AOHP



AOHP

Government Affairs Newsletter

August 2009

Cal-OSHA Reporter Newsdesk 8/3/2009

Letter of Interpretation: Employer Must Provide Free Safety Footwear

A newly-posted Fed-OSHA Letter of Interpretation says a Milwaukee employer must provide static dissipative safety toe footwear at no cost to employees working with flammable liquids and products because the footwear provides additional protection and is designed for special use on the job. OH&S

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New Fed-OSHA Guidance Document Addresses Combustible Dust Hazards

Fed-OSHA recently published Hazard Communication Guidance for Combustible Dusts, a new guidance document that assists chemical manufacturers and importers in recognizing the potential for dust explosions, identifying appropriate protective measures and the requirements for disseminating this information on material safety data sheets and labels. Cal-OSHA Reporter

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AANP SMARTBrief 8-3-2009

▪ Lawmakers see NPs as darlings of health care reform

Nurse practitioners will be critical to help fill the gap in access to medical services caused by health reform that would expand coverage to millions of Americans and a growing shortage of primary care physicians. NPs also are popular with health care reformers because they provide patient-centered care and focus on preventive health. NP groups hope the increased awareness among lawmakers will help push legislation easing restrictions to the scope of their practice. TIME (8/3) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Experts weigh preventive-health provisions in reform bill

A draft Senate health reform bill calls for spending up to $10 billion annually for a prevention-and-public-health investment fund. The money would be allocated for infrastructure projects, such as bike paths and farmers markets, which some suggest can promote exercise and healthy eating and help reduce obesity and chronic diseases. But critics call the measure wasteful spending. Los Angeles Times (8/3) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

Hot Topics

▪ CDC says 40% of Americans could get swine flu (USA TODAY)

▪ Panel announces priority list for swine flu vaccinations (Google)

▪ Tanning beds added to top cancer risk category (USA TODAY)

▪ Pregnant women may be near top of list to get flu shot (Yahoo!)

▪ Report: U.S. not ready for swine flu's possible comeback (The Kansas City Star (Mo.))

AHA News Now 8-3-2009

House committee approves reform bill, revamps public plan option

The House Energy and Commerce Committee late Friday approved health care reform legislation, H.R. 3200, that would expand coverage to 94% of the uninsured, and, in a concession to fiscally conservative “Blue Dog” Democrats, allow the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate public plan payments to providers based on rates between current aggregate Medicare rates and aggregate rates paid by private insurers in the legislation’s health insurance exchange. Of concern to the AHA is a provision that would cut hospital payments by $19 billion over 10 years because of Medicare patient readmissions.

Among other provisions, the bill would ban physician self-referral to hospitals in which they have an ownership interest, with limited exceptions for existing facilities that meet strict investment and disclosure rules. During committee action last week, Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), the panel’s ranking member, offered and withdrew an amendment to strip the physician self-referral language from the bill. Had the vote on the amendment occurred, the proposal would have failed. The legislation also exempts 85% of small businesses from being required to contribute to health insurance for their workers; and allows states to set up insurance cooperatives alongside a national government health insurance plan. The bill provides for federal subsidies to help individuals and families earning up to 400% percent of the federal poverty level afford policies that would otherwise be out of their reach.

During last week’s markup, the committee voted 28-18 to reject another Barton amendment, introduced with Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), to create an independent price transparency commission within HHS to collect quality and price information from hospitals and other providers, including privately negotiated rates. The amendment was faulted for the broad scope of the commission’s powers, similar to those provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the nature of the information requested. Also worth noting is that the committee’s bill does not call for creation of an Independent Medicare Advisory Council or Medicare Payment Advisory Commission with enhanced authority to set Medicare reimbursement rates for providers – a rate-setting mechanism strongly opposed by the AHA. The Energy and Commerce Committee was the third of three House panels to act on health care reform legislation. House Democratic leaders next plan to meld the bills together and report the package as a single bill for floor consideration in September.

Guide helps hospitals achieve smoke-free campus

The AHA and its Association for Community Health Improvement are promoting a free guide to help hospitals and health systems achieve a smoke-free campus. The “Destination Tobacco-Free” resource contains step-by-step directions, examples and other tools developed by the Washington Health Foundation with guidance from an advisory committee co-chaired by AHA Trustee Raymond Grady, former president of Evanston (IL) Hospital. The project was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Smoking Cessation Leadership Center, which will host a free Sept. 10 Webinar on the tool. To register, visit .

Cal-OSHA Reporter Newsdesk 8-4-2009

Agency's Recordkeeping Program Takes Effect

Starting this month, Fed-OSHA will begin its new National Emphasis Program on injury and illness recordkeeping. The program prompts recordkeeping inspections at businesses with low incidence rates in historically high-rate industries. Today's Facilities Manager Go to the Full Story...

