Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
NABIP Applauds Senate Push for Clarity on Medicare Advantage Network Disruptions
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (formerly the National Association of Health Underwriters) issued the following news release:
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NABIP Applauds Senate Push for Clarity on Medicare Advantage Network Disruptions
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) today voiced strong support for renewed congressional attention to Medicare Advantage network disruptions following the letter from Senators Wyden and Warner urging greater transparency and accountability from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
NABIP
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (formerly the National Association of Health Underwriters) issued the following news release:
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NABIP Applauds Senate Push for Clarity on Medicare Advantage Network Disruptions
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) today voiced strong support for renewed congressional attention to Medicare Advantage network disruptions following the letter from Senators Wyden and Warner urging greater transparency and accountability from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
NABIPemphasized that seniors, individuals with disabilities, and the licensed agents and brokers who support them deserve clear, timely information when providers leave Medicare Advantage networks mid-year.
"Senators Wyden and Warner's letter highlights what our members have seen all year.
Medicare Advantage network instability is now a widespread problem that harms seniors, burdens caregivers, and leaves agents and brokers without the information they need. When providers leave a network mid-year, seniors lose continuity of care and access to treatments they depend on, and agents are not given timely or clear information to help them," said Jessica Brooks-Woods, CEO of NABIP.
"We support the call for clarity. The criteria for 'significant network changes,' Special Enrollment Periods, and carrier and CMS responsibilities must be transparent and publicly available. NABIP is ready to work with CMS and Congress to strengthen communication and consumer protections. Seniors deserve stability, transparency, and informed choice, and we will continue advocating for these principles."
NABIP urges policymakers to uphold the protections reflected in the NABIP Healthcare Bill of Rights, which affirms that every American deserves informed choice, transparent communication, continuity of care, and trusted professional guidance from licensed agents and brokers. These core principles are essential to ensuring seniors receive timely information and reliable access to care when Medicare Advantage networks experience significant disruption.
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About NABIP
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) is the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals, representing more than 100,000 licensed agents, brokers, general agents, consultants, and benefit specialists across America. NABIP advocates for policies that promote access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and provides professional development through more than 150 local chapters nationwide.
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Original text here: https://nabip.org/media/10697/statement-wydenwarner-letter-11-20-2025.pdf
[Category: Insurance]
MISMO Publishes Federal Government Housing Agency Servicing Dataset to Align With the VA's Modernization Goals
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- MISMO, a subsidiary of the Mortgage Bankers Association, issued the following news on Nov. 20, 2025:
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MISMO Publishes Federal Government Housing Agency Servicing Dataset to Align with the VA's Modernization Goals
MISMO(R), the real estate finance industry's standards organization, today announced publication of the new Federal Government Housing Agency Servicing Dataset in 'Candidate Recommendation' status, indicating the standard has been thoroughly reviewed by a wide range of organizations and industry participants and is available for use across the industry.
Initiated
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- MISMO, a subsidiary of the Mortgage Bankers Association, issued the following news on Nov. 20, 2025:
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MISMO Publishes Federal Government Housing Agency Servicing Dataset to Align with the VA's Modernization Goals
MISMO(R), the real estate finance industry's standards organization, today announced publication of the new Federal Government Housing Agency Servicing Dataset in 'Candidate Recommendation' status, indicating the standard has been thoroughly reviewed by a wide range of organizations and industry participants and is available for use across the industry.
Initiatedby the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Guaranty Service (LGY), this project aligns with the VA's broader modernization goals. By partnering with MISMO, LGY is ensuring that its future is built in harmony with industry standards -- paving the way for broader adoption, consistency, and interoperability across the entire mortgage servicing ecosystem.
"The completion of the Federal Government Housing Agency Dataset demonstrates MISMO's ability to bring together government and industry stakeholders to develop standards that support the housing industry and the consumers that MISMO serves," said Matt Tully, Sagent's Chief Compliance Officer. "Sagent was proud to sponsor this workgroup and we look forward to the broad adoption of these standards across the servicing ecosystem."
With a consistent, reliable framework for servicing data, servicers and Federal Government Housing Agencies will be able to:
* Respond faster when borrowers face financial hardship;
* Target resources where they matter most;
* Make policy decisions with real-time, trustworthy data;
* Validate policy effectiveness with confidence;
* Advance industry adoption of best practices;
* Align with industry standards; and,
* Improve the quality of data exchanged in a servicing transfer.
