: Pediatric Vaccine Delayed; Bebtelovimab Authorized
Feb. 15, 2022 ||Authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to four years old is delayed; FDA authorizes the monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab.
view more »FDA approves the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and limits a monoclonal antibody authorization; OSHA withdraws its vaccine mandate emergency temporary standard.
view more »COVID-19: N95 Mask Distribution, Vaccine Studies
Jan. 25, 2022 ||The Biden administration will distribute 400 million no-cost N95 masks; CDC studies highlight the importance of boosters in protecting against COVID-19.
view more »CDC Updates Antibiotic Resistance Website
Jan. 20, 2022 ||The revised site reflects new information, partner feedback, and industry best practices and includes fact sheets on the agency's AR Laboratory Network and innovative investments to respond to AR globally.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Mandate Ruling; Testing and Therapeutics Access
Jan. 18, 2022 ||The U.S. Supreme Court upheld CMS' vaccine mandate but struck down the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's mandate; President Joe Biden announced new initiatives to expand testing access.
view more »On the Hill: FDA Commissioner Nominee Advances
Jan. 18, 2022 ||The nomination of Robert Califf, MD, as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration advances to the Senate floor. The Republican-led Healthy Futures Task Force issues several requests for information on telehealth policies and health care affordability.
view more »CDC shortens the time between primary vaccine series and booster shot and recommends a Pfizer booster for adolescents; the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on two vaccine mandates; HHS requires coverage of at-home COVID-19 tests, effective Jan. 15.
view more »COVID-19: Guidance Updates, Authorization of Antiviral Pills
Jan. 4, 2022 ||FDA expands authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster; FDA authorizes two antiviral pills; CMS updates guidance on vaccine mandate compliance.
view more »CDC recommends mRNA COVID-19 vaccines be given clinical preference over the Janssen vaccine; the CMS vaccine mandate rule is revived in 25 states.
view more »FDA authorizes the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster for individuals as young as 16; the agency also authorizes a monoclonal antibody for COVID-19 prevention.
view more »COVID-19: Omicron Variant Reaches U.S.; Vaccine Mandate on Hold
Dec. 7, 2021 ||As the omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant reaches the United States, President Joe Biden releases a new plan to combat COVID-19; CMS will not enforce its health care worker vaccine mandate amid legal challenges.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Booster Eligibility, Oral Antiviral Medication
Nov. 19, 2021 ||FDA and CDC endorse expanded eligibility for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine doses; Pfizer seeks authorization for its COVID-19 antiviral pill.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Recommends Pfizer Vaccine for Children
Nov. 9, 2021 ||CDC recommends the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11; CMS holds a stakeholder call on its vaccine mandate for health care workers. Pfizer says its investigational novel COVID-19 oral antiviral candidate significantly reduces hospitalization and death.
view more »COVID-19: FDA Authorizes Pfizer Vaccine for Children
Nov. 2, 2021 ||FDA authorizes the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in children ages 5 to 11 and delays approval of the Moderna vaccine in adolescents ages 12 to 17. The agency recommends providers avoid purchasing or using imported medical gloves from certain companies that might be in violation of laws and rules.
view more »COVID-19: FDA, CDC Recommend Boosters; Plan to Vaccinate Children
Oct. 26, 2021 ||FDA and CDC recommend Moderna and Janssen booster vaccines, along with heterologous booster doses; the Biden administration releases a plan to vaccinate children.
view more »COVID-19: FDA Panel Endorses Moderna, Janssen Boosters
Oct. 19, 2021 ||The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee endorses booster shots of the Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. Meanwhile, FDA delays authorization of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adolescents ages 12 to 17 after reports of cardiac side effects.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Effectiveness, Authorization Updates
Oct. 12, 2021 ||An HHS report shows the COVID-19 vaccine prevented hospitalization and death in Medicare beneficiaries; Pfizer applies for emergency use authorization for its vaccine in children age 5 to 11.
view more »COVID-19: HIPAA Guidance; Vaccinating Pregnant People
Oct. 5, 2021 ||HHS guidance clarifies how HIPAA applies to COVID-19 vaccination status requests; CDC urges pregnant people to get vaccinated amid a surge in hospitalizations.
view more »COVID-19: FDA, CDC Recommend Pfizer Booster Shot
Sept. 28, 2021 ||FDA on Sept. 22 authorized a third booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for select groups. A CDC panel subsequently recommended the booster shots, and CMS announced coverage for all Medicare beneficiaries and nearly all Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program beneficiaries.
view more »COVID-19: FDA Votes on Boosters, CDC Infection Control Funding
Sept. 21, 2021 ||An FDA advisory committee recommends a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster for a limited population; CDC announces $2.1 billion dedicated to infection control and prevention.
view more »COVID-19: President’s Plan, Infection Control Guidance
Sept. 14, 2021 ||The president's newly announced "Path out of the Pandemic" plan includes action steps for increasing vaccinations, further protecting those who are vaccinated, keeping schools safely open, testing and mask requirements, and economic recovery. CDC updates its infection control guidance.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Boosters, Youth Hospitalizations
Sept. 7, 2021 ||An FDA committee will review Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine booster application; Moderna is applying for booster approval. CDC data show COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise among children.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Recommends Pfizer Vaccine, Warns Against Ivermectin
Aug. 31, 2021 ||A CDC advisory committee voted Aug. 30 to recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine; the agency warns against using ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19.
view more »COVID-19: FDA Approves Pfizer Vaccine; HHS Promotes Boosters
Aug. 24, 2021 ||FDA approves the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. HHS plans to promote a booster shot of the mRNA vaccines beginning in September. CMS and CDC work to develop an emergency regulation requiring COVID-19 vaccination for nursing home staff.
view more »FDA and CDC recommend a third mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose for immunocompromised people; CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant and breastfeeding people.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Expands Mask Recommendations
Aug. 3, 2021 ||CDC recommends everyone, even those who are fully vaccinated, wear a mask indoors in public in areas with substantial and high COVID-19 transmission.
view more »COVID-19: Cases on the Rise; Association Urges Vaccine Requirement
July 27, 2021 ||As COVID-19 cases rise, the association calls on members to require employee vaccination; CDC urges immunocompromised people to continue wearing masks.
view more »COVID-19: Health Misinformation, Minority Health Index
July 20, 2021 ||The U.S. Surgeon General issues a health misinformation advisory; CDC and the Office of Minority Health develop a Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index.
