(May 24, 2024) – CMS Launches New EMTALA Complaint Reporting Option
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a new option for filing complaints related to possible EMTALA violations. This new reporting option is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's plan to educate the public and promote access to emergency care. Under EMTALA, patients presenting to a hospital seeking care have the right to an appropriate medical screening exam to see if an emergency medical condition exists and treatment until the emergency medical condition is stabilized or an appropriate transfer to another hospital is completed.
Department of Labor Announces Final Rule Updating Hazard Communication Standard
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule from OSHA updating the current Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers. The updated HCS increases the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets and allows workers and first responders to react quickly in an emergency. The updates take effect on July 19.
Aligned primarily with the seventh revision of the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, the updated standard will require labels on small packaging to be more comprehensive and readable. It also makes changes to help ensure trade secrets no longer prevent workers and first responders from receiving critical hazard information on safety data sheets.
To learn more about hazard communication and the pending changes, OSHA provided short videos about the improved rule available in English and Spanish.
CDC Issues Health Advisory for International Travel to Saudi Arabia
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory for cases of meningococcal disease linked to Umrah travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in KSA that can be performed any time in the year. The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage, taking place June 14-19. Providers are reminded that individuals one year of age and older traveling to KSA should have a current quadrivalent vaccine or booster for meningococcal disease.
MLN Connects Provider eNews Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the following updates to MLN Connects Provider eNews: