Policy Updates

Among the dozens of executive actions issued by the Trump Administration since Inauguration Day are some that may impact federal agencies, councils, and regulations with a role in healthcare policy. These include implementing a freeze on new regulations until they are approved by an agency head appointed by President Trump, replacing career (nonpolitical) civil service … Continued

The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to clinicians and laboratories recommending a shortened timeline for subtyping all influenza A specimens among hospitalized patients and increasing efforts at clinical laboratories to identify non-seasonal influenza. The updated recommendation is due to sporadic human infections with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses amid high levels of … Continued

OSHA announced the termination of the COVID-19 Healthcare rulemaking, first published as an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on June 21, 2021. The agency will continue to focus on completion of an Infectious Diseases Standard. Read more.

OSHA has published an updated Part 1904 Recordkeeping Policies and Procedures Directive (CPL 02-00-172), effective January 13, 2025. Read the updated directive. Visit the OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements webpage.

The HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) published a report on “Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The report identifies lessons learned during the pandemic that can improve the continued fight against AMR. APIC provided input into the development of this report. Read the report.

NIOSH revoked six approval numbers issued to Aegle PPE 1 LLC because the company has failed to maintain their quality control system. Respirators with revoked approval numbers may no longer be used, manufactured, assembled, sold, or distributed, and may not be used to fulfill any standard or statute requiring use of a NIOSH-approved respirator. Learn … Continued

The first fatal H5N1 human infection was reported in Louisiana. The patient was over age 65 and had underlying health conditions. The CDC has confirmed 66 human cases of H5N1 avian influenza in the U.S. as of January 6. The source of exposure of two cases is unknown, but the rest have resulted from exposure … Continued

As of January 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is at a high level and continues to increase nationally. Emergency department visits for influenza and RSV are very high and increasing in most of the country. COVID-19 activity is low but also increasing. Learn more and find respiratory illness … Continued

The Joint Commission’s revised Infection Prevention and Control (IC) chapter, including new and revised requirements, has been approved for all Joint Commission-accredited office-based surgery (OBS) practices and behavioral health and human services (BHC) organizations. Read updated prepublication standards for these care settings.