NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Baldwin Presses Trump Nominee for NIH on Stalled Cancer, Alzheimer’s Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) questioned President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, on this Administration’s continued efforts to stop funding for research into cures for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The halt on funding for this research comes as the NIH continues to cancel necessary meetings to approve funding, cut grant specialists, and fire doctors, scientists, and nurses who support clinical trials for patients.

    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are slashing research for Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer so billionaires don’t have to pay their fair share,” said Senator Baldwin. “The NIH does truly lifesaving work, and the world’s premier biomedical research agency needs a leader who will help keep people healthy and find the cures for diseases – not one who will take away families’ hopes and dreams of having a cure for diseases that take their loved ones too soon.”

    On Monday, Senator Baldwin called out the Trump Administration for stopping $65 million in funding for Alzheimer’s disease research at 14 research institutions across the country. 14 of the 35 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) have had their funding halted by the NIH because the Trump Administration continues to cancel NIH Advisory Council meetings, which are the final required step in the grant approval process. She also slammed the Trump Administration for halting all grant funding through NIH for ten days last month, despite two court orders directing the Trump Administration to end its unlawful efforts to freeze all federal grants.

    In addition to frozen funding for critical research, Senator Baldwin also has raised alarms on staffing cuts to 1,200 research scientists, nurses, pharmacists, ethics specialists, police officers, data scientists, budget analysts, and patient care technicians at the agency, including critical patient care specialists at the NIH Clinical Center. The NIH Clinical Center is the nation’s largest hospital devoted entirely to clinical research, treating about 10,000 patients with rare and severe diseases every year. Mass firings of Clinical Center staff threaten patient safety and may shut down ongoing clinical trials, cutting off access to treatments and cures for patients who have nowhere else to go.

    These impacts are being directly felt in Wisconsin, where research institutions and patients are dealing with the fallout from this administration arbitrarily capping indirect cost rates at 15%, which will slash funding that helps research institutions, like the University of Wisconsin, conduct research, operate their facilities and labs, pay staff, and buy equipment needed for groundbreaking work to find cures for diseases and treatments for patients.

    A full recording of Senator Baldwin’s questions is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CMS Alerts Hospital Providers on Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) alerted providers of their obligation to protect American children from often irreversible chemical and surgical mutilation, including interventions that cause sterilization. Hospital providers were alerted of serious quality and safety concerns associated with harmful, medical interventions for gender dysphoria. CMS also announced it may begin taking steps to align its policies and regulations with medical evidence and to safeguard children from often irreversible experiments. CMS will continue to follow any applicable substantive and procedural requirements in taking any future action.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Urges Congress to Protect North Carolinians’ Health Care and Oppose Cuts to Medicaid Funding

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Urges Congress to Protect North Carolinians’ Health Care and Oppose Cuts to Medicaid Funding

    Governor Stein Urges Congress to Protect North Carolinians’ Health Care and Oppose Cuts to Medicaid Funding
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein today sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to change course on proposed federal cuts to the Medicaid program and laying out what’s at stake in North Carolina.   

    “Medicaid is a lifeline for more than 3 million North Carolinians and disproportionately serves our rural population,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I strongly urge Congress to oppose cuts to Medicaid funding so that hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians do not lose their health care and our rural health care system is not devastated.”

    North Carolina’s Medicaid program contributes at least $28 billion to the state’s economy every year and is crucial to the wellbeing of the state’s most vulnerable people, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. In 29 mostly rural counties, 40 percent or more of the population depends on Medicaid for health care. Over the past 11 years, North Carolina’s Medicaid program has been efficiently managed with no cost overruns.

    In March 2023, North Carolina’s General Assembly passed Medicaid expansion with overwhelming bipartisan support. Since it passed, Medicaid expansion has enabled more than 640,000 North Carolinians to access affordable health care, and it has stabilized struggling rural hospitals to maintain health care access throughout the state. One of the proposed cuts would lower the enhanced federal match for the expansion population, which would trigger an immediate end to Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, leaving 640,000 North Carolinians without health care coverage immediately. 

    Any reductions in Medicaid funding would jeopardize access to critical health care for these groups, putting their well-being and the stability of the health care system at risk, including a loss of $6 billion in federal funds to health care providers.

    Click here to read the full text of Governor Stein’s letter to Congress. 

    Mar 5, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Markey Reintroduce Legislation to Fund Sea Turtle Research and Rescue Assistance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) reintroduced their bipartisan and bicameral Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act, legislation to establish funding at the Department of Commerce for the rescue, recovery and research of sea turtles in Texas and across the United States. Text of the bill can be found, here.

    “Sea turtle strandings are rising at an alarming rate along the Texas Gulf Coast,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This bill would help identify the causes of these strandings and invest in rescue and recovery efforts to better protect Texas’ endangered and storied sea turtle population.”

    “Sea turtles are the canaries in the coal mine. Right now, every known species of sea turtles found in US waters is either threatened or endangered and faces extinction and environmental wipeout due to the human-caused climate crisis. We have the responsibility to act,” said Sen. Markey. “I am reintroducing the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act to financially support ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts of our shelled friends.” 

    The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Cory Booker (D-NJ, and Tom Tillis (R-NC). In January, Representative Bill Keating (MA-09) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
     

    Background:

    In 2000, fewer than 50 sea turtles were found stranded on the beaches of Cape Cod; by 2022, that number had skyrocketed to 866. During the 2021 cold snap in Texas, more than 12,100 turtles were cold-stunned, and rescue organizations were able to save and return only 4,000 of the stranded turtles to the wild. Rescue efforts are predominantly volunteer led and underfunded despite sea turtles facing increasing environmental and human-caused threats that make strandings more likely, including rapid temperature changes, red tide events, and entanglement in marine debris. This bill would provide stability and support to efforts that rehabilitate and aid in the recovery of sea turtles along the coastal US. Specifically, the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act would create a new grant program to fund rescue, recovery, and research of sea turtles in the U.S., and authorize $5 million annually for awarding of grants to further that purpose from 2025 through 2030. 

    The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act is endorsed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the New England Aquarium, the National Aquarium, ABQ BioPark, Acadia Institute of Oceanography, Adventure Aquarium, Allied Whale – College of the Atlantic, Assateague Coastal Trust, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Aquarium of the Pacific, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Audubon Nature Institute, Bird River Beach Community Association, Blank Park Zoo, Brevard Zoo / East Coast Zoological Park, Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Buttonwood Park Zoo, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, Conservation Council For Hawaii, El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, Georgia Sea Turtle Center / Jekyll Island Authority, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Gladys Porter Zoo, Gulf World Marine Institute, Healthy Ocean Coalition, Houston Zoo, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Jenkinson’s Aquarium, John Ball Zoo, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Kansas City Zoo, Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Marine Education – Research & Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (MERR), Marine Conservation Institute, Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Mass Audubon, Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, National Marine Life Center, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Newport Aquarium, New York Marine Rescue Center, North Carolina Aquariums, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, OdySea Aquarium, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Racine Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo, SEA LIFE Aquariums, Sea Turtle Recovery, Inc., Seattle Aquarium, Seatuck Environmental Association, SeaWorld Parks, Sociedad Ornitologica Puertorriquena Inc., South Carolina Aquarium, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Sunset Zoo, Surfrider Foundation, Texas Conservation Alliance, Texas Sealife Center, Texas State Aquarium, The Florida Aquarium, The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, The Ocean Project, The Turtle Hospital, Upwell Turtles, Vancouver Aquarium, Virgin Islands Conservation Society, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Whitney Lab for Marine Bioscience at University of Florida, WIDECAST: Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network, Wildlife Restoration Foundation, and Woodland Park Zoo. 

    “We are grateful for Sen. Markey’s continued partnership as he reintroduces the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 in the U.S. Senate. Each year, the New England Aquarium rescues and rehabilitates hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles that wash onto the beaches of Cape Cod Bay. This bill would help fill a critical gap in sea turtle conservation efforts by providing much-needed financial support to organizations across the country like ours that help return these endangered animals to the ocean,” said Vikki N. Spruill, President and CEO of the New England Aquarium. 

    “The National Aquarium applauds the reintroduction of the bicameral, bipartisan Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act. We are proud to be part of the nationwide network of organizations engaged in sea turtle conservation and in educating the public on the challenges facing these threatened and endangered species. Sea turtle strandings are on the rise, as are the expenses related to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing them back to their ocean home. The level of voluntary contribution from stranding network partners is not sustainable. We thank the champions in the House and Senate for their leadership in creating a much-needed federal grant program to support this important work,” said John Racanelli, President & CEO of the National Aquarium. 

    “Each year, aquariums, zoos and other organizations selflessly rescue and rehabilitate thousands of stranded and injured sea turtles with little to no federal support. They do it because it is the right thing to do,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “This bipartisan Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act would help to fill a critical gap in support for these federally protected sea turtles.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Recovering From Daylight Savings May Take More Than Three Weeks, Youngest Hit Hardest

    Source: Samsung

    Do you find yourself feeling more tired once the clocks spring forward for Daylight Savings Time (DST)? Well, you’re not alone. Although losing an hour the night of DST may seem insignificant, examining the sleep patterns of global Samsung Health users1 from the US, Canada, and more than 40 European countries reveals a ripple effect that causes weeks-long disruptions to sleep patterns, hitting younger age groups the hardest.
    DST Takes a Toll on Sleep, With Younger Generations Most Disrupted
    When looking into how much of an impact DST has on people the morning after, one thing is clear, everyone’s sleep patterns are thrown off. In fact, people spent a little too much time counting sheep the night of the time change, falling asleep 33 minutes later than the previous night, waking up 19 minutes earlier. While losing sleep isn’t easy at any age, those in their 20s likely felt it the most thanks to an extremely late bedtime and a seeming inability to sleep in.

    Moreover, Sleep Score — calculated based on an evaluation of a users’ total sleep time, awake time, sleep cycle, plus physical and mental recovery — was at the worst level for weeks after DST — and again, people in their 20s appeared to be most affected. When examining the seven-day Sleep Score average, the 20s age group demonstrated the slowest score recovery rate, while older age groups adapted much quicker. By the third week, Sleep Score for all age groups were still not stable as normal, showing fluctuations in the quality of a good night’s rest.

    Useful Tips to Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep and a Quicker Recovery
    The transition into DST clearly affects the sleep patterns of all age groups long after the clocks change, but for younger generations, prioritizing sleep management during this time couldn’t be more important. In recognition of World Sleep Day, Samsung is sharing useful tips that make understanding your sleep patterns and habits as seamless and effortless as possible for a better night’s rest.

    Creating an ideal sleep environment is critical to a good night’s sleep. Later this month, Samsung Health app update2 will make this possible by providing guidance and analysis on the key factors that influence sleep quality, including temperature, humidity, CO2, and illuminance via a Sleep Environment Report3 — leveraging SmartThings and the power of Samsung’s extensive device ecosystem. With a better understanding of how your environment affects sleep, easily optimize your room conditions for an improved night’s rest.
    In addition to perfecting your sleep environment, understanding how activity can impact energy level is key. Samsung Health app updates also bring enhancements to Energy Score,4 which provides an indicator of how much energy users can expend throughout the day. In addition to sleep and heart rate,5 a new detailed factor about activity — Activity Consistency — will help you understand your overall condition in greater detail by evaluating your activity levels over the past four weeks.
    It’s also important to understand how you’re sleeping and make necessary adjustments through sleep training. Sleep Coaching makes this simple by seamlessly tracking your sleep patterns over 7 days and assigning a sleep animal based on the results. With a personalized coaching program, develop healthy habits and routines that set you on a positive path to achieving your sleep goals.

    World Sleep Day serves as an important reminder of the importance of sleep. With the latest Samsung Health app updates and the Galaxy ecosystem, Samsung remains committed to helping users optimize their sleep and lead healthier, more balanced life.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Works to Empower Patients, Boost Transparency Through Improved Data on Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, is pushing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide clear and accessible information on inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs) to better support patients and their families. While CMS has supported web-based tools to find and compare providers, the agency lacks a tool for comparing IPFs so that families can make fully-informed decisions.

    “This is the kind of information that patients and their families care about…In all states, patients and their families deserve to have access to all IPF inspection/survey reports through a user-accessible website, no matter whether the survey was performed by a state or local survey agency, CMS, or an accrediting organization,” Grassley wrote.

    Grassley is an outspoken advocate for improved oversight and transparency at health care facilities that care for vulnerable Americans, such as nursing homes and IPFs. His past work revealed that inspection reports are completely inaccessible to consumers in most states. Grassley has previously called for improving the quality of information available to the public about nursing homes. He’s also pushed for greater transparency of financial relationships between drug makers and providers and of the misuse of psychotropic drugs in nursing homes and foster youth.

    “Currently, a search for an IPF on the Care Compare website yields little to no information that would allow a consumer to determine the safety of the facility…There is no information regarding assaults, abuses, suicides, and [unauthorized departures], particularly information regarding facilities that have had repeated and/or potentially preventable events. There is no information regarding Medicare Conditions of Participation violations, citations, penalties, or enforcement actions,” Grassley continued.

    Grassley requested the agency provide details on plans to improve public access to IPF data and any possible barriers to CMS’s progress.

    Text of the letter to Acting CMS Administrator Carlton follows:

    February 28, 2025

    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

    The Honorable Stephanie Carlton

    Acting Administrator

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    Dear Acting Administrator Carlton:

    I have long advocated for improved oversight and transparency at health care facilities that care for vulnerable Americans, such as nursing homes and inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs).[1]  My oversight has resulted in improvements to the Nursing Home Care Compare website, which has been found to help consumers find their way to higher quality nursing homes and encourage providers to improve quality.[2]  Yet, after more than twenty-five years of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) supporting web-based tools for consumers to find and compare providers, the mechanism for comparing IPFs is still lacking. [3]  Like nursing home residents, psychiatric inpatients are at high risk for abuse, neglect, and harm, and the public deserves to be able to readily access information regarding quality, safety, and regulatory citations at IPFs in all states.[4] 

    According to a recent report, it took weeks to compile information regarding safety and regulatory issues at two IPFs because there is no place to readily access that information.[5]  The report noted that, “the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has a robust database of hospital inspections, quality of care and staff ratings.  However, when you try to search many inpatient mental health hospitals, every category says information is not available.”[6]  In response to questions about the lack of information, the prior administration stated that “although CMS doesn’t give star ratings for psychiatric hospitals, consumers can still find valuable quality information by using [other] CMS resources.”[7]  However, a review of those resources found them to be insufficient.[8]

    Currently, a search for an IPF on the Care Compare website yields little to no information that would allow a consumer to determine the safety of the facility.  After searching for an IPF on Care Compare, the website launches a webpage showing that the facility’s “Overall Star Rating” and “Patient Survey Rating” are not available.[9]  Under a drop down, Care Compare primarily presents process measures, including COVID-19 vaccinations for providers, influenza vaccinations and body mass index screenings for patients.[10]  While there is information regarding potentially harmful mechanical restraints and seclusions, there is no data regarding physical holds and chemical restraints, which surveyors have also found to be used inappropriately and with incorrect technique.[11]  There is no information regarding assaults, abuses, suicides, and elopements (unauthorized departures), particularly information regarding facilities that have had repeated and/or potentially preventable events. [12]  There is no information regarding Medicare Conditions of Participation violations, citations, penalties, or enforcement actions.[13]  This is the kind of information that patients and their families care about.

    While Care Compare provides access to inspection reports for nursing homes, this capability is missing from the hospital section of the website.[14]  In all states, patients and their families deserve to have access to all IPF inspection/survey reports through a user-accessible website, no matter whether the survey was performed by a state or local survey agency, CMS, or an accrediting organization, such as The Joint Commission.  While some hospital inspection reports may be accessible through the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file, this is not a consumer-facing or readily accessible resource.[15]  Additionally, my past oversight work revealed that inspection reports from accrediting organizations are completely inaccessible to consumers in most states.[16]  Despite my advocacy on the issue, in 2017, CMS reversed course on a proposal to require accrediting organizations to post provider survey reports on their public-facing websites, but noted that, “CMS is committed to ensuring that patients have the ability to review the findings used to determine that a facility meets the health and safety standards required for Medicare participation.”[17]  Seven years later, it still doesn’t appear that patients, or even CMS, have the ability to readily conduct that review.[18]  There also still appears to be incongruity between safety violations and accreditation.[19] 

    For Congress to understand CMS’s current actions to increase the relevance of information regarding IPFs on the Care Compare website as well as any barriers impeding CMS’s progress, please provide answers to the following questions no later than March 14, 2025.

