Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
ERISA Industry Committee: Coalition Urges Court to Rein In Novel 401(k) Forfeiture Claims
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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Coalition Urges Court to Rein In Novel 401(k) Forfeiture Claims
Last Wednesday, The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) and its coalition allies filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in Matula, Jr. v. Wells Fargo & Company (Matula), urging the court to uphold the lower court's decision. Matula represents a growing wave of class action lawsuits challenging the use of "forfeitures" in 401(k) plans to pay plan expenses or offset employer contributions --
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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Coalition Urges Court to Rein In Novel 401(k) Forfeiture Claims
Last Wednesday, The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) and its coalition allies filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in Matula, Jr. v. Wells Fargo & Company (Matula), urging the court to uphold the lower court's decision. Matula represents a growing wave of class action lawsuits challenging the use of "forfeitures" in 401(k) plans to pay plan expenses or offset employer contributions --a practice that has been permitted under Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations for more than 50 years. The statement below can be attributed to Tom Christina, Executive Director of the ERIC Legal Center.
"Plans have long followed a well-established practice of using forfeited funds to offset employer contributions or plan expenses, a practice commonly understood to be entirely permissible under ERISA. Now, after a recent rash of lawsuits, the plaintiffs' bar is asking the court for a legal about-face despite decades of legal and regulatory precedent. Such a shift would be odd, legally incoherent, and would leave plan sponsors with no legal certainty about the plans they voluntarily offer to help their workers save for retirement. Rather than stack the deck against employers and their workers, the court can reject this case and send a strong message that it will not tolerate these legal fishing expeditions."
ERIC was joined by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Retail Federation on the brief. Goodwin Procter LLP prepared the amicus brief, which is available here (https://eric.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3fd7ffe23e2ee60817b3ee175&id=920886f1b5&e=4b9822ddff).
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All media inquiries to The ERISA Industry Committee should be directed to media@eric.org.
About The ERISA Industry Committee
ERIC is a national advocacy organization that exclusively represents large employers that provide health, retirement, paid leave, and other benefits to their nationwide workforces. With member companies that are leaders in every sector of the economy, ERIC advocates on the federal, state, and local levels for policies that promote flexibility and uniformity in the administration of their employee benefit plans.
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Original text here: https://www.eric.org/press_release/coalition-urges-court-to-rein-in-novel-401k-forfeiture-claims/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
CMS Memo Answers Questions About State Recovery After Government Shutdown
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 2 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Memo Answers Questions About State Recovery After Government Shutdown
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a memo outlining answers to questions from states and providers regarding survey, enforcement and certification recovery activities after the federal government shutdown, which took place from Oct. 1 through Nov. 12.
On Nov. 12, Congress enacted Public Law 119-37, which provided a continuing appropriation until Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, with retroactive authority back
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 2 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Memo Answers Questions About State Recovery After Government Shutdown
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a memo outlining answers to questions from states and providers regarding survey, enforcement and certification recovery activities after the federal government shutdown, which took place from Oct. 1 through Nov. 12.
On Nov. 12, Congress enacted Public Law 119-37, which provided a continuing appropriation until Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, with retroactive authority backto Oct. 1, 2025. The appropriation enables states to be reimbursed for survey activities conducted during the shutdown period.
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About Missouri Hospital Association
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 136 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.
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Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/cms-memo-answers-questions-about-state-recovery-after-government-shutdown
[Category: Health Care]
CMS Issues Final CY 2026 Home Health PPS And DMEPOS Updates
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 2 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Issues Final CY 2026 Home Health PPS And DMEPOS Updates
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the Home Health PPS payment and policy updates for calendar year 2026. CMS is reducing the home health agencies' payment update by 3%, which includes a temporary behavioral adjustment to recoup retrospective overpayments. CMS estimates that the total retrospective payment adjustment amounts to $4.7 billion through CY 2024. By implementing a 3% reduction, CMS is estimating that $417
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 2 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Issues Final CY 2026 Home Health PPS And DMEPOS Updates
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the Home Health PPS payment and policy updates for calendar year 2026. CMS is reducing the home health agencies' payment update by 3%, which includes a temporary behavioral adjustment to recoup retrospective overpayments. CMS estimates that the total retrospective payment adjustment amounts to $4.7 billion through CY 2024. By implementing a 3% reduction, CMS is estimating that $417million of the total will be recouped in 2026.
The final rule also includes recalibration of the case-mix weights, updates the functional impairment levels, comorbidity subgroups, and low-utilization payment adjustment thresholds, and includes changes to the face-to-face encounter policy. Additionally, the rule includes changes in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies Competitive Bidding Program that is intended to protect the Medicare Trust Funds and lower co-pays for beneficiaries.
MHA published an issue brief with additional information.
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About Missouri Hospital Association
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 136 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.