view more »COVID-19: OSHA Extends ETS Comment Period; Booster Shot Guidance
July 13, 2021 ||The Occupational Safety and Health Administration extends to Aug. 20 the comment period for the COVID-19 health care emergency temporary standard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration say fully vaccinated individuals do not need COVID-19 booster shots.
view more »CDC Issues Care Guidance for Prolonged COVID-19 Health Issues
June 21, 2021 ||The interim guidance covers physical and mental health conditions present four or more weeks after some COVID-19 infections, including by patients who initially had mild or asymptomatic acute infections.
view more »COVID-19: Novavax Vaccine; Hospital Vaccine Allocation
June 15, 2021 ||Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated 90.4 percent efficacy in clinical trials; CDC urges vaccination upon hospital discharge.
view more »President Biden announces a National Month of Action to vaccinate 70 percent of U.S. adults by July 4; Moderna applies for FDA approval of its vaccine.
view more »FDA lengthens the refrigerator storage time for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. A new CDC site aggregates state and local COVID-19 funding opportunities. The Department of Health and Human Services allocates $4.8 billion to the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program.
view more »In response to new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for fully vaccinated people, several states, including Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, have lifted their statewide mask mandates.
view more »COVID-19: Mask Guidance for Vaccinated People
May 18, 2021 ||New CDC recommendations no longer require people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear a mask or physically distance.
view more »A CDC brief updates transmission methods; Pfizer applies for FDA approval of its vaccine; CMS increases the Medicare payment for monoclonal antibodies.
view more »New CDC guidelines walk back outdoor mask regulations for fully vaccinated people; two research studies examine adverse reactions to the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
view more »COVID-19: Janssen Vaccine Pause Lifted; Long-Term Health Needs
April 27, 2021 ||CDC and FDA lift the pause on Janssen vaccine administration after blood clot reports. Data show COVID-19 patients have long-term health needs.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Eligibility Expands; Janssen Vaccine Remains Paused
April 20, 2021 ||Everyone in the United States ages 16 and older is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine; CDC's advisory committee will meet April 23 to discuss the Janssen vaccine pause.
view more »COVID-19: Janssen Vaccine on Hold; Health Center Vaccine Program
April 13, 2021 ||CDC and FDA recommend pausing Janssen COVID-19 vaccine administration after six U.S. reports of blood clots; HHS expands the Health Center Vaccine Program.
view more »CDC Director Declares Racism a Public Health Threat
April 13, 2021 ||CDC Director Rochelle Walensky declared racism a serious public health threat and outlined agency efforts to mitigate the impact of racism on public health. The association applauds Walensky's clear statement on systemic racism.
view more »America's Essential Hospitals thanks the Biden administration and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky for taking a strong stand on racism as a serious public health threat and for seeking to direct more investments at social determinants of health and mitigating health care disparities.
view more »COVID-19: Community Corps, Travel and Cleaning Guidance
April 6, 2021 ||HHS and CDC launch a nationwide grassroots vaccine promotion network; CDC issues new guidance on travel, cleaning, and disinfection.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Access and Effectiveness
March 30, 2021 ||President Joe Biden announced initiatives to expand COVID-19 vaccine access; a CDC study shows mRNA vaccines are highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.
view more »CMS Issues Interpretive Guidance for Emergency Preparedness
March 30, 2021 ||In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, CMS updated its guidance document to expand on best practices, lessons, and planning considerations for emerging infectious diseases.
view more »FDA alerts providers about monoclonal antibody–resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants; a new study examines vaccine rates in counties where residents experience a high number of social risk factors.
view more »COVID-19: OSHA Guidance, Infection Control
March 16, 2021 ||The Occupational Safety and Health Administration updated its COVID-19 enforcement plan; CDC updates infection control guidance for vaccinated people in health care facilities.
view more »COVID-19: Guidelines for Vaccinated People; New CMS Learning Series
March 9, 2021 ||CDC releases public health guidelines for fully vaccinated people; CMS invites hospitals to pilot a COVID-19 learning series.
view more »CDC Warns Health Care Providers of Ebola Outbreaks
March 8, 2021 ||CDC warns health care providers to stay vigilant amid Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinea.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Safety Profiles; Testing Expansion
Feb. 23, 2021 ||A CDC report shows promising COVID-19 vaccine safety profiles; the federal COVID-19 task force expands support for vaccination and testing.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Demographic Data, New Mask Guidance
Feb. 16, 2021 ||CDC provides new vaccine demographic data and guidelines for ensuring close-fitting face masks; President Biden appoints two essential hospital leaders to a health equity task force.
view more »COVID-19: Janssen Vaccine; Race and Ethnicity Data
Feb. 9, 2021 ||Janssen applied for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine; a CDC report shows reporting gaps in ethnic and racial data of vaccine recipients.
view more »COVID-19: Mask Requirements, PREP Act Amendment
Feb. 2, 2021 ||A new CDC order requires mask use on public transportation; a PREP Act amendment expands the provider groups authorized to administer vaccines.
view more »COVID-19: New Travel Restrictions, National Strategy
Jan. 26, 2021 ||CDC requires a negative test or travel clearance from a health care professional to enter the country; President Biden issues COVID-19 national strategy and complementary executive orders.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccination Toolkits, PRF Reporting Update
Jan. 19, 2021 ||As a highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant spreads across the country, CDC issues two new vaccination toolkits; HHS alters its Provider Relief Fund reporting timeline.
view more »COVID-19: New Variants, Vaccine Reactions
Jan. 12, 2021 ||CDC shares information about two highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 variants, allergic reactions in Pfizer vaccine recipients, and vaccines for pregnant people.
view more »States Respond to COVID-19: Vaccine Administration Progress
Jan. 12, 2021 ||The CDC data tracker shows COVID-19 vaccine rollout has varied significantly across the country. While Connecticut, New Hampshire, and South Dakota have administered at least 60 percent for their available vaccine doses, Arizona and Georgia have not yet administered 20 percent of their vaccines.
view more »CDC announces target groups for phases 1b and 1c of COVID-19 vaccine allocation; a new brief recommends strategies for building vaccine trust.
view more »COVID-19: Moderna Vaccine, At-Home Test
Dec. 22, 2020 ||FDA issues an emergency use authorization for the Moderna vaccine and an at-home antigen test; a CDC committee votes on allocation recommendations.