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Original text here: https://www.mismo.org/about-MISMO/news/2025/11/20/mismo-publishes-federal-government-housing-agency-servicing-dataset-to-align-with-the-va-s-modernization-goals
[Category: Financial Services]
MHA Launches Payer Performance Initiative
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 21 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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MHA Launches Payer Performance Initiative
Hospitals across Missouri face growing challenges with payer relationships -- from downcoding and delayed payments to complex contract negotiations. To help hospitals strengthen financial performance, the Missouri Hospital Association and Hospital Industry Data Institute are launching the Payer Performance Initiative (https://www.mohospitals.org/how-we-help-hospitals/hospital-management-operations/hospital-finance/payer-performance-initiative), a statewide
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 21 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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MHA Launches Payer Performance Initiative
Hospitals across Missouri face growing challenges with payer relationships -- from downcoding and delayed payments to complex contract negotiations. To help hospitals strengthen financial performance, the Missouri Hospital Association and Hospital Industry Data Institute are launching the Payer Performance Initiative (https://www.mohospitals.org/how-we-help-hospitals/hospital-management-operations/hospital-finance/payer-performance-initiative), a statewideeffort to provide clearer, more actionable payer insights.
As part of this initiative, HIDI has partnered with Hyve Health to deliver the Vitality Index Payer Scorecard, a real-time tool that benchmarks payer performance, identifies friction points and improves transparency in payer relationships. A pilot cohort is already underway, with broader availability planned for 2026.
The initiative will replace MHA's Insurance Performance Scorecard and complement existing tools like the Hospital Performance Insights Dashboard and HIDI Fiscal Optics. Together, these resources support hospitals' financial health and strengthen MHA's advocacy with credible, evidence-based data.
Hospitals interested in participating can contact Brandon Hutchison.
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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/mha-launches-payer-performance-initiative
[Category: Health Care]
EU: BSA Highlights Need for International Cooperation in Implementing Data Union Strategy
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- Business Software Alliance (formerly BSA - Software Alliance) issued the following statement on Nov. 19, 2025:
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EU: BSA Highlights Need for International Cooperation in Implementing Data Union Strategy
BRUSSELS -- In response to the European Commission's publication of the Data Union Strategy - Unlocking Data for AI, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) released the following statement:
"The Data Union Strategy reflects many of the priorities we highlighted in our consultation response, including the need for smarter data policies that improve access to high-value
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- Business Software Alliance (formerly BSA - Software Alliance) issued the following statement on Nov. 19, 2025:
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EU: BSA Highlights Need for International Cooperation in Implementing Data Union Strategy
BRUSSELS -- In response to the European Commission's publication of the Data Union Strategy - Unlocking Data for AI, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) released the following statement:
"The Data Union Strategy reflects many of the priorities we highlighted in our consultation response, including the need for smarter data policies that improve access to high-valuedata, reduce fragmentation, and support AI and digital innovation across the EU," said Irma Gudziunaite, Director - Policy, EMEA, BSA. "We welcome efforts to streamline the regulatory landscape and strengthen legal clarity for businesses of all sizes."
"As the EU advances its strategic autonomy goals, it is essential that this agenda is driven by international cooperation, not protectionism," Gudziunaite added. "Europe can promote resilience and trust while remaining open to global data flows. Avoiding isolationism and ensuring consistency across data legislation will be crucial to fostering innovation, competitiveness, and user choice."
BSA looks forward to continued cooperation with the European Commission and stakeholders to help deliver a modern, coherent, and globally connected European data ecosystem.
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ABOUT BSA
The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the global trade association of the enterprise software industry, representing companies that are leaders in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, quantum, and other breakthrough technologies. We work in over 20 markets in the US, Europe, and Asia, advocating for policies that build trust in technology so that every industry sector and the public can benefit from innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.bsa.org/news-events/news/eu-bsa-highlights-need-for-international-cooperation-in-implementing-data-union-strategy
[Category: Business]
Developing Dehydration and Other Age-related Conditions Following Major Surgery Linked to Dramatically Worse Outcomes for Older Adults
CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 21 -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
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Developing dehydration and other age-related conditions following major surgery linked to dramatically worse outcomes for older adults
National study finds older adults who develop conditions such as delirium, dehydration or experience falls after having major surgery are at higher risk of poor outcomes and death
Key Takeaways
* Roughly 1 in 9 older adults (10.9%) developed a new geriatric syndrome -- such as disorientation, dehydration, or falls -- during their hospital stay for major surgery.
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 21 -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
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Developing dehydration and other age-related conditions following major surgery linked to dramatically worse outcomes for older adults
National study finds older adults who develop conditions such as delirium, dehydration or experience falls after having major surgery are at higher risk of poor outcomes and death
Key Takeaways
* Roughly 1 in 9 older adults (10.9%) developed a new geriatric syndrome -- such as disorientation, dehydration, or falls -- during their hospital stay for major surgery.