AANP SMARTBrief 8-4-2009

Nursing school dean supports greater role for NPs

Nurse practitioners in Ohio should have more authority to practice independently and have greater roles in medical homes, primary care, wellness, and H1N1 flu treatment and prevention, according to Margaret Wineman, dean at the College of Nursing at the University of Akron in Ohio. She says Ohio should include NPs in pending legislation for a medical home demonstration project in the state. MedCity News (Cleveland) (8/3) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

Hand-washing, face masks keep flu from spreading at home

A study done in Hong Kong found frequent hand-washing and wearing face masks at home could reduce the spread of influenza viruses among family members if implemented within 36 hours of symptom onset. Researchers said the information is important should flu patients need to be quarantined at home if hospitals are short on isolation facilities. Reuters (8/4) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ U.S. may change flu strategy for schools

A new strategy proposed for responding to another wave of swine flu this fall would close schools only under "extenuating circumstances," according to officials involved in the deliberations. The new strategy, expected to be released within days, also will address measures to keep businesses open and avoid hospital overcrowding. The Washington Post (8/4) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ HHS names new chief technology officer

HHS has appointed Todd Park, co-founder of health IT services firm AthenaHealth, as the agency's new chief technology officer. Park will coordinate with officials of the HHS and other agencies on finding innovative health IT solutions. Government Health IT (8/3) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

AHA News Now 8-5-2009

AHRQ: Spending to treat mental disorders on rise

The number of Americans treated for depression and other mental disorders nearly doubled between 1996 and 2006, to 36 million, according to a new report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Total spending for mental disorders rose by nearly two-thirds over the period, to $57.5 billion. Heart disease was the most costly condition in terms of direct payments for care in 2006 ($78 billion), followed by trauma-related disorders ($68.1 billion), cancer and mental disorders ($57.5 billion each), and asthma ($51.3 billion). The data are from the federal Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

AANP SMARTBrief 8-6-2009

NPs poised to take on greater role in health care

Experts say that while nurse practitioners initially were tapped to provide health care access in underserved rural areas, they actually could become a cornerstone of national health reform. A steady decline in family physicians has meant greater responsibilities and opportunities for NPs. [pic]WSAW-TV (Wausau, Wis.) (8/5) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ NP-run clinics offer important services to uninsured

Nurse practitioner-run clinics across the U.S. have helped to reduce emergency department visits, hospital admissions and health costs, according to the National Nursing Centers Consortium. The group said there are about 250 NP- and nurse-managed health centers in the country, many providing needed access to care for the poor and uninsured. ADVANCE for Nurses (8/5) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Rapid influenza tests often fail to show swine flu

Sales of rapid flu tests are soaring, but a new study found they may fail to detect swine flu more than 50% of the time. Low sensitivity is a concern, because a false negative reading can mean a patient who really does have the flu will not get anti-flu drugs. The New York Times (8/5) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Senate committee close to bipartisan health reform deal

The Senate Finance Committee is closer to reaching bipartisan agreement on a health care reform bill that eventually would give 94% of Americans health coverage. The legislation trims $100 billion from the expected trillion-dollar cost over the next 10 years, expands Medicaid, requires changes from health insurers and drops the idea of a public insurance option. It also would, for the first time, tax health care benefits in the most generous insurance plans. The Washington Post (8/6) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ States expand SCHIP to cover 250,000 more children

Officials said 14 states plan to use $33 million in government money to increase health coverage through the State Children's Health Insurance Program for about 250,000 children. The administration also has removed a directive that prevented states from expanding SCHIP coverage for working-poor families who don't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford insurance. United Press International (8/5) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ New Oregon law expands coverage for uninsured children

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed into law Healthy Kids legislation that will phase in health coverage for all children in the state by January. The law funds coverage for an additional 200,000 uninsured children and poor adults. The Register-Guard (Eugene, Ore.) (8/5) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Use of vaccine against Novel H1N1

The CDC has a press release regarding the CDC advisers' recommendations for use of vaccine against novel H1N1. [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

Cal-OSHA Reporter News Now 8-6-2009

Cal/OSHA Funding: Off the State, On the Premium

The new California budget shifts funding for worker safety program from the general fund to assessments on workers' comp premiums. Here's how much it will cost and how long the new plan will last. Cal-OSHA Reporter. Go to the Full Story...

PEL Experts to Meet

The 10th meeting of a committee of health experts crafting permissible exposure limit recommendations for Cal/OSHA meets Sept. 10. Here's what they plan to talk about. Cal-OSHA Reporter. Go to the Full Story...