view more »COVID-19: Pfizer Vaccine EUA, Hospital Reporting Requirements
Dec. 15, 2020 ||FDA authorizes the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use; HHS expands hospital COVID-19 data reporting requirements to include therapeutic data.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Prioritization, Antigen Test Guidelines
Dec. 8, 2020 ||CDC recommends groups to prioritize in vaccine distribution and revises antigen testing guidance.
view more »COVID-19: Moderna EUA, Vaccine Allocation Principles
Dec. 1, 2020 ||Moderna applied for emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine; CDC issued ethical vaccine application principles and updated face mask guidance for health care workers.
view more »CDC Observes Antibiotics Awareness Week, Releases Action Plan
Nov. 20, 2020 ||The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention marks U.S. Antibiotics Awareness Week with a new Antibiotic Use Option Report that synthesizes National Healthcare Safety Network data.
view more »COVID-19: Moderna Vaccine, CDC Mask Guidance
Nov. 17, 2020 ||An interim analysis of Moderna Inc.'s COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results; CDC guidance highlights that wearing a mask can protect the wearer.
view more »COVID-19: Eli Lilly EUA, Pfizer Vaccine Analysis
Nov. 10, 2020 ||FDA grants emergency use authorization for an Eli Lilly antibody treatment; a Pfizer vaccine has promising early results; President-elect Biden names a COVID-19 advisory board.
view more »The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated guidance for mask use on public transportation; the Food and Drug Administration has expanded its list of approved remote patient monitoring devices during the pandemic.
view more »COVID-19: Hospital Data Published, Remdesivir Approval
Oct. 27, 2020 ||Hospital COVID-19 data is public on HHS Protect; FDA approves first treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients; CDC redefines "close contact."
view more »CDC reports that airborne transmission is rare but possible; a framework includes recommendations for equitable vaccine allocation.
view more »COVID-19: Testing Tools, Health Care Personnel Cases
Sept. 29, 2020 ||CMS released a guide and online payment option for laboratories seeking approval to test for COVID-19; CDC studies COVID-19 in health care workers.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Reverses Testing Guidance
Sept. 22, 2020 ||The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reverses guidance that asymptomatic patients do not need to be tested. The agency also announced a new semiweekly publication summarizing COVID-19 studies.
view more »Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy Released
Sept. 21, 2020 ||An Operation Warp Speed strategy summarizes the federal government's plan for distributing and administering a COVID-19 vaccine.
view more »COVID-19: Avoiding Care; Vaccine Update
Sept. 15, 2020 ||More than 40 percent of U.S. adults report delaying or avoiding care due to COVID-19 fears; FDA shares vaccine development updates.
view more »COVID-19: Equitable Vaccine Allocation, FDA Gown Warning
Sept. 8, 2020 ||The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released a preliminary framework for equitable allocations of a COVID-19 vaccine that rests on foundational principles, including maximizing benefits, fairness, mitigating health inequities, equal regard, evidence-based work, and transparency.
view more »CDC no longer encourages asymptomatic people to get tested; FDA expands its remdesivir emergency use authorization and authorizes a new antigen test with instant results.
view more »COVID-19: Emergency Use of Plasma; Testing and Screening Guidance
Aug. 25, 2020 ||FDA issued an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma treatment of COVID-19 patients, along with guidance for pooled testing and screening.
view more »HHS announces $6.5 million in testing investments; CDC issues antigen testing guidance; HHS partners with Moderna to manufacture and deliver its vaccine.
view more »COVID-19: Electronic Reporting, Operation Warp Speed Update
Aug. 11, 2020 ||CDC onboards health departments to conduct electronic data reporting; HHS awards funding to Johnson & Johnson for vaccine manufacturing and delivery.
view more »COVID-19: Self-Checker, Data Reporting FAQs
Aug. 4, 2020 ||Health systems can add CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker to their own website; HHS updates COVID-19 data reporting FAQs; CDC shares guidance on pooling tests.
view more »COVID-19 Equity Considerations, Testing Substitutions
July 28, 2020 ||CDC releases a COVID-19 health equity strategy, and FDA shares options for screening substitutions amid supply issues.
view more »COVID-19: Public Data Hub Launch; Transmission-Based Precautions
July 21, 2020 ||The HHS Coronavirus Data Hub goes live; CDC guidance recommends a symptom-based strategy for COVID-19 patients. CMS data show an increase in telehealth use among Medicare beneficiaries. The IRS extends the deadline for tax-exempt hospitals to conduct a community health needs assessment.
view more »COVID-19: New Remdesivir Allocation; ED Use Decline
June 30, 2020 ||HHS has acquired additional remdesivir to be sold at wholesale allocation price; CDC reports declining emergency department use during the pandemic and updates its list of conditions that increase risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
view more »COVID-19: Recovery, Contact Tracing, Telehealth
June 16, 2020 ||New CDC guidance offers best practices to safely venture outside and begin to resume daily activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as information on using telehealth to expand access. CMS releases recommendations for non-emergent care in areas that are in Phase II of recovery.
view more »New guidance provides details on COVID-19 lab test data reporting and flexible options for states implementing a Medicaid group for testing the uninsured.
view more »COVID-19: Surveys Resume, Remdesivir Donation, Antibody Testing
June 2, 2020 ||The Joint Commission will resume regular surveys of health care facilities; Gilead Sciences Inc. donates a second round of remdesivir to treat severe COVID-19 cases; CDC issues antibody testing guidelines.
view more »COVID-19: Medicare Payment for Testing; Recovery Resources
May 26, 2020 ||CMS updates Medicare payment information to capture two new testing codes; FDA updates testing FAQs; CDC issues resources for reopening businesses and organizations.
view more »COVID-19: Inflammatory Syndrome, Serology Surveillance
May 19, 2020 ||CDC warns of an inflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19. The agency also shares its serology surveillance strategy and guidance for resuming care unrelated to COVID-19.
view more »COVID-19: Racial Inequity; Testing and Isolation Guidance
May 5, 2020 ||A new study highlights racial disparities among COVID-19 patients; CDC updates testing and isolation guidelines and releases National Healthcare Safety Network data.
view more »COVID-19: New Symptoms; Workforce, Telehealth Toolkits
April 28, 2020 ||CDC revised its testing guidance to reflect six new COVID-19 symptoms: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. HHS released a Workforce Virtual Toolkit, and CMS released a State Medicaid and CHIP Telehealth Toolkit.