    1. Does CMS plan to take steps to improve how information regarding IPF quality, safety, and regulatory issues are displayed on Care Compare?  If not, why not?  If so, please describe.
    1. Are there any barriers to displaying information regarding patient harm, including abuses, assaults, suicides, and elopements with harm, for IPFs on Care Compare?
    1. Are there any barriers to displaying citations, safety violations, licensure suspensions or limitations, immediate jeopardy findings, Medicare program terminations, monetary penalties, enforcement actions, or any other remediation actions for IPFs on Care Compare?
    1. Are there any barriers to integrating the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file in a user-accessible way on Care Compare?
    1. What surveys are included in the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file and which surveys are excluded?  For example, does the data file contain surveys conducted by all state and local survey agencies?  Are there any circumstances in which the file would contain surveys conducted by accrediting organizations?
    1. Why are the findings from the following surveys/inspections not included in the 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file posted on the CMS Hospital website?[20]  What are the barriers to making the following reports accessible on Care Compare?
      1. The survey that corresponds with the nine patient rapes at Options Behavioral Health Hospital.[21]
      2. The February 2022 survey with immediate jeopardy findings for Brynn Marr Hospital.[22]
      3. The survey that corresponds with the sexual assault at Psychiatric Institute of Washington.[23]
      4. The survey conducted at Holly Hill Hospital after the escape of five children in March 2024.[24]
      5. The survey that corresponds with Aurora Vista Del Mar’s loss of permission to admit involuntary patients.[25]
      6. The survey that corresponds with the suicide at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital Recovery Center.[26]
    1. How does CMS assess the usability and relevance of the information regarding IPFs on the Care Compare website from the perspective of patients and their families?
    1. How does CMS validate the data currently contained in Care Compare for IPFs?  For example, what was CMS’s process for validating Harborview Medical Center’s 2022 restraint rate of 22.44 hours per 1000 patient care hours, when the national average was 0.32, and the 2022 seclusion rate of 81.73, when the national average was 0.36?[27] 
    1. How does the data currently contained in Care Compare for IPFs inform the survey/inspection process?  For example, have surveyors examined the restraint and seclusion practices at Harborview Medical Center?[28]
    1. How does CMS “ensur[e] that patients have the ability to review the findings used to determine that a facility meets the health and safety standards required for Medicare participation,” including when those findings come from accrediting organizations?[29]
    1. What role does CMS play in the accreditation process for IPFs?  How do the deficiencies listed in the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file factor into accreditation?
    1. How does CMS partner with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting (IPFQR) program and ensure consistency between the IPFs listed on the Care Compare website and the IPFs listed on the FindTreatment.gov website?[30]  How does CMS use data collected through the National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N-SUMHSS)?[31]

    Thank you for your prompt review and response.  If you have any questions, please contact my Judiciary Committee staff at (202) 224-5225.

    Sincerely,

    Charles E. Grassley

    Chairman

    Committee on the Judiciary

    [1] Press Release, Warren, Grassley Lead the Call for Greater Transparency in Nursing Home Ownership, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (May 19, 2023), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/warren-grassley-lead-the-call-for-greater-transparency-in-nursing-home-ownership; Press Release, After Year-Long Push for Transparency In Nursing Homes, Grassley Urges Improvements to CMS’s Care Compare, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (June 21, 2023), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/after-years-long-push-for-transparency-in-nursing-homes-grassley-urges-improvements-to-cmss-care-compare; Press Release, Grassley Welcomes CMS Action Following His Decades-Long Push to Increase Nursing Home Transparency, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (Nov. 15, 2023),  https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-cms-action-following-his-decades-long-push-to-increase-nursing-home-transparency; Press Release, Grassley: Alarming Pattern of Conduct Reported at UHS Facilities, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (Dec. 18, 2017), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-alarming-pattern-conduct-reported-uhs-facilities.

    [2] R. Tamara Konetzka, Kevin Yan, and Rachel Werner, Two Decades of Nursing Home Compare: What Have We Learned?, Medical Care Research and Review (June 13, 2020), https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1077558720931652?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed.

    [3] Report, Nursing Homes: CMS Offers Useful Information on Website and Is Considering Additional Steps to Assess Underlying Data, Government Accountability Office, GAO-23-105312, (May 2023), https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-105312.pdf.

    [4] Morgan Shields, Maureen Stewart, and Kathleen Delaney, Patient Safety in Inpatient Psychiatry: A Remaining Frontier for Health Policy, Health Affairs (Nov. 18, 2018), https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2018.0718; Hospital Surveys with 2567 Statement of Deficiencies through 2024 Q3 data file, Hospital webpage, Ctrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Services (accessed Feb. 3, 2025),  https://www.cms.gov/files/document/hospital-surveys-2567-statement-deficiencies-through-2024-q3.xlsx, (Surveyors described findings of abuse, neglect, or harm during numerous surveys listed in the 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file, such as 6G7O11/October 16, 2023, 52U911/March 4, 2024, VN4211/June 13, 2024, QD1O11/January 6, 2021, ZX8G11/April 8, 2022, YMU211/June 7, 2021, SSIO11/February 23, 2023, 00IG11/June 10, 2022, P33211/April 10, 2024, RKRS11/October 5, 2022, and CYVY11/September 23, 2022).

    [5] Randall Kerr, WRAL Investigates why the truth about mental health hospitals remains hidden, WRAL News (May 7, 2024), https://www.wral.com/story/wral-investigates-why-the-truth-about-mental-health-hospitals-remains-hidden/21418636/.

    [6] Id.

    [7] Id.

    [8] Id, (As described by WRAL, “those resources included with the statement were a spreadsheet you could download, but can’t even decipher considering all of the categories, acronyms and codes that don’t necessarily reflect the actual quality of care.  The other resource was the same online database that again has no information about the hospital’s performance.”).

    [9] Care Compare entry for Aurora Vista Del Mar, Care Compare, Medicare.gov (accessed Feb. 3, 2025), available at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/hospital/054077?id=a96bf388-2fd6-460f-bca4-d70b1eeb862d&city=Ventura&state=CA&zipcode=.

    [10] Psychiatric unit services drop-down for Aurora Vista Del Mar, Care Compare, Medicare.gov (accessed Feb. 3, 2025), https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/hospital/054077?id=a96bf388-2fd6-460f-bca4-d70b1eeb862d&city=Ventura&state=CA&zipcode=&measure=hospital-psychiatric-surveys. 

    [11] Surveys ZF7G11/June 4, 2024 and D0SD11/July 11, 2024, 2567 data file, supra note 4, (For example, during an inspection of Destiny Springs Healthcare in June 2024, surveyors found that “the Hospital failed to ensure staff did not utilize a chemical restraint as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation for one (1) patient.” One month later, surveyors found that “the hospital failed to ensure restraints were conducted safely, resulting in Patient #1 suffering a fractured humerus.”).

    [12] Ross Jones, Congressman, local leaders want answers over Detroit hospital patient abuse, suicide, ABC WXYZ Detroit (Oct. 10, 2024),  https://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/congressman-local-leaders-want-answers-over-detroit-hospital-patient-abuse-suicide; Surveys 366M11/June 6, 2024 and 31M611/July 3, 2024, 2567 data file, supra note 4, (In 2024, at Detroit Receiving Hospital, in the span of 73 days, two different female patients were sexually assaulted by two different male patients while sedated and confined to four-point restraints, which is a time when patients should be continuously monitored by staff, and another patient died by suicide in her room in the setting of missed safety checks.); Maddie Kirth, ‘Were they not trained?’ Family of missing Hammond Alzheimer’s patient demands hospital reform, Fox 8 (June 23, 2023),  https://www.fox8live.com/2023/06/24/were-they-not-trained-family-missing-hammond-alzheimers-patient-demands-hospital-reform/; Survey 1UQQ11/June 21, 2023, 2567 data file, supra note 4, (In 2023, a patient with severe dementia was able to walk out of a locked unit at Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Hammond in Louisiana and was found dead in a field one day later. It took nearly an hour for staff to realize that the patient was gone and another ninety minutes to call 911.).

    [13] Heather Catallo, ‘He didn’t deserve this.’ Patient dies after being restrained in psych ward, family speaks out, WXYZ (Dec. 19, 2024), https://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/he-didnt-deserve-this-patient-dies-after-being-restrained-in-psych-ward-family-speaks-out; Medicare notice to the public regarding termination of Pontiac General Hospital effective November 24, 2024 (Nov. 8, 2024), https://www.cms.gov/files/document/michigan-pontiac-general-hospital-11/08/2024.pdf, (There is no information regarding Michigan’s Pontiac General Hospital’s termination from the Medicare program on November 24, 2024, after a patient died in the setting of improper restraint technique and a delayed and disorganized resuscitation effort.); Surveys R5UY11/March 22, 2024, 24E111/April 3, 2024, M4B411/June 6, 2024, QORQ11/July 31, 2024, and NB8H11/August 15, 2024, 2567 data file, supra note 4 (There is no information regarding the 30 deficiencies, including three condition-level deficiencies and two immediate jeopardy findings, listed in the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file for Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Hammond in Louisiana during the first three quarters of 2024.); Alex Lubben, State gives troubled Mandeville psychiatric hospital one last chance to stay open, NOLA (Apr. 19, 2024), https://www.nola.com/news/northshore/what-is-the-future-of-northlake-behavioral-health-system/article_e5218958-f90a-11ee-ab91-072e26520f37.html, (There is no information regarding Northlake Behavioral Health System’s reported agreement with the Louisiana Department of Health to “pay an $18,000 fine, hire a consultant, cover the cost of all future LDH inspections, and suffer additional penalties for any repeat deficiencies found in the course of those inspections” in order to maintain a provisional license.).

    [14] GAO-23-105312, supra note 3.

    [15] 2567 data file, supra note 4.

    [16] Press Release, Grassley Presses Agency On Statutory Changes Needed to Make Hospital Inspection Reports Public, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (Sep. 20, 2017), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-presses-agency-statutory-changes-needed-make-hospital-inspection-reports.

    [17] Charles Ornstein, Secret Hospital Inspections May Become Public At Last, ProPublica (April 18, 2017), https://www.propublica.org/article/secret-hospital-inspections-may-become-public-at-last; Fact Sheet, Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTCH) Prospective Payment System Final Rule(CMS-1677-F), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Aug. 2, 2017), https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fiscal-year-fy-2018-medicare-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment-system-ipps-and-long-term-acute-0; Charles Ornstein, Accreditors Can Keep Their Hospital Inspection Reports Secret, Feds Decide, ProPublica (Aug. 3, 2017), https://www.propublica.org/article/accreditors-can-keep-their-hospital-inspection-reports-secret-feds-decide; Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley to Administrator Seema Verma, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Sep. 18, 2017), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2017-09-18%20CEG%20to%20CMS%20(Joint%20Commission).pdf.

    [18] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Proposed Rule, Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and Preventing AO Conflict of Interest, and Related Provisions, Section G, Federal Register (Feb. 15, 2024), https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/15/2024-02137/medicare-program-strengthening-oversight-of-accrediting-organizations-aos-and-preventing-ao-conflict#footnote-4-p12000. 

    [19] Press Release, Grassley, Stark hold officials accountable for improper approval of specialty hospital in West Texas, U.S. Comm. on Finance (Mar. 6, 2007), https://www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-members-news/grassley-stark-hold-officials-accountable-for-improper-approval-of-specialty-hospital-in-west-texas; Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley to Mr. Mark Chassin, The Joint Commission (Apr. 14, 2017), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2017-04-14%20CEG%20to%20Joint%20Commission%20(UHS).pdf; Stephanie Armour, Hospital Watchdog Gives Seal of Approval, Even After Problems Emerge, The Wall Street Journal (Sep. 8, 2017), https://www.wsj.com/articles/watchdog-awards-hospitals-seal-of-approval-even-after-problems-emerge-1504889146; Surveys 2DCB11/March 5, 2024, S6IC11/June 13, 2024, WKNI11/July 12, 2024, 7VB511/April 11, 2024, DICQ11/July 12, 2024, ZF7G11/June 4, 2024, and D0SD11/July 11, 2024, 2567 data file, supra note 4; Search for Mesa Springs, Crestwyn Behavioral Health, Del Amo Hospital, and Destiny Springs Healthcare on The Joint Commission’s “Find Accredited Organizations” webpage, The Joint Commission (accessed Feb. 11, 2025), https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/find-accredited-organizations/#q=mesa%20springs&numberOfResults=25, https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/find-accredited-organizations/#q=Crestwyn%20Behavioral%20Health%20&numberOfResults=25, https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/find-accredited-organizations/#q=Del%20Amo%20Hospital&numberOfResults=25, https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/find-accredited-organizations/#q=Destiny%20Springs%20Healthcare&numberOfResults=25, (For example, Mesa Springs in Texas is currently shown as having a gold seal on The Joint Commission website, while the hospital had 14 condition-level deficiencies across three surveys listed in the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file for the first three quarters of 2024. Crestwyn Behavioral Health in Tennessee with four condition-level citations in the first three quarters of 2024, Del Amo Hospital in California with three condition-level citations, and Destiny Springs Healthcare in Arizona with three condition-level citations are also currently shown as having Joint Commission accreditation.).

    [20] 2567 data file, supra note 4.

    [21] Joe Ulery, Whistleblower exposes dangers at Indiana facility, Public News Service (Dec. 18, 2024), https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2024-12-18/mental-health/whistleblower-exposes-dangers-at-indiana-facility/a94122-1.

    [22] Letter from the Ctrs. for Medicare & Medicaid to Universal Health Services regarding notification of possible termination from the Medicare program (Mar. 27, 2023), https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Brynn-Marr-Hospital-CCN-344016-90-day-3-27-2023.signed-002-3.pdf; Taylor Knopf, NC psych hospital failed to provide ‘safe and therapeutic’ environment, feds say, NC Health News (May 10, 2023), https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2023/05/10/nc-psych-hospital-failed-to-provide-safe-and-therapeutic-environment-feds-say/.

    [23] Peter Herman, Psychiatric health aide in D.C. charged with sexual abuse of a patient, The Washington Post (Dec. 21, 2023), available at https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/21/sexual-assault-dc-psychiatric/.

    [24] Heidi Kirk, WRAL Investigates: Holly Hill violated standards of care that could’ve prevented patient escapes, inspection says, WRAL News (July 15, 2024), available at https://www.wral.com/story/wral-investigates-holly-hill-violated-standards-of-care-that-could-ve-prevented-patient-escapes-inspection-says/21526230/.

    [25] Nick Welsh, Santa Barbara County’s Psych-Bed Pinch Tightens as Key Mental-Health Safety Valve Shuts Down, Santa Barbara Independent (Nov. 1, 2023), https://www.independent.com/2023/11/01/santa-barbara-countys-psych-bed-pinch-tightens-as-key-mental-health-safety-valve-shuts-down/.

    [26] Adam Walser, Florida grandmother outraged after 13-year-old dies by suicide inside mental hospital, ABC Action News (July 11, 2023),  https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/i-team-investigates/lutz-grandmother-outraged-after-13-year-old-commits-suicide-inside-mental-hospital.

    [27] “Inpatient psychiatric facility quality measure data – by facility” data set, Ctrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Oct. 30, 2024),  https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/q9vs-r7wp; “Inpatient psychiatric facility quality measure data – national” data set, Ctrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Oct. 30, 2024), https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/s5xg-sys6.

    [28] Id.

    [29] Fact sheet, supra note 17.

    [30] Mental health and substance use treatment locator website, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin. (accessed Feb. 11, 2025), https://findtreatment.gov/locator.

    [31] National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin. (accessed Feb. 11, 2025), https://info.nsumhss.samhsa.gov/.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Politics- Open letter to the Prime Minister: on marmite sandwiches and healthy school lunches

    Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

    Today, Health Coalition Aotearoa, Child Poverty Action Group and NZEI sent an open letter to Prime Minister Chris Luxton, Hon David Seymour (Associate Minister of Health) and Hon Erica Stanford (Minister of Education).
    In the letter, we raise concerns about the Prime Minister’s comment about “marmite sandwiches and an apple” regarding the litany of problems with the Ka Ora Ka Ako school lunch programme.
    We also propose some solutions to the problems.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Elon Musk thinks the US should leave the UN – what if Trump does it?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Ogden, Associate Professor in Global Studies, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Getty Images

    When Donald Trump’s benefactor and cost-cutter-in-chief Elon Musk recently supported a call for the United States to quit NATO and the United Nations, it should perhaps have been more surprising.

    But the first months of the second Trump presidency have already seen key parts of the current international order undermined. Musk’s position fits a general pattern.

    Aside from the tilt towards a multipolar world order, the US now refuses to recognise the International Criminal Court, has slashed its foreign aid contributions, and has withdrawn from the World Health Organization, the UN Human Rights Council and the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA.

    With Trump’s domestic politics displaying a clear autocratic edge, the rejection of the founding principles and ideals of the UN comes into sharper relief. The intolerant and impatient negotiating approach he displayed with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky also belies a disregard for cooperative and consensus-based diplomacy.

    The drive to slash the federal deficit dovetails with this general abandonment of expensive international commitments. If the Trump regime follows through on its apparent strategy of manufacturing crises to advance its agenda, then leaving the UN entirely is a logical next step.

    Undermined ideals

    This is all in stark contrast to the central role the UN has traditionally played within the US-led international order since 1945.

    Along with other institutions, the UN allowed the US to shape the international system in its own image and spread its domestic values and interests across the world. Along with NATO, the UN was designed as a global security institution to produce global stability.

    In theory at least, the political and economic values of the US and other democracies enabled the construction of the postwar order. According to political scientist John Ikenberry, this was based on “multilateralism, alliance partnerships, strategic restraint, cooperative security, and institutional and rule-based relationships”.

    But by the 21st century, US actions had undermined many of these principles. The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 bypassed the authority of the UN, causing then secretary-general Kofi Annan to declare that “from the charter point of view [the invasion] was illegal”.

    This undermined the legitimacy of the UN and America’s place within it. But it also diminished the organisation as a force for maintaining international security and national sovereignty in global affairs.

    The subsequent human rights violations by the US through its use of rendition, torture and detention at facilities such as Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib further weakened the UN’s credibility as a protector of liberal international values.

    The US has also been a regular non-payer of UN fees, owing US$2.8 billion in early 2025. And it is one of the lowest contribtuors of military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping operations, despite paying nearly 27% of the overall budget.

    US versus UN

    Since the 1990s, several Republican politicians have argued for the US to withdraw entirely from the UN. In 1997, senator Ron Paul introduced the American Sovereignty Restoration Act, aimed at ending UN membership, expelling the UN headquarters from New York and ending US funding.

    Although it received minimal support and never reached committee hearings, Paul reintroduced the act in every congressional session until his 2011 retirement. It was then taken up by other Republicans, including Paul Broun and Mike Rogers.

    In December 2023, senator Mike Lee and representative Chip Roy led the introduction of the “Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act”.

    Roy referenced the perceived negative treatment of Israel, the promotion of China, “the propagation of climate hysteria” and the US$12.5 billion in annual payments. Lee added:

    Americans’ hard-earned dollars have been funnelled into initiatives that fly in the face of our values – enabling tyrants, betraying allies, and spreading bigotry.

    Public polling in 2024 also showed only 52% of Americans had a favourable view of the UN. This opposition has deeper historical roots, too.

    In 1920, US isolationists blocked the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles, and with it US participation in the League of Nations (the predecessor to the United Nations). Although the US would interact with the League of Nations until the UN’s formation in 1945, it never became an official member.

    Criticism of the UN also has a bipartisan angle, with the US withdrawing funding of UNRWA in 2024 during Joe Biden’s presidency after Israel accused the agency of links to Hamas.

    A diminished UN

    If Trump harnesses these historical and modern forces to pull the US out of the UN, it would fundamentally – and likely irrevocably – undermine what has been a central pillar of the current international order.

    It would also increase US isolationism, reduce Western influence, and legitimise alternative security bodies. These include the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which the US could potentially join, especially given Russia and India are both members.

    More broadly, the reduced influence of the UN will endanger general peace and security in the international sphere, and the wider protection and promotion of human rights.

    There would be greater unpredictability in global affairs, and the world would be a more dangerous place. For countries big and small, a UN without the US will force new strategic calculations and create new alliances and blocs, as the world leaps into the unknown.

    Chris Ogden is a Senior Research Fellow with The Foreign Policy Centre, London.

    – ref. Elon Musk thinks the US should leave the UN – what if Trump does it? – https://theconversation.com/elon-musk-thinks-the-us-should-leave-the-un-what-if-trump-does-it-251483

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update on Alert: Infusion Pump Issue from Fresenius Kabi USA

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This communication is part of the Communications Pilot to Enhance the Medical Device Recall Program. This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it. The affected products and recommendations for what to do with the devices below have not changed.
    Affected Product

    The FDA is aware that Fresenius Kabi USA has issued a letter to affected health care providers indicating a subset of Ivenix large-volume pumps are to be removed from use for repair.

    Ivenix large-volume pump, LVP-0004
    UDI 00811505030320

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    What to Do

    On December 5, 2024, Fresenius Kabi USA sent all affected customers a letter recommending the following actions to be taken until the affected LVPs are returned for pneumatic valve repair:

    Review the list of affected Serial Numbers and post the list in a public place. If possible, remove and isolate all affected devices from circulation to prevent inadvertent use.
    If removing all or some of the devices from active use is not feasible (that is, no alternative pumps are available and patient care would be compromised), proceed with caution as outlined below:

    If the Ivenix LVP is being used to deliver life-sustaining medications, enhance clinical monitoring during use and ensure an additional LVP is available for situations where an interruption in infusion could be dangerous. If a problem is encountered, remove the pump from circulation, use the backup LVP to continue, and report the event to Fresenius Kabi.
    For Pump Problem alarm during set up, use another LVP and report the issue to your institution’s biomedical engineers. Remove the pump from circulation and report the event to Fresenius Kabi.
    For Pump Problem alarm during use, reprogram the infusion on another LVP and report the issue to your institution’s biomedical engineers. Remove the pump from circulation and report the event to Fresenius Kabi.
    Post the steps above and the list of affected Serial Numbers at each nursing station.

    Inform potential users of the product within your organization of this notification.

    Reason for Alert
    Fresenius Kabi USA reports that a subset of pneumatic valves installed in some Ivenix LVPs have an increased chance of issuing a non-recoverable pump problem alarm. All devices with the affected valves, should be removed from use, as described in the What to do section above, to be evaluated and returned to Fresenius Kabi’s facility for repair.

    If the pneumatic valve fails, a Pump Problem alarm will be raised.
    If this failure occurs during LVP setup, this could potentially delay therapy. (See Image 1 below) 

    If this failure occurs during an active infusion and flow is interrupted, this could lead to an underdose. (See Image 2 below)

    Delay or interruption of a life-sustaining infusion may result in permanent disability or death.

    The pump problem alarms are working as intended and will arise indicating when to act, if the malfunction occurs.
    The firm has not reported any injuries or deaths associated with this issue.
    Device Use
    The Ivenix LVP is a large volume infusion pump designed to deliver fluids and medications from one of two inlet source containers to the patient through a single outlet. When loaded with an administration set, the LVP delivers infusion therapy to an individual patient.
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Fresenius Kabi USA at Ivenix_support@fresenius-kabi.com or 1-855-354-6387.
    Additional FDA Resources

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    03/05/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update on Alert: Fluid Delivery Set Issue from Medline

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    99000069
    FDS, 135, CHMN, W/F, MLL, RC(2), PG
    0000128741
    10193489069587
    30193489069581

    99000069
    FDS, 135, CHMN, W/F, MLL, RC(2), PG
    0000134505
    10193489069587
    30193489069581

    99000069
    FDS, 135, CHMN, W/F, MLL, RC(2), PG
    0000133893
    10193489069587
    30193489069581

    99000069
    FDS, 135, CHMN, W/F, MLL, RC(2), PG
    0000135769
    10193489069587
    30193489069581

    99000069
    FDS, 135, CHMN, W/F, MLL, RC(2), PG
    0000139596
    10193489069587
    30193489069581

    949000222
    FDS, 135, NV, MICRO-CHAMBER, W/FILTER, BLUE
    0000133018
    10197344018550
    30197344018554

    949000224
    FDS, 135, NV, MICRO-CHAMBER, W/FILTER, GREEN
    0000136573
    10197344018642
    30197344018646

    949000221
    FDS, 135, NV, MICRO-CHAMBER, W/FILTER, RED
    0000133036
    10197344018567
    30197344018561

    949000223
    FDS, 135, NV, MICRO-CHAMBER, W/FILTER, YELLOW
    0000133031
    10197344018543
    30197344018547

    60130527
    MTO, 135, YELLOW, MICRO, SPK-MAIMONIDES
    0000133032
    10193489046465
    20193489046462

    65111341
    MTO, ANGIO, DOUBLE, SPIKE, KIT, KENNEDY HLTH
    0000129541
    10193489061314
    20193489061311

    65111341
    MTO, ANGIO, DOUBLE, SPIKE, KIT, KENNEDY HLTH
    0000134701
    10193489061314
    20193489061311

    65232486
    MTO, ANGIO, SINGLE, SPIKE, KIT
    0000129544
    10193489063950
    20193489063957

    65232486
    MTO, ANGIO, SINGLE, SPIKE, KIT
    0000128715
    10193489063950
    20193489063957

    65232486
    MTO, ANGIO, SINGLE, SPIKE, KIT
    0000133060
    10193489063950
    20193489063957

    65232486
    MTO, ANGIO, SINGLE, SPIKE, KIT
    0000131657
    10193489063950
    20193489063957

    65232486
    MTO, ANGIO, SINGLE, SPIKE, KIT
    0000135723
    10193489063950
    20193489063957

    65232486
    MTO, ANGIO, SINGLE, SPIKE, KIT
    0000135294
    10193489063950
    20193489063957

    65071193
    MTO, ANGIO, SINGLE, SPIKE, KIT, GOOD, SAM
    0000130171
    10193489060904
    20193489060901

    600604422
    MTO, NEURO, FLUSH, SPIKE, KIT, BLUE, FLORIDA
    0000135606
    10193489070224
    20193489070221

    600604422
    MTO, NEURO, FLUSH, SPIKE, KIT, BLUE, FLORIDA
    0000134729
    10193489070224
    20193489070221

    600604422
    MTO, NEURO, FLUSH, SPIKE, KIT, BLUE, FLORIDA
    0000137115
    10193489070224
    20193489070221

    600604422
    MTO, NEURO, FLUSH, SPIKE, KIT, BLUE, FLORIDA
    0000130833
    10193489070224
    20193489070221

    600604422
    MTO, NEURO, FLUSH, SPIKE, KIT, BLUE, FLORIDA
    0000131669
    10193489070224
    20193489070221

    600604422
    MTO, NEURO, FLUSH, SPIKE, KIT, BLUE, FLORIDA
    0000129513
    10193489070224
    20193489070221

    600604422
    MTO, NEURO, FLUSH, SPIKE, KIT, BLUE, FLORIDA
    0000128721
    10193489070224
    20193489070221

    60100045
    MTO, NEURO, KIT, -, JERSEY, SHORE PG
    0000129523
    10193489044928
    30193489044922

    60100045
    MTO, NEURO, KIT, -, JERSEY, SHORE PG
    0000132393
    10193489044928
    30193489044922

    60100045
    MTO, NEURO, KIT, -, JERSEY, SHORE PG
    0000134940
    10193489044928
    30193489044922

    60100045
    MTO, NEURO, KIT, -, JERSEY, SHORE PG
    0000144158
    10193489044928
    30193489044922

    60100045
    MTO, NEURO, KIT, -, JERSEY, SHORE PG
    0000139082
    10193489044928
    30193489044922

    650801715
    MTO, RADIOLOGY, KIT, HAMOT MED CEN
    0000130138
    10193489075458
    20193489075455

    650801715
    MTO, RADIOLOGY, KIT, HAMOT MED CEN
    0000132350
    10193489075458
    20193489075455

    650801715
    MTO, RADIOLOGY, KIT, HAMOT MED CEN
    0000135736
    10193489075458
    20193489075455

    60232481
    MTS, 135, CDS, IV, TUBE-JEFFERSON UNIV.
    0000129534
    10193489053326
    30193489053320

    60120583
    MTS, 135, YELLOW, MICRO, SPIKE, LUTHERAN MED
    0000133660
    10193489045864
    30193489045868

    60120583
    MTS, 135, YELLOW, MICRO, SPIKE, LUTHERAN MED
    0000136501
    10193489045864
    30193489045868

    60120583
    MTS, 135, YELLOW, MICRO, SPIKE, LUTHERAN MED
    0000131600
    10193489045864
    30193489045868

    601403920
    MTS, ANGIO, NEURO, KIT, NORTH SHORE UNIV
    0000131376
    10193489071498
    30193489071492

    601403920
    MTS, ANGIO, NEURO, KIT, NORTH SHORE UNIV
    0000130940
    10193489071498
    30193489071492

    62140602
    MTS, CUST. FILTER-NEWYORK UNIVERSITY
    0000132222
    10193489057805
    30193489057809

    62140602
    MTS, CUST. FILTER-NEWYORK UNIVERSITY
    0000141215
    10193489057805
    30193489057809

    602301614
    MTS, INTERV, NEURO, KIT-WESTCHESTER, MC
    0000133659
    10193489072754
    30193489072758

    6010771601
    MTS, NEU, NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL
    0000127859
    10193489099843
    30193489099847

    600602914
    MTS, NEURO, KIT
    0000135717
    10193489070170
    30193489070174

    600602914
    MTS, NEURO, KIT
    0000128447
    10193489070170
    30193489070174

    601400111
    MTS, NEURO, KIT, 2, NEWENGLAND MED CTR
    0000133121
    10193489071344
    30193489071348

    601400111
    MTS, NEURO, KIT, 2, NEWENGLAND MED CTR
    0000130573
    10193489071344
    30193489071348

    600604423
    MTS, NEURO, KIT, YLW&RED, FLORIDA HOSP
    0000128607
    10193489070231
    30193489070235

    600604423
    MTS, NEURO, KIT, YLW&RED, FLORIDA HOSP
    0000137751
    10193489070231
    30193489070235

    60110552
    MTS, NEURO, KIT-JOHN, F, KENNEDY MED CENTER
    0000131878
    10193489045611
    30193489045615

    60110552
    MTS, NEURO, KIT-JOHN, F, KENNEDY MED CENTER
    0000130577
    10193489045611
    30193489045615

    60110552
    MTS, NEURO, KIT-JOHN, F, KENNEDY MED CENTER
    0000138084
    10193489045611
    30193489045615

    60150035
    MTS, NEURO, KIT-OVERLOOK HOSPITAL PG
    0000130187
    10193489048292
    30193489048296

    60150035
    MTS, NEURO, KIT-OVERLOOK HOSPITAL PG
    0000131883
    10193489048292
    30193489048296

    60150035
    MTS, NEURO, KIT-OVERLOOK HOSPITAL PG
    0000143095
    10193489048292
    30193489048296

    60182723
    MTS, NEURO, SPIKE, KIT, CAPITAL HLTHSYS-FULD
    0000130988
    10193489049817
    30193489049811

    602500214
    MTS, NEURO-RADIOLOGY, KIT-YALE-NEWHAVEN
    0000127874
    10193489072815
    30193489072819

    601403921
    MTS, STROKE/EMBO, KIT, NORTH SHORE UNIV
    0000131619
    30193489071508
    30193489071508

    601403921
    MTS, STROKE/EMBO, KIT, NORTH SHORE UNIV
    0000133025
    30193489071508
    30193489071508

    601403921
    MTS, STROKE/EMBO, KIT, NORTH SHORE UNIV
    0000136559
    30193489071508
    30193489071508

    601305210
    MTS, YELLOW, /, RED, MULTILINE, KIT, MAIMONIDE
    0000130984
    10193489070989
    30193489070983

    601400110
    MTS, YELLOW, /, RED, MULTILINE, KIT, MAIMONIDE
    0000128757
    10193489071337
    30193489071331

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update on Alert: Endoscope Accessories Forceps/Irrigation Plug Issue from Olympus

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This communication is part of the Communications Pilot to Enhance the Medical Device Recall Program. This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it. The affected products and recommendations for what to do with the devices below have not changed. 
    Affected Product

    The FDA is aware that Olympus has issued a letter to affected health care providers recommending the forceps/irrigation plug accessory to certain endoscopes be removed from use:

    MAJ-891 Forceps/Irrigation Plug (Isolated Type)
    All lots
    UDI: 04953170063114

    Full Listing of Olympus Endoscopes compatible with the MAJ-891 and Compatible Alternative Devices to MAJ-891

    Scope Series
    Model Number
    Model Name
    Compatible with MAJ-2092
    Compatible with BPS-Y

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-240
    CYF-240 Flexible Video CystoNephroscope
    No
    Yes

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-5
    CYF-5 CYSTOSCOPE EVOLUTIONTI
    Yes
    Yes

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-5A
    N3627870 CYF-5A CYSTOSCOPE E
    Yes
    Yes

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-5R
    CYF-5R Flex CystoNephro Fiberscope Rever
    Yes
    Yes

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-V2
    CYF-V2 VISERA Cysto-Nephro v
    Yes
    Yes

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-V2R
    CYF-V2R Flex CystoNephro Videoscope Rev
    Yes
    Yes

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-VA2
    CYF-VA2 VISERA Cysto-Nephro Videoscope
    Yes
    Yes

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-VH
    CYF-VH HD Flex CystoNephro Videoscope
    Yes
    Yes

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-VHA
    CYF-VHA HD FlexCystoNephroVideoscope
    Yes
    Yes

    Cystoscope (CYF Series)
    CYF-VHR
    CYF-VHR HD FlexCystoNephroVideoscope
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-P5
    N3627930 OLA URF-P5 URF-P5 FLEXIBLE URET
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-P6
    URF-P6 SUPER-SLIM FLEXIBLE FIBEROPTIC UR
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-P6R
    URF-P6R SUPER-SLIM FLEXIBLE FIBEROPTIC U
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-P7
    URF-P7 Flex Uretero Fiberscope
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-P7R
    URF-P7R Flex Uretero Fiberscope
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-V
    URF-V EndoEYE Flexible Ureteoscope
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-V2
    URF-V2 SLIM FLEXIBLE VIDEO URETEROSCOPE
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-V2R
    URF-V2R SLIM FLEX VID URETERO SCOPE, REV
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-V3
    URF-V3 URETEROSCOPE, FLEX, VIDEO, STD
    Yes
    Yes

    Ureterscope (URF Series)
    URF-V3R
    URF-V3R URETEROSCOPE, FLEX, VIDEO, REV
    Yes
    Yes

    Choledochoscope (CHF Series)
    CHF-P20Q
    CHF-P20Q CHOLEDOCHOINEPHRO CYS TOFIBERSCOPE
    No
    No

    Choledochoscope (CHF Series)
    CHF-CB30L
    CHF-CB30L TRANSLAPAROSCOPIC CHOLEDOCHOSCOPE
    No
    No

    Choledochoscope (CHF Series)
    CHF-BP30
    CHF-BP30 OES CHOLEDOCHOFIBER
    No
    No

    Choledochoscope (CHF Series)
    CHF-P60
    CHF-P60 OES CHOLEDOCHOSCOPE
    No
    No

    Hysteroscope (HYF Series)
    HYF-1T
    OES HYSTEROFIBERSCOPE OLYMPUS HYF TYPE 1T
    No
    No

    What to Do

    On December 18, 2024, Olympus sent all affected customers an Urgent: Medical Device Advisory Notice recommending the following actions:

    Due to the risk of infection that may result from improper MAJ-891 reprocessing, alternatives to the MAJ-891 should be used instead.
    Available alternative devices to the MAJ-891 for Olympus cystoscopes (CYF series) and ureteroscopes (URF series) include:

    Luer-Split model MAJ-2092 + Seal-Port

    Adjustable Biopsy Port Seal Y-Adapter model BPS-Y
    A full listing of Olympus Endoscopes compatible with the MAJ-891 and Compatible Alternative Devices to MAJ-891 is shown above.