AANP SMARTBrief 8-7-2009

▪ CDC committee updates pediatric polio vaccine dosages

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended children should receive a final polio vaccine dose between ages 4 and 6 years even if they already had four doses. The four-dose series remains the same but the minimum interval between the third and fourth doses was extended from four weeks to six months, and a five-dose series was deemed acceptable in order to give a booster dose after age 4. MedPage Today (free registration) (8/6) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Bill would increase advanced-practice nursing graduates

Legislation introduced in the Senate would increase Medicare funding for hospitals and nursing schools that expand training and clinical educational opportunities for advanced-practice nurses. One analysis said the bill would increase by 25% the number of advanced-practice nurses, including nurse practitioners, certified nurse anesthetists and certified nurse midwives, who graduate from college. Modern Healthcare (free registration) (8/6) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ FDA asks drugmakers to screen ingredients for melamine

The FDA warned drug companies to test their ingredients for melamine to prevent the recurrence of contamination that has affected food products and sickened thousands in the past few years. The agency clarified that there is no evidence to suspect melamine contamination in drug ingredients. The Oregonian (Portland) (8/6) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

AHA News Now 8-7-2009

CDC revises guidance on avoiding H1N1 spread

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that people with flu-like illness stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. The CDC previously recommended that people stay home for seven days after the onset of a flu-like illness or 24 hours after symptoms resolve (whichever is longer), a recommendation still in effect for health care workers. The new flu guidance applies to community settings, such as schools and businesses, where the majority of people are not at increased risk for flu complications. Most people with 2009 H1N1 flu virus this spring who were not hospitalized had a fever above 100° Fahrenheit for two to four days, while those with more severe illness are likely to have a fever longer, CDC said.

Senate confirms NIH director

The U.S. Senate has unanimously confirmed Francis Collins, M.D., as director of the National Institutes of Health. Collins served as director of the NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute from 1993-2008, and previously was on the faculty of the University of Michigan and an investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

AANP SMARTBrief 8-10-2009

▪ NP pilot program becomes vital part of city's safety net

A street-based pilot project to provide primary care services to people living in Red Deer's downtown district has become an integral part of the city's safety-net system. The Canadian program offers a nurse practitioner-run clinic that provides basic care and helps the uninsured, drug addicts and homeless find social and health care services in the community. Red Deer Advocate (Canada) (8/7) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ More health plans cover online consults with patients

More health insurers are covering online consultations between medical providers and patients or conducting pilot projects to study the idea, an America's Health Insurance Plans spokeswoman said. Some insurers require that the online visits, which can be less expensive than in-person visits, take place on a secure system and involve in-network providers. The Wall Street Journal (8/9) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ NPs expected to fill gaps if Congress covers uninsured

Nurse practitioners already are seeing more uninsured and poor patients because of the economy, but their clinics and offices could get even busier if health reform is passed. NPs will be a vital resource in expanding health care access to more Americans and refocusing services on prevention and a patient-centered "medical home" model, a Johns Hopkins professor said. The Sun (Baltimore) (8/9) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Geneticist Collins gets Senate confirmation as NIH chief

The Senate voted in favor of the appointment of Dr. Francis S. Collins, a geneticist who led the Human Genome Project, as NIH director. President Barack Obama nominated Collins, who was confirmed via a voice vote, last month. The Associated Press (8/7) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

AHA News Now 8-10-2009

NY to require flu vaccination for health care workers

New York state last week approved an emergency regulation requiring flu vaccinations for most health care personnel, the Healthcare Association of New York State reports. In addition to seasonal flu, the regulation could apply to H1N1 flu if a vaccine becomes available in sufficient supply. Workers who have a medical contraindication, no contact with patients or only incidental contact with direct-care staff are excluded from the regulation, as are nursing home employees, since a change in state law would be needed to include nursing home personnel. HANYS is seeking guidance on how facilities should document medical contraindications or other refusals to receive the vaccine. The regulation requires facilities to report the status of their immunization efforts annually to the state health department.

OSHA QuickTakes Month of August, 2009

Illinois seeks approval for a public employee-only occupational safety and health program

Illinois is applying for approval to develop a safety and health program specifically for public employees. The Illinois Department of Labor will administer the program that will cover more than 1 million public workers. If approved, Illinois will become the fourth state to operate a safety and health program for public employees, along with Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. The Virgin Islands also operates a similar program.

Consultation services is featured in latest OSHA brochure

OSHA's newest brochure on consultation services demonstrates how this free, confidential service can help a small business improve workplace safety and health. Printed copies can be ordered from OSHA's publications Web page.

OSHA grantees offer free training on pandemic flu hazards and SHMS design

West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension, an OSHA Susan Harwood Training Grant Program recipient, is offering healthcare professionals and staff at small hospitals and healthcare facilities a free, four-hour pandemic influenza hazard awareness course Aug. 20 in Hagerstown, Md., and Aug. 21 in Lewes, Del. For more information and to register, visit the University's Web site or call Jan Della-Giustina at 800-626-4748. Harwood grantee Goodwill Industries is providing free online and in-person training to help organizations design a safety and health management system. Visit Goodwill's Web site for course details. Participants must be covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Fourth annual Drug-Free Work Week slated for Oct. 19-25, 2009

A drug-free workplace program is a vital component of a safe workplace. From Oct. 19-25, 2009, the U.S. Department of Labor will stage its annual Drug-Free Work Week, dedicated to communicating the importance of working drug-free. The week is sponsored by DOL's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program, but its true spirit is found at the local level in activities conducted by various organizations and in individual workplaces across the country. To get resources and specific ideas on how your organization can support the week's activities, visit the Drug-Free Work Week Web site.

Strategic partnership helps to lower injury and illness rates in construction

An OSHA strategic partnership was formed in April 2007 to promote workplace safety and health at the Interstate 64 reconstruction project in St. Louis. According to its annual report, the partnership met its goals by implementing key strategies. For example, more than 400 workers and managers received 3,000 hours of safety and health training on such topics as lead and silica exposure and fall protection. The average total recordable case incidence rate and average days away from work, job transfer or restriction rate were 57 and 50 percent, respectively, below the 2007 Bureau of Labor Statistics' national average.

QuickTips for working outdoors in high temperatures

In light of recent very high air temperatures, OSHA is reminding employers and workers about the hazards of heat and humidity and to take the necessary precautions when working outdoors. OSHA's "Heat Stress" QuickCard (English/Spanish) and "Working Outdoors in Warm Climates" fact sheet offer ways to avoid those hazards and prevent heat-related injuries and deaths.

CDC Novel H1N1 Vaccination Planning Q&A 8-11-2009

CDC Novel H1N1 Vaccination Planning Q&A

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:30:00 -0500

Questions and answers are addressed by CDC concerning subjects such as vaccine purchase, allocation, distribution, administration, and supplies.

Novel H1N1 Flu: CDC Response

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:30:00 -0500

CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to the outbreak. CDC’s response goals are to reduce the spread and severity of illness, and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this new public health threat.

AANP SMARTBrief 8-12-2009

▪ Healthy lifestyle still best for avoiding chronic disease

The best way to reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic illness is to follow the old adage of don't smoke, eat a healthy diet, lose weight and exercise, a new study found. Data showed people who followed those four golden rules had a 93% lower risk of diabetes, 81% lower risk of a heart attack and half the risk of stroke compared with people who didn't follow any of the recommendations. Even following just one of the rules cut the risk of disease, researchers said. Reuters (8/10) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Mobile health clinics sidelined by Maryland budget cuts

Maryland budget cuts have sidelined three of four mobile health clinics run by nurse practitioners and nurses who care for the poor and uninsured along the Lower Shore. The state Board of Public Works cut the program's budget in half, forcing the University of Maryland School of Nursing to scale back services. The Daily Times (Salisbury, Md.) (8/11) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Obama to hold town-hall meetings over health reform bill

President Barack Obama is scheduled this week to attend town-hall meetings in Portsmouth, N.H., Bozeman, Mont., and Grand Junction, Colo., to discuss the benefits of health care reform legislation, a White House official said. The official said Obama will describe how a health care overhaul would protect the health insurance of patients with pre-existing conditions, among other specifics of the plan. The Wall Street Journal (8/11) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

Worker’s Comp Executive Newsdesk 8-12-2009

Opposition Builds: Joe Baca Commission May Create Federal Workers' Comp

Supporters say it's only a study and that it won't necessarily lead to the nationalization of workers' comp. Could the single-payer health plan include workers' comp? See who is lining up in opposition to this Democratic idea, and why. Just click here.

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Uninsured Penalties May Rise

A bill that would dramatically raise penalties for employers who choose to go bare is getting close to becoming law. How high might they go? Click here to get the full details.

Publius: An 18% hit on all PD cases

Publius takes on the unintended consequences of the Almaraz, Guzman and Ogilvie decisions. The unintended consequences are huge and were just figured out. Reading this will help to explain higher costs and higher reserves. Just click here

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Cal-OSHA Reporter Newsdesk 8-12-2009 & 8-17-2009

Government Researcher's Quest to Protect Health Care Workers

Audrey Nelson, a medical researcher at the Department of Veterans Affairs, fought the odds to protect thousands of nurses and other health care providers from disabling workplace injuries. Her pursuit of a solution to the high rate of nursing injuries led to a $200 million three-year program funded by the VA, designed to radically change the way nurses handle patients nationwide. Washington Post [may require registration]

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IOM Committee to Create PPE Recommendations for H1N1 Influenza