* Patients with a new geriatric syndrome spent significantly fewer days recovering at home in the 90 days after surgery (median 66 days vs. 82.5 days).
* Developing a geriatric syndrome was associated with a more than two-fold increased risk of death within one year, even if the patient had no other major complications.
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Older adults who develop a new geriatric syndrome -- such as dehydration, delirium, or malnutrition -- after major surgery face a dramatically higher risk of poor outcomes, including more complications, fewer days spent at home, and a significantly increased likelihood of dying within a year, according to findings published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS).
Researchers analyzed Medicare claims data from 2016 to 2021 of patients over 66 who underwent one of five major operations: coronary artery bypass grafting, pneumonectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, pancreatectomy, or colectomy. The study focused only on new-onset cases, excluding patients with a prior history of geriatric syndromes.
The study found that 10.9% of patients developed at least one new geriatric syndrome during their hospitalization. These syndromes include delirium (sudden confusion or disorientation), dehydration, malnutrition, falls, or loss of control over their bladder or bowels. Patients who developed one of these conditions were far less likely to be discharged directly home and spent a median of 16.5 fewer days at home in the 90 days following surgery.
"A geriatric syndrome can be a 'canary in the coal mine,' signaling a patient's underlying vulnerability," said senior author Timothy M. Pawlik, MD, MPH, PhD, FACS, a surgical oncologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "It's crucial we don't dismiss these events as just a normal part of 'getting older.' These are important warning signs that a patient needs closer monitoring and tailored support, both in the hospital and after discharge."
Key Findings
* Patients who developed a geriatric syndrome had a 27% reduction of days at home within 90 days of discharge. For those who also had a postoperative complication, the median days at home decreased to just 15 days.
* The development of any geriatric syndrome was associated with a 132% higher risk of death within one year. Having two or more syndromes led to a 272% higher risk of death in that time frame.
* The increased mortality risk held strong even among patients who did not experience major postoperative complications, with a 54% higher risk of death.
* Dehydration was the most frequently occurring syndrome (66.7% of affected patients), followed by delirium (25.2%) and malnutrition (13.2%).
The study also identified factors associated with a higher risk of developing a geriatric syndrome, including older age, a higher burden of other health conditions, and undergoing emergency surgery. Having a minimally invasive procedure was associated with a 49% lower risk of developing a geriatric syndrome, according to the authors.
The researchers suggest the findings highlight the critical need for a specialized, systematic approach to the surgical care of older adults through programs such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program.
The ACS GSV Program provides hospitals with a set of evidence-based standards designed to optimize surgical care for older adults. These standards emphasize proactive patient assessment, delirium prevention and management, and patient-centered goal setting to improve outcomes and preserve patients' independence and quality of life after surgery.
"This research provides powerful evidence for why programs like GSV are so essential," Dr. Pawlik said. "By focusing on the unique needs of older patients, we can better anticipate, prevent, and manage these syndromes, which directly translates to helping patients get back home and back to their lives."
Coauthors are Andrea Baldo, MD; Odysseas P Chatzipanagiotou, MD; Selamawit Woldesenbet, MS, MPH, PhD; Miho Akabane, MD; Gaya Spolverato, MD, FACS.
The study is published as an article in press on the JACS website.
Citation: New-onset Geriatric Syndromes among patients undergoing major surgery: Impact on clinical outcomes and quality of life. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001661
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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/2025/developing-dehydration-and-other-age-related-conditions-following-major-surgery-linked-to-dramatically-worse-outcomes-for-older-adults/
[Category: Medical]
BSA: Digital Omnibus Moves EU Digital Regulation in the Right Direction -- More Work Ahead
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- Business Software Alliance (formerly BSA - Software Alliance) issued the following news release:
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BSA: Digital Omnibus Moves EU Digital Regulation in the Right Direction -- More Work Ahead
BRUSSELS - The Business Software Alliance (BSA) welcomes today's publication of the European Commission's Digital Omnibus Package, including the general Digital Omnibus and the Digital Omnibus on AI. The proposals represent a constructive first step toward addressing many of the concerns raised by BSA and industry about the growing fragmentation, overlap, and complexity of the EU's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- Business Software Alliance (formerly BSA - Software Alliance) issued the following news release:
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BSA: Digital Omnibus Moves EU Digital Regulation in the Right Direction -- More Work Ahead
BRUSSELS - The Business Software Alliance (BSA) welcomes today's publication of the European Commission's Digital Omnibus Package, including the general Digital Omnibus and the Digital Omnibus on AI. The proposals represent a constructive first step toward addressing many of the concerns raised by BSA and industry about the growing fragmentation, overlap, and complexity of the EU'sdigital rulebook.
