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Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
National MS Society: What's Next? The 2026 ACTRIMS Forum Looks to the Future of Multiple Sclerosis Research
NEW YORK, Feb. 20 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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What's Next? The 2026 ACTRIMS Forum Looks to the Future of Multiple Sclerosis Research
Young scientists were out in full force, among 1750 researchers and clinicians who attended the 11th Annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum from February 4-- February 7. In fact, nearly all those who took the stage were new speakers at ACTRIMS.
The theme of the meeting was "MS at a Crossroads." Program Committee Chair Dr. Daniel Reich (National Institutes of Health)
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Feb. 20 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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What's Next? The 2026 ACTRIMS Forum Looks to the Future of Multiple Sclerosis Research
Young scientists were out in full force, among 1750 researchers and clinicians who attended the 11th Annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum from February 4-- February 7. In fact, nearly all those who took the stage were new speakers at ACTRIMS.
The theme of the meeting was "MS at a Crossroads." Program Committee Chair Dr. Daniel Reich (National Institutes of Health)explained, "We need to consider where we should go from here...to answer what I think are the two biggest questions...How and why does MS start? What are the...factors that drive worsening, even in the face of highly effective anti-inflammatory treatment?"
We're sharing with you some of the ACTRIMS highlights. This is a sampling of how the scientific community is addressing the Pathways to Cures global plan to stop MS, restore lost function, and end MS forever. Scientific summaries of all presentations are available to view here (https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21408).
More ACTRIMS Content
Listen to two episodes (episode 1 (https://realtalkms.com/episode-441-the-2026-actrims-forum-with-dr-manuel-friese-dr-amit-bar-or-and-dr-haritha-desu/) and episode 2 (https://realtalkms.com/episode-442-the-2026-actrims-forum-part-2-with-dr-jeffrey-cohen-dr-daniel-ontaneda-and-kristine-werner-ozug/) ) of RealTalk MS to hear interviews with select ACTRIMS presenters.
Watch videos featuring ACTRIMS presenters (https://www.neurologylive.com/clinical/multiple-sclerosis) on Neurology Live.
Stopping MS in Its Tracks
Several presentations showcased advancements toward stopping MS disease activity, tissue injury or progression.
Stem cell therapy updates: Dr. Jeffrey Cohen (Cleveland Clinic) delivered the Kenneth P. Johnson Memorial Lecture, named for the ACTRIMS founder. He reviewed the growing evidence behind autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT), a treatment that aims to "reboot" the immune system and reduce disease activity. So far, many small studies suggest aHSCT can sharply reduce relapses and even improve disability in some people.
Still, a major limitation is that different studies use different procedures, making it difficult to know what the best protocol is for balancing safety and effectiveness. Side effects and high costs remain important concerns as well. Larger, randomized controlled trials such as BEAT-MS are currently underway that will help determine who is most likely to benefit from aHSCT and how its safety and effectiveness compares to other standard disease-modifying therapies. (Abstract KPJ.1)
BTK inhibitor meets primary endpoint: Dr. Amit Bar-Or (University of Pennsylvania) presented the results of the FENtrepid trial; 985 people with primary progressive MS were randomly assigned to receive the experimental oral treatment fenebrutinib (Genentech) or ocrelizumab (Ocrevus, Genentech). Fenebrutinib inhibits an enzyme called "Bruton's tyrosine kinase" (BTK), reducing immune cell activity linked to both relapses and progression. This study tested whether fenebrutinib would perform as well as ocrelizumab on a measure that combined tests of disability, walking, and hand function.
Fenebrutinib reduced progression as well as ocrelizumab. Although the study was not designed to find differences between the drugs, it did pick up on a benefit for fenebrutinib that was most pronounced in hand function. Liver abnormalities occurred more often in the BTK group, and resolved when the drug was stopped. Seven deaths occurred in the BTK group, but were not thought to be related to treatment. According to a February 6 Genentech press release, data will be submitted to regulatory agencies after the results of studies in relapsing MS become available later this year. (Abstract LB1.5) Listen to an ECTRIMS podcast on this study.
