News

U.S. counties with more racial and ethnic minority residents, people living in crowded housing and other social vulnerabilities were more likely to become COVID-19 hotspots in June and July, according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

State-licensed pharmacists and state-authorized pharmacy interns under their supervision may administer COVID-19 vaccines and tests authorized or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, subject to certain requirements, the Department of Health and Human Services said in guidance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated how it defines “close contact” exposure to an individual infected with the COVID-19 virus to someone within 6 feet of the infected individual for 15 minutes or more cumulatively over a 24-hour period, rather than exposure within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes.

Moderna Inc., announced the completion of enrollment for its COVID-19 vaccine phase 3 trial.

Jim Skogsbergh, president and CEO of Advocate Aurora Health, joined AHA Board Chair Melinda Estes, M.D., today to discuss COVID-19’s impact on health trends and key strategies for reimagining and innovating care during and beyond the pandemic.

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As strongly urged by the AHA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced it will delay the Jan. 1 start date for its new radiation oncology alternative payment model.

The National Security Agency released an advisory detailing 25 common vulnerabilities that Chinese state-sponsored cyber actors are actively exploiting to access computer networks for sensitive intellectual property and other information, and encouraged stakeholders to take appropriate action to protect their networks.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved a five-year Medicaid waiver for Nebraska that allows newly covered adults who are not medically frail or pregnant to access additional benefits if they participate in certain wellness, work, volunteer or training activities.

National Health Care Facilities and Engineering Week 2020, Oct. 25-31, will spotlight the heroes who keep the health care physical environment running safely and smoothly during the pandemic and beyond.

While work is underway on new payment and delivery models for rural hospitals, additional, targeted actions by Congress and the administration are needed to support these hospitals and their communities, writes Erika Rogan, AHA senior associate director of policy.

In this AHA podcast, Rita Carreon, deputy vice president for health, UnidosUS, and Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of the AHA’s Physician Alliance, discuss how community-based organizations can help hospitals and health systems improve health status for Latinx communities during the 2020-2021 flu season and COVID-19 pandemic.

The AHA, American Medical Association, American Health Care Association and National Association for Home Care & Hospice urged leaders in the U.S. House and Senate to pass legislation that would extend into 2021 and through the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency the congressionally enacted moratorium on the 2% Medicare sequester cuts.

More hospitals are implementing policies and programs to address the mental and emotional wellbeing of staff members, writes American Organization for Nursing Leadership board member Anne Schmidt, chief nursing officer at Novant Health UVA Health System’s Prince William Medical Center and Haymarket Medical Center. “But it’s not enough to put these programs into place.

In this Hospitals Against Violence webinar, the third in a series highlighting the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center, physician leaders from University Hospitals, Orlando Regional Medical Center and UT Health address the elements of preparedness and response, specifically outlining how hospitals and health systems can best provide for victims, care givers and communities.

The AHA submitted comments in response to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s proposed changes to geographic eligibility for Federal Office of Rural Health Policy rural health grants.

President Trump Oct. 17 signed into law the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, designating 988 as the nationwide phone number to connect people experiencing mental health crises to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The average premium for a benchmark plan at HealthCare.gov will decline 2% in 2021 to $379, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced.

A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 299,028 more deaths than expected occurred in the United States between Jan. 26 and Oct. 3, with 66% attributed to COVID-19.

In a letter, AHA again urged the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation to delay the start date for its new radiation oncology alternative payment model until Jan. 1, 2022.