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Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/cms-issues-final-cy-2026-home-health-pps-and-dmepos-updates
[Category: Health Care]
CES Foundry Brings Together Innovators for Programming, Demos and Networking
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 2 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
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CES Foundry Brings Together Innovators for Programming, Demos and Networking
The official CES Foundry program builds learning and connection across the AI and quantum community
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The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announces a groundbreaking two-day lineup of programming for CES Foundry - the newest destination at CES 2026. CES Foundry will unite innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and media to explore how AI and quantum technologies are defining the next
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 2 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
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CES Foundry Brings Together Innovators for Programming, Demos and Networking
The official CES Foundry program builds learning and connection across the AI and quantum community
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The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announces a groundbreaking two-day lineup of programming for CES Foundry - the newest destination at CES 2026. CES Foundry will unite innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and media to explore how AI and quantum technologies are defining the nextera of innovation. Located at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Jan. 7-8, CES Foundry will feature two stages of immersive discussion, an array of demos, and valuable networking opportunities.
"At CES, the brightest minds come together to reveal what's possible. This year, AI is accelerating innovation across every sector," said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, CTA. "CES Foundry will serve as a hub for the innovators leading that charge, and I'm looking forward to the ideas that will emerge."
Driving Discussion
There will be two stages at the Foundry -- the Breakthrough Stage and the Discovery Stage. Programming will alternate between the two, each delivering compelling AI and Quantum content through panels, fireside chats, and thought-leader conversations featuring some of the most influential voices in technology.
* America's AI Future: A Fireside Chat with Michael Kratsios, the President's Science & Technology Advisor, and Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA
* Fireside Chat: The Future of Leadership in the AI Era with Shelly Palmer and May Habib, Co-founder and CEO, Writer
* From Concept to Reality: Creatives Using AI to Bring Big Ideas to Life
* Real Returns on AI: Finding the Next Big Winners
Attendees can also hear from some of the world's leading companies in driving AI and quantum innovation.
* AI as Infrastructure: A New Competitive Frontier for Nations, presented by AMD
* AI at the Helm of Marine Innovation, presented by Brunswick
* AI-Powered Workflows: Transforming Frontline Operations for the Future, presented by Zebra
* Agentic AI: Revolutionizing Consumer Electronics and Business Models, presented by AWS
* Building secure, ethical and human-centered AI, presented by Deloitte
* Delivering efficient edge systems for machinery with physical and agentic AI, presented by DeepX
* Driving breakthroughs in generative models, robotics & simulation, presented by NVIDIA
* Exploring AI's role in agricultural advancements, presented by Vector
* Exploring how brands are shifting from pilots to AI-native enterprises, presented by MediaMonks
* Four Futures of AI: Culture Meets Technology presented by EY
* Fueling economic growth and the workforce through quantum and AI, presented by JobsOhio
* How AI & Location Tech Are Shaping the Future of Smart Vehicles, presented by HERE Technologies
* Mapping What's Possible With AI, presented by TomTom
* Pioneering Industrial AI Technologies, presented by Hitachi
* Powering safer, more personalized software-defined vehicles with AI, presented by Bosch
* Robots Among Us: Welcome to the Age of Humanoids, presented by Agility Robotics
* Super Strategies for AI Enterprises, presented by PwC
* Unlocking AI Transformation: From Devices to Culture, presented by PwC
Showcasing Innovation
Surrounding the stages, attendees will find displays from leading companies advancing AI and quantum technologies like
* Aina Tech
* Agility Robotics
* Coactive AI
* D-Wave Commercial
* Gravitas Technologies & Solutions
* MediaMonks
* Quantinuum
* Quantum Computing Inc.
* SuperQ Quantum Computing
* Zebra Technologies
Complementing the stage programming, CES Foundry brings cutting-edge technology to life with dynamic Foundry Demos from D-Wave Commercial, MediaMonks, SuperQ Quantum Computing, and Quantum Computing Inc. Attendees will experience real-world applications firsthand and engage in Q&A with industry leaders.
Creating Community
Throughout the show, attendees can extend discussions and forge new connections at two lounges, sponsored by LA Times Studios and Vector.
The Foundry programming will culminate in a special segment exploring the future of intelligent entertainment, followed by the CES Foundry Celebration Event, presented by JobsOhio and Vector, for high-impact networking. It is open to all with a CES badge on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 4:30 PM.
"This two-day experience is where visionaries, disruptors, and global leaders come together to build what's next," said Fabrizio. "CES Foundry is designed for the conversations that spark business -- a place where forward-thinking leaders can meet the right people, uncover new opportunities, and form partnerships that might not happen anywhere else."
CES Foundry will offer opportunities for attendees to gain unique perspectives, exchange ideas, and build new partnerships. Register for CES 2026 to experience CES Foundry.
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About CES(R):
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world - the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R), CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2026 takes place Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.
About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R):
As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators - from startups to global brands - helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES(R) - the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
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Original text here: https://www.ces.tech/press-releases/ces-foundry-brings-together-innovators-for-programming-demos-and-networking?_gl=1*tdqd6m*_gcl_au*MTgxMzgyODM0My4xNzYyNDE1NjEx
[Category: Electronic Products]
American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) Announce Endorsement of Pharmacy-Based HIV Prevention Services Certificate Training Program
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The American Pharmacists Association issued the following news release:
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American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) announce endorsement of Pharmacy-Based HIV Prevention Services Certificate Training Program
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) today announced that AAHIVM has formally endorsed the clinical and educational content of APhA's Pharmacy-Based HIV Prevention Services Certificate Training Program and Microcredential. The endorsement follows a detailed review
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The American Pharmacists Association issued the following news release:
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American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) announce endorsement of Pharmacy-Based HIV Prevention Services Certificate Training Program
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) today announced that AAHIVM has formally endorsed the clinical and educational content of APhA's Pharmacy-Based HIV Prevention Services Certificate Training Program and Microcredential. The endorsement follows a detailed reviewby AAHIVM subject matter experts to confirm the program meets the academy's high standards for HIV prevention and clinical excellence.
The announcement is being issued on World AIDS Day (December 1)--a global day of awareness, remembrance, and commitment to ending the HIV epidemic. The timing reflects both organizations' shared dedication to expanding access to HIV prevention services and strengthening the health care workforce that supports individuals with HIV or who have a high likelihood of acquiring it.
APhA's Pharmacy-Based HIV Prevention Services Certificate Training Program is designed to empower pharmacists with the clinical knowledge and operational tools necessary to deliver HIV prevention and sexual-wellness services. AAHIVM's endorsement reinforces its quality, relevance, and value as pharmacists expand access to HIV prevention services nationwide.
For pharmacy professionals interested in APhA's Pharmacy-Based HIV Prevention Services Certificate Training Program, please visit www.pharmacist.com/Education/Certificate-Training-Programs/Pharmacy-Based-HIV-Prevention-Services
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About APhA
APhA is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. From our headquarters in Washington, DC, APhA leads the pharmacy profession by supporting pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in their role optimizing medication use and patient health outcomes and ensuring patients have access to pharmacists' care. We do this through our strong and effective advocacy, top notch education, practice tools and resources, dissemination of evidence, and opportunities for members to engage and learn from each other. APhA is the pharmacy voice at the table in developing national guidelines, policies, and best practices that advance the profession and patient care. To learn more, visit www.pharmacist.com.
About AAHIVM
AAHIVM is the nation's leading independent organization of health care professionals dedicated to providing excellence in HIV care and prevention. Our membership of practitioners and credentialed clinicians manage the health of the majority of people with and at risk of HIV in the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-Releases/american-pharmacists-association-apha-and-american-academy-of-hiv-medicine-aahivm-announce-endorsement-of-pharmacy-based-hiv-prevention-services-certificate-training-program
[Category: Medical]
AHA, MHA and Four Safety-Net Hospitals File Suit to Stop Unlawful 340B Changes Threatening Patient Care
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 2 -- The American Hospital Association issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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AHA, MHA and Four Safety-Net Hospitals File Suit to Stop Unlawful 340B Changes Threatening Patient Care
Proposed rebate program would take resources for providing care to rural, poor patients and impose significant costs and burdens on the already-strapped hospitals providing them care
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LEWISTON, Maine -- Today, the American Hospital Association (AHA), the Maine Hospital Association (MHA) and four safety-net health systems from across the country filed a lawsuit in the United
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 2 -- The American Hospital Association issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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AHA, MHA and Four Safety-Net Hospitals File Suit to Stop Unlawful 340B Changes Threatening Patient Care
Proposed rebate program would take resources for providing care to rural, poor patients and impose significant costs and burdens on the already-strapped hospitals providing them care
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LEWISTON, Maine -- Today, the American Hospital Association (AHA), the Maine Hospital Association (MHA) and four safety-net health systems from across the country filed a lawsuit in the UnitedStates District Court for the District of Maine to stop unlawful changes to a critical program that provides lower-cost drugs to hospitals and clinics that serve rural, poor and vulnerable communities.
At a time when financially strapped hospitals are struggling to stretch their resources to care for the nation's underserved populations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is abruptly forcing health care providers to adopt new, costly changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. For more than 30 years, the 340B program has helped safety-net hospitals provide care to millions of people and communities in need. In 2022 alone, thanks in part to these savings, 340B hospitals provided nearly $100 billion of benefits to their communities, including free or discounted drugs for patients, comprehensive care for the uninsured, behavioral health services, opioid treatment, oncology care, food pantries and more.
Under the HHS planned change to the 340B program, safety-net providers would have to pay drug manufacturers the full market price for drugs upfront and then seek reimbursement only after the drugs are administered to patients -- a monumental shift that would impose hundreds of millions of dollars in additional annual costs and burdensome paperwork requirements on hospitals and other covered entities with no benefit to patients.
"When the government announced its new rebate program just a few months ago, it recognized that it would fundamentally shift how the 340B program has operated for more than three decades. When making such a major change, with such far-reaching consequences for patients and hospitals, it is important that the government follow the basic administrative rules of the road. Unfortunately, it did not do so here," said Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the AHA. "And giving hospitals only a few months to comply with these burdensome new requirements or risk losing millions of dollars in discounts they are entitled to under the law will harm patients and communities across the country. We are asking the court to act quickly to protect access to vital care services."
If implemented on Jan. 1, 2026, the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program would impose overwhelming financial challenges on hospitals and providers participating in the 340B program, many of which already operate on razor thin margins while playing a vital role in their communities, often serving as the only source of care. The decision to move forward with the rebate program through a rushed, opaque process following its announcement on July 31, 2025, violates the most basic principles of administrative law and ignores the concerns of over a thousand 340B hospitals and other stakeholders, many of which highlighted the significant costs and community impact of administering the rebate model.
"Having upfront drug discounts has been a critical lifeline to our community and our ability to serve patients who otherwise wouldn't be able to access care," said Winfield S. Brown, president of St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Maine. "Allowing this program to go forward despite the objections that have been raised would do irreparable harm to the patients of Androscoggin County and other communities like ours across the country."
"Maine's hospitals are already facing very difficult financial conditions as they strive to continue providing a full range of care to their communities," said Steven Michaud, president of the Maine Hospital Association. "Maine hospitals simply cannot afford the immense costs of this hastily imposed rebate program."
For more than 30 years, safety-net and rural hospitals that serve millions of Americans every year have relied on upfront drug discounts to expand access to care, make life-saving medications available, and provide critical care to vulnerable communities across America. The AHA and MHA are joined in this suit by St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Maine, the Unity Medical Center in North Dakota, the Dallas County Medical Center in Arkansas, and the Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home in New York -- all community-based health care providers that participate in the 340B program.
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About the American Hospital Association (AHA)
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA advocates on behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinician partners - including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, 2 million nurses and other caregivers - and the 43,000 health care leaders who belong to our professional membership groups. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides insight and education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at www.aha.org.
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Original text here: https://www.aha.org/press-releases/2025-12-01-aha-mha-and-four-safety-net-hospitals-file-suit-stop-unlawful-340b-changes-threatening-patient-care
[Category: Health Care]
ACR Publishes BI-RADS V2025 Manual to Advance Breast Imaging Standards
RESTON, Virginia, Dec. 2 -- The American College of Radiology issued the following news:
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ACR Publishes BI-RADS v2025 Manual to Advance Breast Imaging Standards
The American College of Radiology(R) (ACR(R)) announced the release of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS(R)) v2025 Manual, the definitive guide for standardized breast imaging terminology and reporting.
"The BI-RADS Manual is an invaluable resource for breast imagers to clearly communicate breast imaging findings in everyday practice," said Mary S. Newell, MD, FACR, FSBI, chair of the ACR Committee on BI-RADS.
... Show Full Article
RESTON, Virginia, Dec. 2 -- The American College of Radiology issued the following news:
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ACR Publishes BI-RADS v2025 Manual to Advance Breast Imaging Standards
The American College of Radiology(R) (ACR(R)) announced the release of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS(R)) v2025 Manual, the definitive guide for standardized breast imaging terminology and reporting.
"The BI-RADS Manual is an invaluable resource for breast imagers to clearly communicate breast imaging findings in everyday practice," said Mary S. Newell, MD, FACR, FSBI, chair of the ACR Committee on BI-RADS."The updates to this manual, which is the culmination of several years of work from the ACR BI-RADS committee and subcommittee members, will assist with the peer review process when auditing breast imaging practices, which is important for identifying opportunities for practice improvement."
The BI-RADS v2025 Manual includes updates across all five sections:
* Mammography
* Ultrasound
* Magnetic Resonance Imaging
* Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
* Auditing and Outcomes Monitoring
Key enhancements include:
* Revisions based on member feedback
* Additional clinical images to improve the learning experience
* Updates about the latest technology in imaging equipment
BI-RADS was created to standardize the way breast imaging results were reported and improve patient care. The manual (https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Clinical-Tools-and-Reference/Reporting-and-Data-Systems/BI-RADS) is available on the ACR website.
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Original text here: https://www.acr.org/News-and-Publications/Media-Center/2025/bi-rads-v2025-manual-released
[Category: Medical]