    There are currently no alternative Olympus irrigation plugs for use with CHF and HYF endoscopes. Use an alternative scope in those situations or a non-Olympus irrigation plug provided it has been validated for use with the Olympus scope by the plug manufacturer.
    If no alternative for the MAJ-891 is available, it is important to closely follow the reprocessing instructions for both the endoscope(s) and the MAJ-891 Forceps/Irrigation Plug, especially detaching the MAJ-891 from the instrument channel port of the endoscope and disassembling before it is cleaned, disinfected or sterilized (see image provided under the “Affected Product” section). The reprocessing instructions for the MAJ-891 can be found in Chapters 5 through 7 of the MAJ-891 Instructions for Use (IFU).
    Users should also inspect the biopsy valve (MAJ-579) (see image provided under the “Affected Product” section) for damage or deformation and replace the biopsy valve if damage is identified, as instructed in the IFU. A damaged or deformed biopsy valve may impact the reprocessing efficacy.

    Reason for Alert
    Patient infection as a result of exposure to a contaminated device can occur when reprocessing of the MAJ-891 Forceps/Irrigation Plug is improper and/or incomplete, such as not disconnecting the MAJ-891 from the endoscope and disassembling it before reprocessing. This exposure could result in patient injury including infection, urinary tract infection, or sepsis, and, in some cases, could result in death. These harms may require inpatient hospitalization/monitoring, and treatment with oral or intravenous antibiotics.
    Olympus has reported 120 injuries and 1 report of death due to infection following procedures in which the MAJ-891 was used with a cystoscope (CYF scope).
    Device Use
    The MAJ-891 is endoscope accessory attached to the instrument channel port of certain Olympus endoscopes, including cystoscopes (CYF series), ureteroscopes (URF series), choledochoscopes (CHF series), and hysteroscopes (HYF series) to allow both irrigation and the use of endo-therapy accessories. The MAJ-891 was discontinued in 2022 from the US market.
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Olympus’s Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-848-9024, option 1.
    Additional FDA Resources

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    03/05/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update on Alert: Solution Set Issue from Baxter Healthcare Corporation

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This communication was initially issued as part of the Communications Pilot to Enhance the Medical Device Recall Program. The FDA has since determined that this device may cause temporary or reversible health problems, or—though unlikely—serious health problems. This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The affected products and recommendations for what to do with the devices below have not changed.
    Affected Product
    The FDA is aware that Baxter Healthcare Corporation has issued a letter to affected health care providers recommending certain lots of Solution Sets with Duo-Vent Spikes be removed from use. 

    Baxter Product Code
    Description
    Lot Number
    Expiration Date
    UDI 

    2R8404
    Solution Set with Duo-Vent Spike
    DR24C22079
    3/24/2026
    00085412676630

    2R8404
    Solution Set with Duo-Vent Spike
    DR24H23086
    8/26/2026
    00085412676630

    2R8538
    Clearlink System Solution Set with Duo-Vent Spike
    DR24C15109
    3/16/2026
    00085412676647

    UC8519
    Continu-Flo Solution Set with Duo-Vent Spike, 2 Luer Activated Valves, Male Luer Lock Adapter with Retractable Collar
    DR24B21017
    2/28/2026
    00085412486512

    What to Do

    On December 20, 2024, Baxter sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall letter recommending the following actions:

    Immediately check your stock for the affected product and lot numbers listed above and do not use. The product code and lot number can be found on the individual product and shipping carton.

    Reason for Alert
    Baxter reports that some Solution Sets with Duo-Vent Spikes were incorrectly assembled with inverted slide clamps. If a solution set with an inverted slide clamp is loaded on an infusion pump, the medication may not be delivered and the patient’s blood may backflow into the set and source container. Critical adverse health consequences may occur if the patient does not receive life-sustaining medication or if a significant amount of blood is removed from the patient, especially for high-risk populations, such as neonates or critically ill patients.

    Baxter has not reported any injuries associated with this issue.
    Device Use
    These solution sets are used to administer fluids from a container to patients through a vascular access device, such as an infusion pump. The slide clamp is a feature of these solution sets designed to shut off fluid flow and interact with the infusion pump to load the set into the pump correctly.
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Baxter Healthcare Center for Service at 888-229-0001 or corporate_product_complaints_round_lake@baxter.com.
    Additional FDA Resources

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    03/05/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update on Alert: Infusion Pump Software Issue from Fresenius Kabi USA

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This communication is part of the Communications Pilot to Enhance the Medical Device Recall Program. This recall involves correcting certain devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without correction. The affected products and recommendations for what to do with the devices below have not changed.    
    Affected Product

    The FDA is aware that Fresenius Kabi USA has issued a letter to affected health care providers recommending certain software versions of the Ivenix Infusion System be updated:

    Large Volume Pump (LVP) Software, version 5.9.2 and earlier
    Product code: LVP-SW-0005
    UDI: 00811505030122

    This software is part of the Ivenix Infusion System and is embedded in the Ivenix Large-Volume Pump, LVP-0004 (Pump UDI: 00811505030320)

    What to Do

    On January 10, 2025, Fresenius Kabi USA began notifying affected customers recommending customers update the LVP software to version 5.10:

    Install the new Ivenix Infusion Management System (IMS) software version (5.2) on your IMS server to facilitate the installation of the pump software, LVP SW 5.10.
    To request installation of the software, LVP SW 5.10, contact your Fresenius Kabi representative (1-855-354-6387 or Ivenix_support@fresenius-kabi.com) to push the new software update to each of your pumps. 

    When the software update is received by the LVP, the Update Software prompt shown below appears before the LVP is shut down.

    Select the Update Software button to initiate the LVP version 5.10 software update. Note that the LVP will not be available for use during a software update.

    Use care to not select the “Cancel” or “Shut Down Pump” buttons on the prompt as the software update will then not occur. The pump will prompt you every time you try to shut down the pump until the accept/install update is selected.

    If you are unsure of the software version on your pumps, both the “Systems Dashboard” and “Pump Info” screen found under “More Options” allow you to view the Version and date for your institution.

    If you are unable to immediately install the software, then take the following actions until the infusion pump can be updated to software version 5.10:

    When frequent alarming occurs, restart the Ivenix LVP when clinical treatment allows.
    Prior to starting or restarting the secondary infusion, ensure the primary infusion has some volume remaining and has not reached zero.

    Reason for Alert
    Fresenius Kabi USA reports the following anomalies associated with software versions 5.9.2 and earlier. These anomalies have the potential to cause serious patient harm or death.
    If during an alarm condition the Pause Audio option is repeated 70 times or more, it will result in the pump becoming nonfunctional, which may lead to the patient being underdosed or delay their therapy. Underdosage may lead to patient harm including temporary arrhythmias, hyperglycemia, hypo- or hypertension, undersedation, and clotting changes.
    If a secondary infusion is started at the exact moment a primary infusion completes, then the pump will switch to primary once the secondary infusion completes and Volume to be Infused (VTBI) reaches 0. Then, the primary infusion will infuse at the previously programed primary rate and continue until the infusion is stopped or the bag is empty, which may lead to the patient being over infused. Over infusion may lead to patient harm including hyper- or hypoglycemia, hypo- or hypertension, electrolyte imbalance, oversedation, temporary arrhythmias, clotting changes, and unsuccessful resuscitation.
    The firm has not reported any injuries or deaths associated with this issue.
    Device Use
    The Ivenix LVP software is the application embedded in the Ivenix Infusion System. The LVP software controls the functioning of the LVP and exchanges information with Infusion Management System (IMS) applications. When loaded with an administration set, the LVP delivers infusion therapy to an individual patient. 
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Fresenius Kabi USA at Ivenix_support@fresenius-kabi.com or 1-855-354-6387.
    Additional FDA Resources

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    03/05/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Budget 2025: Investing in Alberta’s future | Budget 2025 : Investir dans l’avenir de l’Alberta

    As Alberta continues work to address increasing domestic and international economic pressures, Budget 2025 works to strengthen Alberta’s economy. This budget helps build communities, secure Alberta’s southern border and boost investments in the province’s economic future.

    “While we work closely with partners to find solutions to a possible trade conflict, we will continue our work to make sure Alberta’s economy is strong – in and outside of the energy sector – so that we can manage any turbulence that comes our way. Budget 2025 carves our path forward in the face of this uncertainty.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Budget 2025: Supporting a strong workforce

    Alberta’s workforce is the backbone of the provincial economy. Budget 2025 continues the commitment to training and developing a skilled and resilient labour force to further grow Alberta’s economy and help businesses succeed, including: 

    • $26.1 billion over three years from the Capital Plan, to support about 26,500 direct and 12,000 indirect jobs each year through 2027-28.
    • $135 million for skilled trade programs such as apprenticeship and adult learning initiatives to help Albertans gain the skills and training needed for successful careers, and support access to job opportunities.
    • $2 billion in 2025-26 to support and expand early learning and child-care system so parents and caregivers can participate in training, education or work opportunities.  

    Budget 2025: Securing our borders

    • Alberta’s government is committed to being a good neighbour and trading partner, and part of this commitment involves taking measures to secure the Alberta-US border. Budget 2025 includes $29 million in 2025-26 for a new Interdiction Patrol Team within the Alberta Sheriffs to tackle illegal drug and gun smuggling, human trafficking, apprehension of persons attempting to cross the border illegally, and other illegal activities along Alberta’s international land border. Budget 2025 also includes a $15 million investment over two years for three new vehicle inspection stations located near borders to the USA.

    Budget 2025: Investing in post-secondary education

    Budget 2025 invests a total of $7.4 billion in post-secondary education, with an operating budget of $6.6 billion in 2025-26. This includes:

    • $78 million per year over the next three years to create more seats in apprenticeship classes across the province to build skilled trades and apprenticeship education that will respond to the needs of industry, support the economy and connect Albertans with jobs.
    • $113 million to support greater demand for scholarships and the Alberta Student Grant, with $60 million funded from the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund.
    • $4 million to the First Nations Colleges Grant which is distributed equally across five colleges in rural and remote Indigenous communities.

    “Our government is ensuring that Alberta students have the skills and training they need to meet the needs of today while preparing for the economy of the future. Budget 2025 makes foundational investments to meet the challenge of a rapidly growing population while supporting a sustainable post-secondary education system.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    Budget 2025: Building communities

    Alberta’s vibrant communities make Alberta the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family. Budget 2025 invests in stronger communities across Alberta, including:

    • $17.2 million to increase grants made to municipalities in lieu of property taxes on government-owned property to 75 per cent, up from the current 50 per cent. By next year, the province will cover 100 per cent of the amount that would be paid if the property was taxable.
    • $820 million this year and $2.5 billion over three years in Local Government Fiscal Framework capital funding to help fund local infrastructure priorities.

    Budget 2025: Supporting trade and diversification

    Alberta continues to champion economic growth and policies that support productivity. Through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government will continue to build on current successes through:

    • Attracting more investment through low corporate income taxes. At eight per cent, Alberta’s corporate income tax rate is 30 per cent lower than the next lowest province.
    • Providing greater incentive for small- and medium-sized firms that increase their spending on research and development, with Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant.
    • Promoting Alberta as a reliable partner in supporting North American and global energy security to investors. The province will optimize new and existing infrastructure to access new markets for Alberta’s energy and mineral resources.
    • Supporting Alberta’s agriculture producers and value-added processors, addressing barriers to trade by cultivating export markets, and working to increase market access for Alberta products.
    • Reinforcing Alberta as a critical contributor to North American energy security by continuing to advocate for our remarkable energy sector across Canada, the U.S., Germany, Japan and the rest of the world.

    Budget 2025: Investing in business and industry

    Budget 2025 continues to find ways to help Alberta’s economy grow through investments in business and industry and help our economy grow, including:

    • Support to attract investment in Alberta’s energy and mineral resource sector to accelerate opportunities in emerging resources.
    • $45 million over three years for the Investment and Growth Fund to attract investment into Alberta’s economy.
    • $1.8 million in Western Crop Innovations for industry-leading crop research.
    • $780,000 to support small- and medium-sized meat processors.
    • $3.1 million for the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to expand toward a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory. This will give livestock producers and vets access to quicker, more affordable livestock diagnostics closer to home.

    “Budget 2025 builds a stronger Alberta by growing industries, creating high-quality jobs and expanding opportunities for workers and families. With strategic investments in innovation, infrastructure and workforce development, Alberta is rising to the challenge, strengthening our province for many years to come.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    “We are advancing cutting-edge research in agriculture and supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, we are strengthening our agricultural infrastructure, ensuring quicker and more affordable services for livestock producers and veterinarians. We’re supporting innovation, attracting investment, and building a resilient economy for the future.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Related information

    • Budget 2025

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    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge (Feb 27, 2025)
    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge in health and education (Feb 27, 2025)

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    Le budget de 2025 relève le défi de l’incertitude en matière de commerce et de sécurité en mettant l’accent sur l’économie.

    À mesure que l’Alberta continue de répondre aux pressions économiques intérieures et internationales, le budget de 2025 vise à renforcer l’économie albertaine. Il contribue à bâtir des communautés, à assurer la sécurité de la frontière au sud de la province et à renforcer les investissements dans notre avenir économique.

    « Alors que nous travaillons en étroite collaboration avec des partenaires pour trouver des solutions à un différend commercial potentiel, nous poursuivons notre travail pour nous assurer que l’économie de l’Alberta est forte, dans le secteur de l’énergie et ailleurs, afin de pouvoir gérer toute perturbation. Le budget de 2025 trace la voie à suivre face à cette incertitude. »

    Nate Horner, président du Conseil du Trésor et ministre des Finances

    Budget 2025 : Soutenir une main-d’œuvre solide

    La main-d’œuvre albertaine est l’épine dorsale de l’économie provinciale. Le budget de 2025 maintient l’engagement envers la formation et le perfectionnement d’une main-d’œuvre qualifiée et résiliente de sorte à faire croître l’économie et aider les entreprises à réussir : 

    • 26,1 milliards de dollars sur trois ans provenant du plan d’immobilisations afin d’appuyer environ 26 500 emplois directs et 12 000 emplois indirects chaque année jusqu’en 2027-2028.
    • 135 millions de dollars pour des programmes de métiers spécialisés, comme des initiatives d’apprentissages et d’éducation des adultes de sorte à aider les Albertains à acquérir les compétences et à suivre la formation nécessaires pour mener des carrières fructueuses, ainsi qu’à soutenir l’accès aux possibilités d’emploi.
    • 2 milliards de dollars en 2025-26 pour appuyer et élargir le système d’apprentissage et de garde des jeunes enfants afin que les parents et les gardiens tirent parti de possibilités de formation, d’éducation ou d’emploi.  

    Budget 2025 : Assurer la sécurité de nos frontières

    • Le gouvernement de l’Alberta est résolu à être un bon voisin et un bon partenaire commercial, ce qui implique la prise de mesures pour assurer la sécurité de la frontière entre l’Alberta et les États-Unis. Le budget de 2025 prévoit 29 millions de dollars en 2025-26 pour une nouvelle équipe de « patrouille d’interdiction » (Interdiction Patrol Team) qui fait partie des shérifs de l’Alberta et sera chargée de lutter contre le trafic de drogue et d’armes et la traite de personnes, d’appréhender les personnes qui tentent de traverser la frontière illégalement et de surveiller d’autres activités illégales le long de la frontière internationale de la province. Le budget de 2025 comprend en outre un investissement de 15 millions de dollars sur deux ans pour trois nouveaux postes d’inspection de véhicules près de la frontière des États-Unis.

    Budget 2025 : Investir dans l’enseignement postsecondaire

    Le budget de 2025 investit en tout 7,4 milliards de dollars dans l’enseignement postsecondaire, le budget d’exploitation étant de 6,6 milliards de dollars en 2025-2026. Cette somme comprend :

    • 78 millions de dollars par années sur trois ans pour créer un plus grand nombre de places dans les cours d’apprentissage de toute la province en vue de renforcer les métiers spécialisés et les formations en apprentissage qui répondront aux besoins de l’industrie, soutiendront l’économie et mettront les Albertains en rapport avec des emplois.
    • 113 millions de dollars pour contribuer à satisfaire à la demande croissante de bourses et appuyer la bourse aux étudiants de l’Alberta (Alberta Student Grant), dont 60 millions de dollars provenant de l’Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund.
    • 4 millions de dollars pour la subvention aux collèges des Premières Nations (First Nations Colleges Grant), cette somme étant répartie également entre cinq collèges dans des communautés autochtones rurales et éloignées.