In response to a request from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Fed-OSHA, an ad hoc committee of the Institute of Medicine will conduct a study on personal protective equipment and issue a letter report to the CDC director and assistant secretary for occupational safety and health by Sept. 1. Infection Control Today

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Agency to Continue Inspection Program to Improve Federal Safety

Fed-OSHA will continue a nationwide program to improve workplace health and safety for federal employees and contractors whose work is supervised on a daily basis by federal agency personnel. The Federal Agency Targeting Inspection Program directive provides the procedures field staff must follow when conducting safety inspections at some of the most hazardous federal workplaces. Risk & Insurance

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AANP SMARTBrief 8-12-2009 & 8-13-2009

▪ Experts: Mild 1st H1N1 flu wave doesn't mean harsh 2nd wave

Federal researchers who studied 14 global or regional flu pandemics during the past 500 years said patterns of the pandemics vary and there is not enough evidence to indicate that the current mild wave of H1N1 portends a harsher disease outbreak in the fall. The potential for some older people to have pre-existing immunity against the virus might suggest that the ongoing pandemic will cause fewer deaths than previous pandemics, a researcher said. Reuters (8/11) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Mediterranean diet, exercise may protect against Alzheimer's

People who followed a Mediterranean diet and exercised regularly reduced their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 60%, a study of 1,880 older New York adults found. A second study found adherence to a Mediterranean diet was linked to slower decline on one cognitive test but not others. Yahoo!/HealthDay News (8/11) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Health reform could help young adults get insurance

Health reform plans before Congress could help young adults who struggle to afford health insurance, according to an issue brief from the Commonwealth Fund. A lack of insurance can interrupt access to care and cause problems when insurance is needed and also is problematic for the 15% of young adults who have a chronic health condition, the brief says. Healthcare Finance News (8/10) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Lawmakers may exclude end-of-life counseling provision in health bill

A group in the Senate Finance Committee that is working on the health care reform bill has decided to leave out a measure on government-sponsored counseling for end-of-life patient care due to growing complaints about the provision. While proponents of the measure say it will reduce costs by curbing overtreatment, critics argue that end-of-life counseling would ration care of older people. The Wall Street Journal (8/13) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

AHA News Now 8-12-2009

ARRA funds released to ease nurse shortage

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration today released $13.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to combat the national nurse shortage. The funds are expected to help 500 nursing students become faculty, and 100 nurses to repay their student loans by serving in facilities with a critical shortage of nurses. “Over the next decade, nurse retirements and an aging U.S. population, among other factors, will create the need for hundreds of thousands of new nurses,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Bill Corr. “The awards from these two HRSA programs will help us meet projected demand for their services."

CDC issues H1N1 vaccine planning guide

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released an H1N1 flu vaccination planning guide, which answers questions related to vaccine distribution and administration. According to CDC, five manufacturers are producing H1N1 flu vaccine for the U.S. If vaccine shipment begins in mid-October as expected, planners should expect to receive about 120 million doses over four weeks, followed by shipments of roughly 20 million doses per week. Vaccine will be shipped to clinics, offices, health departments and others who receive CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness grants. Clinical trials will determine dosing, but planners should assume that two doses will be administered 21 to 28 days apart, with single-dose syringes provided for young children and pregnant women. Needles, syringes, sharps containers and alcohol swabs will be distributed with the vaccine.

Workers’ Comp Executive Newsdesk 8-14-2009

Agency to Continue Inspection Program to Improve Federal Safety

Fed-OSHA will continue a nationwide program to improve workplace health and safety for federal employees and contractors whose work is supervised daily by federal agency personnel. The federal agencies that are targeted are those that have experienced a large number of lost time injuries based on data from their FY 2008 Office of Workers' Compensation Programs reports. Risk & Insurance

Go to the Full Story...

AANP SMARTBrief 8-14-2009

Data cast doubt on chickenpox vaccine recommendation

Data from a chickenpox outbreak at an Arkansas elementary school showed vaccinated children still came down with a mild case of the illness, even if they had two inoculations. The CDC study found vaccine efficacy was 85.4% for one dose and 89.1% for two doses, not significantly different. Researchers suggested the two-dose recommendation for children, which began in 2006, may need to be reassessed. Medscape (free registration)/Reuters (8/12) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Funding boost won't prevent Calif. insurance program cuts

The California First 5 Commission will contribute $81.4 million to the state's Healthy Families insurance program, but it is not enough to prevent the state from cutting enrollment. Program administrators have been told to start disenrolling children on Oct. 1 because the new state budget reduces Healthy Families funding by more than $178 million. The Sacramento Bee (Calif.) (free registration) (8/14) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

AHA News Now 8-14-2009

HHS forum for hospitals to focus on H1N1 preparedness

The Department of Health and Human Services on Aug. 20 will host a teleconference forum for hospitals on H1N1 flu preparedness. According to HHS, the discussion will focus on primary care provider networks, including strategies for reducing the burden on emergency departments, early identification and intervention with high-risk patients, and workforce protection. In addition, participants will discuss health system surge capacity, critical care planning and home health preparedness issues. They are encouraged to e-mail questions or comments in advance to H1N1.listening@.