Protecting nerve cells in progressive MS: The winner of the 2025 Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research, Dr. Manuel Friese (University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf), is reshaping how researchers think about nerve cell death in progressive MS. In his Barancik Prize Lecture, he showed that a key protein-disposal system inside nerve cells - the immunoproteasome - malfunctions under inflammatory stress. When that happens, toxic proteins build up, driving nerve cell death. His team is searching for ways to help nerve cells survive inflammatory stress by identifying protective proteins that boost nerve cell resilience. Increasing protein levels of one promising candidate, complement factor H, reduced nerve cell death and disability in a mouse model with MS-like disease. Together, these insights point to new strategies for therapies aimed not just at calming inflammation, but at directly protecting the nervous system.
Mapping the diagnostic journey. Arjun Gurjar and undergraduate researchers at the University of California - Berkeley, worked with Georgia Brown, MS, RD (National MS Society) to analyze the diagnostic journey of 447,222 people with MS identified in the Society's Komodo Health database. People who first visited the emergency room with MS-related symptoms experienced the longest delay to MS diagnosis, followed by those first seeing family medicine doctors. Those first seen by neurologists had the quickest road to MS diagnosis.
MS-like symptoms reported in the emergency room often did not trigger an MS workup, resulting in a CT scan rather than the MRI scan that might pinpoint MS. People who presented with psychiatric symptoms experienced delays as well, highlighting a lack of recognition that psychiatric symptoms can be early indicators of MS. (Abstract P403) Learn how the Society is leading the way to speed up MS diagnosis.
Emerging technologies: Dr. Valentina Fossati (New York Stem Cell Foundation) presented evidence that combining stem cell and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies may play a powerful role in future MS research. Her team used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) - adult skin cells reprogrammed into nerve or immune cells - to recreate key parts of MS biology in the lab. An AI system was able to spot subtle disease-related differences in these cells that human eyes would miss. In the future, this platform could rapidly test how cells derived from people with MS respond to different drugs, potentially speeding up treatment discovery.
A separate small and early study showed that an AI model correctly identified MS in 26 of 27 cases using only skin-cell data. The system still needs refinement to avoid mislabeling healthy controls but could represent a novel way to detect MS. (Abstract 4.1)
Restoring Lost Function
Researchers presented findings that further our understanding of myelin damage and repair, and novel interventions that show promise for restoring lost function.
Shifting to repair: In people with chronic, progressive MS, some inflammation can still exist, creating an unwelcome environment for repair. Dr. Haritha Desu (University of Montreal) and team have pinpointed one molecule, ICAM-1, that spurs on interactions between inflammatory cells. They found that ICAM-1 was increased in people with MS compared to people without the disease, and particularly in those with progressive MS. In mice with MS-like disease, blocking ICAM-1 limited inflammation and reduced myelin damage. In cells obtained from people with MS, inhibiting ICAM-1 served to douse inflammatory cells and genes, creating the environmental shift necessary for repair to occur.
Dr. Desu is a young investigator funded by a Career Transition Award from the National MS Society, which will help her to establish a career as an independent researcher focused on repair. (Abstract S1.4)
Bazedoxifene misses mark in myelin repair: In 2013, Dr. Jonah Chan (University of California, San Francisco) was awarded the inaugural Barancik Prize for developing a tool that could test thousands of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved compounds to see if they affect myelin growth. At this year's ACTRIMS meeting, his colleague Dr. Riley Bove reported on a drug pinpointed by this landmark effort. Bazedoxifene, which affects the female sex hormone estrogen, is approved in Europe to treat postmenopausal bone loss, and has been shown to repair myelin in mouse models. Dr. Bove and colleagues administered this treatment or inactive placebo to 66 women with MS aged 45-60 (or older than 40 and postmenopausal).