view more »COVID-19: New CMS Waivers; Increased Medicare Payments
April 21, 2020 ||CMS announced waivers for IPPS and long-term care hospitals; Medicare will nearly double payment for select COVID-19 tests; CDC developed a new National Healthcare Safety Network COVID-19 module.
view more »COVID-19: Infection Control Guidance, Reporting FAQs
April 14, 2020 ||New CDC guidance requires face coverings for all who enter a health care facility. HHS Secretary Azar issues FAQs on testing and reporting requirements. Federal agencies warn about scams related to COVID-19.
view more »COVID-19: Rapid Tests, Cloth Masks, Hospitals Report Challenges
April 7, 2020 ||HHS sends rapid tests to public health labs and issues a HIPAA enforcement notice; CDC recommends cloth masks; a new OIG report details hospital challenges amid the pandemic.
view more »FDA, CDC Respond to Supply Shortages
March 31, 2020 ||FDA will not object to the use of improvised face masks; a CDC tool helps health care providers estimate their personal protective equipment supply.
view more »Quality Program Reporting Exemptions, COVID-19 Testing Guidance
March 31, 2020 ||CMS releases guidance for hospitals in quality reporting programs; CDC updates guidelines for testing and handling COVID-19 specimens.
view more »COVID-19 Guidance for Homeless Service Providers
March 24, 2020 ||CDC recommends shelters plan for higher usage during the outbreak and consult with community leaders, local public health departments, and faith-based organizations about places to refer clients if a shelter space is full.
view more »COVID-19 Update: National Emergency, Community Guidance, Coverage
March 17, 2020 ||President Trump declared a national emergency as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. nears 3,500. CMS responds to concerns about complying with Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act requirements and CDC released updated infection control guidance for health care providers.
view more »COVID-19 State Funding; Medicaid and CHIP Resources
March 16, 2020 ||The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will use existing networks to award more than $560 million to states, localities, territories, and tribes to accelerate planning and operational readiness. The agency has issued a list of funding actions and a frequently asked questions document.
view more »COVID-19 Update: Guidance for Health Care Personnel, Testing
March 10, 2020 ||As U.S. cases of the new coronavirus rise to more than 400, the agency updates guidelines for testing patients and for health care workers exposed to COVID-19.
view more »On the Hill: COVID-19 Response, Star Ratings Letter
March 10, 2020 ||Both chambers passed a bill providing more than $8 billion to combat the new coronavirus; House leaders now are discussing legislation to mitigate economic impacts associated with the virus. A Senate letter calling to incorporate social determinants into hospital star ratings closes tomorrow.
view more »CMS Releases New COVID-19 Lab Test Code, Coverage Guidance
March 9, 2020 ||The new code applies to tests conducted outside CDC laboratories; CMS also issued frequently asked questions and fact sheets about COVID-19–related billing.
view more »CDC Prepares for Coronavirus Spread After Six U.S. Deaths
March 3, 2020 ||These cases bring the total number of COVID-19 cases detected and confirmed in the United States to 16. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have issued new guidance and resources to prevent the spread of the virus and improve testing.
view more »CDC Updates Coronavirus Reporting, Coding Systems
Feb. 25, 2020 ||The agency announced it will count patients repatriated by the Department of State separately from other cases. Additionally, the World Health Organization developed an emergency ICD-10 code for COVID-19.
view more »New Name, Guidance for Coronavirus Outbreak
Feb. 18, 2020 ||The new coronavirus — now officially called COVID-19 — has infected 15 people in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance for health care providers to help with risk assessment, monitoring, and work restriction decisions.
view more »FDA Enables Emergency Use of Coronavirus Test
Feb. 11, 2020 ||The new authorization allows any CDC-qualified laboratory to use the 2019-nCoV diagnostic test. Each test kit can evaluate up to 800 patient samples.
view more »Coronavirus Spurs CDC Foreign Quarantine Regulation Change
Feb. 11, 2020 ||A new rule allows CDC to require that airlines collect and provide data on passengers and crew arriving from foreign countries for health education, treatment, prophylaxis, or other public health interventions.
view more »CDC Reports U.S. Coronavirus Cases, Announces Provider Call
Jan. 28, 2020 ||Five cases of the coronavirus have been reported in the United States; CDC will host a Jan. 31 call for clinicians to share updated guidance about the virus.
view more »CDC Advises Providers of Pneumonia Outbreak in China
Jan. 13, 2020 ||Health care providers should notify state and local health departments if patients have severe respiratory symptoms after traveling to Wuhan City, China.
view more »CDC Report Highlights Antibiotic Resistance Progress, Concerns
Nov. 19, 2019 ||The report includes updated statistics and, for the first time, uses electronic health data from hospitals to calculate infection and death rates.
view more »CDC Progress Report Shows HAI Improvement
Nov. 4, 2019 ||The report shows a 9 percent decrease in central line–associated bloodstream infections, an 8 percent decrease in catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and a 12 percent decrease in hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infections.
view more »CDC Updates Infection Prevention, Control Guidelines
Oct. 28, 2019 ||The update covers a wider variety of health care settings and includes guidance for the use of performance measures in infection control quality initiatives.
view more »A new report from the National Association of County and City Health Officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explores how rural local health departments mitigate social determinants of health.
view more »HHS Awards States $1.8 Billion to Support Opioid Crisis Efforts
Sept. 5, 2019 ||Funding will support the State Opioid Response Grant Program and a cooperative agreement to help state and local governments track overdose data.
view more »CDC Antibiotic Use Report Highlights Essential Hospital Stewardship
Aug. 21, 2019 ||The report includes resources for health care providers and profiles antibiotic stewardship efforts at association members Atrium Health and Denver Health.
view more »CDC Alert: Expected TB Test Shortage
June 10, 2019 ||The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expecting a three- to 10-month nationwide shortage of Aplisol, used in tuberculin skin tests.
view more »CDC Webinar: Cultural Competence in Preparedness Planning
April 19, 2019 ||Learn why cultural competency matters during emergencies, explore the potential consequences of being culturally incompetent, and gain resources to help build understanding.
view more »CDC: Vaccinate At-Risk Groups for Hepatitis A
April 1, 2019 ||In response to reported hepatitis A virus outbreaks in multiple states, the agency urges health care providers to vaccinate at-risk groups, including people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness.
