Governors Codify Telehealth, CMS Funds 1,000 Medicare Residencies
The HHS 405(d) Task Group is addressing the Log4j Vulnerability, Ohio and New Jersey Governors signed laws that expand telehealth, and the FDA approved a prophylactic injectable for HIV
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By - Newly discovered vulnerabilities in Apache’s Log4j software library are threatening healthcare systems that rely on the technology. HHS is addressing the issue with new guidance and warnings. Additionally, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is warning the healthcare industry about 13 recently discovered vulnerabilities with Fresenius Kabi Agilia Connect Infusion Systems.
Meanwhile, CMS is expanding access to Medicare in underserved communities by adding 1,000 residency slots. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is issuing $40 million in funding to providers for telemedicine optimization. Telehealth may receive a boost in Ohio and New Jersey where governors signed two bills into law that will mandate payment parity and increase access. Finally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an injectable prophylactic to battle HIV in the US.
HHS 405(d) Prioritizes Log4j Vulnerability
A vulnerability in Apache’s Log4j software library left healthcare systems exposed to hackers. To address the problem, HHS has issued a brief outlining risks and security implications. “The exploitation allows the execution of any code which could result in compromise of the server, download of malicious binaries, or propagation of further attacks such as ransomware or a zero-day attack,” the 405(d) brief explained. HHS is maintaining a list of affected vendors on their site and offering guidance to avoid data breaches. READ MORE.
CISA Warns of Vulnerabilities to Health Information
CISA is advising health systems to adjust their HIT security measures after 13 vulnerabilities were discovered in Fresenius Kabi Agilia Connect Infusion Systems. The vulnerabilities leave systems open to hackers that could exploit weaknesses to access personal health information. Fresenius Kabi introduced new versions of its connect infusion systems to address the security failures. READ MORE.
Ohio, New Jersey Governors Codify Telehealth
Ohio Governor Mike Dewine and New Jersey governor Phil Murphy signed bills that will expand telehealth access and ensure payment parity between in-person care and telemedicine. The new Ohio law expanded the list of providers that can file telehealth claims while restricting insurance companies from charging more for telehealth services. New Jersey’s law will also support payment parity and include funding for a telehealth research study. READ MORE.
FCC Announces 5th Round of Telehealth Funding
FCC has issued a fifth round of funding worth $42.7 million dollars that will help 68 providers expand their telehealth operations. The funds make up a portion of the $250 million that the agency distributed as a part of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Providers will receive funding after a formal review of applications. READ MORE.
FDA Approves HIV Injectable Treatment
The FDA approved an injectable HIV treatment that can be administered to people as a prophylactic. This new tool is the first of its kind, allowing patients to ward off HIV without a daily regimen of pills. READ MORE.
CMS Funds 1,000 Medicare Residency Slots
CMS plans on increasing the Medicare workforce in underserved and rural areas by creating 1,000 additional residency slots. CMS will introduce the first 200 residency slots by January 31, 2023. New slots will use $1.8 billion in funding over the coming decade. READ MORE.