The Digital Omnibus package responds to long-standing industry calls for clearer definitions, streamlined cybersecurity reporting obligations, and better alignment between key digital laws. Measures such as one single data law (the 'Data Act'), additional flexibility on cloud switching, increased safeguards on trade secrets in the Data Act, or an upcoming Single-Entry Point for cyber incident reporting under various legislations all represent welcome progress toward reducing fragmentation in the EU's digital rulebook.
BSA also particularly welcomes the pragmatic adjustments introduced in the Digital Omnibus on AI, including linking high-risk AI provisions' timelines to the availability of standards, or allowing processing of special-category data for bias mitigation. These are constructive improvements that support responsible AI development and deployment.
"These proposals send a positive signal that the EU is committed to reducing unnecessary complexity and supporting innovation," said Thomas Boue, General Director, Policy - EMEA, BSA. "The Commission has taken important steps to streamline obligations and provide more predictable implementation pathways. At the same time, further refinement will be needed to ensure that Europe's digital framework is truly coherent, proportionate, and workable for enterprise software providers across all Member States."
Today's package is only the first step, as the EU Parliament and the Council will now have a say on the proposal. BSA will now conduct a thorough analysis of the proposed measures and their implications for the enterprise software industry and will share detailed feedback with EU policymakers and its members in the coming days to ensure that these improvements remain in the final texts.
Moreover, BSA welcomes the Commission's willingness to look at further simplification efforts, through its ongoing digital fitness checks and review of the existing legislation list, with the aim of further simplifying the EU digital rulebook.
"Simplification is a journey," Boue added, "and today's proposals move us in the right direction. We encourage the co-legislators to continue pursuing clarity, proportionality, and alignment across the entire digital ecosystem".
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ABOUT BSA
The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the global trade association of the enterprise software industry, representing companies that are leaders in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, quantum, and other breakthrough technologies. We work in over 20 markets in the US, Europe, and Asia, advocating for policies that build trust in technology so that every industry sector and the public can benefit from innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.bsa.org/news-events/news/bsa-digital-omnibus-moves-eu-digital-regulation-in-the-right-direction-more-work-ahead
[Category: Business]
BSA Welcomes India's Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- Business Software Alliance (formerly BSA - Software Alliance) issued the following news release:
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BSA Welcomes India's Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025
NEW DELHI - The Business Software Alliance (BSA) welcomed the release of India's Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, describing them as an important step toward strengthening trust in India's digital ecosystem while supporting innovation and economic growth.
"The release of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (DPDP Rules) is an important milestone and will further strengthen India's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- Business Software Alliance (formerly BSA - Software Alliance) issued the following news release:
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BSA Welcomes India's Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025
NEW DELHI - The Business Software Alliance (BSA) welcomed the release of India's Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, describing them as an important step toward strengthening trust in India's digital ecosystem while supporting innovation and economic growth.
"The release of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (DPDP Rules) is an important milestone and will further strengthen India'sgrowing digital ecosystem and facilitate responsible innovation" said Venkatesh Krishnamoorthy, BSA Country Manager - India. "BSA commends the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for engaging closely with all stakeholders when developing the DPDP Rules. We look forward to our continued engagement with MeitY to address practical challenges to implementing the DPDP Rules, particularly as they relate to cross-border data transfers, personal data breach notifications, designation of Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDFs), and operationalizing the Data Protection Board."
BSA welcomes the 18-month implementation timeline provided in the DPDP Rules which supports the ability of businesses of all sizes and sectors to implement necessary changes for compliance with the Act and the Rules. While the DPDP Rules appear to expressly permit data transfers outside India, the ability to impose requirements on such transfers at a later point still could expand data transfer restrictions.
BSA recommends that the Government continue to provide certainty and predictability to businesses with respect to international data transfers. We encourage continued dialogue with stakeholders to address other important practical challenges to implementing the Act and the Rules, including enabling lawful bases for processing personal information beyond consent to align with global best practices and avoid impeding innovation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and routine data transfers that are vital for India's digital economy.
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ABOUT BSA
The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the global trade association of the enterprise software industry, representing companies that are leaders in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, quantum, and other breakthrough technologies. We work in over 20 markets in the US, Europe, and Asia, advocating for policies that build trust in technology so that every industry sector and the public can benefit from innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.bsa.org/news-events/news/bsa-welcomes-indias-digital-personal-data-protection-rules-2025
[Category: Business]