There were no differences between the groups in measures of myelin repair or disease activity. There were no safety concerns. This rigorous study was funded in part by the National MS Society. Studies like these are critical to moving the field of myelin repair forward. (Abstract LB.15) Watch Dr. Bove discuss the challenges of myelin repair on Neurology Live.
Commercial funding results: Myrobalan Therapeutics has developed a compound that inhibits GPR17 (a protein known as G-protein coupled receptor 17).Animal studies suggest that GPR17 may impair the formation of new myelin after demyelination. Fast Forward, the Society's commercial drug development program, is funding efforts to evaluate whether a GPR17 inhibitor from Myrobalan Therapeutics enhances myelin repair in preclinical animal models of MS. Dr. Micheal Stockton (University of Colorado) and colleagues reported on this work, showing that the compound increased the survival of new myelin-making oligodendrocytes after myelin damage and promoted remyelination. The lab also shared data suggesting that new oligodendrocytes with the potential to make myelin are regularly produced in the brain, but they survive for only a limited time. Promoting their survival may address an important barrier to remyelination.Further study might show this to be a new class of therapy that can potentially repair myelin and restore function to people with MS. (Abstract P466)
Rethinking cognition in MS: Many people with MS experience cognitive changes. Much research has focused on processing speed, which is the time required to process and react to information around you. Dr. James Sumowski (Mt. Sinai School of Medicine) and team reviewed cognitive screening data from the charts of 1,004 people with MS and compared it with controls without MS. People with MS had normal processing speed, but worse memory. The ability to plan and focus on tasks was worse in people with secondary progressive MS, but not relapsing-remitting disease. The presenters note that improvements in the treatment and management of MS may have changed the cognitive landscape. (Abstract P487) Cognitive changes are treatable - learn more from an expert.
Ending MS Forever
Researchers focused on factors that lead to MS. These factors hold the key to Ending MS through prevention, so that no one will ever again hear the words, "You have MS."
A new way to look for biomarkers in MS: Dr. Dylan Hamitouche (McGill University) and colleagues studied thousands of blood and brain tissue samples from the UK Biobank to identify protein patterns that differed between people with and without MS. They found that many proteins linked to aging were present at different levels in people with MS, a finding they described as "proteomic aging." This proteomic aging was especially strong in brain tissue and could be detected up to 11 years before an MS diagnosis. Higher proteomic aging was generally associated with worse disease outcomes.
The researchers suggest that understanding these aging-related protein changes could help identify early biomarkers of MS. Dr. Hamitouche's mentor, Dr. Ahmed Abdelhak, is funded by the Society to study protein biomarkers in people with MS. (Abstract S1.2)
Modeling EBV vaccines in mice: Research led by Molly Pitkethly (University of British Columbia) offers fresh support for the idea that an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) vaccine might one day help prevent MS. In mice with MS-like disease, a vaccine against yHV68 (a virus that mimics EBV in mice) delayed the start of symptoms and reduced the severity of disease. The vaccine calmed the immune system, decreasing the number of harmful immune cells and reducing levels of pro-inflammatory proteins. The research strengthens the case that targeting EBV could one day be a preventative strategy for MS, although clinical trials are necessary. (Abstract P496) Clinical trials of EBV vaccines are ongoing, see here for an example.
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About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/research-breaking-news-6
[Category: Health Care]
N.J. Society of Certified Public Accountants: Additional Pathway to CPA Licensure Is Now in Effect
ROSELAND, New Jersey, Feb. 20 -- The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants issued the following news release:
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Additional Pathway to CPA Licensure Is Now in Effect
Legislation Advances the Profession and Helps CPA State Mobility
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A bill intended to increase access to the accounting profession by offering an additional option for CPA licensure in New Jersey went into effect on Feb. 11. The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) worked with primary bill sponsors Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley (D-18) and Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) on A5598/S4493, which
... Show Full Article
ROSELAND, New Jersey, Feb. 20 -- The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants issued the following news release:
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Additional Pathway to CPA Licensure Is Now in Effect
Legislation Advances the Profession and Helps CPA State Mobility
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A bill intended to increase access to the accounting profession by offering an additional option for CPA licensure in New Jersey went into effect on Feb. 11. The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) worked with primary bill sponsors Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley (D-18) and Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) on A5598/S4493, whichwas signed by former Governor Murphy on Jan. 12.