    « Notre gouvernement veille à ce que les étudiants en Alberta possèdent les compétences et la formation nécessaires pour répondre aux besoins actuels, tout en se préparant à l’économie future. Le budget de 2025 réalise des investissements fondamentaux de sorte à relever les défis posés par une population en pleine croissance, tout en appuyant un système d’éducation postsecondaire durable. »

    Rajan Sawhney, ministre de l’Enseignement postsecondaire

    Budget 2025 : Bâtir des communautés

    Les communautés dynamiques de notre province font de l’Alberta le meilleur endroit au Canada où vivre, travailler et élever une famille. Le budget de 2025 investit dans des communautés plus fortes partout en Alberta :

    • 17,2 millions de dollars pour augmenter de 50 % à 75 % les subventions accordées aux municipalités en remplacement d’impôts fonciers à l’égard des propriétés qui appartiennent au gouvernement. D’ici l’année prochaine, la province couvrira 100 $ du montant qui serait versé si la propriété était imposable.
    • 820 millions de dollars cette année et 2,5 milliards de dollars sur trois ans en dépenses en capital du cadre fiscal des administrations locales (Local Government Fiscal Framework) afin d’aider à financer les travaux d’infrastructures prioritaires.

    Budget 2025 : Soutenir le commerce et la diversification

    L’Alberta continue de favoriser la croissance économique et des politiques qui appuient la productivité. Par l’entremise du budget de 2025, le gouvernement de l’Alberta continuera de tirer parti des réussites actuelles en faisant ce qui suit :

    • Attirer plus d’investissements grâce à un faible taux d’imposition sur le revenu des sociétés. En Alberta, le taux de 8 % est de 30 % inférieur à celui de la province qui se classe deuxième.
    • Offrir de plus grands stimulants aux petites et moyennes entreprises qui augmentent leurs dépenses en recherche et développement, par l’entremise de la subvention pour l’emploi et l’innovation (Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant).
    • Promouvoir l’Alberta en tant que partenaire fiable pour soutenir la sécurité énergétique nord-américaine et mondiale auprès des investisseurs. La province optimisera les infrastructures nouvelles et existantes afin d’accéder à de nouveaux marchés pour les ressources énergétiques et minérales de l’Alberta.
    • Soutenir les producteurs agricoles albertains et les transformateurs à valeur ajoutée de l’Alberta, s’attaquer aux obstacles au commerce en cultivant les marchés d’exportation et s’employer à améliorer l’accès au marché pour les produits de l’Alberta.
    • Renforcer la position de l’Alberta en tant que contributrice essentielle à la sécurité énergétique de l’Amérique du Nord en continuant de promouvoir notre secteur énergétique remarquable au Canada, aux États-Unis, en Allemagne, au Japon et dans le reste du monde.

    Budget 2025 : Investir dans les entreprises et les industries

    Le budget de 2025 continue de trouver des moyens de favoriser la croissance de l’économie albertaine en investissant dans les entreprises et les industries :

    • Soutien visant à attirer des investissements dans le secteur de l’énergie et des ressources minérales de sorte à accélérer les possibilités dans le domaine des ressources émergentes.
    • 45 millions de dollars sur trois ans pour le fonds d’investissement et de croissance (Investment and Growth Fund) en vue d’attirer des investissements dans l’économie albertaine.
    • 1,8 million de dollars versés à Western Crop Innovations au titre de la recherche de pointe sur les cultures.
    • 780 000 $ pour appuyer les petites et moyennes entreprises de transformation de viande.
    • 3,1 millions de dollars pour la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l’Université de Calgary en vue d’un agrandissement menant à un laboratoire de diagnostic vétérinaire complet. Les éleveurs de bétail et les vétérinaires auront alors accès à un diagnostic plus rapide, plus abordable et plus proche.

    « Le budget de 2025 bâtit une Alberta plus forte en développant les industries, en créant des emplois de haute qualité et en élargissant les possibilités offertes aux travailleurs et aux familles. Grâce à des investissements stratégiques en innovation, infrastructure et perfectionnement de la main-d’œuvre, l’Alberta relève le défi pour être plus forte pendant de nombreuses années à venir. »

    Matt Jones, ministre de l’Emploi, de l’Économie et du Commerce

    « Nous faisons progresser la recherche de point en agriculture et nous appuyons les petites et moyennes entreprises. De plus, nous renforçons notre infrastructure agricole pour offrir des services plus rapides et plus abordables aux éleveurs de bétail et aux vétérinaires. Nous soutenons l’innovation, nous attirons les investissements et nous bâtissons une économie résiliente pour l’avenir. »

    RJ Sigurdson, ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Irrigation

    Le budget de 2025 relève le défi auquel fait face l’Alberta grâce à des investissements continus dans l’éducation et la santé, une baisse des impôts pour les familles et un accent sur l’économie.

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    • Budget 2025

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    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge | Budget 2025 : Relever le défi (27 février 2025)
    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge in health and education | Budget 2025 :  Relever le défi dans la santé et l’éducation (27 février 2025)

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fitch Ratings Revises Outlook on SiriusPoint to Positive Based on Significant Underwriting Performance Improvement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fitch Ratings (Fitch) has today announced that it has affirmed the ratings of SiriusPoint Ltd. (“SiriusPoint” or the “Company”), including its Long-Term Issuer Default Rating at ‘BBB’, its senior debt rating at ‘BBB-‘ and its Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating at ‘A-‘ (Strong) of SiriusPoint’s subsidiaries. It has also revised the Company’s Outlook to Positive from Stable.

    Fitch said: “The Positive Outlook reflects significant underwriting performance improvement in 2024 and 2023 as a result of repositioning the (re)insurance portfolio and exiting non-core lines in order to improve profitability and reduce overall volatility.”

    Key drivers of the ratings include the completed transaction for the full repurchase of all outstanding shares and warrants from CM Bermuda Limited, as well as solid underwriting results in both 2024 and 2023. Fitch said it “anticipates the favourable underwriting results to continue while the company expects to grow its business, particularly in primary insurance.”

    Fitch also recognizes SiriusPoint’s strong financial performance of $184m for net income 2024, while citing its “strong operating income from underwriting profits, increased investment income and a gain of $96m on the deconsolidation of an MGA.”

    SiriusPoint CEO, Scott Egan said: “Fitch Ratings’ decision to improve SiriusPoint’s Outlook to Positive follows nine consecutive quarters of strong operating performance. The outlook revision validates the measurable progress we have made in repositioning our business, building out a successful underwriting platform, and growing a track record of performance, while also strengthening and simplifying our capital structure. This decision is a reflection of the contribution and hard work of our global team. We look forward to continuing our momentum towards additional favourable outcomes for the Company and its stakeholders.”

    Click here for full details in the Fitch press release.

    Contacts
    Investor Relations
    Liam Blackledge, SiriusPoint
    Liam.Blackledge@siriuspt.com
    + 44 203 772 3082

    Media
    Stephen Breen, Rein4ce
    Stephen.breen@rein4ce.co.uk
    + 44 7843 076556

    About SiriusPoint

    SiriusPoint is a global underwriter of insurance and reinsurance providing solutions to clients and brokers around the world. Bermuda-headquartered with offices in New York, London, Stockholm and other locations, we are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (SPNT). We have licenses to write Property & Casualty and Accident & Health insurance and reinsurance globally. Our offering and distribution capabilities are strengthened by a portfolio of strategic partnerships with Managing General Agents and Program Administrators within our Insurance & Services segment. With over $2.6 billion total capital, SiriusPoint’s operating companies have a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from AM Best, S&P and Fitch, and A3 from Moody’s.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    We make statements in this press release that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. federal securities laws. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions and conditions affecting the insurance and reinsurance industry; the adequacy of our reserves; fluctuation in the results of operations; pandemic or other catastrophic event; uncertainty of success in investing in early-stage companies, such as the risk of loss of an initial investment, highly variable returns on investments, delay in receiving return on investment and difficulty in liquidating the investment; our ability to assess underwriting risk, trends in rates for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, competition, investment market and investment income fluctuations; trends in insured and paid losses; regulatory and legal uncertainties; and other risk factors described in SiriusPoint’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2024.

    Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, or new information, data or methods, future events, or other circumstances after the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Scott, Schumer, Jeffries, Murray, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect the Rights of American Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, March 5 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressional and labor leaders, today reintroduced the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), comprehensive labor legislation to protect the rights of workers to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits and safer workplaces. The legislation was renamed in honor of former AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka.

    Joining Sanders, Scott, Schumer, Jeffries and Murray on the PRO Act are Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as 210 cosponsors in the House.

    “Never before in the history of our nation have income and wealth inequality been greater than today. Workers are falling further and further behind. In response, millions of Americans have expressed their desire to join a union,” said Sanders. “However, the billionaire class is fighting with all its might to put down attempts by workers to exercise their constitutional right to unionize. That includes the decision by President Trump to illegally fire National Labor Relations Board Member Gwynne Wilcox and effectively shut down the NLRB. Without a functioning NLRB, corporate bosses can illegally fire unionizing workers, flagrantly violate labor laws and render free and fair union elections near impossible. Supporting the immediate reinstatement of Member Wilcox and the swift passage of the PRO Act would be major steps toward building real worker power. The PRO Act is long overdue and I am proud to be introducing this bill in the Senate.”

    “Unions are essential for building a strong middle class and improving the lives of workers and families. Regrettably, for too long, workers have suffered from anti-union attacks and toothless labor laws that undermined their right to form a union,” said Scott. “As union approval remains at record highs, Congress has an urgent responsibility to ensure that workers can join a union and negotiate for higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces. The PRO Act is the most critical step Congress can take to uplift American workers. I urge my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in advancing the most significant update for workers’ labor organizing rights in over eighty years.”

    “As we speak Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies are stealing the American dream away from working families, rigging every lever of society in favor of the billionaire class,” said Schumer. “That’s why we need the PRO Act, to empower hardworking Americans to bargain for better wages, benefits, and safer working conditions. I’ve been involved in this fight for a very, very long time, and I will stay in this fight for as long as it takes – until every worker gets the wage they deserve, until the right to organize is protected and encouraged and secure, and until we finally make the PRO Act the law of the land.”

    “Right now, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attacking workers, including mass firing people by the tens of thousands, left and right, regardless of how important that work is,” said Murray. “Reintroducing the PRO Act is more important now than ever. This is about making sure we are not just pushing back—but also pushing forward: charting a positive vision for workers and daring Republicans to make their actions match their words. Who do you stand with—the billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump—whose favorite two words are ‘you’re fired?’ Or do you stand with hard working American women and men. People who just want fair pay, decent treatment, and a government that works to make their lives better, not worse? That should not be too much to ask! I’m going to keep fighting, come hell or high water, to make it easier for workers to join together and fight for the better pay and working conditions they deserve.”

    “When our unions are strong, the United States of America is strong,” said Jeffries. “While Republicans are focused on giving handouts to their billionaire donors, Democrats will continue to fight to make sure that every American worker can organize and thrive and fight for better wages, better pay, better safety conditions and better benefits. Thanks to the leadership of Ranking Member Bobby Scott, that is exactly what the PRO Act does and we will not rest until we get this legislation across the finish line.”

    “Billionaires know there’s no greater threat to their power than a union card,” said Clark. “That’s why they’re using miles of red tape to deny the American people their basic, constitutional right to organize. We can cut that red tape for good. The PRO Act is yet another chance for Republicans to show where they stand: with working people or their billionaire donors.”

    “The PRO Act will safeguard the fundamental right of American workers to collectively bargain and organize and will ensure workers receive fair treatment while holding their employers to just standards,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.). “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to strengthen the right of our nation’s hardest-working men and women to organize and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and conditions. A strong workforce is the foundation of a strong nation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see this vital legislation through.”

    “Americans believe in the power of unions and tens of millions of working people would become union members tomorrow if they could. But American labor law is broken, weighted on the side of the bosses and against the workers. In too many workplaces, in too many industries across the country, big corporations and billionaire CEOs still retaliate against us for organizing. They refuse to negotiate our contracts, force us to sit through hours of anti-union propaganda, and engage in illegal union-busting every day. Now they have an unelected, unaccountable, union-buster trying to illegally fire tens of thousands of our fellow workers in federal jobs and an administration rolling back the workplace protections. The PRO Act is long overdue, and the American people agree. We urge elected leaders of both parties to move this critical legislation forward so that all workers have the chance to stand together and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

    Large corporations and the wealthy continue to capture the rewards of a growing economy while working families and middle-class Americans are left behind. From 1979 to 2023, annual wages for the bottom 90% of households increased just 44 percent, while average incomes for the wealthiest 1% increased more than 180 percent.

    Unions are critical to increasing wages and creating a strong economy that rewards hardworking people. Through the power of collective bargaining, the typical union worker earns 16 percent more than the typical non-union worker.

    The American people’s support for unions is surging. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 70 percent of Americans approve of labor unions — remaining at near record highs. Despite growing support for unions, billionaire- and special interest-funded attacks on the rights of workers, unions and labor laws have eroded union density and made it harder for workers to organize. The share of American workers who are union members has fallen from roughly one in three workers in 1956 to a new low of 9.9 percent in 2024. The PRO Act restores fairness to the economy by strengthening the federal law that protects the right of workers to join a union and bargain for higher pay, better benefits and safer workplaces.

    The PRO Act would protect the right to organize and collectively bargain by:

    • Bolstering remedies and punishing violations of the rights of workers through authorizing meaningful penalties for employers that violate their rights, strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights and authorizing a private right of action for violation of the rights of workers.
    • Strengthening the rights of workers to join together and negotiate for better working conditions by enhancing their right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring unions can collect “fair share” fees, modernizing the union election process and facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements.
    • Restoring fairness to an economy rigged against workers by closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors and increasing transparency in labor-management relations.

    More than 18 organizations endorsed the PRO Act, including the AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Autoworkers (UAW), United Steelworkers (USW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), National Nurses United (NNU), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the American Federation of Musicians, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).

    Read the bill text here.

    Read a fact sheet here.

    Read a section-by-section summary here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, President Trump’s Nominee to Lead NIH

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    March 5, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, President Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Senator Ricketts said the following of Dr. Bhattacharya:

    “He showed great intellectual honesty and courage because he offered alternative suggestions about how to handle the pandemic…” Sen. Ricketts said. “Dr. Bhattacharya helped give me a perspective and certainly demonstrated that he was thinking not just about how does the virus impact people but if we do lockdowns and so forth how will that impact people’s health? And there were other impacts from doing those shutdowns.” 

    When he was Governor, Ricketts consulted with Dr. Bhattacharya to develop Nebraska’s highly successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Politico ranked Nebraska as having the best COVID response of any state considering health, economic, social, and educational factors.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Funding cuts jeopardize global fight against tuberculosis, WHO warns

    Source: United Nations 2

    Health

    The UN World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Wednesday that severe funding cuts – particularly in the United States – are threatening decades of progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), still the world’s deadliest infectious disease.

    The health agency highlighted that essential prevention, testing and treatment services are collapsing, leaving millions at risk.

    The hardest-hit regions include Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific, where national TB programmes depend heavily on international support.

    “Any disruption to TB services – whether financial, political or operational – can have devastating and often fatal consequences for millions worldwide,” said Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO Global Programme on TB and Lung Health.

    Last week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres also raised the alarm over funding cuts, noting the immediate impact on key health programmes combatting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and cholera.

    A devastating setback

    Over the past two decades, global TB programmes have saved more than 79 million lives, averting approximately 3.65 million deaths last year alone.

    A significant portion of this success has been driven by US Government funding, which has provided about $200 to $250 million annually – approximately a quarter of the total international donor funding secured.  

    The US has been the largest bilateral donor for programmes combatting the disease.

    However, newly announced cuts for 2025 through executive orders will have devastating impacts on TB response efforts in at least 18 high-burden countries, where 89 per cent of expected US funding was allocated for patient care.

    The impact will be particularly devastating in Africa, where treatment disruptions and staff layoffs could exponentially increase TB transmission rates.

    Immense burden

    Early reports from TB-affected countries indicate that funding constraints are already dismantling essential health services.

    Among the most pressing concerns are health worker layoffs, drug shortages and supply chain breakdowns, data and surveillance systems are collapse, and disruptions to TB research and funding.

    “Without immediate action, hard-won progress in the fight against TB is at risk. Our collective response must be swift, strategic and fully resourced to protect the most vulnerable and maintain momentum toward ending TB,” urged Dr. Kasaeva.

    Call for urgent action

    WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting governments and global partners in the fight against TB.

    “In these challenging times, WHO remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting national governments, civil society and global partners in securing sustained funding and integrated solutions to safeguard the health and well-being of those most vulnerable to TB,” the agency said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ‘Need not race’ approach to bowel cancer screening will save lives

    Source: ACT Party

    “The move to reduce the eligibility age for free bowel cancer screening to 58 is ‘need, not race’ in action, and will save lives,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

    “ACT campaigned against targeting services based on race, because this practice was unfair, inefficient, and led to perverse outcomes.

    “Bowel cancer screening was a classic example. In 2022, Labour set a lower eligibility age for Māori/Pacific people accessing the National Bowel Screening Programme.

    “However, bowel cancer does not discriminate on race. Māori and Pacific peoples have a similar risk of developing bowel cancer compared to other population groups at a given age.

