(April 12, 2024) – CDC Issues Health Alert for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory to inform the health care community of a recently confirmed human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in the U.S. following exposure to presumably infected dairy cattle. The USDA reported detections of the virus in U.S. dairy cattle in multiple states. This health advisory also includes a summary of interim CDC recommendations for preventing, monitoring and conducting public health investigations of potential human infections with HPAI A(H5N1) virus.
Research Finds Many Medicaid Enrollees Were Unaware of Continuous Coverage Provided to Them
Research published in the JAMA Health Forum finds that many Medicaid participants who were provided continuous eligibility throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency did not realize they were covered. The study highlights how the confusion created by the complex web of health care coverage for low-income individuals can prevent them from using the benefits available to them.
HRSA Hosts Roundtable on New National Survey on the State of the Nursing Workforce
Health Resources and Services Administration releases findings of the new National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses – the first comprehensive federal survey of nurses since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.
The survey is a comprehensive picture of the nursing workforce, the largest health care profession in the U.S., conducted every four years by HRSA’s National Center for Health Workforce Analysis in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly 50,000 nurses responded to the survey questions and reported on topics such as education, training, job satisfaction, as well as their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CMS Issues Final CY 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the calendar year 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D final rule. Specifically, the rule revises the caps on broker and agent fees, limits the distribution of personal beneficiary data by third-party marketing organizations, improves access to behavioral health care providers, implements annual health equity analysis of utilization management policies and standardizes the Medicare Advantage risk adjustment data validation appeals process.
CMS is also seeking comments on all aspects of data—both currently and not currently being collected—related to the Medicare Advantage program. Comments must be received by Wednesday, May 29.
MLN Connects Provider eNews Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the following updates to MLN Connects Provider eNews:
Before You Go ...
- Aya Healthcare is hosting a webinar, Diving into Resource Pools: Insider Tips for Building a Flexible Workforce, at noon Tuesday, April 23. Registration is required.