The bill makes it possible for those considering CPA licensure to qualify by earning a bachelor's degree, completing two years of work experience and passing the CPA Exam. Previously, candidates had only one option, which included earning at least 150 credits (typically 30 credits more than a bachelor's degree or equivalent to a master's degree), having one year of work experience in accounting and passing the CPA Exam.
* New licensure pathway option: In addition to the existing 150-hour option, candidates will be able to pursue a CPA license by earning a bachelor's degree, completing two years of experience and passing the CPA Exam.
* Individual practice privileges (mobility): CPAs licensed in another state will be able to practice in New Jersey as long as they have a bachelor's or higher degree, have passed the CPA Exam and have at least one year of experience as a licensed CPA. The same requirements will be necessary for gaining a reciprocal license in New Jersey.
* Safe harbor provision: CPAs licensed in New Jersey prior to the effective date of the bill will automatically retain their license.
"Creating an additional option for licensure enables more candidates to become CPAs and helps advance the accounting profession," said Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, MA, IOM, CEO and executive director at the NJCPA. "We are truly thankful for the collective support for this legislation from our members, the business community, state legislators and other organizations that endorsed the bill."
New Jersey joins 24 states that have made similar changes to offer additional pathways to licensure, and others that are in the process of updating their criteria.
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Original text here: https://njcpa.org/stayinformed/news/media/release/2026/02/11/additional-pathway-to-cpa-licensure-is-now-in-effect
[Category: Accounting]
Military Officers Association: VA Releases, Then Reverses, New Rule on Veterans' Disability Benefits
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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VA Releases, Then Reverses, New Rule on Veterans' Disability Benefits
A new VA rule designed to "clarify existing policy" regarding veteran disability ratings met sharp criticism from veterans and advocates in the hours after its release, leading VA Secretary Doug Collins to announce the department will be "halting enforcement" of the rule immediately.
"MOAA joins others in thanking and applauding Secretary Collins' decision to halt the implementation of the interim final rule," MOAA President
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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VA Releases, Then Reverses, New Rule on Veterans' Disability Benefits
A new VA rule designed to "clarify existing policy" regarding veteran disability ratings met sharp criticism from veterans and advocates in the hours after its release, leading VA Secretary Doug Collins to announce the department will be "halting enforcement" of the rule immediately.
"MOAA joins others in thanking and applauding Secretary Collins' decision to halt the implementation of the interim final rule," MOAA Presidentand CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), said after the VA announcement. "We appreciate the secretary's continued focus on veterans' concerns and on ensuring veterans receive all benefits they have earned as quickly and conveniently as possible. Veterans should never have to consider whether seeking treatment or taking medications could lead to a reduction in their benefits."
Veterans' advocates stated the rule could allow the VA to lower disability ratings (and compensation) for veterans whose conditions are controlled or improved by medication. Such a rule could lead to unintended consequences and may not account for a medication's side effects or other ways a veteran's daily life may be impeded by their ailments.
Many also took issue with the VA's rulemaking process, which did not include the customary notice-and-comment process or meaningful engagement with veterans service organizations and other stakeholders. Although comments were not solicited before the rule was considered final, there reportedly were nearly 9,000 comments on the Federal Register website within 48 hours of the rule's posting.
"Transparency, clarity, and trust are bedrocks for veterans and are non-negotiable elements in supporting the continuance of the all-volunteer force," Kelly said.
In a social media post announcing the reversal, Collins said the intent of the rule was "to clarify existing policy and protect Veterans' benefits in the wake of an ongoing court action. But many interpreted the rule as something that could result in adverse consequences."
The VA "does not agree with the way this rule has been characterized," Collins continued, but noted that "the department always takes Veterans' concerns seriously."
MOAA looks forward to continuing work alongside the VA to ensure the delivery and maintenance of service-earned benefits, Kelly said.
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2026-news-articles/reads/moaa-statement-on-va-interim-rule-regarding-disability-ratings/
[Category: National Defense]
INCOMPAS Files Comments to NTIA on BEAD Benefit of the Bargain Funds
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- INCOMPAS issued the following news release:
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INCOMPAS Files Comments to NTIA on BEAD Benefit of the Bargain Funds
INCOMPAS, the competitive communications and AI infrastructure association, filed comments yesterday to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in response to their request for written feedback on how to use Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Programs funds saved through the Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick's Benefit of the Bargain reforms.
The following statement can be attributed to Staci Pies, Senior
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- INCOMPAS issued the following news release:
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INCOMPAS Files Comments to NTIA on BEAD Benefit of the Bargain Funds
INCOMPAS, the competitive communications and AI infrastructure association, filed comments yesterday to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in response to their request for written feedback on how to use Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Programs funds saved through the Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick's Benefit of the Bargain reforms.
The following statement can be attributed to Staci Pies, SeniorVice President of Government Relations and Policy at INCOMPAS:
"The BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice re-centered the program on cost-effective, technology-neutral builds and contemplated updated parameters for non-deployment uses. Continuing the positive work of this restructuring, INCOMPAS recommends that NTIA now clarify how Benefit of the Bargain savings will support permitting improvements, national AI policy alignment, and other implementation enablers.
We recommend a state-flexible, federally coherent approach that empowers local decision-makers, aligns with national policy, and accelerates universal broadband access and U.S. AI competitiveness. INCOMPAS offers recommendations in four areas central to BEAD's success:
* Encourage adoption of processes, such as Permitting Council-state memorandum of understanding, and digital tools to facilitate streamlined permitting to lower deployment costs and shorten project timelines.
* Incentivize state AI regulatory alignment using Benefit of the Bargain funding availability to reduce compliance fragmentation that impedes multi-state deployments and AI-enabled network operations.
* Facilitate investment in AI connectivity infrastructure, like ultra-high-capacity fiber routes, data centers, internet exchange points, cloud on-ramps and regional innovation hubs, to support BEAD investments and regional innovation.
* Support workforce development for an AI-enabled economy through empowering states to use Benefit of the Bargain funds for comprehensive training programs.
INCOMPAS looks forward to working with NTIA on the implementation details that will further enable timely, affordable deployment, reinforced by the Benefit of the Bargain savings."
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Original text here: https://incompas.org/news-post/incompas-files-comments-to-ntia-on-bead-benefit-of-the-bargain-funds/
[Category: Telecommunications]
Farmers Appreciate Focus on Supply Chain Issues
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 20 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
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Farmers Appreciate Focus on Supply Chain Issues
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump's executive order to boost production of certain crop protection tools.
"AFBF appreciates the administration for affirming that food security is national security. Phosphate fertilizers and effective products reviewed and approved by the EPA enable farmers to protect the health of their crops while using fewer natural resources. A
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 20 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
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Farmers Appreciate Focus on Supply Chain Issues
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump's executive order to boost production of certain crop protection tools.
"AFBF appreciates the administration for affirming that food security is national security. Phosphate fertilizers and effective products reviewed and approved by the EPA enable farmers to protect the health of their crops while using fewer natural resources. Astrong domestic supply chain reduces dependence on foreign imports and helps ensure continued access to tools that contribute to the success of farmers who grow the food and fiber America's families rely on."
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Original text here: https://www.fb.org/news-release/farmers-appreciate-focus-on-supply-chain-issues
[Category: Agriculture]
American College of Surgeons: Bypassing Closest Hospital for Emergency General Surgery Linked to Increased Complications and Prolonged Hospital Stay
CHICAGO, Illinois, Feb. 20 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
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Bypassing Closest Hospital for Emergency General Surgery Linked to Increased Complications and Prolonged Hospital Stay
Multi-state analysis shows patients travelling further for urgent surgery present with more advanced disease
Key Takeaways
* Patients going past the nearest hospital equipped to provide surgical care for emergency abdominal surgery had 12% higher odds of complications and 20% higher odds of a hospital stay longer than six days.