view more »CDC Funding Opportunity for Maternal Mortality Prevention
March 12, 2019 ||This funding opportunity supports the formation of Maternal Mortality Review Committees, which will work with the agency to collect and analyze maternal death data.
view more »President Releases FY 2020 Budget Proposal
March 12, 2019 ||The budget plan proposes to overhaul the Medicaid program, as well as significantly change the 340B Drug Pricing Program and expand site-neutral payment policies in hospital outpatient departments.
view more »CDC Calls for Vigilance as Staph Infections Rise
March 5, 2019 ||A new Vital Signs report calls on health care providers to increase prevention efforts for Staphylococcus aureus infections.
view more »New Funding Opportunity for Diabetes Prevention
Feb. 19, 2019 ||The multiyear grant opportunity seeks to test and evaluate innovative approaches to address prediabetes, as well as support enrollment and retention in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program.
view more »CDC Maps States’ Antibiotic Resistance Efforts
Jan. 22, 2019 ||The Antibiotic Resistance Investment resource page features an interactive map and downloadable fact sheets for each state and select major cities.
view more »CDC Launches No-Cost Continuing Education on Opioid Prescribing
Dec. 21, 2018 ||The modules are part of a training series based on agency guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain.
view more »The agency awarded five association members for their research to detect, prevent, and treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
view more »Essential Hospitals Take the Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge
Nov. 16, 2018 ||Essential hospitals across the country have made commitments to improve antimicrobial stewardship through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge.
view more »CDC Encourages Providers to Fight Antibiotic Resistance
Nov. 13, 2018 ||A Centers for Disease Control & Prevention toolkit provides educational resources and social media messaging for Antibiotics Awareness Week 2018.
view more »CDC, APIC Produce Quick Observation Tools for Infection Prevention
Oct. 23, 2018 ||These no-cost, downloadable cards include ready-to-use infection prevention assessment forms tailored to 19 common themes, environments, or patient populations.
view more »Report Shows Reduced Infections at Acute-Care Hospitals
Oct. 16, 2018 ||This new report, published in the Antibiotic Resistance Patient Safety Atlas, is the first to measure year-to-year health care–associated infection prevention progress using the updated 2015 baseline.
view more »HHS Challenge Combats Antibiotic, Antimicrobial Resistance
Oct. 5, 2018 ||This yearlong global initiative challenges governments, private industries, and nongovernmental organizations to commit to reducing antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance.
view more »HHS Awards $1B to Combat Opioid Epidemic
Sept. 20, 2018 ||This funding supports initiatives under the agency's Five-Point Opioid Strategy and was distributed in conjunction with Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week.
view more »HHS Responds to Hurricane Florence State of Emergency
Sept. 18, 2018 ||The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services waived program requirements in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina; the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention issued guidance for treating carbon monoxide poisoning in hurricane victims.
view more »In a blog post, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official notes that providers should consider health equity during emergency preparedness, response, and recovery to ensure disparities are not inadvertently created or exacerbated.
view more »Toolkit Aims to Help Hospitals Boost Immunizations
Aug. 7, 2018 ||The toolkit, released as part of National Immunization Awareness Month, includes sample news releases and articles, social media content, and media outreach tools.
view more »No-Cost Continuing Education on Antibiotic Resistance
Aug. 6, 2018 ||This training details approaches to controlling antibiotic resistance in health care settings; participants must sign up for a free Medscape account.
view more »CMS To Host Aug. 15 Forum on Opioids
Aug. 6, 2018 ||The special open-door forum aims to educate prescribers on federal resources and strategies to combat the opioid epidemic.
view more »CDC Launches Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship Training
July 30, 2018 ||This second segment of a no-cost, online training course focuses on outpatient antibiotic stewardship and communicating with patients; participants can receive up to eight hours of continuing education credit.
view more »Webinar on Best Practices for Environmental Disinfection
June 12, 2018 ||The June 19 webinar features a patient perspective on environmental disinfection in dialysis stations, along with strategies for enacting best practices.
view more »National Healthcare Safety Network Deadline Extended
May 1, 2018 ||The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended to June 15 the deadline to complete an Agreement to Participate and Consent.
view more »CDC Call for Papers on Population Health Improvements
April 16, 2018 ||Potential topics include a broad range of health conditions, risk factors, and applications, such as public health partnerships, care coordination approaches, and data integration strategies.
view more »CDC Unveils Containment Strategy for Antibiotic-Resistant Germs
April 5, 2018 ||The agency outlines a five-step containment process and provides resources for health departments, labs, and health care providers.
view more »CDC Funding Opportunity for Opioid Prevention Research
April 5, 2018 ||The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will award up to $15.75 million for research to advance understanding about opioid overdose prevention. Applications are due May 15.
view more »Joint Commission Implements Hand Hygiene Rules for Individuals
March 29, 2018 ||The new rules allow surveyors to penalize a hospital for a deficiency if an individual fails to perform hand hygiene in the process of direct patient care.
view more »Patient Safety Awareness Week 2018
March 16, 2018 ||This year's theme, We Are All Patients, encourages health care providers to stand with patients and stresses the importance of patient engagement in safe care.
view more »CDC Study, Webinar Focus on ED Opioid Overdoses
March 12, 2018 ||A new CDC study finds a 30 percent increase in opioid overdose–related emergency department (ED) visits; the agency will host a webinar on coordinating clinical and public health responses to opioid overdoses treated in EDs.
view more »CDC Launches Antibiotic Stewardship Online Training Course
Feb. 21, 2018 ||Health care professionals who complete the four-part web training program are eligible to receive up to eight hours of continuing education credit.
view more »NHSN Updates Agreement to Participate and Consent
Feb. 13, 2018 ||Administrators must review and sign the updated agreement by April 14 to retain access to the National Healthcare Safety Network.
view more »Essential Hospital Launches Mobile ED
Jan. 31, 2018 ||Grady Memorial Hospital, in Atlanta, deployed the state-of-the-art mobile medical unit in an effort to free up hospital emergency department space for acute-care patients as flu season heats up.
view more »CDC Reports Better Prevention of Health Care–Associated Infections
Jan. 16, 2018 ||The agency has found marked progress over a decade in eliminating five health care–associated infections (HAIs), and offers an update on the Department of Health and Human Services' five-year goals to reduce HAIs.
view more »Be Antibiotics Aware This Week
Nov. 13, 2017 ||The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will observe Antibiotics Awareness Week with a Twitter chat and webinar on Nov. 16.