AANP SMARTBrief 8-17-2009 & 8-18-2009

Obama administration might compromise on public health plan

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Sunday that the proposed government-run insurance option was not an "essential element" of the health care overhaul plan. The remarks came a day after President Barack Obama said the public option "is not the entirety of health care reform," an indication that the Obama administration might be willing to forgo the measure to pass health reform legislation. The Wall Street Journal (8/17) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

Top five news stories selected by AANP SmartBrief readers in the past week.

▪ NPs expected to fill gaps if Congress covers uninsured (The Sun (Baltimore))

▪ Parents, caregivers lack knowledge of child-safety hazards (Yahoo!)

▪ One question may help clinicians diagnose alcohol abuse (Medscape (free registration))

▪ Data cast doubt on chickenpox vaccine recommendation (Medscape (free registration))

▪ Healthy lifestyle still best for avoiding chronic disease (Reuters)

▪ HIV primary care guidelines updated

Updated primary care guidelines for HIV-positive patients include information on screening tests for common health problems, immunizations, and antiretroviral drug dosages and regimens, and a focus on adherence to care in addition to adherence to medication. The guidelines were developed by the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Medscape (free registration) (8/14) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ HHS to have 45M swine flu vaccines by fall, not 120M

A spokesman for the HHS said the government will have 45 million doses of swine flu vaccine instead of the expected 120 million by mid-October because of manufacturing issues. The agency intends to have 20 million shipped weekly after Oct. 15 until all 195 million doses ordered are obtained. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (8/17) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

AANP SMARTBrief 8-19-2009

▪ Swine flu vaccines may come too late to prevent outbreak

An HHS report said swine flu vaccines given to children this fall may not provide immunity until the end of November, which may be too late to prevent widespread infections. "This has been a virus that's been smoldering, particularly among children at the many summer camp outbreaks. There's no doubt it's coming, and we could see it as early as September. Every pediatrician, internist and public health official is cross-eyed" with worry, one expert said. Bloomberg (8/19) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Analysis, article raise questions about Gardasil's safety

A safety analysis conducted by the FDA and the CDC links Merck & Co.'s cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil to 1,900 reports of fainting and 56 incidents of blood clots. Also, a medical article written by Columbia University researchers criticizes Merck's marketing strategy for the drug, saying it failed to address "the full complexity of the issues surrounding the vaccine and did not provide balanced recommendations on risks and benefits." The Wall Street Journal (8/18) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ U.K. watchdog warns of Tamiflu's potential stroke risk

The British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said it has received 418 reports of possible adverse reactions to flu drug Tamiflu, with 12 resulting from the drug's interactions with the blood thinner warfarin. The flu drug's combination with the blood thinner can lead to uncontrolled bleeding and then stroke. The agency said it will closely monitor such cases and has asked health workers to be on alert for similar incidences. The Daily Mail (London) (8/19) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

Congressional caucus criticizes Sebelius' stand on public option

Leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus sent a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius expressing "strong opposition" to her remarks that the government-run insurance option is "not the essential element" of health care reform. "To take the public option off the table would be a grave error. Passage in the House of Representatives depends upon inclusion of it," the Democratic lawmakers said. Bloomberg (8/18) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

AHA News Now 8-19-2009

H1N1 flu guidance, toolkit for employers released

Federal officials today issued updated guidance to help non-health care employers prepare for seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu, and a toolkit to help them implement the recommendations. Employers should develop or review their pandemic flu plan and communication channels, develop flexible leave policies and encourage workers with flu-like symptoms to stay home until at least 24 hours after their fever ceases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises. Among other recommendations, businesses should plan how to continue with increased absences, encourage workers to get flu vaccinations, and promote good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. If flu conditions worsen, employers should consider screening workers on arrival and alternative work environments for those at high risk for flu complications, the guidance states. The Department of Health and Human Services tomorrow will host a teleconference on H1N1 flu preparedness for hospitals and other health care providers. Additional H1N1 resources for clinicians can be found at h1n1flu/clinicians/.

AHA names representatives to The Joint Commission board

The AHA has appointed Nancy Howell Agee and Timothy Rice to The Joint Commission’s Board of Commissioners for three-year terms beginning in January. Agee is chief operating officer and executive vice president for Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA, and chair of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. Rice is president and CEO of Moses Cone Health System in Greensboro, NC, and chair-elect of the North Carolina Hospital Association. The AHA is a corporate member of The Joint Commission, whose board includes representatives from each corporate member.