* Patients were
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Feb. 20 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
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Bypassing Closest Hospital for Emergency General Surgery Linked to Increased Complications and Prolonged Hospital Stay
Multi-state analysis shows patients travelling further for urgent surgery present with more advanced disease
Key Takeaways
* Patients going past the nearest hospital equipped to provide surgical care for emergency abdominal surgery had 12% higher odds of complications and 20% higher odds of a hospital stay longer than six days.
* Patients werealso 22% more likely to present with a complex or progressed stage of disease, such as a ruptured appendix.
* As some communities lose access to local surgical care, these findings highlight the potential clinical risks of increased travel distance for emergency treatment.
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When facing an urgent surgical need, such as appendicitis, patients sometimes choose to bypass their nearest hospital to find care further away that they think may be better. However, this choice may have unintended consequences including increased odds of disease progression, complications, and prolonged length of stay according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS).
Researchers analyzed data from Arizona, Iowa, North Carolina, Vermont, and Wisconsin. They selected these states to capture different types of rural landscapes -- from metropolitan-adjacent to remote frontier areas -- and varying levels of road connectivity.
"Bypassing your nearest hospital for emergency surgery is a high-stakes decision," said Mustafa Abid, MD, MPH, senior author of the study, and surgery resident at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Our findings suggest that while patients may be trying to get to the 'right place' for care immediately, the extra time spent traveling appears to come with a clinical cost, including more severe illness by the time they reach the operating room."
Study Results
The study results of 22,902 patients across five states show that 11.3% traveled at least 10 miles past the nearest hospital where general surgery was performed. Compared to those who went to the closest facility, bypassing patients were more likely to be from rural areas. Bypassing was strongly associated with worse clinical outcomes:
* Increased Disease Severity: 22% higher odds of presenting with progressed disease (such as a burst appendix).
* Longer Hospitalization: 20% higher odds of a hospital stay over six days.
* Reduced Transfers: 48% lower odds of being transferred to another hospital after admission, suggesting patients often "right-size" their destination to avoid subsequent transfers.
"Patients are trying to make rational choices, often to avoid the potential delays and fragmentation of care that can come with being transferred between hospitals," Dr. Abid said. "But bypassing the closest care means they are arriving sicker and facing more complications. We need to understand what's driving these decisions and how we can better support patients in getting timely, effective care."
Patients are looking to "right-size" care, but that choice may be out of their hands depending on their use of emergency medical services. The authors note these findings are particularly timely as access to local surgical care evolves.
"As some communities lose local hospital services, more patients will be forced into longer travel for emergency care," Dr. Abid said. "This research gives us a window into the potential clinical impact of that increased travel distance."
A Path to Confidence in Local Surgical Care
Access to high-quality care is an important consideration for all patients. By achieving outside accreditation, such as that of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Emergency General Surgery Verification Program (EGS-VP), hospitals in large and small communities can give patients the confidence to receive their care locally without risking the complications that come from increased travel distance to the hospital.
"This study shows patients are driving further than perhaps they need to, in order to get surgical care," said Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, Senior Vice President of the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, who wasn't involved with the study. "If one of the reasons is because of unknown or unrecognized surgical quality, the ACS Emergency General Surgery Verification Program provides hospitals with not only an evaluation of their care, but more importantly a roadmap to deliver consistently excellent, evidence-based care and a recognized designation that may help patients feel secure in choosing local and likely more timely intervention."
Co-authors are Tyler Malone, PhD; Mark Holmes, PhD; and Anthony Charles, MD, MPH, FRCSEd, FACS.
This study is published as an article in press (https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/journals/jacs/inpress/) on the JACS website.