view more »President Declares Opioid Epidemic a Public Health Emergency
Oct. 31, 2017 ||The emergency declaration expands telemedicine services to treat addiction and opens up the Public Health Emergency Fund, among other actions to combat the opioid crisis.
view more »Association Members Get CDC Funding to Fight Antibiotic Resistance
Oct. 25, 2017 ||These awards will support antibiotic resistance research with a focus on the human microbiome, environmental settings, and health care settings.
view more »From Oct. 15 to Oct. 21, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology will raise awareness about antibiotic resistance through a Twitter chat and new infographic.
view more »CDC Deactivates Emergency Operations Center for Zika
Oct. 6, 2017 ||The emergency operations center was activated in January 2016 to respond to the harmful effects of the virus when contracted during pregnancy.
view more »CDC Updates C. Auris Clinical Alert
Oct. 2, 2017 ||With 153 clinical C. auris cases reported in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated infection control guidelines.
view more »CDC Offers Continuing Education Video on Injection Safety
Oct. 2, 2017 ||This video shares strategies to improve injection safety and reduce infection risks in narcotic diversion; participants must sign up for a free Medscape account to view the video.
view more »New Online CDC Module Simulates Outbreaks
Sept. 18, 2017 ||Two free online simulations help health care providers improve decision-making skills during infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
view more »Federal Agencies Offer Hurricane Resources, Guidance
Sept. 8, 2017 ||The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other federal agencies have released several resources to help health care providers prepare for and respond to disasters.
view more »CDC Awards More Than $28M to Fight the Opioid Crisis
Sept. 8, 2017 ||The funds will go to 44 states and the District of Columbia to expand prevention and tracking activities under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Overdose Prevention in States effort.
view more »CDC Launches Sepsis Awareness Campaign
Aug. 31, 2017 ||The Get Ahead of Sepsis campaign includes a partner toolkit with educational and social media materials; CDC also will host a related webinar and Twitter chat.
view more »Take Part in CDC’s Inaugural Fungal Disease Awareness Week
Aug. 14, 2017 ||Health professionals are encouraged to join social media campaigns, attend informational calls and webinars, and review a new fact sheet on Candida auris.
view more »CDC Dedicates $77M to Antibiotic Resistance Efforts
Aug. 10, 2017 ||The funding will support state and local health departments in testing for drug-resistant fungi and promote the use of whole genome sequencing in testing.
view more »CDC Updates Zika Guidance for Health Care Professionals
July 31, 2017 ||The guidance no longer recommends routine testing of women unless there was ongoing potential exposure; the Health Resources and Services Administration awarded $7 million to fight Zika in U.S. territories.
view more »CDC Report Promotes Antibiotic Stewardship
July 31, 2017 ||The report outlines programs implemented by hospitals and public health departments across the country to improve antibiotic prescribing practices as part of the agency's Antibiotic Resistance Solutions Initiative.
view more »CDC Awards More Than $12M To Combat Opioid Epidemic
July 24, 2017 ||The funding will be used to track and prevent opioid overdoses; meanwhile, a report finds a drop in the estimated rate of Americans misusing prescription drugs.
view more »Zika Virus Resources for Essential Hospitals
July 15, 2017 ||Essential hospitals, key providers of public health and emergency preparedness services, stand ready to support the nation's response to the spreading Zika virus. Find resources from the CDC and other experts here.
view more »CDC: Overall Decrease, Wide Disparities in Opioid Prescription
July 7, 2017 ||Despite reductions in opioid prescribing, the amount of opioids prescribed in 2015 still was triple the amount prescribed in 1999.
view more »CDC Data Suggest Drop in Health Care–Associated C. diff
July 3, 2017 ||Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show incidence of Clostridium difficile in hospitals and nursing homes fell for the first time in decades.
view more »CDC Shares Video on Medical Equipment Infection Risks
June 28, 2017 ||The video is the third in a series by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about challenges to preventing health care-associated infections.
view more »CDC Reports Increase in Mosquitoes That Carry Zika
June 21, 2017 ||The findings highlight the need for continued mosquito surveillance and can help health departments and mosquito control districts plan for outbreaks.
view more »CDC To Revise Bloodstream Infection Predictive Models
June 13, 2017 ||The error affects the 2015 and 2016 catheter-associated urinary tract infection predictive models; new models will be developed for affected facilities.
view more »CDC Releases Report on Legionnaires’ Disease
June 6, 2017 ||The Vital Signs report notes ways to prevent the bacterial lung infection, which is fatal in 25 percent of people who contract it at a health care facility.
view more »CDC Releases Update on C. Auris Cases
May 23, 2017 ||This year, 77 U.S. cases of Candida auris have been reported; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is assisting health agencies in affected areas.
view more »CDC, FDA Issue Warning on Blood Lead Testing System
May 18, 2017 ||Magellan Diagnostics' LeadCare Analyzers could produce inaccurate blood lead test results when used with venous blood samples.
view more »CDC, SHEA Host Webinar on Conflict Management in Crises
May 12, 2017 ||The webinar will focus on managing resources, setting priorities, engaging stakeholders, and anticipating needs during crises, such as disease outbreaks.
view more »The new guidance updates recommendations issued in 1999; recommendations are categorized based on the quality of available supporting evidence.
view more »CDC has found an increase in Shigella bacteria resistant to flouroquinone antibiotics, which could indicate resistance to other drugs.
view more »CDC: C. Auris Fungus a ‘Catastrophic Threat’
May 2, 2017 ||A lethal, drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris could pose the country's leading health risk.
view more »CDC Releases Online Training Module for Opioid Prescribing
April 19, 2017 ||The training resource is the first in a series of eight learning modules to be released this year on the CDC opioid prescribing guidelines.
view more »RWJF Publishes 2017 County Health Rankings
April 5, 2017 ||The rankings provide a county-level “snapshot” of health and can help essential hospitals identify the needs of the communities they serve.
view more »Trump Budget Plan Cuts HHS Funding by $15B
March 16, 2017 ||The blueprint also shifts CDC funding to a $500 million block grant and creates a Federal Emergency Response Fund for public health outbreaks, like Zika.
view more »CMS, CDC Co-Host Webinar on Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program
March 2, 2017 ||The March 22 webinar will outline the agencies' roles in the expansion of the program model, next steps for organization considering offering it & more.
view more »CDC Revises Recommendations for Controlling C. Auris
Feb. 21, 2017 ||CDC recommends hospitals clean rooms of patients with Candida auris daily and post-discharge with a disinfectant that is effective against C. diff.
