1. States and healthcare organizations can use regulatory flexibilities permitted under the COVID-19 public health emergency to address capacity challenges stemming from a severe respiratory virus season, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra told governors in December.
2. The federal government cannot compel Catholic healthcare providers to perform gender-affirming surgeries under an HHS regulation that bans sex descrimination in healthcare, a U.S. appeals court ruled Dec. 9.
3. The White House on Dec. 8 launched a dashboard to track nonfatal opioid overdoses at the state and county level, offering those on the front line of the opioid epidemic a better look at the hardest-hit areas and where to target lifesaving resources.
4. HHS intends to end the nation’s public health emergency regarding mpox — previously known as monkeypox — on Jan. 31.
5. CMS is looking to create a national healthcare provider directory that would make it easier for Americans to find physicians and other providers.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.