HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has expanded the pool of providers who can administer FDA-approved or authorized monkeypox vaccines and therapies while being protected from liability under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, HHS announced Friday (Sept. 30) . The agency said it anticipates there will be a need for additional providers should a large-scale vaccination or therapeutic administration effort be required for the monkeypox outbreak. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) applauded the declaration, saying it will provide greater access...

A minimum staffing ratio for the nursing home sector is a good policy in a vacuum, but likely would require more dollars in the system, Congress’ Medicare payment advisers said this week. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission deliberated how to weigh in as CMS embarks on a highly controversial effort to develop a federal minimum staffing standard, which the agency expects to unveil the first half of 2023 . Commissioner Kenny Kan said MedPAC could help CMS develop its standard...