view more »CDC Workshops: Preparing for Infectious Disease Epidemics
Feb. 7, 2017 ||CDC will host two free workshops with the National Ebola Training & Education Center to train health care workers on delivering patient care during an infectious disease epidemic.
view more »CDC Webinar: Communicating During Disease Outbreaks
Jan. 27, 2017 ||The 90-minute webinar will focus on training hospital epidemiologists in the interpersonal skills necessary to handle an infectious disease outbreak.
view more »CDC Opens Registration for 2017 NHSN Training
Jan. 23, 2017 ||The course runs March 20–24 in Atlanta and includes expert content on different infection or event types, as well as antibiotic stewardship.
view more »CDC Tool Highlights Investments To Combat Antibiotic Resistance
Jan. 13, 2017 ||The Antibiotic Resistance Investment Map includes state-by-state fact sheets outlining key investments based on fiscal year 2016 funding data.
view more »The new resources — including a mobile app, series of short videos, posters and more — are meant to help providers follow guidelines issued in March 2016.
view more »CDC Releases Population Health Data for 500 Cities
Dec. 13, 2016 ||The 500 Cities Project — a collaboration between the CDC and RWJF — is bringing expanded public health data to 500 cities across the country, allowing communities to evaluate health on 27 metrics.
view more »CDC Says ‘Get Smart’ About Antibiotic Stewardship
Nov. 15, 2016 ||The annual event encourages relevant stakeholders and the general public to engage in antibiotic stewardship in outpatient and inpatient settings.
view more »CDC Research Finds Antibiotic Treatment Increases Sepsis Risk
Nov. 1, 2016 ||The study found that treatment with high-risk antibiotics made sepsis 80 percent more likely compared with patients who were not treated with antibiotics.
view more »CDC Call Will Educate Emergency Care Providers on Zika
Nov. 1, 2016 ||The Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity aims to educate providers on Zika screening protocols, clinical interventions, reporting processes and more.
view more »FDA To Host Conference Call on Heater-Cooler Contamination
Oct. 27, 2016 ||Hospitals will have the opportunity to discuss the potential contamination of heater-cooler devices used during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures.
view more »HHS Updates Targets for Reducing Health Care-Associated Infections
Oct. 25, 2016 ||The targets aim to significantly reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections, MRSA, Clostridium difficile cases, and other infections by 2020.
view more »CDC, FDA Issue Alert on Potential Heater-Cooler Contamination
Oct. 13, 2016 ||Stӧckert 3T heater-cooler devices used during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures might have been contaminated with M. Chimaera in the manufacturing process.
view more »Oct. 11 Surgical Heater-Cooler Call with CDC, FDA
Oct. 12, 2016 ||An archived recording of an Oct. 11 hospital quality call with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration is now available for members of America's Essential Hospitals.
view more »Antibiotic Resistance: The Biggest Health Threat of Our Time
Oct. 11, 2016 ||If left unchecked, antibiotic-resistant infections will kill 10 million people a year and cost the worldwide economy $100 trillion by 2050.
view more »Hospitals Can Use NHCS Data to Meet Meaningful Use
Oct. 4, 2016 ||Hospitals and eligible professionals now can register to submit National Health Care Survey data in 2017.
view more »Parkland, UNM on Preventing and Caring for Sepsis
Sept. 30, 2016 ||For Sepsis Awareness Month, in September, we spoke to experts at two member hospitals, Parkland Health & Hospital System and UNM Health Sciences Center, about their efforts to prevent and care for sepsis.
view more »CDC: Include Antibiotic Stewardship in Infectious Disease Guidelines
Sept. 27, 2016 ||The recommendations, developed by the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee, aim to optimize treatment and minimize adverse consequences.
view more »CDC Expands States’ Ability To Detect Zika
Sept. 21, 2016 ||In August, CDC sent states about $2.5 million in laboratory supplies and equipment — including two diagnostic tests — to combat the Zika virus.
view more »On the Hill: Congress Closer to Appropriations, Zika Deals
Sept. 14, 2016 ||While details are still being finalized, a continuing resolution to fund the government through early December likely will include funding to combat Zika.
view more »HHS Awards $53M To Combat Opioid Misuse
Aug. 31, 2016 ||The funding is being administered by SAMHSA and CDC as part of HHS' Opioid Initiative, which aims to combat opioid misuse, dependence, and overdose.
view more »CDC Sepsis Resources Underscore Hospitals’ Critical Role
Aug. 23, 2016 ||In a Vital Signs report ahead of Sepsis Awareness Month, in September, CDC highlights resources and events aimed at reducing sepsis.
view more »New CDC Initiative Targets Community Health
Aug. 3, 2016 ||The community health initiative, called Health Impact in 5 Years, launches on Aug. 9 with an introductory web forum.
view more »CDC Announces $67M To Tackle Antibiotic Resistance
Aug. 2, 2016 ||Funding will support work related to CDC Antibiotic Resistance Solutions Initiative, National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.
view more »CDC Updates Zika Testing, Sexual Transmission Guidance
July 26, 2016 ||Agency expands the Zika-specific blood testing window for pregnant women from seven days after symptoms start to up to 14 days.
view more »CDC Announces $60M in Funding To Fight Zika
July 22, 2016 ||The funds are intended for epidemiological surveillance and investigation, mosquito control and monitoring, and strengthening of laboratory capacity.
view more »CDC Awards $26M for Patient Safety Research
June 28, 2016 ||The funding was distributed as part of the Prevention Epicenters Program, which aims to develop and test new approaches to patient safety and infection prevention.
view more »CDC Releases Draft Plan for Locally Acquired Zika Cases in U.S.
June 22, 2016 ||CDC has released a draft interim response plan for the first locally acquired Zika virus cases in the continental United States and Hawaii.
view more »CDC Calls on Hospitals To Fight Rising Legionnaires’ Disease
June 7, 2016 ||CDC's June Vital Signs finds that the number of U.S. residents with Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever increased 286 percent from 2000 to 2014.
view more »NQF Playbook Aims To Improve Antibiotic Stewardship
June 1, 2016 ||New hospital resource offers examples of ways to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and outlines CDC's core elements of stewardship programs.
view more »CDC Webinars Focus on Social Determinants of Health
June 1, 2016 ||CDC will host two webinars this month to discuss a program to educate health care professionals about the social factors that affect overall health.
view more »CDC Launches Zika Pregnancy Registry
May 20, 2016 ||The CDC has launched a registry — in collaboration with state, local, tribal, and territorial health agencies — to track pregnancy and infant outcomes of women who were possibly infected with Zika.
view more »CDC, OSHA Release Guidance To Protect Workers from Zika
April 27, 2016 ||To prevent transmission of the virus, workers should use proper infection control and biosafety practices to avoid direct contact with blood-borne pathogens.
view more »CDC Issues Zika Guidance on OB PPE, Pregnancy Planning
March 30, 2016 ||To prevent spread, agency recommends personal protective equipment (PPE) for labor and delivery personnel and delays in conception, sexual activity for those with symptoms.
view more »CDC Releases Opioid Prescription Guidance
March 22, 2016 ||The new recommendations are based on principles that promote alternative therapies and minimum effective opioid dosage. CDC also released fact sheets and other resources.
view more »FDA Authorizes Zika Diagnostic Test for Emergency Use
March 22, 2016 ||Select laboratories nationally will have access to new diagnostic tool that enables providers to determine with one test, rather than three, whether a patient is infected with chikungunya, dengue, or Zika.
view more »House Committee Examines Public Health Response to Zika
March 5, 2016 ||FDA official notes "urgent need” to accelerate development of medical products to combat the virus and says the agency will “leverage its authorities" to aid that process.
view more »CDC Events, Report Focus on Patient Safety
March 3, 2016 ||The CDC has organized two events for Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 13-19, and is releasing new patient safety–focused materials on its website.
view more »CDC Expands Zika Screening Guidelines for Children
Feb. 24, 2016 ||Children who have been to infected areas within past two weeks or show two or more symptoms of Zika virus should be screened for the virus.
view more »FDA Recommends Zika Screening for Blood Donors
Feb. 22, 2016 ||Agency says blood donors should self-defer if they show symptoms, have traveled to Zika-infected regions, or have had sexual contact with someone from an infected region.
view more »CDC Calls for Better Hepatitis C Infection Control
Jan. 27, 2016 ||The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory for the growing number of hemodialysis patients who are acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV).
view more »CDC Opens Registration for Annual NHSN Training
Jan. 12, 2016 ||No-fee course, Feb. 29 to March 4 in Atlanta, to focus on January 2016 updates to the NHSN patient safety component manual.
view more »CMS Begins Infection Control Surveys in Hospitals, Nursing Homes
Jan. 12, 2016 ||Educational surveys to help CMS determine best ways to assess infection control regulations for hospitals, nursing homes, and care transitions. Surveys to begin in FY 2016 for nursing homes and in FY 2017 for hospitals.
view more »CDC Announces Upcoming Opioid Prescribing Guidance
Dec. 16, 2015 ||The guidance, open for a 30-day public comment period, will give providers more clarity on the appropriate use of opioid prescriptions outside of cancer and palliative care; comments are due Jan. 13.
view more »CDC: Monitoring Vital to Limiting Spread of CRE
Dec. 9, 2015 ||CDC report outlines the need for monitoring of CRE and related antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
view more »Drug Strategy Would Limit Opioid Sources for At-Risk Patients
Nov. 25, 2015 ||Obama administration proposal would add drug utilization review and restriction program to Medicare to fight opioid overuse.
view more »CDC: Get Smart About Antibiotic Resistance
Nov. 17, 2015 ||Week-long annual event will engage stakeholders in discussion and education about antibiotic stewardship in inpatient, outpatient, and animal health settings.
view more »CDC to Award Hospitals for Improved Blood Clot Prevention
Nov. 6, 2015 ||Initiative seeks to strengthen healthcare-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention, raise awareness of successful strategies, and recognize investment in VTE prevention.
view more »CDC: Hospitals Should Assess Heater-Cooler Units
Oct. 26, 2015 ||Hospitals should assess units to ensure they are safe and properly maintained and not contaminated with non-tuberculosis mycobacterium. Patients who may have been exposed to NTM should monitor signs of potential infection for several years.
view more »CDC, CMS Emphasize Accurate NHSN Reporting
Oct. 7, 2015 ||Agencies say anecdotal reports of intentional nonreporting of infection data have prompted them to emphasize the importance of accurate reporting through strict adherence to NHSN definitions.
view more »Essential Hospitals Named New CDC Prevention Epicenters
Oct. 7, 2015 ||The prevention epicenters will identify innovative ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in health care facilities. University of Utah and the University of Illinois - Chicago join Cook County Health & Hospital System as essential hospital participants.
view more »Learning Opportunity for Community Health Partnerships
Oct. 7, 2015 ||Participants will receive training and technical assistance from national community health improvement experts, engage with the new Community Health Improvement Navigator, and exchange ideas with other partnerships. Applications are due Oct. 13.
view more »Device Reprocessing Recommendations Updated
Oct. 5, 2015 ||CDC and FDA remove language from guidelines that requires health care facilities to verify that vendors involved in maintaining, cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing reusable medical devices are certified by the manufacturer.
view more »Proper Device Reprocessing Is Key for Patient Safety
Sept. 16, 2015 ||The CDC and FDA issued a health advisory alerting providers and facilities to properly maintain, clean, disinfect, and sterilize reusable medical devices. Noncompliance creates a gap in patient safety.
view more »CDC to Host Provider Call on Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Aug. 18, 2015 ||Event, open to all providers, will focus on coordinating efforts in the fight against the increasing number of potentially life-threatening germs that resist drugs created to treat them.
view more »Honoring school nurses for National Nurses Week - showing how they provide value to the community.
view more »CDC Adds Measles Outbreak Resources to Website
Feb. 20, 2015 ||New online tools include maps of cases nationally and specific to outbreak linked to Disneyland resort
view more »CDC Offers Tips, Resources to Prevent and Treat the Flu
Dec. 11, 2014 ||The use of antiviral medications is especially important this season because the flu vaccine might be less effective against some versions of the virus.
view more »OSHA to Convene Panel on Infection Exposure in Health Care Settings
Sept. 23, 2014 ||The panel will assess the impact of potential regulations on this exposure. The SBA seeks small business entity representatives to inform the panel.
view more »On the Hill: Rare August Hearing on Ebola Outbreak
Aug. 12, 2014 ||The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations called an emergency hearing to address the Ebola outbreak, including the capacity to contain it in the United States.
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