    “It was true that a higher proportion of bowel cancers occur in Māori and Pacific peoples at a younger age, but that is because the overall demographics of those groups are younger. It has always been age that determines bowel cancer risk, not race.

    “Today, the Government has repurposed Labour’s funding to deliver an eligibility age of 58 for all population groups, down from the previous default of 60.

    “This is ‘need, not race’ in action. ACT campaigned on it, we secured it in our coalition agreement, the Minister of Health pushed officials, and the result was (after having to go overseas for the advice) that we can have good things and deliver wider health benefits to all New Zealanders.

    “It shows, when you use real science and real statistics you don’t have to be racist. The previous government got the science and statistics wrong, and practiced racism. We abhor racial discrimination and we’re proud to be part of seeing the back of it.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Alto Ingredients, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-end 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Implemented Cost Savings Expected to Yield Approximately $8 Million Annually –
    – Integrated Accretive Acquisition of a Beverage-grade Liquid CO2Processor –
    – Considering Asset Sales, a Merger or Other Strategic Transactions –

    PEKIN, Ill., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO), a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels and essential ingredients, reported its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Bryon McGregor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alto Ingredients said, “During the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, we implemented cost saving initiatives, including cold idling our Magic Valley plant, and lowering total company headcount by 16%. We expect these staffing reductions to save approximately $8 million annually beginning in the second quarter of 2025. While ensuring high customer service, we rightsized the company to our smaller organizational footprint to position for long-term sustainable growth.

    “On January 1st, we acquired a beverage-grade liquid carbon dioxide processor adjacent to our Columbia site. Bolstering economics and increasing asset valuation, this immediately accretive transaction has a compelling payback of less than two years as well as opportunities for cost synergies and expanded production. At our Pekin Campus, we continue to diligently pursue opportunities to optimize carbon, which has been historically underutilized and undervalued. Lastly, with the assistance of our financial and legal advisors, we are considering a broad range of options, including asset sales, a merger or other strategic transactions to better align the long-term value potential of the company.”

    Chief Financial Officer Rob Olander added, “Our restructuring has improved Alto’s financial position going forward. In doing so, during the fourth quarter of 2024, we recognized over $30 million in asset impairments and prior acquisition-related expenses, which reset our base. Combining our reduced expense run rate with our improved performance at the Pekin wet mill, our synergistic acquisition of premium liquid CO2 processing and our entry into the European market, we are optimistic about 2025.”

    Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to 2023

    • Net sales were $236.3 million, compared to $273.6 million.
    • Cost of goods sold was $237.7 million, compared to $276.2 million.
    • Gross loss was $1.4 million, including $3.5 million in realized losses on derivatives, compared to a gross loss of $2.5 million, including $2.3 million in realized losses on derivatives.
    • Selling, general and administrative expenses were $7.4 million, compared to $7.8 million.
    • Expenses related to the Eagle Alcohol acquisition were $5.7 million, compared to $0.7 million.
    • Asset impairments were $24.8 million comprised of $21.4 million related to Magic Valley and $3.4 million related to Eagle Alcohol, compared to $6.0 million related to Eagle Alcohol.
    • Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $42.0 million, or $0.57 per share, compared to $19.3 million, or $0.26 per share.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was negative $7.7 million, including $3.5 million in realized losses on derivatives, compared to positive $3.5 million, including $2.3 million in realized losses on derivatives.

    Cash and cash equivalents were $35.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $30.0 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, the company’s borrowing availability was $88.1 million including $23.1 million under the company’s operating line of credit and $65.0 million under its term loan facility, subject to certain conditions.

    Financial Results for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to 2023

    • Net sales were $965.3 million, compared to $1,222.9 million.
    • Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $60.3 million, including $32.5 million in expenses related to asset impairments and the company’s Eagle Alcohol acquisition, or $0.82 per share. This compares to $29.3 million, including $6.5 million in net expenses related to asset impairments, the company’s Eagle Alcohol acquisition and a USDA cash grant, or $0.40 per share.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was negative $8.5 million, including $2.5 million in realized losses on derivatives and $5.4 million in costs related to the biennial outage in the second quarter, compared to positive $20.8 million, including $1.6 million in realized gains on derivatives.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Results Conference Call
    Management will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and will deliver prepared remarks via webcast followed by a question-and-answer session.

    The webcast for the conference call can be accessed from Alto Ingredients’ website at www.altoingredients.com. Alternatively, to receive a number and unique PIN by email, register here. To dial directly up to twenty minutes prior to the scheduled call time, please dial (833) 630-0017 domestically and (412) 317-1806 internationally. The webcast will be archived for replay on the Alto Ingredients website for one year. In addition, a telephonic replay will be available at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, through 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. To access the replay, please dial (877) 344-7529. International callers should dial 00-1 412-317-0088. The pass code will be 5306551.

    Use of Non-GAAP Measures
    Management believes that certain financial measures not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are useful measures of operations. The company defines Adjusted EBITDA as unaudited consolidated net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, provision for income taxes, asset impairments, unrealized derivative gains and losses, acquisition-related expense and depreciation and amortization expense. A table is provided at the end of this release that provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, net income (loss). Management provides this non-GAAP measure so that investors will have the same financial information that management uses, which may assist investors in properly assessing the company’s performance on a period-over-period basis. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other measure of performance under GAAP, or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as an indicator of cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company’s results as reported under GAAP.

    About Alto Ingredients, Inc.
    Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO) is a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels and essential ingredients. Leveraging the unique qualities of its facilities, the company serves customers in a wide range of consumer and commercial products in the Health, Home & Beauty; Food & Beverage; Industry & Agriculture; Essential Ingredients; and Renewable Fuels markets. For more information, please visit www.altoingredients.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
    Statements and information contained in this communication that refer to or include Alto Ingredients’ estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical expressions of fact are forward-looking statements that reflect Alto Ingredients’ current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of the communication. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Alto Ingredients’ projected outlook and future performance, including the timing and effects of its cost savings initiatives and its acquisition of a liquid carbon dioxide processor adjacent to its Columbia plant; Alto Ingredients’ capital projects, including its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project and opportunities to optimize carbon; and Alto Ingredients’ other plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. It is important to note that Alto Ingredients’ plans, objectives, expectations and intentions are not predictions of actual performance. Actual results may differ materially from Alto Ingredients’ current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Alto Ingredients’ business and plans. These factors include, among others adverse economic and market conditions, including for renewable fuels, specialty alcohols and essential ingredients; export conditions and international demand for the company’s products; fluctuations in the price of and demand for oil and gasoline; raw material costs, including production input costs, such as corn and natural gas; adverse impacts of inflation and supply chain constraints; and the cost, ability to fund, timing and effects of, including the financial and other results deriving from, Alto Ingredients’ repair and maintenance programs, plant improvements and other capital projects, including CCS, and other business initiatives and strategies. These factors also include, among others, the inherent uncertainty associated with financial and other projections and large-scale capital projects, including CCS; the anticipated size of the markets and continued demand for Alto Ingredients’ products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the alcohol production, marketing and distribution industries; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; successful compliance with governmental regulations applicable to Alto Ingredients’ facilities, products and/or businesses; changes in laws, regulations and governmental policies, including with respect to the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax and other benefits Alto Ingredients expects to derive from CCS; the loss of key senior management or staff; and other events, factors and risks previously and from time to time disclosed in Alto Ingredients’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, specifically, those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section contained in Alto Ingredients’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2024.

    Company IR and Media Contact:
    Michael Kramer, Alto Ingredients, Inc., 916-403-2755
    Investorrelations@altoingredients.com

    IR Agency Contact:
    Kirsten Chapman, Alliance Advisors Investor Relations, 415-433-3777
    altoinvestor@allianceadvisors.com

    ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
         
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Years Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023 
             
    Net sales $ 236,347     $ 273,625     $ 965,258     $ 1,222,940  
    Cost of goods sold   237,738       276,150       955,536       1,207,287  
    Gross profit (loss)   (1,391 )     (2,525 )     9,722       15,653  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   (7,358 )     (7,823 )     (29,736 )     (29,864 )
    Acquisition-related expenses   (5,676 )     (700 )     (7,701 )     (2,800 )
    Gain (loss) on sale of assets   —       (153 )     830       (293 )
    Asset impairments   (24,790 )     (5,970 )     (24,790 )     (6,544 )
    Loss from operations   (39,215 )     (17,171 )     (51,675 )     (23,848 )
    Interest expense, net   (2,474 )     (2,126 )     (7,644 )     (7,425 )
    Income from cash grant   —       —       —       2,812  
    Other income, net   150       449       508       553  
    Loss before provision for income taxes   (41,539 )     (18,848 )     (58,811 )     (27,908 )
    Provision for income taxes   173       97       173       97  
    Net loss $ (41,712 )   $ (18,945 )   $ (58,984 )   $ (28,005 )
    Preferred stock dividends $ (319 )   $ (319 )   $ (1,269 )   $ (1,265 )
    Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (42,031 )   $ (19,264 )   $ (60,253 )   $ (29,270 )
    Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.57 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.82 )   $ (0.40 )
    Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   73,835       72,969       73,482       73,339  
                                   
    ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (unaudited, in thousands, except par value)
     
    ASSETS December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Current Assets:    
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,469   $ 30,014
    Restricted cash   742     15,466
    Accounts receivable, net   58,217     58,729
    Inventories   49,914     52,611
    Derivative instruments   3,313     2,412
    Other current assets   5,463     9,538
    Total current assets   153,118     168,770
    Property and equipment, net   214,742     248,748
    Other Assets:      
    Right of use operating lease assets, net   20,553     22,597
    Intangible assets, net   4,509     8,498
    Other assets   8,516     5,628
    Total other assets   33,578     36,723
    Total Assets $ 401,438   $ 454,241
    ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
    (unaudited, in thousands, except par value)
     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Current Liabilities:    
    Accounts payable $ 20,369     $ 20,752  
    Accrued liabilities   24,214       20,205  
    Current portion – operating leases   4,851       4,333  
    Derivative instruments   1,177       13,849  
    Other current liabilities   7,193       6,149  
    Total current liabilities   57,804       65,288  
                   
    Long-term debt, net   92,904       82,097  
    Operating leases, net of current portion   16,913       19,029  
    Other liabilities   8,754       8,270  
    Total Liabilities   176,375       174,684  
                   
    Stockholders’ Equity:    
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized;
        Series A: no shares issued and outstanding as of
        December 31, 2024 and 2023
        Series B: 927 shares issued and outstanding as of
        December 31, 2024 and 2023    		   1       1  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized;
        76,565 and 75,703 shares issued and outstanding as of
        December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively    		   77       76  
    Non-voting common stock, $0.001 par value; 3,553 shares authorized;
        1 share issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023    		   —       —  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,044,176       1,040,912  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   4,975       2,481  
    Accumulated deficit   (824,166 )     (763,913 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity   225,063       279,557  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 401,438     $ 454,241  


    Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Loss

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Years Ended
    December 31,
    (in thousands) (unaudited) 2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net loss $ (41,712 )   $ (18,945 )   $ (58,984 )   $ (28,005 )
    Adjustments:        
    Interest expense   2,474       2,126       7,644       7,425  
    Interest income   (112 )     (265 )     (689 )     (854 )
    Unrealized derivative (gains) losses   (5,495 )     8,162       (13,574 )     9,679  
    Acquisition-related expense   5,676       700       7,701       2,800  
    Provision for income taxes   173       97       173       97  
    Asset impairments   24,790       5,970       24,790       6,544  
    Depreciation and amortization expense   6,548       5,698       24,408       23,080  
    Total adjustments   34,054       22,488       50,453       48,771  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ (7,658 )   $ 3,543     $ (8,531 )   $ 20,766  


    Segment Financials (unaudited, in thousands)

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Years Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Net Sales                              

    Pekin Campus, recorded as gross:

    		                              
    Alcohol sales $ 100,216     $ 113,588     $ 415,710     $ 502,217  
    Essential ingredient sales   42,011       48,483       169,308       217,702  
    Intersegment sales   316       307       1,243       1,427  
    Total Pekin Campus sales   142,543       162,378       586,261       721,346  

    Marketing and distribution:

    		                              
    Alcohol sales, gross $ 37,230     $ 46,844     $ 216,295     $ 262,587  
    Alcohol sales, net   60       73       229       365  
    Intersegment sales   2,831       2,920       10,833       11,654  
    Total marketing and distribution sales   40,121       49,837       227,357       274,606  
                                   
    Western production, recorded as gross:                              
    Alcohol sales $ 41,306     $ 44,496     $ 115,389     $ 166,971  
    Essential ingredient sales   12,769       16,650       36,953       57,264  
    Intersegment sales   —       35       (122 )     134  
    Total Western production sales   54,075       61,181       152,220       224,369  
             
    Corporate and other   2,755       3,491       11,374       15,834  
    Intersegment eliminations   (3,147 )     (3,262 )     (11,954 )     (13,215 )
    Net sales as reported $ 236,347     $ 273,625     $ 965,258     $ 1,222,940  

    Cost of goods sold:    		                              
    Pekin Campus (1) (2) $ 139,899     $ 163,497     $  563,033      $ 710,089  
    Marketing and distribution   36,348       46,311       213,023       259,234  
    Western production (1)   59,449       65,042       172,209       230,444  
    Corporate and other   3,592       2,802       12,285       12,122  
    Intersegment eliminations   (1,550 )     (1,502 )     (5,014 )     (4,602 )
    Cost of goods sold as reported $ 237,738     $ 276,150     $ 955,536     $  1,207,287  

    Gross profit (loss):    		                              
    Pekin Campus $ 2,644     $ (1,119 )   $  23,228     $ 11,257  
    Marketing and distribution   3,773       3,526       14,334        15,372  
    Western production   (5,374 )     (3,861 )     (19,989  )     (6,075 )
    Corporate and other   (837 )     689       (911  )      3,712  
    Intersegment eliminations   (1,597 )     (1,760 )     (6,940  )      (8,613 )
    Gross profit (loss) as reported $ (1,391 )   $ (2,525 )   $  9,722      $ 15,653  

    (1) – includes depreciation and amortization expense
    (2) – includes unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

    Sales and Operating Metrics (unaudited)

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Years Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023
    Alcohol Sales (gallons in millions)          
    Pekin Campus renewable fuel gallons sold   32.1     31.8     125.7     136.2
    Western production renewable fuel gallons sold   22.3     20.4     60.5     67.0
    Third party renewable fuel gallons sold   19.0     20.2     108.3     102.6
    Total renewable fuel gallons sold   73.4     72.4     294.5     305.8
    Specialty alcohol gallons sold   21.7     20.1     91.5     76.7
    Total gallons sold   95.1     92.5     386.0     382.5
               
    Sales Price per Gallon          
    Pekin Campus $ 1.89   $ 2.23   $ 1.95   $ 2.40
    Western production $ 1.86   $ 2.18   $ 1.91   $ 2.49
    Marketing and distribution $ 1.96   $ 2.32   $ 2.00   $ 2.56
    Total $ 1.88   $ 2.24   $ 1.95   $ 2.47
               
    Alcohol Production (gallons in millions)          
    Pekin Campus   55.4     51.6     212.4     209.7
    Western production   21.2     20.8     58.7     68.1
    Total   76.6     72.4     271.1     277.8
               
    Corn Cost per Bushel          
    Pekin Campus $ 4.17   $ 5.10   $ 4.45   $ 6.32
    Western production $ 5.79   $ 6.44   $ 5.73   $ 7.45
    Total $ 4.63   $ 5.46   $ 4.72   $ 6.58
               
    Average Market Metrics          
    PLATTS Ethanol price per gallon $ 1.60   $ 1.96   $ 1.69   $ 2.22
    CME Corn cost per bushel $ 4.26   $ 4.76   $ 4.24   $ 5.64
    Board corn crush per gallons (1) $ 0.08   $ 0.26   $ 0.18   $ 0.21
               
    Essential Ingredients Sold (thousand tons)          
    Pekin Campus:          
    Distillers grains   85.3     80.2     336.4     332.7
    CO2   52.7     43.4     188.6     182.4
    Corn wet feed   41.4     25.0     121.8     95.0
    Corn dry feed   22.0     23.3     87.2     90.6
    Corn oil and germ   21.0     18.2     75.1     73.8
    Syrup and other   10.0     12.7     38.6     41.2
    Corn meal   9.3     9.0     35.4     36.8
    Yeast   5.4     6.2     23.2     25.9
    Total Pekin Campus essential ingredients sold   247.1     218.0     906.3     878.4
               
             
    Western production:          
    Distillers grains   144.3     152.0     394.5     459.7
    CO2   14.6     13.8     57.7     55.5
    Syrup and other   17.2     47.5     54.8     119.1
    Corn oil   3.1     2.8     7.6     8.0
    Total Western production essential ingredients sold   179.2     216.1     514.6     642.3
               
    Total Essential Ingredients Sold   426.3     434.1     1,420.9     1,520.7
               
               
    Essential ingredients return % (2)          
    Pekin Campus return   49.5%     51.9%     49.7%     45.7%
    Western production return   30.3%     36.3%     32.0%     33.4%
    Consolidated total return   43.1%     46.8%     45.2%     42.4%
               

    ________________
    (1) Assumes corn conversion of 2.80 gallons of alcohol per bushel of corn.
    (2) Essential ingredients revenues as a percentage of total corn costs consumed.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thibodaux Social Worker Sentenced to 30 Months for Healthcare Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that JOHN CHRISTOPHER BARRILLEAUX (“BARRILLEAUX”), age 64, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 27, 2025 to 30 months in prison, after previously pleading guilty to healthcare fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347.