AANP SMARTBrief 8-20-2009

▪ White House, Senate Democrats mull splitting health reform bill

The Obama administration is in talks with Senate Democratic leaders on the possibility of splitting the health care reform legislation into two pieces in order to speed up voting and pass the bill by the end of this year. The strategy involves passing several provisions including the public insurance option solely with Democratic votes through reconciliation, a parliamentary maneuver. The Wall Street Journal (8/20) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ HHS issues breach notification rule for health plans, providers

Health insurance firms and health care providers must notify individuals when their private information is breached under a new regulation from the HHS. Breaches that affect more than 500 people also must be reported to the HHS secretary and the media; breaches affecting fewer than 500 people will be reported to the HHS secretary annually. Insurance Journal (8/20) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

Workers’ Comp Executive Newsdesk 8-21-2009

Former Sooner State Attorney General Warns of Privatization

Selling the nonprofit state workers' compensation insurance agency could result in a long legal challenge, a former Oklahoma attorney general warns a legislative panel. The sale of CompSource Oklahoma to a private insurance carrier probably would be challenged in court with the ruling eventually appealed to the state Supreme Court, says Larry Derryberry. Oklahoman

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Cal-OSHA Reporter Newsdesk 8-21-2009

The Heat Beat: Cal/OSHA Puts the Squeeze on More Employers

The Division of Occupational Safety and Health is quick to take action when it finds workers without adequate heat protection. Find out what the latest enforcement actions are.

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Coming Soon: Heat Illness Changes, Diacetyl Reg

California's DOSH will take a third stab at changes to its landmark heat illness prevention standard, and the first attempt at another landmark proposal -- diacetyl -- will come on its heels.

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Cal/OSHA's Most Appealed

Which standards did employers appeal the most after being cited by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health? Cal-OSHA Reporter reports the stats.

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Another Voice on Heat Illness

A Santa Rosa man petitions for changes to the California heat illness regulation. But are the changes he seeks designed to aid his company, which sells heat illness prevention kits?

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AANP SMARTBrief 8-21-2009

▪ Researchers' flu vaccine guidance differs from CDC's

Researchers who created a mathematical model of flu virus transmission recommend that the best strategy to stop transmission of seasonal flu or swine flu is to vaccinate school children aged 5 to 19 who are most likely to spread the virus and adults aged 30 to 39 who are vulnerable to contracting the virus from their children. The guidance differs from the CDC's, which recommends that pregnant women, children 6 months and older and health care workers be vaccinated first. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/HealthDay News (free registration) (8/20) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ CDC: Students, universities should plan for flu outbreak:  The CDC says college students who get the flu this fall should go home or hide out in their dorm rooms to avoid spreading it around campus. The agency also asked colleges and universities to waive requirements that students and staff get notes from their medical provider to stay home sick. Reuters (8/20) T

▪ FDA cites 8 firms on illegal marketing of ibuprofen gels

The FDA sent warning letters to eight companies that market topical ibuprofen products as a safer alternative to pain pills without submitting valid evidence to support that claim. Progressive Emu, one of the drugmakers, said it removed the claim from the label of its drug Emuprofen. Google/The Associated Press (8/20) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

AANP SMARTBrief 8-26-2009 & 8-27-2009

▪ CDC responds to expert panel's H1N1 flu estimates

The CDC on Tuesday said H1N1 flu estimates released by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology should be treated with caution. The panel estimated that the H1N1 flu would lead to 1.8 million people being hospitalized, 50% of the country's population being infected this winter and around 90,000 deaths. "We don't necessarily see this as a likely scenario," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. The New York Times (8/25) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Minn. doles out $47 million to fight obesity, smoking

Minnesota plans to offer $47 million in grants to 40 communities in the state to fight smoking and obesity, part of legislation passed in 2008 to revamp the state's health care system. Projects that can be funded with the money include replacing soda with healthier drinks in public vending machines, encouraging apartment buildings to go smoke-free and encouraging schools to open gyms during off-hours. Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul) (8/26) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ CDC says H1N1 vaccines unlikely to be ready next month

H1N1 flu vaccines might not be ready before mid-October, CDC chief Dr. Thomas Frieden said in response to calls by White House scientific advisers to make some of the vaccines available by next month. Frieden said the virus is the CDC's top priority, with the agency having "mobilized more than 1,000 people" to address it. Reuters (8/26) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Study: Exercise levels among women vary with age

Data from more than 40,000 Australian women showed lower levels of physical activity were associated with marriage and childbirth for younger women and declining health for those who were older. Researchers also found increased activity levels among women who had retired or lost a spouse. Yahoo!/HealthDay News (8/26) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Study finds overexposure to radiation from medical scansLink found between wheat intake, Type 1 diabetes