Citation: Mustafa A, Malone T, Holmes M, et al. Consequences of Patient-directed Bypass of Local Surgical Care: A Multi-state Analysis. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2026. DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001751
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About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 90,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
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Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/bypassing-closest-hospital-for-emergency-general-surgery-linked-to-increased-complications-and-prolonged-hospital-stay/
[Category: Medical]
Alliance and the Research Institute for Home Care Release 2025 Hospice Chartbook
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Feb. 20 (TNSrpt) -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following joint release with The Research Institute for Home Care:
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Alliance and the Research Institute for Home Care Release 2025 Hospice Chartbook
This new report kicks off a series of research on care at home in the U.S.
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The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) and The Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute) are excited to announce the release of the 2025 Hospice Chartbook. Highlighting the vital role that hospice plays in caring for an aging demographic, the Chartbook
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Feb. 20 (TNSrpt) -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following joint release with The Research Institute for Home Care:
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Alliance and the Research Institute for Home Care Release 2025 Hospice Chartbook
This new report kicks off a series of research on care at home in the U.S.
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The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) and The Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute) are excited to announce the release of the 2025 Hospice Chartbook. Highlighting the vital role that hospice plays in caring for an aging demographic, the Chartbookprovides a look at the patients being served in hospice, who they are demographically and clinically, and more.
Now in its second year, the 2025 Hospice Chartbook, co-sponsored by the Alliance, provides an overview of national patient and workforce data with an emphasis on state-specific information and trends, including key data on hospice patients and providers, Medicare spending on hospice, and more.
"The 2025 Hospice Chartbook offers one of the most comprehensive and timely views of hospice today -- who is receiving care, how the benefit is used, and the impact it has on patients and families," said Jennifer Sheets, Alliance CEO and President of the Institute. "This is the first in a series of Institute research reports co-sponsored by the Alliance to illuminate the full care-at-home landscape, with home health and Medicaid HCBS analyses to follow."
"Care at home is preferred by patients and families, increasingly high-tech, and saves our healthcare system money," Sheets continued. "We know it is part of the solution to fortify the future of healthcare, serve our aging population, and combat a diminishing Medicare trust fund. Data like what is included in the Hospice Chartbook is critical to ensuring the public, policymakers, and providers understand our current state and where we can go."
On March 5 at 2 p.m. ET, the Alliance and the Institute will host a webinar on the Hospice Chartbook findings alongside data from the soon-to-be-released 2025 Hospice Facts & Figures report from the Alliance. This webinar will share critical data and insights impacting the hospice community. We invite Alliance members and members of the media to attend this important conversation. Registration is open now through the Alliance website.
Over the course of March and April, the Alliance and the Institute will be releasing a series of research reports from the 2025 Hospice Facts and Figures report to additional Chartbooks on home health and Medicaid HCBS. Stay tuned to the Alliance for release announcements and support the future of care at home by considering a contribution to the Research Institute for Home Care.
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About the National Alliance for Care at Home
The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the leading authority in transforming care in the home. As an inclusive thought leader, advocate, educator, and convener, we serve as the unifying voice for providers and recipients of home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and Medicaid home and community-based services throughout all stages of life. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.
About the Research Institute for Home Care
The Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute) is an independent, research-focused non-profit. The Institute invests in research and education about care at home and its ability to deliver quality, cost-effective, patient-centered support across the care continuum. The Institute is committed to conducting and sponsoring research and initiatives that demonstrate and enhance the value proposition that home care and hospice offer patients and the entire U.S. health care system. Learn more at www.researchinstituteforhomecare.org, and find ways you can donate through either Alliance membership or independent contributions at myalliance.allianceforcareathome.org/donate-now.
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REPORT: https://researchinstituteforhomecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-RIHC-Hospice-Care-Chartbook.pdf
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Original text here: https://allianceforcareathome.org/the-alliance-and-the-research-institute-for-home-care-release-2025-hospice-chartbook/
[Category: Health Care]