    According to court documents, from 2008 through 2024, BARRILLEAUX submitted false claims to private insurance companies for millions of dollars of healthcare services that were not actually provided. To hide the fraud, BARRILLEAUX created fake patient notes and submitted them to the insurance companies to support his bills.

    United States District Judge Barry Ashe sentenced BARRILLEAUX to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. BARRILLEAUX was also ordered to pay $4,592,650 in restitution to the victim companies, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    Acting U.S Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, of the Financial Crimes Unit and Health Care Fraud Coordinator, and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters, of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Tactile Medical to Present at the Oppenheimer 35th Annual Healthcare MedTech & Services Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (“Tactile Medical”; the “Company”) (Nasdaq: TCMD), a medical technology company providing therapies for people with chronic disorders, today announced that management will participate in the Oppenheimer 35th Annual Healthcare MedTech & Services Conference, which is being virtually held from March 17th – 20th. Management will participate in a virtual presentation on Tuesday, March 18th at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

    A live audio webcast of the presentation will be accessible under the “Events & Webcasts” section of the Company’s investor relations website at http://investors.tactilemedical.com. An archive of the webcast will be available for replay following the conference.

    About Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (DBA Tactile Medical)

    Tactile Medical is a leader in developing and marketing at-home therapies for people suffering from underserved, chronic conditions including lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency and chronic pulmonary disease by helping them live better and care for themselves at home. Tactile Medical collaborates with clinicians to expand clinical evidence, raise awareness, increase access to care, reduce overall healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of patients each year.

    Investor Inquiries:
    Sam Bentzinger
    Gilmartin Group
    investorrelations@tactilemedical.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ending US birthright citizenship could have consequences for LGBTQ+ couples, lower-income parents and the surrogacy market

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Ashley Mantha-Hollands, Max Weber Fellow, Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies, European University Institute

    The first month of US President Donald Trump’s second term saw an onslaught of executive orders. The order aiming to change how birthright citizenship – the constitutional guarantee of citizenship to most children born within US territory – is granted could be the most consequential. Federal judges in Maryland, Washington state, Massachusetts and New Hampshire have issued nationwide injunctions against the order, and the San Francisco-based US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected the Trump administration’s appeal.

    To date, most media outlets, civil and human rights organisations, and activist groups have expressed concern about how a change to birthright citizenship would impact undocumented people and their children. However, a change could also have a series of further consequences, particularly for children of LGBTQ+ couples and children born through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as surrogacy.

    There are at least three related outcomes to consider: tension between federal and state definitions of parentage, a heightened administrative burden for establishing proof of citizenship, and the potential harm to what is the world’s largest surrogacy market.

    Who are the parents? Not so simple

    In countries where children obtain citizenship based on the citizenship of their parents, the legal parameters of the family are of utmost importance. For this reason, countries often provide specific definitions of who “counts” as a parent. In the US, this responsibility falls to the states, which provide their own definitions. One common practice is known as the “parturient” rule, which holds that the person giving birth is the legal “mother” and her spouse the legal “father”. This practice is increasingly contested. With the rise of ART and, in particular, surrogacy, the person giving birth is not always the intended parent. In fact, at least 14 US states have recognized that the parturient rule does not encompass many types of family arrangements and have altered their administrative frameworks so that “intended parents” can be immediately placed on birth certificates.

    While the establishment of parentage occurs at the state level, establishing citizenship is a federal responsibility. As a result, the federal government also provides its own legal definition of parenthood. This definition includes the following family roles: a genetic parent, a non-genetic gestational parent, a non-genetic and non-gestational spouse of a genetic and/or gestational parent, and parents of an adopted child. By contrast, the definitions in Trump’s executive order would spark a return to traditional heteronormative definitions of parentage. The mother is defined as “the immediate female biological progenitor” and the father as “the immediate male biological progenitor”. Such definitions leave out not only most LGBTQ+ couples, but also some families seeking ART, because children born through these modalities may not be biologically related to the intended parents.

    If the order comes into force, it would result in a mismatch between federal and state definitions of parentage and likely invite many legal disputes, while leaving some children born through ART at risk of statelessness if their parents are unrecognized as such. Citizenship is vital to an individual’s personal security: stateless children can, in some cases, be separated from their intended parents. Moreover, without a legal status, children and their families cannot benefit from the full range of federal and state services, including access to the child welfare system, funding opportunities for higher education and health care. For example, according to officials in 24 states, children would lose benefits from the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which all US-born babies are currently eligible to receive.

    The bureaucratic burden

    The administrative burden of citizenship recognition for newborns is another overlooked issue in discussions about Trump’s order. In most cases, a birth certificate from a US state is sufficient to prove one’s citizenship status. After a child is born, hospitals normally transmit birth-certified information to the local municipality. The child’s birth certificate is then issued three-to-five business days later. The certificate suffices for recognition of citizenship and for federal documentation such as a passport.

    The executive order would increase the administrative burden for recognising citizenship. It is unclear, however, whether this burden would fall on the states or the federal government.

    In the first scenario, state bureaucracies would need to check the parents’ immigration status prior to issuing a birth certificate. This would undoubtedly cause confusion, as each state would need to provide new guidance and training to local bureaucrats on the medley of US immigration statuses and their attendant rights. The processing times for issuing birth certificates would increase, as verification procedures would require additional documentation. The fees for issuing certificates, currently between $7 and $35, would likely rise as well, since bureaucrats would need to investigate each birth rather than issue certificates automatically.

    If the administrative burden falls on the federal government, birth certificates would be issued in the same way and at the same cost by the states, but they would no longer be sufficient to prove a child’s citizenship. In this case, the government would need to issue citizenship certificates, which are normally reserved for proof of citizenship for children born abroad. Each case would require an individual investigation rather than being automatic, and while it’s hard to say how much fees could rise, current fees for citizenship certificates for children born abroad are north of $1,300. The processing of passport applications would take longer and likely be more costly, too, because a system to verify the immigration status of a child’s parents will need to be set up.

    In 2012, the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) released a report that outlined the potential impacts of ending the current approach to birthright citizenship. The report estimates, based on the costs of US citizenship certificates for children born abroad, that changing the existing law – which Trump’s order seeks to reinterpret – would cost parents “approximately $600 in government fees to prove the citizenship status of each baby and likely an additional $600 to $1,000 in legal fees”. The report describes these costs as a “tax” on “each baby born in the United States”.

    Alternately, the US could establish a new national ID card system, but this would also have bureaucratic costs. This type of ID card is common in European countries: with some variation between systems, cards can be used for travel within the EU (as an alternative to a passport) and are generally used to prove citizenship status to vote or receive certain social services. But unlike in the European states that issue these cards, the US government has no registry of vital records and would need a new administrative structure to create one. When the UK government discussed such a system in 2007, its total cost was estimated to be at least 5.75 billion pounds.

    The NFAP report mentions the federal systems that rely on the current practice of state-administered birth certificates and automatic citizenship to function. These systems include the Social Security Administration, which handles retirement, disability and family benefits, and the E-Verify system, which determines whether a person has authorisation to work in the US. The report states that systems such as E-Verify “have cost the American taxpayer billions of dollars. There is no reason to believe that a change to the Citizenship Clause requiring the verification of parents’ immigration status would be any less expensive.”

    Costs to the US surrogacy market

    The US surrogacy industry is the largest in the world. It is valued at over $20 billion (and is expected to grow to $195 billion by 2034), and attracts families from European and Asian countries where surrogacy is not as prevalent or is illegal. An important factor in the size of this market is the attractive environment for surrogacy arrangements. First, surrogacy is relatively mainstreamed in the US, and there are many companies that help with finding donors, surrogates and with navigating the legal process. Second, intended parents have the security of knowing their children will have immediate access to travel documents, such as a US passport, after birth. If a new definition of parentage goes into effect, thus removing the guarantee of US citizenship, the status of children born through surrogacy could be at risk. The attractiveness of the US surrogacy market would likely suffer, because parents would face time-consuming and costly steps to secure status and immigration documents to allow travel between the US and their home country.

    An unclear fate

    The approach to parenthood in the executive order on birthright citizenship aligns with the Trump administration’s overall push toward pronatalism and traditional heterosexual family models. Trump has also signed another executive order expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) for “longing mothers and fathers”. The definition of parentage in this order also leaves out same-sex couples, who often receive IVF treatments.

    The fate of the birthright citizenship order is unclear, and it will likely end up reaching the Supreme Court. Legal debates must include the constitutionality of denying automatic citizenship to US-born children, the effect on children born via assisted reproductive technologies, and the bureaucratic and financial burdens placed on states and parents. While an end to birthright citizenship would immediately affect the children of undocumented people, taking a step back reveals other consequences that could impact the broader US public for generations to come.

    Les auteurs ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Ending US birthright citizenship could have consequences for LGBTQ+ couples, lower-income parents and the surrogacy market – https://theconversation.com/ending-us-birthright-citizenship-could-have-consequences-for-lgbtq-couples-lower-income-parents-and-the-surrogacy-market-250846

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Bowel screening changes to save hundreds of lives

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has agreed to progressively lower the age of eligibility for bowel cancer screening tests to align with Australia.“Today, I am pleased to announce that we are taking the first step by lowering the age to 58, with redirected funding of $36 million over four years. “This means free bowel screening will become available to all New Zealanders from the ages of 58 to 74,” Health Minister Simeon Brown says.“Lowering the age of eligibility from 60 to 58 will see 122,000 Kiwis eligible for free tests in the first year and save hundreds of lives over the coming decades.“This is the first significant step we are taking to align our screening rate for bowel cancer with Australia as funding and access to additional colonoscopy resource becomes available.“The changes announced today are projected to prevent an additional 771 bowel cancers and an additional 566 bowel cancer deaths over the next 25 years.“Advice from the Ministry of Health clearly states that lowering the age to 58 for all New Zealanders will save even more lives than the previous government’s approach to lower the age to 50 for Māori and Pacific Peoples only.“Under our approach, we will be able to prevent 218 additional cancers and 176 additional deaths over 25 years in comparison to the settings proposed by the previous government.“This also aligns with the Government’s policy of ensuring that healthcare is delivered on the basis of need. “The evidence is clear: by delivering this first step for all New Zealanders, more lives will be saved. “The Government has also approved additional funding for targeted initiatives that aim to increase screening rates among population groups with low rates. Improving early detection of bowel cancers can be lifesaving, and this significant investment will be a game-changer for under-screened populations. “New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer globally. Every year, more than 3,300 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in New Zealand. Tragically, more than 1,200 Kiwis die from the disease. “We are committed to improving cancer detection and treatment for Kiwis. Last year we announced a $604 million uplift over four years to enable thousands more Kiwis to access life-saving cancer drugs.”“We will continue to deliver better outcomes for people with cancer as a result of the changes announced today.“By expanding eligibility for free bowel cancer screening tests, we will enable Kiwis to detect cancer earlier, undertake treatment, and ultimately save lives,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHILADELPHIA – Governor Shapiro to Visit Temple University Health System to Highlight Proposed Investments to Grow Pennsylvania’s Nursing Workforce

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 06, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA

    ADVISORY – PHILADELPHIA – Governor Shapiro to Visit Temple University Health System to Highlight Proposed Investments to Grow Pennsylvania’s Nursing Workforce

    Governor Josh Shapiro will visit Temple Women & Families to highlight the major investments his 2025-26 Budget Proposal would make to address the ongoing nursing shortage – including $5 million to support workforce initiatives to educate, train, and recruit nursing professionals.

    Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal puts growing our workforce front and center, building upon previous investments to support the demand for reliable health care services throughout the state.
    Under the Governor’s leadership, Pennsylvania has expanded workforce development and increased funding for vo-tech programs, career and technical education (CTE), and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million. Today, Pennsylvania invests 50 percent more in workforce development than when the Governor took office, equipping workers with the skills needed for high-demand jobs.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Secretary Nancy A. Walker, Department of Labor & Industry
    Senator Christine Tartaglione
    Representative Jason Dawkins
    Michael Young, President and CEO of Temple University Health System
    Chaudron Carter, Chief Nursing Executive of Temple University Health System

    WHEN:
    Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:00AM

    WHERE:
    Temple Women & Families
    1331 East Wyoming Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA 19124

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH investigates Legionnaires’ Disease cluster

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH investigates Legionnaires’ Disease cluster
    **********************************************

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 5) announced that it is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) cases involving four members of a tour group to Qingyuan and Foshan. The CHP appealed to those who participated in the package tours organised by the Sino Step Travel Services to Qingyuan and Foshan from February 20 to 28 to contact the CHP for health assessment and medical surveillance.       An epidemiological investigation was launched immediately after the CHP received a notification that a 77-year-old female was infected with LD. It was subsequently found that two males and one female who had joined the same tour group were also infected with LD. The four patients involved two males and two females, who aged between 61 and 77.       The four persons concerned joined the above tour groups to Qingyuan and Foshan during the incubation period (travel dates: February 20 to 22; tour code: LB3280). Initial investigation revealed that they did not have common local exposure history. Therefore, they are believed to have become infected during the outbound tour and were classified as imported cases.      The Sino Step Travel Services organised two other tours (both with tour code LB3280) with the same itineraries and hotel accommodation recently, held from February 21 to 23 and February 26 to 28 respectively. For the sake of prudence, the CHP is actively contacting the participants of the three tour groups to follow up on their health conditions. The CHP also appealed to them to call the CHP’s hotline (telephone number: 2125 2670) for follow up and medical surveillance. The hotline will be operating from tomorrow (March 6) to March 14, from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday and Sunday. They should seek medical advice immediately if they have a fever or feel unwell.          The CHP has informed the Travel Industry Authority and reported the case to the health authorities of Guangdong. Epidemiological investigations are still in progress.      Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpools and spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or vessels.          Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.     Immunocompromised persons should:

    Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
    Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and
    If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.

    The public should observe the health advice below:

    Observe personal hygiene;
    Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
    Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
    If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
    Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
    Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
    Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
    When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:

    Wear gloves and a face mask;
    Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
    Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
    Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
    Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

    ​​The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD.

    Ends/Wednesday, March 5, 2025Issued at HKT 21:28

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Plan, Prepare and Protect Your Pet Before, During and After an Emergency

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    [embedded content]
    Español
    They make us laugh. They are usually waiting for us when we get home from work and school. They give us unconditional love. They are often our best friends. And they depend on us for everything: food, water, healthcare. They are our pets and part of the family.
    Our pets also depend on us when emergency strikes. Are you ready with your pet preparedness plan?
    Your Pet Preparedness Plan — Prepare Ahead for Your Pet’s Needs
    When it comes to planning for emergencies, pet owners should consider their pets too. With some simple preparations now, you can make sure your pet will be protected, safe and healthy during and after any emergency. In the middle of a disaster, or when you know one is imminent, you may not have time to prepare for the specific needs of your pet. Now is the time for pet preparedness planning, and here are some tips.

    Stock at least a 1-week supply of food and fresh water on hand for your pet, as well as a 1-week supply of medication, if your pet takes medication.
    Include copies of your pet’s vaccination records and other medical records in your pet preparedness kit. Include information about your pet’s insurance policy, if you have one.
    Experts suggest that you also include photos of your pet to help others identify them in case you and your pet become separated.

    How to Weather Emergencies With your Pet and How to Evacuate Safely if Necessary
    If you experience an emergency like a hurricane or flood, bring your pet indoors as soon as local authorities say a storm is coming. Stay indoors, preferably in a room with few or no windows, until you know it’s safe. Take your pet preparedness kit and other disaster supplies with you if you move from room to room.
    If you need to evacuate your home, it is important to bring your pet with you. You can find out from your local emergency management agency which emergency shelters allow pets.
    If you cannot take your pet when you evacuate and must leave them in your home, put a Rescue Alert Sticker on your door to let people know there is a pet inside.
    Pet Preparedness for Large Pets and Smaller Pets, Like Fish
    Having larger and smaller pets during an emergency can pose additional challenges. While dogs and cats are relatively easy to transport and evacuate to a shelter, what do you do with your horse, or fish that are in an aquarium or pond?
    If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, make sure they all have some form of identification. Map out primary and secondary evacuation routes in advance and identify the vehicles or trailers that would be needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. If you need to evacuate with larger animals, make sure that your emergency destination has food and water, as well as access to veterinary care and handling equipment. If you need to evacuate and cannot take your larger animals, you will need to decide how and where to move them to shelter or if it’s better to turn them outside.
    There are some basic guidelines for dealing with fish in aquariums or ponds during a power outage. Experts recommend you do not feed your fish during a power outage. Most fish can survive days or even weeks without food. During the winter, if you lose power, you can insulate your aquarium with something like a blanket or newspapers. An alternate power source, like a generator, can run the heater, pump, and filter. If you must move your fish, you can use a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag and fill the bag with one-third water and two-thirds air. Alternatively, you can use a bucket, tub, or large jar. It is important that you NOT release your pet fish into local waterways. Introducing non-native fish species is harmful to local waterways. If you cannot keep your fish because of an impending emergency, experts recommend taking them to a pet store.
    Helping Your Pet Adjust After an Emergency
    You and your pet have made it through the emergency, but your pet doesn’t seem normal and is displaying unexpected behaviors. Well-behaved pets may become aggressive or defensive after a major disruption in their lives, and it may take several weeks for them to return to normal. Keep an eye on your pet and give him or her plenty of time to rest; however, if your pet remains extremely anxious or has other behavioral or health problems afterward, contact your veterinarian.