Canadian researchers found that overreaction of the immune system T-cells to wheat might lead to Type 1 diabetes. "Our research suggests that people with certain genes may be more likely to develop an overreaction to wheat and possibly other foods in the gut, and this may tip the balance with the immune system and make the body more likely to develop other immune problems, such as Type 1 diabetes," the study author explained. HealthDay News (8/26) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ FDA: Stolen insulin Levemir might still be on market

The FDA warned consumers about stolen vials of long-acting insulin Levemir that remain on the market after receiving multiple reports of adverse events in patients who used them. The agency said only about 2% of the insulin has been recovered since the theft in June. United Press International (8/26) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ UM-Flint to launch online DNP program

The University of Michigan-Flint is launching an online four-year Doctor of Nursing Practice program this fall to address the shortage of health care practitioners. The program is focused on skills needed for advanced nursing practice in primary health care but will give nurse practitioners training in a variety of specialties and settings. Chicago Tribune/The Associated Press (8/27) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Health IT usage improves clinical quality, report finds

California medical practices that use health IT scored better on clinical quality measures, according to a report on provider pay-for-performance from the Integrated Healthcare Association. The report found regional variations in performance -- San Francisco Bay area and Sacramento providers scored better overall than Los Angeles area providers, for instance -- but health IT adoption helped bridge the gap. Modern Healthcare (free registration) (8/26) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Mobile health clinic helps Clemson students, community

Clemson University's mobile health clinic travels area counties so nurse practitioners, nurses and students can bring primary health care to the underserved and uninsured. The program is part of the school's mission of "research, teaching and service," and it also is a good chance for students to get clinical practice and community-based experience. Independent Mail (Anderson, S.C.) (8/25) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Senate bill seeks to bring more NPs to rural areas

A bill that would provide financial incentives to increase the number of nurse practitioners and nurses in rural areas has been introduced by U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M. The Health Access and Health Professionals Supply Act of 2009 would help rural hospitals set up community-based training and give nursing schools grants to increase enrollment in doctoral programs. Healthcare Finance News (8/26) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

Workers’ Comp Executive Newsdesk 8-26-2009

The Legislature Wraps Up Some Bills for the Year

The Legislature is starting to wrap up the session, deciding which issues can be finalized in the coming days and which will have to be put off until next year. Find out which workers' comp bills are still standing by clicking here.

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[pic]Free Back-to-Work Money for Employers

Despite the state's budget issues, a program that offers free money to small employers who bring back injured workers survives. Click here to find out how to qualify yourself or your clients.

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AANP SMART Brief 8-28-2009 and 8-31-2009

▪ More adults worried about getting H1N1, poll says

A USA Today/Gallup poll of 1,007 U.S. adults found more were worried about H1N1 flu, with 1 in 3 saying they or a family member probably would get the flu, up from 1 in 5 in a May survey. About 17% of those polled said they were worried they would get the flu, up from 8% in June, and 55% now say they will get vaccinated, an increase of 9%. USA TODAY (8/27) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Colleges see spike in H1N1 cases as students return

College students are returning to dorms and classrooms for the fall semester, causing a spike in H1N1 cases reported on U.S. campuses. Universities have been preparing for the expected wave of H1N1, and they now are finding out how quickly the number of cases can mount. Yahoo!/The Associated Press (8/28) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ "Alarm symptoms" signal patients with serious illness

A British study said "alarm symptoms" such as hematuria, hemoptysis, dysphagia or rectal bleeding can alert primary care clinicians that a patient may have a serious disease that needs prompt attention. The study team analyzed data from more than 762,000 patients, looking at up to 15 prespecified, noncancer diagnoses associated with the alarm symptoms. Medscape (free registration) (8/27) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ Dodd may take the helm of Senate health committee

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., pledged to carry on the efforts of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., to provide universal health care to Americans if he decides to take over the late statesman's chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. However, Dodd said he had yet to make a decision on the chairmanship. Google/The Associated Press (8/27) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ WHO official: H1N1 flu spreading at "unbelievable" speed

The transmission of A(H1N1) flu is four times faster than other viruses and 40% of the deaths caused by the virus are among young and healthy adults, World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan said Saturday. Chan advised governments to "prepare for the worst" and highlighted the importance of "political leadership" in the fight against the virus. Google/Agence France-Presse (8/29) [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

▪ U.S. prepares for expected surge in H1N1 flu cases: Researchers this week are beginning to evaluate how many doses of the H1N1 vaccine, expected to be ready in October, people will need for full protection. H1N1 flu cases so far have generally been mild and no evidence indicates the virus has mutated into a more dangerous strain. Yahoo!/The Associated Press (8/31)

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