Search Results for keywords:"public health"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has renewed the charter for the CDC/Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHAC). This renewal extends the committee's charter until November 25, 2026. The committee focuses on providing guidance and recommendations related to the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Jonathan Mermin, M.D., M.P.H., is the designated federal officer for this committee.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new rules for the use of certain chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These rules, known as Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), require entities to notify EPA at least 90 days before starting activities considered significant new uses of these chemicals. The EPA will then assess these uses for potential risks. The proposed rules aim to ensure new chemical substances are safely manufactured and processed, protecting human health and the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded that the Piti-Cabras area in Guam did not meet the required sulfur dioxide air quality standards by the deadline of April 9, 2023. This decision is based on the analysis of available data, showing emissions were too high, and necessary emission controls were not implemented on time. As a result, Guam must now submit a revised plan to achieve air quality standards within the next five years, according to the Clean Air Act requirements. This measure ensures continued efforts to protect public health from pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving parts of a submission from Arkansas related to the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), ensuring the state meets clean air requirements. The EPA reviewed Arkansas's plans for maintaining air quality and found them adequate in personnel, funding, and legal authority, despite some public concerns about financial resources. The approval includes updates to state regulations and confirms Arkansas's plans are consistent with federal law. Although the COVID-19 pandemic was mentioned as a possible concern, the EPA decided it does not warrant disapproval of Arkansas's submission at this time.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a final guidance document titled "Evaluating the Public Health Importance of Food Allergens Other Than the Major Food Allergens Listed in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act." This guidance outlines how the FDA plans to assess the public health significance of food allergens not already classified as major allergens, like milk or peanuts. It focuses mostly on allergies caused by IgE antibodies known to trigger severe allergic reactions. The FDA also made updates in response to feedback, including changes related to non-IgE-mediated allergies and new data references.

The Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health and Human Services has announced a request for public comment on a proposed information collection related to real property use for public health purposes. This collection, approved under control number 0937-0191, is aimed at extending the current process for such purposes and was set to expire on April 30, 2021. The office seeks feedback on the estimated burden, utility, and methods for enhancing the collection's clarity and efficiency. Comments should be sent by April 12, 2021, to Sherrette Funn via email or phone.

The U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration took action against Dr. David Bockoff, resulting in the revocation of his license to prescribe controlled substances. This decision came after a hearing revealed he had violated standards of care in prescribing powerful drugs without proper medical examinations or documentation. The government's investigation showed that between January 2020 and June 2022, he frequently prescribed these drugs in a manner inconsistent with both federal and California laws. Dr. Bockoff did not successfully challenge these findings or take responsibility, leading to the conclusion that his practices were dangerous to public health.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the release of a report titled "Food and Drug Administration Report and Plan on Best Practices for Guidance." This report, requested by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, outlines best practices for creating, prioritizing, and using guidance documents efficiently. The FDA gathered and considered public feedback on a draft report published in December 2023, which led to this final version. The report aims to enhance transparency, improve regulatory processes, and support the development of new products for public health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking public comments on an information collection project called the "National Syringe Services Program (SSP) Evaluation." This project aims to assess the operation and effectiveness of SSPs, which provide services to individuals who inject drugs, in order to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. The survey will be voluntary and will take approximately 35 minutes to complete. The CDC hopes to gather detailed information from SSPs across the nation to improve program quality and effectiveness.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced the availability of a government-owned invention for licensing, aimed at speeding up the commercialization of research funded by the government to benefit public health. This invention involves analogues of N-Lactoyl-Phenylalanine (Lac-Phe), which could serve as appetite suppressants and help treat obesity and related diseases. It is currently in the preclinical development stage and is open for licensing under U.S. patent law. Interested parties can contact Malabika Ghosh at the NIH for licensing details.