    Find more about Pet Preparedness at the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine:
    Take Care of Your Pets Before Disaster Strikes
    Taking Care of Your Pets During Hurricanes and Floods
    Additional resources:
    Prepare Your Pets for Disasters: This page has tips for dogs and cats as well as tips for large animals, such as horses, goats and pigs.
    NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    Large Animals and Livestock in Disasters

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: DBEDT REDUCES HAWAI‘I ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE TO 1.7 PERCENT FOR 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: DBEDT REDUCES HAWAI‘I ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE TO 1.7 PERCENT FOR 2025

    Posted on Mar 5, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

    KA ʻOIHANA HOʻOMOHALA PĀʻOIHANA, ʻIMI WAIWAI A HOʻOMĀKAʻIKAʻI

     

    RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DIVISION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    1. EUGENE TIAN

    CHIEF STATE ECONOMIST

     

    DBEDT REDUCES HAWAI‘I ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE TO 1.7 PERCENT FOR 2025

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 5, 2025

    The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) released its first quarter 2025 Statistical and Economic Report today. In the report, DBEDT adjusted its economic growth projections for 2025 to 1.7 percent, lower than the 2.0 percent projected in the previous quarter. The downward adjustment was mainly due to the expected slowdown in tourism growth, higher projected consumer inflation and increasing policy uncertainty at the national and international levels. Economic growth is expected to reach 2.0 percent in 2026 and to continue steady growth to 1.8 percent in 2028. The labor market is expected to remain stable, with low unemployment.

     

    The resilience of Hawaiʻi’s economic growth in the next few years will rely on the strong performance of construction, real estate, health care, professional services, and the continued recovery of tourism.

    Economic Recovery Status

    As measured by real gross domestic product (GDP), Hawai‘i’s economy rebounded to exceed pre-pandemic (first three quarters of 2019) levels by 1.5 percent during the first three quarters of 2024. Hawai‘i’s overall economy was fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels by the third quarter of 2023. By comparison, the U.S. economy has been fully recovered since the first quarter of 2021. Hawaiʻi was the second-slowest state in terms of economic recovery from the 2019 COVID recession. The U.S. economy was 12.6 percent higher than the 2019 level for the same indicator during the same period.

    While tourism-related sectors (Accommodation, Transportation, Retail Trade, Recreation, and Food Services) have only recovered to 94.5 percent of pre-pandemic levels as of the third quarter of 2024, non-tourism sectors have shown firm growth. Compared to real GDP in the last quarter of 2019, the Information sector has grown by 35.1 percent; the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector by 25.0 percent; the Agricultural sector by 14.9 percent, and the Health Care and Social Assistance sector by 12.9 percent. The Wholesale Trade, Utilities, Accommodation and Food Services, and Other Services sectors are still below real GDP levels for the first three quarters of 2019.

    Compared to 2019, statewide non-agriculture annual average payroll jobs were still short by 20,900 jobs in 2024. However, Construction annual average payroll jobs were above 2019 levels by 4,000 jobs, Health Care and Social Assistance by 2,900, and Private Educational Services by 700. Job counts in all other sectors were still lower than the levels in 2019. Retail Trade lost the most jobs at 6,900, followed by Financial Activities at 3,200, and Accommodations at 3,000.

    During 2024, total visitor arrivals recovered 93.3 percent from the levels of 2019. Visitors from the U.S. increased by 6.7 percent, while international visitor recovery was 64.9 percent. The recovery rate of Japanese visitors was 45.7 percent and for Canadian visitors, the recovery rate was 80.2 percent.

    Visitor arrivals to the island of Maui during 2024 were 76.6 percent of the level in 2019. Arrivals to O‘ahu were at 94.5 percent and arrivals to Hawai‘i Island were at 98.0 percent of the same period 2019 levels. Visitor arrivals to Kaua‘i were flat between the two periods.

    Construction Industry Continues Booming

     

    Statistics in the construction industry were great in 2024 and will have positive impacts on activities in 2025 and beyond. DBEDT estimates that construction activity in 2025 will be stronger than previously expected for several reasons:

    1. The value of all building permits approved in 2024 increased by 27.1 percent from 2023 and most of these projects will be under construction in 2025.
    2. The number of residential housing units authorized in 2024 increased by 78.1 percent as compared with 2023, and it was the highest in the past 17 years.
    3. Construction completed as measured by the state contracting tax base increased 20.3 percent during the first 10 months of 2024 from the same period in 2023. DBEDT estimated that total construction value in 2024 could be over $14 billion.
    4. Based on preliminary estimates, construction industry payroll jobs increased 9.2 percent in 2024 as compared with 2023.
    5. A significant number of government construction projects are either ongoing or in the pipeline to be started.
    6. More than 1,000 hotel units are either under construction or will start construction, with plans to open in 2025 and 2026.

     

     

    Home Sales and Prices Continue Increasing

     

    After declining 26 percent in 2023, Hawai‘i home sales as recorded at the Bureau of Conveyances increased 15.1 percent during 2024. Sales of single-family homes increased 14.3 percent and sales of condominium homes increased 15.9 percent. The average sale price of single-family homes was $1,093,445 during 2024, representing an 8.1 percent increase compared to 2023. The average sale price for condominium homes was $797,674, representing an increase of 5.7 percent from the year before.

     

     

    Tourism Industry Growth is Likely to Slow Down

     

    According to the airline schedules, total air seats to the state will decrease by 1.1 percent during the first 10 months of 2025. The decrease is mainly due to the decrease in flights from international locations, especially from Japan. The number of air seats on international flights is expected to decrease by 5.5 percent during the first 10 months of 2025 as compared with the same period in 2024. Air seats will decrease 5.5 percent from Japan, decrease 5.1 percent from Canada, and decline 3.2 percent from the Other Asia market, but will increase 1.7 percent from the Oceania market (Australia and New Zealand).

    The number of scheduled air seats from the continental U.S. is flat during the first 10 months of 2025, an increase of a mere of 0.1 percent. While air seats from the U.S. East will increase 2.7 percent, seats will decrease by 0.2 percent from the U.S. West market. Part of the decrease in the air seats from the U.S. West market is the result of flight consolidations between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines after their merger.

     

     

    Labor Market Remains Stable

     

    In 2024, the unemployment rate decreased 0.1 percentage point from the previous year’s 3.0 percent, to reach 2.9 percent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawai‘i was among the 17 U.S. states without statistically significant unemployment rate changes from December 2023 to December 2024 (seasonally adjusted). Hawai‘i’s unemployment rate was the 10th lowest in the U.S. during 2024.

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, Hawai‘i’s non-agricultural wage and salary jobs averaged 645,800 jobs, an increase of 10,400 jobs or 1.6 percent from the same quarter of 2023.  In 2024, average non-agricultural wage and salary jobs increased 0.9 percent or 5,500 jobs from the previous year. The job increase in the fourth quarter of 2024 was due to job increases in both the private sector and the government sector. In that quarter, the private sector added about 8,600 non-agricultural jobs compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The number of jobs increased the most in Construction, which added 3,400 jobs or 8.9%, followed by Health Care and Social Assistance, which added 2,100 jobs or 2.8 percent, Food Services and Drinking Places, which added 1,900 jobs or 2.9 percent, Professional and Business Services, which added 1,400 jobs or 2.0 percent, and Accommodations, which added 700 jobs or 1.8 percent in the quarter.

    The average number of weekly initial unemployment claims was 1,090 during 2024, lower than the weekly average experienced in 2019 at 1,200. All counties have seen decreased and stable unemployment claims, but the average weekly unemployment claims for Maui County numbered 204 during 2024, 42 percent higher than the 2019 level of 144.

    DBEDT expects that the labor market conditions will remain stable and that the unemployment rate will improve slightly in 2025.

    Consumer Inflation Remains High

    Honolulu consumer inflation, as measured by the Honolulu Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U), was 4.4 percent in 2024, 1.4 percentage points higher than the state’s inflation rate in 2023. This measurement was 1.5 percentage points above the 2.9 percent U.S. inflation rate.

    In 2024, Honolulu consumer inflation was mainly driven up by Housing which increased 7.1 percent compared to 2023, and Food and Beverages (3.8 percent). Housing normally accounts for 50 percent of Honolulu consumer inflation.

    In January 2025, the Honolulu consumer inflation rate was at 4.1 percent, still higher than the U.S. consumer inflation at 3.0 percent. Honolulu consumer inflation in January 2025 was mainly in transportation (+6.8 percent), housing (+4.4 percent), and food and beverages (+4.4 percent).

    National and International Economic Conditions

    U.S. real GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter a year ago, according to the latest estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Real GDP increased 2.8 percent in 2024 from the 2023 annual level.

    Policy uncertainty with respect to the imposition of tariffs and potential trade wars have negatively impacted the U.S. and global outlook for growth and inflation.

    According to the most recent (February 2025) economic projections by the top 50 economic forecasting organizations published in Blue Chip Economic Indicators, U.S. economic growth is expected to be 2.2 percent in 2025 and 2.0 percent in 2026.

    In February 2025, compared to January 2025, the Blue Chip International Consensus Forecasts for economic growth have been revised downward for 2025 in Canada and for the European countries. It was revised upward (0.1 percentage point) for Japan. The projected Japanese exchange rate was maintained at around 148.1 yen per dollar in 2025.

    The Federal Reserve kept its fed funds rate (FFR) target unchanged at its January 28-29 FOMC meeting. The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rates twice last year, reducing the Federal Funds rate by 75 basis points to a range of 4.5 percent to 4.75 percent. The market expectations of the future number and magnitude of cuts by the Federal Reserve have been reduced in recent surveys. Inflation expectations have also been revised upward.

    Forecasting Results

     

    In the newly released report, DBEDT predicts that the economic growth rate for Hawai‘i, as measured by the year-over-year percentage change in real GDP, to slow down to 1.7 percent in 2025, reflecting policy uncertainty at the national and international levels. Economic growth is expected to reach 2.0 percent in 2026 and will show steady growth to around 1.8 percent in 2028.

     

    Visitor arrivals are projected to increase by 1.0 percent in 2025 and will grow at a stable pace of around 2 percent each year between 2026 and 2028. Full recovery in arrivals will not happen until 2028 when 10.4 million visitors will come to the state. Visitor spending is projected to be $21.3 billion in 2025 and is expected to increase to $23.7 billion by 2028.

     

    Non-agriculture payroll jobs are expected to grow by 1.2 percent in 2025, with growth of 1.1 percent, 1.0 percent and 0.9 percent in 2026, 2027, and 2028, respectively. A full recovery of non-agriculture payroll jobs is expected to occur in 2027, when the total will reach 658,800 jobs, surpassing the 2019 total of 658,600.

     

    The state unemployment rate is expected to be 2.9 percent in 2025 and will improve to 2.7 percent in 2026, and 2.6 percent in 2027 and 2028. Personal income is expected to grow at 4.9 percent in 2025, 4.8 percent in 2026, 4.6 percent in 2027 and 4.5 percent in 2028.

     

    As measured by the Honolulu Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers, inflation is expected to be at 3.9 percent in 2025, which is higher than the projected U.S. consumer inflation rate of 2.7 percent for the same year. Hawai‘i consumer inflation is expected to decrease to 2.9 percent by 2028.

     

    Hawai‘i’s population is expected to increase by 0.2 percent each year for 2025 and 2026 and at 0.3 percent each year for 2027 and 2028.

     

     

    Statement of DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka

    While the domestic and international economic outlook has become more uncertain, we expect Hawai‘i’s economy to demonstrate resiliency. In addition to firm performance in the construction industry, we will continue to see growth in other industries including professional services and healthcare. We expect that the tourism industry will continue to recover in the next few years, even if at a slower pace than previously anticipated.

     

    With the income tax reform and the increase in the supply of affordable housing, we expect that living in our state will be more affordable and support our state’s workforce formation and retention.

     

    The full report is available at dbedt.hawaii.gov/economic/qser/.

     

    # # #

     

    Media Contacts:

    Dr. Eugene Tian

    Research and Economic Analysis Division

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
    Phone: 808-586-2470
    Email:     [email protected]

     

    Laci Goshi

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    Cell: 808-518-5480

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tech companies can play key roles in making rural healthcare safer

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Tech companies can play key roles in making rural healthcare safer

    A new report on how Microsoft is helping rural communities protect critical healthcare infrastructure

    Last year, Microsoft launched its Cybersecurity for Rural Hospitals Program an initiative designed to help protect access to healthcare for the 46 million people living in rural America. Funded through a philanthropic investment, the program now has more than 550 rural hospitals, nearly one-third of all US rural hospitals, participating to receive free cybersecurity assessments, cybersecurity training, Microsoft security product discounts, and AI solutions designed to promote hospital resiliency.  

    Today, we are releasing a new white paper sharing what we’ve learned in the last year, including insights on the current cybersecurity landscape for rural health and the role technology companies can play. Our goal with this program is to address both the immediate cyber risks facing these critical community resources as well as broader systemic challenges facing rural health.   

    Click here to read the Microsoft report 

    Rural hospitals are a cornerstone of healthcare in communities across the United States, providing critical services for roughly 14% of the U.S. population. The need to support rural hospitals is immense. These hospitals are often the only healthcare option for over 50 miles in the communities they serve. A cyberattack that disrupts care for weeks or months in these isolated settings can have a devastating impact and endanger human lives. When a rural hospital’s IT systems go down, patients often need to travel even longer distances for medical care. Long travel distances for healthcare are directly associated with higher mortality rates, particularly for time-sensitive conditions like heart attacks and strokes. 

    The rural health cybersecurity landscape

    According to an FBI report, the healthcare sector reported more ransomware attacks in 2023 than any of the other critical infrastructure areas in the study. Given the highly sensitive personal data involved, healthcare is a rich target for increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals and nation-state threat actors launching cyberattacks. According to a recent report based on a survey of 402 healthcare organizations, 67% experienced a ransomware attack in the past year, with the average admitted ransom payment amounting to $4.4 million.  

    And while larger hospitals can often pay ransoms to avoid patient care disruptions, ransomware attacks pose a particular threat to rural hospitals who operate with much smaller operational teams and financial margins. Rural hospitals are prime targets for these attacks due to their often-limited resources and legacy technology. For rural hospitals, a ransomware attack may represent a tipping point toward closure, impacting not just the hospital, but the communities they serve with potentially life-threatening consequences.  

    As we’ve worked with these hospitals in the last year, our goal has been to help create strong security not just through our products but to also help address specific practice needs and identify broader systemic issues. For example, early on, we found most rural hospitals hadn’t implemented basic cybersecurity best practices, such as email security and multi-factor authentication. By delivering a holistic solution that includes free assessment, curated learning pathways for employees, and non-profit pricing for Critical Access and Rural Emergency Hospitals, we can help these hospitals to be less vulnerable to common threats and ultimately, better serve their communities.  

    Supporting rural health resilience

    With the release of today’s white paper, we hope to increase awareness and understanding of these issues and drive more collaboration between technology companies, policymakers, and healthcare providers to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of rural hospitals.  

    In the coming months, Microsoft will continue to expand efforts to support rural hospitals, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to mitigate cyber threats and enhance their overall resilience. Leveraging AI for greater efficiency—by streamlining and automating some hospital processes—is just one way we are looking to provide support.   

    By addressing both immediate cybersecurity risks and broader systemic challenges, we can help ensure that rural hospitals remain a vital part of the healthcare ecosystem, providing essential services to millions of Americans. 

    Tags: AI, cybersecurity, healthcare, Microsoft Cybersecurity Program, Rural America, Rural Hospitals

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Statement Ahead of President Trump’s Address to the Joint Session of Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statement ahead of President Trump’s address to the Joint Session of Congress:
    “No matter what President Trump says, boasts, or promises tonight, the past six weeks have made the President’s priorities painfully clear. At a time when American families are struggling to keep up with high costs, the President has endorsed a budget that would end Medicaid as we know it and increase costs on Americans in order to pay for more tax breaks for corporate special interests and billionaires. I remain ready to work with the President and my Republican colleagues to lower costs. But the President has shown that his focus instead is on making families pay more for home heating oil, cutting veterans services, and appeasing brutal dictators like Vladimir Putin. It is long past time for this Administration to get serious and get to work on bringing down prices, bringing the country together, and delivering for the American people.”
    Senator Hassan’s guest of honor for the President’s address this year is Cheri Bryer of Lebanon. Eleven years ago, Cheri was battling addiction and other mental health challenges. Thankfully, Cheri was eligible for Medicaid, which allowed her to access residential addiction treatment and enter recovery. Because of the care that Cheri got through Medicaid, she was able to return to work and now gets her health insurance coverage through her employer. Today, Cheri works as a senior perinatal peer support educator and coordinator in the Maternal Health Innovations grant on Dartmouth Health’s Population Health team. The budget proposal from President Trump and Congressional Republicans, which guts Medicaid to pay for tax giveaways for corporate special interests and billionaires, threatens the care for 180,000 Granite Staters – care that helped Cheri enter recovery and re-enter the workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –