Trade Associations
Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
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API Announces 2025 Distinguished Pipeline Safety Award Winners
WASHINGTON, April 27 [Category: Energy] -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following news release:* * *
API Announces 2025 Distinguished Pipeline Safety Award Winners
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AURORA, Colorado, April 27, 2026 -The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced the recipients of the 2025 API Distinguished Pipeline Safety Awards. Selected by their peers following a rigorous application and review process, these awards recognize pipeline operators that exemplify the industry's highest standards for safe, reliable operations and community engagement.
"Safety is the foundation of everything ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 27 [Category: Energy] -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following news release: * * * API Announces 2025 Distinguished Pipeline Safety Award Winners * AURORA, Colorado, April 27, 2026 -The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced the recipients of the 2025 API Distinguished Pipeline Safety Awards. Selected by their peers following a rigorous application and review process, these awards recognize pipeline operators that exemplify the industry's highest standards for safe, reliable operations and community engagement. "Safety is the foundation of everythingwe do, and these award winners show how our industry continues to raise the bar," API President and CEO Mike Sommers said. "Pipelines are essential infrastructure-they move the energy that powers our economy and support American families every day. Our members are strengthening environmental performance, advancing technology, working with communities and helping set the global standard for safety."
The Small Operator Winner, Explorer Pipeline Company, was recognized for its strong culture of safety, risk management practices and proactive stakeholder engagement. In 2025, the company reintroduced its FOCUS Summit -a training and collaboration event for employees. It also conducted an audit of its pipeline corridors that will improve accuracy and incident response.
The Medium Operator Winner, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company LLC, was recognized for its leadership in integrity management and commitment to sharing safety learnings across the industry. In 2025, the company pioneered a first-of-its-kind high-speed ultrasonic crack detection in-line inspection tool, enabling accurate crack detection without reducing flow rates or impacting operations. The company also demonstrated technical and policy leadership by delivering presentations on CO2 pipeline development, API RP 1185 implementation, and innovative emergency response training.
The Large Operator Winner, Colonial Pipeline Company, was recognized for its use of emerging technologies and strong integrity management practices. In 2025, the company advanced leak detection through its use of academic partnerships to evaluate emerging technologies, including high-resolution volatile organic compound sensors and vibroacoustic sensing. The company further strengthened industry-wide progress through benchmarking and active participation in the API Pipeline Information Exchange, Pipeline Research Council International, and API committees.
This year, API introduced the Extra-Large Operator category, reflecting the continued growth and scale of pipeline systems supporting America's energy needs.
The Extra-Large Operator Winner, Phillips 66 Pipeline LLC, was recognized for its leadership in safety management, use of emerging technologies and implementation of API RP 1173. In 2025, the company embedded Health, Safety, and Environment and Pipeline Safety Management System metrics directly into incentive compensation for Midstream leaders and employees, reinforcing safety as a core business priority. Phillips 66 also expanded satellite-based analytics to identify encroachments and land-use changes along rights-of-way, enabling more proactive field response.
As a global standards-setting organization, API has developed 48 industry standards to advance safe and efficient pipeline operations. These standards, combined with industry-led initiatives, continue to drive measurable improvements in safety performance nationwide.
This year's awards come as API and the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA) released their annual 2025 Pipeline Performance Report, highlighting the industry's continued safety progress even as volumes delivered increase.
The report shows that while pipeline operators delivered 25 percent more liquid energy, total pipeline incidents declined 22 percent from 2021 to 2025, based on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Safety performance relative to throughput also improved. Total incidents per million barrels delivered fell 31 percent from 2020 to 2024, while incidents impacting people or the environment per million barrels delivered declined 30 percent over the same period.
The 2025 API-LEPA Pipeline Performance Report is available here.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) represents all segments of America's oil and natural gas industry, supporting nearly 11 million U.S. jobs. With approximately 600 members, API companies produce, process, and distribute the majority of the nation's energy. Founded in 1919, API has developed over 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
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Original text here: https://www.api.org/news-policy-and-issues/news/2026/04/27/api-announces-2025-distinguished-pipeline-safety-award-winners
As heart, kidney and metabolic health worsen, cancer risk may rise
DALLAS, Texas, April 27 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Heart Association posted the following news release:* * *
As heart, kidney and metabolic health worsen, cancer risk may rise
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Research Highlights:
* Researchers studied the link between cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM syndrome) and risk of cancer. CKM syndrome refers to several connected health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, obesity and diabetes.
* They compared people with no risk factors for CKM syndrome to those with early- and late-stage CKM syndrome.
* Later-stages of CKM syndrome ... Show Full Article DALLAS, Texas, April 27 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Heart Association posted the following news release: * * * As heart, kidney and metabolic health worsen, cancer risk may rise * Research Highlights: * Researchers studied the link between cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM syndrome) and risk of cancer. CKM syndrome refers to several connected health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, obesity and diabetes. * They compared people with no risk factors for CKM syndrome to those with early- and late-stage CKM syndrome. * Later-stages of CKM syndromewere linked with a 25-30% higher risk of cancer in a study of nearly 1.4 million adults.
People with advanced heart, kidney and metabolic disease may face a higher risk of developing cancer, according to new research published today in the American Heart Association's peer-reviewed scientific journal Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes.
The combination of heart, kidney and metabolic conditions (diabetes and obesity) is known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, or CKM syndrome. The biggest dangers from CKM syndrome are death and disability from heart disease and stroke. However, nearly every major organ system is affected by CKM syndrome, linking it to kidney failure, dementia, fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea and increased risk for cancer.
According to American Heart Association statistics, nearly 9 out of 10 adults in the U.S. have at least one component of CKM syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function.
"The study findings suggest that it is important to consider not only cardiovascular disease risk, but also cancer risk in people with CKM syndrome," said Hidehiro Kaneko, M.D., Ph.D., the study's lead author and associate professor in the department of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Tokyo in Japan.
CKM syndrome is broken down into stages by severity, ranging from stage 0 with no risk factors to stage 4 with cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo in Japan investigated the link between CKM syndrome and cancer, and whether CKM syndrome stage could shed light on someone's risk for cancer. They reviewed national insurance claims data to determine the CKM syndrome stage for nearly 1.4 million people based on the framework in the American Heart Association's Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health presidential advisory. The researchers then tracked participants for around 3 1/2 years, noting any new cancer diagnoses.
Study results:
Compared with healthy participants (CKM syndrome stage 0), cancer risk increased sharply only in the later stages of CKM syndrome:
* Stage 1 - 3% higher risk of developing cancer
* Stage 2 - 2% higher risk of developing cancer
* Stage 3 - 25% higher risk of developing cancer
* Stage 4 - 30% higher risk of developing cancer
"CKM syndrome represents a complex interplay among the cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic systems, where dysfunction in one area may trigger or exacerbate dysfunction in others," Kaneko said. "Dysfunction in each of these systems is independently associated with cancer risk due to shared risk factors. This study suggests that the accumulation of risk factors within the framework of CKM syndrome may contribute to the development of various types of cancer."
"We already know that cancer and its therapies can lead to cardiotoxicities and cardiovascular disease," said American Heart Association volunteer, Tochukwu Okwuosa, D.O., who is director of cardio-oncology services at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. "The study highlights the bidirectional relationship and underscores the concept of reverse cardio-oncology where cardiovascular disease and its risk factors also increase cancer risk. Consequently, healthy lifestyle choices potentially impact both conditions that are the leading causes of death in the United States. For those with established cardiovascular risk, the CKM syndrome staging framework may be a useful tool to flag high risk individuals for potential cancer screenings and evaluations."
According to the manuscript, a limitation of the study is that results from a Japanese population may not be fully generalizable to other countries. However, other studies have "consistently reported that metabolic and kidney dysfunction are associated with increased risk of cancer," supporting the possibility that the findings apply in other populations.
Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript.
Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.
More than 8 in 10 (82%) U.S. adults say they are confident in the American Heart Association to provide trustworthy information related to public health, according to a recent Annenberg Policy Center poll. The Association ranked second only to an individual's personal health care provider.
Additional Resources:
* Multimedia is available on the right column of release link.
* Spanish news release
* After Monday, April 27, view the manuscript online. Also, view the accompanying editorial, CKM Syndrome: A Usable Framework in Cancer Risk Assessment?
* American Heart Association news release: Millions are unaware of heart risks that don't start in the heart (Feb. 2026)
* American Heart Association's CKM Health Initiative
* Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews
* Follow news from the American Heart Association's Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes journal @CircOutcomes.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173
Maggie Francis: Maggie.Francis@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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Original text here: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/as-heart-kidney-and-metabolic-health-worsen-cancer-risk-may-rise
ICI Fact Book Showcases Broad Array of Fund Industry Statistics
WASHINGTON, April 27 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Investment Company Institute issued the following news release:* * *
ICI Fact Book Showcases Broad Array of Fund Industry Statistics
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Washington, DC; April 27, 2026- Today, the Investment Company Institute (ICI) published the 2026 edition of the Investment Company Fact Book. Since 1960, the Fact Book, a compendium of the research and analysis conducted by the Institute over the previous year, has served as the most comprehensive source of facts and data about the asset management industry in the United States and across the globe. ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 27 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Investment Company Institute issued the following news release: * * * ICI Fact Book Showcases Broad Array of Fund Industry Statistics * Washington, DC; April 27, 2026- Today, the Investment Company Institute (ICI) published the 2026 edition of the Investment Company Fact Book. Since 1960, the Fact Book, a compendium of the research and analysis conducted by the Institute over the previous year, has served as the most comprehensive source of facts and data about the asset management industry in the United States and across the globe.
"ICI's Fact Book is the number one resource for industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators looking to understand the depth and breadth of the fund industry, said ICI President and CEO Eric J. Pan. "This work reflects the commitment of ICI's staff to delivering top-quality research and insights that inform and strengthen the industry."
ICI Chief Economist Shelly Antoniewicz added that "ICI's latest edition of Fact Book provides readers with an indispensable source of data and analysis from our expert team. It underscores the industry's continued innovation, including declining expense ratios and expanded access to retirement plans, helping more investors build long-term financial security."
Key takeaways in the 2026 edition include:
* Worldwide demand for regulated funds remained strong in 2025. Sustained inflows into bond and money market funds-along with strong stock market performance-contributed to a 19% increase in total assets. By year-end 2025, regulated funds managed $88.0 trillion in total net assets worldwide. Net inflows into bond funds remained strong in 2025 at $1.3 trillion.
* Net issuance of ETF shares surged to a record $1.5 trillion in 2025, up from a robust $1.1 trillion in 2024. Total net assets of ETFs surpassed $13 trillion in 2025.
* Mutual funds (and other regulated funds) have introduced millions of US households to investing and have become well established as a reliable investment vehicle for middle-class families. The share of middle-income households owning mutual funds rose from 43% in 2005 to 57% in 2025.
* US households had a record $49.1 trillion earmarked for retirement at year-end 2025-up 11% from year-end 2024. The largest components of retirement assets were IRAs and employer-sponsored DC plans (including 401(k) plans), which together represented 68% of all retirement market assets at year-end 2025. IRAs and DC plans had 44% of their assets invested in mutual funds at year-end 2025.
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Original text here: https://www.ici.org/news-release/ici-fact-book-showcases-broad-array-of-fund-industry-statistics
Hill Meetings Deliver Momentum on Tort Reform
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 27 [Category: Transportation] -- The American Trucking Associations posted the following news release:* * *
Hill Meetings Deliver Momentum on Tort Reform
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Apr 27, 2026Last week, the American Trucking Associations assembled industry leaders from Groendyke, Werner, and Old Dominion Freight Line for a series of Capitol Hill meetings focused on an urgent priority: stopping lawsuit abuse that is driving up costs for trucking and the families we serve.
ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen led the group in meetings with both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, which have ... Show Full Article ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 27 [Category: Transportation] -- The American Trucking Associations posted the following news release: * * * Hill Meetings Deliver Momentum on Tort Reform * Apr 27, 2026Last week, the American Trucking Associations assembled industry leaders from Groendyke, Werner, and Old Dominion Freight Line for a series of Capitol Hill meetings focused on an urgent priority: stopping lawsuit abuse that is driving up costs for trucking and the families we serve. ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen led the group in meetings with both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, which havejurisdiction over the bills that would reform the broken judicial system. Trucking leaders had productive discussions with Republican and Democratic staff, providing an overview of the issue and plotting a path forward for solutions. Notably, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) offered his unwavering support for ATA's efforts to restore justice and fairness to the courts-and committed to helping pass legislation that would accomplish this goal.
Why this matters.
The cost of lawsuit abuse hits the trucking industry particularly hard. "Nuclear verdicts" and other runaway awards are increasingly common, and the financial consequences are severe. Commercial insurance rates-one of the biggest operational costs for motor carriers-have risen for the past 54 consecutive quarters. Between 2010 and 2020, truck insurance rates increased by nearly 50 percent per mile. Motor carriers of all sizes are impacted, but the small fleets that make up the overwhelming majority of the industry carry an especially heavy burden. Over 90% of motor carriers operate 10 trucks or fewer.
The economic pain is not confined to the trucking industry, however. American consumers feel it too in the form of a "hidden tort tax" that adds $4,207 per household per year. Nationwide, this adds up to $529 billion in annual tort costs, which ultimately show up in higher prices for groceries, fuel, medicine, building materials, and other everyday goods that move by truck. Left unchecked, that annual toll is expected to approach $1 trillion by 2030.
What we discussed.
The message ATA brought to Capitol Hill was clear: if policymakers want to protect small businesses and promote affordability, they can no longer ignore the exploitation of the legal system that is one of the primary drivers of rising costs.
Congress does not need to start from scratch. There is already a practical legislative framework that would curb the worst abuses, such as:
* The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which would make it a federal crime to purposefully crash into a commercial motor vehicle.
* The Forum Accountability and Integrity in Roadway (FAIR) Trucking Act, which would halt the abusive practice of "forum shopping."
* The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act, which would mandate sanctions for filing frivolous lawsuits.
* The Litigation Transparency Act, which would require disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements; and
* The Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act, which would force the disclosure of foreign persons and entities investing in litigation in the U.S.
States have led by example. In Florida, for instance, over three dozen auto insurers filed rate decreases since the Sunshine State passed comprehensive tort reform in 2023. According to Sentry Insurance, that has resulted in an estimated 14.5% reduction in property and casualty insurance costs, saving the typical Floridian hundreds of dollars per year.
Nationwide, ATA's advocacy has been instrumental in passing tort reform legislation in 15 state capitals, including Tallahassee, with more victories on the way. Ultimately, however, the interstate nature of trucking requires federal solutions.
Important progress.
The most significant outcome of these meetings-and a major step forward for our advocacy-was Chairman Jim Jordan's agreement to host a House Judiciary Committee roundtable and hearing focused on the need to stop lawsuit abuse targeting the trucking industry.
This is a consequential development because roundtables and hearings drive understanding, build bipartisan awareness, and create the momentum needed to move legislation. The Judiciary Committee is the central forum for examining how litigation abuse distorts markets and raises consumer prices. A hearing that connects lawsuit abuse directly to supply chain stability and affordability gives lawmakers a clear, actionable path forward. This attention from Congress gives ATA an unparalleled opportunity to put real stories on the record and explain how lawsuit abuse affects safety investments, hiring, equipment upgrades, and the prices consumers pay every day.
We are grateful to Congressman Jordan for listening to the concerns of America's trucking professionals and for taking action to elevate this issue. His willingness to lead is an important recognition that lawsuit abuse is not just a trucking problem; it is an economic problem affecting families in every district.
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Original text here: https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/hill-meetings-deliver-momentum-tort-reform
CCIA Raises Concerns as Florida Senate Takes Up AI Bill of Rights During Special Session
WASHINGTON, April 27 [Category: Computer Technology] -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association issued the following news release:* * *
CCIA Raises Concerns as Florida Senate Takes Up AI Bill of Rights During Special Session
The Computer & Communications Industry Association today raised concerns as Florida lawmakers prepare to revisit the proposed Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights during the state's special session beginning April 28. The association warns that the legislation could create broad regulatory burdens without clearly improving safety or accountability.
The bill ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 27 [Category: Computer Technology] -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association issued the following news release: * * * CCIA Raises Concerns as Florida Senate Takes Up AI Bill of Rights During Special Session The Computer & Communications Industry Association today raised concerns as Florida lawmakers prepare to revisit the proposed Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights during the state's special session beginning April 28. The association warns that the legislation could create broad regulatory burdens without clearly improving safety or accountability. The billincludes provisions governing chatbots and AI systems that raise significant privacy and free expression concerns. Vague and expansive definitions of AI, combined with sweeping requirements, risk creating a fragmented regulatory framework that could limit innovation and make it more difficult for companies to offer products and services in Florida.
As AI continues to develop at a national and global scale, state-by-state regulatory approaches can create conflicting obligations that slow deployment and reduce access to new tools for consumers and businesses. These types of requirements can be especially challenging for smaller developers and startups, who may lack the resources to navigate complex and inconsistent compliance requirements. Without clear standards tied to specific harms, the bill risks creating uncertainty for companies while offering limited practical benefit for consumers.
The following statement can be attributed to Tom Mann, State Policy Manager for the South Region at CCIA:
"Artificial intelligence systems are built and deployed across state and national boundaries. A patchwork of state-level requirements creates uncertainty for developers and can limit the availability of beneficial tools and services for users in Florida. While protecting consumers and addressing risks is important, this legislation takes a broad approach that may not effectively target specific harms. Instead, it risks imposing significant compliance burdens while raising concerns for privacy and free expression. Policymakers should focus on clear, targeted solutions that address real risks without creating barriers to innovation or limiting access to new technologies."
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Original text here: https://ccianet.org/news/2026/04/ccia-raises-concerns-as-florida-senate-takes-up-ai-bill-of-rights-during-special-session/
American Society of Addiction Medicine Posts Guest Commentary: New Standards for Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Care
ROCKVILLE, Maryland, April 27 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine posted the following guest commentary:* * *
Guest Editorial - New Standards for Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Care
By Corey Waller, MD, MS, FACEP, DFASAM; Sandra Gomez-Luna, MD, FAPA, DFASAM; Lisa R. Fortuna, MD, MPH, MDiv; Scott E. Hadland, MD, MPH, FASAM; Peter Metz, MD, DLFAACAP, LFAPA
If we hope to improve our response to the addiction and overdose crisis, we must focus on when addiction commonly starts: adolescence. Addiction is a pediatric-onset illness, as ongoing neurodevelopment ... Show Full Article ROCKVILLE, Maryland, April 27 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine posted the following guest commentary: * * * Guest Editorial - New Standards for Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Care By Corey Waller, MD, MS, FACEP, DFASAM; Sandra Gomez-Luna, MD, FAPA, DFASAM; Lisa R. Fortuna, MD, MPH, MDiv; Scott E. Hadland, MD, MPH, FASAM; Peter Metz, MD, DLFAACAP, LFAPA If we hope to improve our response to the addiction and overdose crisis, we must focus on when addiction commonly starts: adolescence. Addiction is a pediatric-onset illness, as ongoing neurodevelopmentmakes the adolescent brain particularly vulnerable to the effects of substances. In fact, 80% of adults with substance use disorder (SUD) begin using substances before the age of 18. 1,2 Not only is the neurobiology of adolescents unique, but so are their social, educational, and mental and physical health needs.
Individualizing treatment to a patient's distinct biopsychosocial needs is a foundational principle of The ASAM Criteria (r). Since 1991, The ASAM Criteria has established standards to guide clinicians in assessing patients and recommending them to a level of care appropriate for their specific needs. The Criteria also describes the continuum of care that should be available and establishes service characteristic standards for each level of care, along with patient assessment standards, admission criteria, and treatment planning standards. The goal is to provide a common language for the SUD treatment system, 3 and thereby bring much-needed standardization to an SUD treatment infrastructure that has historically been fragmented.
In The ASAM Criteria, Third Edition, treatment standards for adolescents were interwoven with those for adults. But since its publication in 2013, research and clinical best practices in adolescent SUD care have evolved significantly, prompting the need for a comprehensive update.
When ASAM began developing the Fourth Edition in 2021, the organization chose to create a separate volume and set of standards for adolescents and transition-aged youth. This focused and dedicated approach was needed to comprehensively address the needs of adolescents with SUD and eliminate confusion with adult standards.
The result is the newly published Adolescents and Transition-Aged Youth volume of The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition. This marks The ASAM Criteria's first comprehensive and dedicated set of treatment standards and admission criteria for youth who have an SUD or are at risk of developing one.
These standards are intended to provide consistency in:
* assessing the biopsychosocial circumstances of each patient and family to identify an appropriate level of SUD care based on individual needs
* developing comprehensive, individualized, family-driven, and youth-guided treatment plans
* defining the services that should be available at each level of care in the continuum of care.
These standards were created using a rigorous methodology for evidence review and consensus development. Feedback from payers, policymakers, providers, parents, families, and other stakeholders helped identify areas of improvement from the Third Edition. Consequently, the final standards are guided by advances in research and clinical practices and include key updates to better reflect the unique developmental needs of adolescents to improve immediate health outcomes and long-term well-being.
Recognition of Transition-Aged Youth
One of the most prominent updates is the specific consideration of transition-aged youth, defined as young people between the ages of 16-25. This designation is intended to capture the period of transition related to independence, social roles and responsibilities, and neurodevelopment that occurs as an adolescent transitions to adulthood. 4 During this time period, youth are gaining independence -working, driving, attending college or vocational school -but may still be dependent on family in some capacity. Their potential exposure to substances also increases as they may be around friends or peers who are engaged in substance use at college or in work settings.
Significant neurodevelopment also occurs across these ages. The regions of the brain responsible for executive functioning and emotion regulation approach full maturity during these years. 5 Substance use can delay this critical development, impairing one's ability to build foundational skills such as planning, problem solving, and impulse control.
Given that this age group has unique developmental needs compared to younger adolescents and older adults, these standards include transition-aged-youth-specific considerations for SUD treatment. For example, this volume stresses that treatment interventions should be developmentally appropriate, with both adolescents and transition-aged youth receiving treatment in peer-specific groups separate from adults. Further, substance use can impede the attainment of key milestones that typically occur in this age range, such as completing education and securing employment. The standards emphasize the role of the SUD treatment system in helping young people work towards achieving these milestones as part of their treatment journey, establishing the foundation for successful long-term recovery.
Meeting the Unique Developmental Needs of Adolescents and Transition-Aged Youth
Both younger adolescents and transition-aged youth have unique developmental needs that the SUD treatment system should be organized to meet. With these distinct biopsychosocial considerations in mind, the updated adolescent and transition-aged youth standards promote the following:
1. Coordination across systems of care. There are a range of systems that may impact adolescents and support their treatment and recovery needs including schools, child welfare agencies, health care providers, juvenile legal systems, and informal supports, including 12-step programs, youth centers, faith-based programs, recreational programs, and other community-based resources. Consistent messaging, alignment on treatment plan goals, and the coordination of resources across these touchpoints are critical. A systems-of-care approach is an evidence-based approach to adolescent mental health treatment, 6 and a core tenet of The ASAM Criteria's new adolescent SUD treatment standards.
2. Comprehensive family services. Children do well when families do well. Clinicians should consider a patient's family as part of the unit of care, therefore all levels of care in the adolescent continuum are expected to offer family services. Family units may look different for each child, which is why The ASAM Criteria adopted an inclusive definition of "family" that is not limited to biological families and may include anyone the patient has a strong attachment to, such as foster parents or other trusted adults.
3. Fully integrated mental health treatment. Among adolescents, co-occurring mental health conditions are an expectation, not an exception. Approximately 50% to 90% of adolescents with SUD have a co-occurring mental health disorder. 7 Due to these high rates, all levels of adolescent care are expected to provide fully integrated mental health care.
4. Trauma-sensitive practices. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are closely linked to the development of SUD and mental health conditions. 8 These new standards encourage programs to focus on addressing health consequences resulting from trauma, preventing further traumatization, and building positive childhood experiences that may reduce risk for SUD in adulthood.
5. Early intervention and prevention. Secondary prevention and early intervention can prevent risky substance use from progressing to SUD and SUD from intensifying to the chronic disease of addiction. 9,10 This volume of The ASAM Criteria recommends that adolescents who are using substances and at risk for rapid escalation to SUD should receive early intervention services in the specialty SUD continuum of care (ie, Level 1.5Y, or in 2.1Y when more intensive services, including wraparound service planning and home-and-community-based services, are indicated).
A New Adolescent Continuum of Care
These treatment considerations, among others, are reflected in the updated adolescent continuum of care. As with past volumes, the continuum includes four broad levels of care that outline different treatment settings and intensities of care, ranging from youth outpatient treatment (Level 1Y) to youth inpatient treatment (Level 4Y). Patients are recommended a level of care along the continuum based on their biopsychosocial needs, and they move along the continuum of care, to more- or less-intensive levels, based on their progress, outcomes, and evolving needs.
The vulnerabilities of the developing adolescent brain make early intervention and reintervention a priority. As such, the adolescent continuum of care includes a new Level 1.0Y: Youth Long-Term Remission Monitoring. This level of care provides regular recovery management checkups for patients who are in sustained remission. Ongoing monitoring allows clinicians to identify early signs that a patient might be resuming or at risk of resuming substance use and rapidly intervene to help them reengage in treatment and recovery.
The new continuum also includes medically focused levels of care, identified as Levels 1.7Y, 2.7Y, 3.7Y, and 4Y. Historically, significant withdrawal and biomedical comorbidities have been less common among adolescents compared with adults, and most areas of the country lack adolescent-specific programs that deliver withdrawal management and biomedical care. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that adolescents have a growing need for medical management with the increasing prevalence of high-potency synthetic opioids (eg, fentanyl) in the drug supply.
The Fourth Edition of The ASAM Criteria also expects that all levels of care provide co-occurring capable care. As mentioned earlier, in the adolescent continuum of care, co-occurring capability includes fully integrated mental health care.
Bridging the Gap: Making the Continuum a Reality for Patients
Patient and family access to the full continuum of care is necessary to support individualized treatment. However, this volume acknowledges that much of the country does not currently have access to the full adolescent continuum. For example, youth residential treatment (Level 3Y) remains inaccessible to some due to long waiting lists, high costs with low Medicaid acceptance, and a simple lack of facilities (a 2024 study found that ten states have no adolescent residential facilities). 11 There are also few programs that serve adolescents in need of withdrawal management services.
It was important in the development of this volume to not only establish these standards but also provide solutions to help implement them with fidelity. As an example, this volume discusses potential strategies for increasing access to withdrawal management services, such as by establishing:
* adolescent-focused units within adult SUD treatment programs that provide medically managed care
* medically focused units within clinically focused adolescent SUD treatment programs
* medically focused SUD treatment units within adolescent mental health treatment programs.
In the months ahead, ASAM will also release new tools and training resources to equip treatment programs with the knowledge and confidence to put these new standards into practice. This will include a level of care assessment guide, a treatment planning assessment guide, a treatment planning template, standardized service request forms for requesting payer authorizations, and additional training resources to support the important work of treatment providers.
There will certainly be challenges to overcome as we continue to develop this adolescent SUD treatment infrastructure. Outlining these new standards and creating implementation tools is the first step of many. We must commit to building out these systems and developing payment models that support the delivery of effective, evidence-based care for all young people in need.
Creating a robust adolescent treatment system is important not only to prevent tragic overdoses or acute health complications, but also to build foundational health and necessary life skills needed for today's children to develop into the successful, healthy adults of tomorrow. This is how we can begin to break the cycle of addiction and invest in the well-being of our children, families, and communities.
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Read an executive summary of the Adolescent and Transition-Aged Youth volume here (https://downloads.asam.org/sitefinity-production-blobs/docs/default-source/quality-science/adolescent-criteria/asam_overview-of-adolescents_final.pdf?sfvrsn=712a019c_2).
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The authors are members of the editorial subcommittee for The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition, Volume 2: Adolescents and Transition-Aged Youth. Dr. Waller is the editor in chief of The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition. Dr. Gomez-Luna is the lead adolescent editor. Drs. Fortuna, Hadland, and Metz served as section editors.
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References
1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. November 13, 2023. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-detailed-tables
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. July 30, 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2023-nsduh-detailed-tables
3. Guyer J, Traube A, Deshchenko O, et al. Speaking the same language: a toolkit for strengthening patient-centered addiction care in the United States. American Society of Addiction Medicine. Published January 21, 2025. Accessed March 3, 2026. https://downloads.asam.org/sitefinity-production-blobs/docs/default-source/quality-science/asam-toolkit-speaking-same-language-2025-update_4.1.0.0.pdf
4. Wood D, Crapnell T, Lau L, et al. Emerging Adulthood as a Critical Stage in the Life Course. In: Halfon N, Forrest CB, Lerner RM, Faustman EM, eds. Handbook of Life Course Health Development. Springer; 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543712/
5. Tervo-Clemmens B, Calabro FJ, Parr AC, Fedor J, Foran W, Luna B. A canonical trajectory of executive function maturation from adolescence to adulthood. Nat Commun. 2023;14(1):6922. doi:10.1038/s41467-023-42540-8
6. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Committee on Community-Based Systems of Care and AACAP Committee on Quality Issues. Clinical Update: Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Care in Community Systems of Care. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2023;62(4):367-384. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2022.06.001
7. Richert T, Anderberg M, Dahlberg M. Mental health problems among young people in substance abuse treatment in Sweden. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy. 2020;15(1):43. doi:10.1186/s13011-020-00282-6
8. Broekhof R, Nordahl HM, Tanum L, Selvik SG. Adverse childhood experiences and their association with substance use disorders in adulthood: A general population study (Young-HUNT). Addict Behav Rep. 2023;17:100488. doi:10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100488
9. Griffin KW, Botvin GJ. Evidence-based interventions for preventing substance use disorders in adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2010;19(3):505-526. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2010.03.005
10. US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Surgeon General. Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. Washington, DC: HHS, 2016. Accessed May 23, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/facing-addiction-in-america-surgeon-generals-report.pdf
11. King CA, Beetham T, Smith N, et al. Adolescent residential addiction treatment in the US: Uneven access, waitlists, and high costs. Health Aff (Millwood). 2024;43(1):64-71. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00777
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Original text here: https://www.asam.org/news/detail/2026/04/27/guest-editorial---new-standards-for-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-care
AMA research details toll of broken medical liability system
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 27 [Category: Medical] -- The American Medical Association posted the following news release:* * *
AMA research details toll of broken medical liability system
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New research studies from the American Medical Association (AMA) reveal that many physicians face a significant risk of being sued during their careers. The ever-present risk of lawsuits-even when no error occurred-and high medical liability insurance premiums have contributed to a prolonged period of heavy financial burden on doctors, fueling escalating expenses throughout the health care system.
"Physicians ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, April 27 [Category: Medical] -- The American Medical Association posted the following news release: * * * AMA research details toll of broken medical liability system * New research studies from the American Medical Association (AMA) reveal that many physicians face a significant risk of being sued during their careers. The ever-present risk of lawsuits-even when no error occurred-and high medical liability insurance premiums have contributed to a prolonged period of heavy financial burden on doctors, fueling escalating expenses throughout the health care system. "Physiciansknow the practice of medicine carries risk, and even highly skilled doctors face lawsuits," said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. "But a claim does not mean a mistake was made. Most cases never find fault with the physician, and the majority are dropped or dismissed before trial. Doctors continue to take on complex, high-risk care because patients depend on it. However, the ongoing liability risk not only challenges physicians but it increases practice expenses, reinforces defensive medical practices, and drives up health care costs for patients and families."
In the first of two research reports, the AMA studied medical liability claim frequency (PDF) among patient care physicians in the U.S. between 2016 and 2024. The findings show the risk of being sued increases with years in practice, and medical specialty and gender are also prominent factors. Key findings from the research include:
* Physicians with more years of practice have more exposure to risk. Nearly half (45.2 percent) of physicians aged 55 and over had been sued, compared to 11 percent of physicians under the age of 45.
* Surgical specialties carry the highest risk. Nearly three in five (59.6 percent) obstetricians & gynecologists and about half (53.1 percent) of general surgeons have been sued at least once in their career.
* Among obstetricians & gynecologists and general surgeons aged 55 and over, nearly three out of four have been sued at least once in their careers.
* Claim frequency against physicians has fallen over time. Less than a third of physicians (28.7 percent) had been sued during their careers in 2024, down from a share of 34 percent in 2016.
In the second research report, the AMA studied annual changes in medical liability insurance premiums (PDF) between 2016 and 2025. The findings reveal that the premiums for liability insurance have increased nationwide for the seventh consecutive year, marking the most prolonged upward trend since the early 2000s. Key findings from the research include:
* The trend in sustained premium growth began after 2018. The share of premiums that increased year-over-year rose sharply from 13.7 percent in 2018 to 39.9 percent in 2025.
* Physicians in certain states are more impacted than others. In 2025, 36 states saw at least one premium increase, and 18 states had at least half of their reported premiums rise.
* Eleven states had at least one premium grow by 10 percent or more in 2025. Five of these states - Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Florida, Illinois, and New York - experienced large premium increases in both 2024 and 2025.
* Higher premiums are observed for obstetrics & gynecology and general surgery compared to internal medicine, reflecting greater liability risk.
* Premiums in California are significantly lower than in other states, attributed to caps on non-economic damages.
Given the high costs and strain caused by a highly litigious climate and the drag it places on the nation's health care system, the AMA continues to work with state and specialty medical societies and other stakeholders to advance medical liability reforms. These efforts aim to fix the costly problems in the medical liability system while ensuring that injured patients are fairly compensated. The AMA wants reforms to rein in the broken medical liability system, reduce the growth of health care costs, and preserve patients' access to high-quality care. For information on AMA solutions to reshape the current medical liability system to better serve both patients and physicians, please read Medical Liability Reform - Now! (PDF)
The new reports are the latest additions to the AMA's Policy Research Perspective series that support AMA federal, state and private sector advocacy agendas. For additional information from the new reports, go to the AMA website.
Editor's Note: The AMA will host a webinar on May 20 examining current legislative trends, research and advocacy efforts centered on medical liability reform. For details including registration information, please visit the AMA website.
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Original text here: https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ama-press-releases/ama-research-details-toll-broken-medical-liability-system
CHPA Underscores Value of OTC Medicines at FDA Public Meeting
WASHINGTON, April 25 (TNSrpt) -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following statement on April 23, 2026:* * *
CHPA Underscores Value of OTC Medicines at FDA Public Meeting
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) issued the below statement today following remarks by CHPA Senior Vice President of Legal, Policy & Government Affairs David Spangler during a panel convened by the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy, "Opportunities to Improve Public Health with Nonprescription Treatments," held as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) public ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 25 (TNSrpt) -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following statement on April 23, 2026: * * * CHPA Underscores Value of OTC Medicines at FDA Public Meeting The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) issued the below statement today following remarks by CHPA Senior Vice President of Legal, Policy & Government Affairs David Spangler during a panel convened by the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy, "Opportunities to Improve Public Health with Nonprescription Treatments," held as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) publicmeeting on increasing access to nonprescription drugs.
"OTC medicines are a cornerstone of self-care, enabling millions of Americans to safely and effectively manage common conditions without a prescription," said Spangler. "They deliver value across access, affordability, and empowerment by removing friction, reducing layers, steps, and delays so Americans can access timely options."
"As demand for care continues to outpace provider capacity--with nearly one in five Americans living in a primary care shortage area--OTC medicines are an important part of scalable, efficient solutions," Spangler added.
Background:
This hybrid public meeting, convened by the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy under a cooperative agreement with the FDA, brought together drug developers, healthcare providers, patient and consumer representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities to increase access to nonprescription drugs.
OTC medicines are a cornerstone of self-care in the U.S. healthcare system, enabling millions of Americans to safely and effectively manage common conditions without a prescription or provider visit. By offering immediate access to treatment, OTC options help reduce delays in care, lower costs, and alleviate pressure on an already strained healthcare system.
These benefits are particularly important as demand for care continues to outpace provider capacity--nearly one in five Americans live in a primary care shortage area--and as many consumers face high out-of-pocket costs due to lack of coverage or high-deductible health plans.
As more medicines become available over-the-counter, OTC access plays an increasingly important role in improving public health outcomes by expanding access, reducing system friction, and preserving clinical resources for higher-acuity care.
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The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), founded in 1881, is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements, and OTC medical devices. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care by ensuring that Americans have access to products they can count on to be reliable, affordable, and convenient, while also delivering new and better ways to get and stay healthy. Visit www.chpa.org.
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REPORT: https://www.chpa.org/sites/default/files/media/docs/2026-04/CHPA_OTCValueFlyer_0426_v3b.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.chpa.org/news/2026/04/chpa-underscores-value-otc-medicines-fda-public-meeting
[Category: Health Care]
New Research Shows Earlier Hospice Election Could Save Medicare Over $1 Billion Annually
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 24 (TNSrep) -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:* * *
New Research Shows Earlier Hospice Election Could Save Medicare Over $1 Billion Annually
Five-day shift in timing could generate substantial savings while improving end-of-life care
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A new analysis commissioned by the Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute) reveals that if Medicare beneficiaries elected hospice care just five days earlier, the program could save between $1.19 billion and $1.50 billion annually.
The analysis, conducted by ... Show Full Article ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 24 (TNSrep) -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release on April 23, 2026: * * * New Research Shows Earlier Hospice Election Could Save Medicare Over $1 Billion Annually Five-day shift in timing could generate substantial savings while improving end-of-life care * A new analysis commissioned by the Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute) reveals that if Medicare beneficiaries elected hospice care just five days earlier, the program could save between $1.19 billion and $1.50 billion annually. The analysis, conducted byATI Advisory, demonstrates how modest, clinically appropriate changes in hospice timing could generate significant Medicare savings while improving patient outcomes. These findings are particularly relevant as Medicare spending on hospice services increases by nearly 10% annually, and overall enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries using hospice continues to grow.
The project's Early Hospice Election Model analyzed Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in hospice within eight weeks of death. Using data from rigorous, peer-reviewed studies spanning between 2002 and 2018, researchers concluded that repeated earlier hospice elections generate incremental daily savings that compound over time.
"The implications of this study further underscore what the hospice community has long understood and recent research has revealed: timely hospice care not only represents the preferred choice for patients and families, but also presents sound fiscal policy," said Jennifer Sheets, CEO for the Alliance and President of the Institute. "The potential savings identified in this report are further evidence of the additional value hospice can add to the Medicare program while ensuring more compassionate, person-centered care is provided for Americans at the end of life."
The ATI analysis follows other recently released data underscoring the value of hospice care in America, including the 2025 Hospice Chartbook. According to the Chartbook, 31% of hospice stays are a week or less, and 26% were eight to 30 days, signaling an opportunity for families to elect hospice sooner. Further, according to the new Alliance Facts & Figures Report, of all Medicare decedents in CY 2024, 53.1% received at least one day of hospice care and were enrolled in hospice at the time of death, underscoring the scope of the savings potential identified in the ATI analysis.
Hospice care plays a critical role in improving end-of-life care, increasing patient and caregiver satisfaction while reducing unnecessary hospital stays and ICU deaths. Further, studies repeatedly show patients with terminal prognoses would prefer earlier hospice election.
The Institute and the Alliance remain dedicated to working together to engage with providers, policymakers, and the public to build a greater understanding of potential cost savings and improvements to the Medicare hospice benefit, and to advance evidence-based approaches to end-of-life care reform and advance care planning.
Opportunities to Learn More
The complete analysis and methodology are available in the full report.
Access the full report (https://researchinstituteforhomecare.org/our-research/new-research-and-reports/).
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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.
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Original text here: https://allianceforcareathome.org/new-research-shows-earlier-hospice-election-could-save-medicare-over-1-billion-annually/
[Category: Health Care]
Nearly Half of Middle-Class Americans Lack Confidence They Will Have Enough Retirement Savings, Gen X and Millennials are the Least Confident, ACLI Finds
WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSrep)-- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:* * *
Nearly Half of Middle-Class Americans Lack Confidence They Will Have Enough Retirement Savings, Gen X and Millennials are the Least Confident, ACLI Finds
ACLI Financial Resilience Index rises in Q4 2025, but retirement readiness remains a concern
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The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) today released the latest Financial Resilience Index and accompanying survey, which measures middle-class households' ability to manage financial challenges and plan for a stable ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSrep)-- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following news release on April 23, 2026: * * * Nearly Half of Middle-Class Americans Lack Confidence They Will Have Enough Retirement Savings, Gen X and Millennials are the Least Confident, ACLI Finds ACLI Financial Resilience Index rises in Q4 2025, but retirement readiness remains a concern * The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) today released the latest Financial Resilience Index and accompanying survey, which measures middle-class households' ability to manage financial challenges and plan for a stablefuture.
The survey, conducted by YouGov, shows that middle-class retirement preparedness may be at a crossroads, especially among Americans nearing retirement age. Gen X Americans, now aged 45-60, are particularly anxious about retirement, with nearly six in ten (59%) reporting they are "not very" or "not at all" confident about their retirement savings. Millennials are close behind, with 51% expressing similar concerns. Overall, 46% of Americans lack confidence in their retirement savings.
The April Financial Resilience Index, which looks at data from the fourth quarter of 2025, found that middle-class financial resilience improved compared to the third quarter of 2025 and was above historical norms. However, as economic pressures persisted, financial resilience in Q4 2025 was still below that of Q4 2024.
"While the lack of retirement confidence among middle class Americans is concerning, the fact that Americans approaching their retirement years are the least confident paints an even more sobering picture," said ACLI President & CEO David Chavern. "Even as economic conditions improved late last year, families are struggling to bridge the gap between where they are and where they need to be for a secure retirement. "
Survey Findings: The Retirement Confidence Gap
The survey also found that:
* 41% of middle-class households haven't looked for information or guidance about planning for retirement in the past year. Of those who haven't looked, 56% lack confidence that they will have enough savings to live comfortably throughout retirement.
* Middle-class households with life insurance are significantly more likely to feel confident about retirement (56%) compared to those without (44%). This demonstrates the protective role comprehensive financial planning plays in retirement readiness.
* When seeking retirement guidance, middle-class households are turning primarily to digital sources rather than professional advice. 30% used online research, while only 20% consulted a financial advisor or insurance agent.
Financial Resilience Improves in Q4 2025
Elevated inflation for household and recreation expenses continues to pose an affordability challenge for the middle class. However, the Q4 2025 Headline Index improved by 7.5 points from the previous quarter, driven by above-average resource gains and moderating cost pressures. Wage growth has slowed since peaking in early 2023, but it held steady in 2025 and is still better than average, helping middle-class households manage affordability challenges.
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About the Financial Resilience Index
ACLI's Financial Resilience Index, which is released quarterly, measures the ability of the middle-class to manage life's challenges and plan for a stable future. The index tracks 26 different variables that represent typical cost pressures for middle-class households (like housing, gas and childcare) and the financial resources that are available to meet them (like income, access to credit and retirement assets). By tracking the direction and magnitude of cost pressures and resources, the index reflects how middle-class financial resilience changes over time, and what is driving improvement or decline.
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About the Financial Resilience Survey
ACLI's Financial Resilience Survey is a nationally representative survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of ACLI, as a complement to the Financial Resilience Index. The survey explores how middle-class respondents understand their own financial resilience by asking questions about economic mobility, financial stressors, financial stability, and safety nets. The quarterly survey consists of two questions about financial resilience, one recurring question that will be asked at the same time each year and one that will vary within the larger theme of middle-class financial health, stress, and resilience. Respondents of all household income levels respond to the survey, with reporting focused on middle-class respondents - those earning $50,000-$150,000 in annual household income.
ACLI's latest Financial Resilience Survey was conducted online within the United States by YouGov on behalf of ACLI from March 11 - 16, 2026 among 3,707 adults ages 18 and older. The survey sample includes 1,476 respondents from middle-class households as well as 1,459 respondents from lower-income households and 329 respondents from upper-income households. The report and related materials only highlight comparisons between subgroups that are statistically significant. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact ACLI.
For more information about both the index and the survey please visit: Financial Resilience Index (https://www.acli.com/news-and-analysis/financial-resilience-index).
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About ACLI
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is the leading trade association driving public policy and advocacy on behalf of the life insurance industry. 90 million American families rely on the life insurance industry for financial protection and retirement security. ACLI's member companies are dedicated to protecting consumers' financial wellbeing through life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance, and dental, vision and other supplemental benefits. ACLI's 275 member companies represent 94 percent of industry assets in the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.acli.com/posting/nr26-028
[Category: Insurance]
NFDA Members Showed Up for the Funeral Service Profession and Stood Up for Those They Serve
BROOKFIELD, Wisconsin, April 24 -- The National Funeral Directors Association issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:* * *
NFDA Members Showed Up for the Funeral Service Profession and Stood Up for Those They Serve.
Funeral professionals advocate for families, honor the deceased and advance funeral service at NFDA's 2026 Advocacy Summit.
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The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) once again demonstrated why it is the leading voice of funeral service in the United States and around the world, bringing an unmatched show of strength, credibility and purpose to Washington, ... Show Full Article BROOKFIELD, Wisconsin, April 24 -- The National Funeral Directors Association issued the following news release on April 23, 2026: * * * NFDA Members Showed Up for the Funeral Service Profession and Stood Up for Those They Serve. Funeral professionals advocate for families, honor the deceased and advance funeral service at NFDA's 2026 Advocacy Summit. * The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) once again demonstrated why it is the leading voice of funeral service in the United States and around the world, bringing an unmatched show of strength, credibility and purpose to Washington,D.C., for the 2026 Advocacy Summit.
"Funeral service professionals have a powerful story to tell, and our members brought that story directly to Capitol Hill in a meaningful way," said NFDA President Dan Ford, CFSP, CCSP. "They're not speaking in generalities. They're sharing real experiences from the families and communities they serve every day and that really resonated with lawmakers. What truly sets NFDA apart is that our advocacy doesn't stop when the Summit ends. Because we have a full-time lobbyist in Washington, D.C., we are advancing the profession's priorities every day. This event amplifies that work in a highly visible and impactful way."
Elevating the Voice of Funeral Service
During their meetings with members of Congress and their staff, NFDA members advocated for key legislative priorities affecting funeral homes, grieving families and communities nationwide, including:
* Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act (S.1270 / H.R.2589) - NFDA members confronted the reality of unethical body brokers by demanding dignity, transparency and accountability because the deceased deserve respect, not exploitation.
* Funeral Coverage Act (H.R. 2436) - Association members stood up for grieving families by supporting legislation that expands the use of tax free HSA funds to help pay for funeral and burial expenses.
* Death Tax Repeal Act (S.587 / H.R.1301) - NFDA fought for tax reform that will protect family owned funeral businesses so they can remain pillars of their communities and continue caring for families with compassion and stability.
* Multiple bills to improve funeral and burial benefits for veterans - NFDA members honored those who served by advocating for veterans' funerals and burial benefits that reflect our nation's gratitude.
* No IRIS Act (S.623 / H.R.1415) - NFDA pushed for sound science to be used by the EPA as the assess formaldehyde.
More than 160 NFDA members representing 36 states and Washington, D.C., conducted 205 meetings with federal lawmakers, delivering a clear message: funeral service is essential, grieving families must be protected and the funeral profession will be heard. Meetings took place across both chambers of Congress, including 69 Senate meetings and 136 House meetings, ensuring broad engagement with lawmakers and their staff on issues impacting funeral service and the families they serve. This level of access and engagement reflects NFDA's leadership in advocacy. NFDA is the only national funeral service association with a full-time lobbyist in Washington, D.C., ensuring the profession maintains a consistent, credible voice where policy decisions are made.
With comprehensive issue briefings, talking points and on-the-ground support from NFDA staff, participants were well-prepared to engage in substantive, solutions-focused conversations with policymakers.
"One of the most effective ways to educate policymakers is by connecting them directly with the professionals doing the work," said Lesley Witter, NFDA senior vice president of advocacy and federal lobbyist. "Our members bring credibility, compassion and firsthand insight to every conversation. NFDA's strength is our consistent presence in Washington. We are actively engaged year-round in the legislative and regulatory process, building relationships and ensuring funeral service is understood and making sure the voice of funeral service is heard where decisions are made. That consistency drives real results."
More Than Meetings, a Lasting Impact
Beyond the numbers, the Advocacy Summit created meaningful opportunities for funeral service professionals to build relationships with elected officials and serve as trusted resources on issues affecting their communities. For many attendees, the experience was both impactful and inspiring.
"It's a little overwhelming at first, but [NFDA] give[s] you all the tools you need to succeed," said Kelly Walker of Anderson's Tribute Center in Hood River, Oregon. "It makes you feel like your voice is important. It's been an empowering experience that I would recommend to anybody."
"This is how our nation works - how we make change, how we advocate for ourselves," said Logan Bryant of Smith Funeral & Cremation Service in Maryville, Tennessee. "It's an incredible chance to participate in our nation's democracy and represent the families we serve."
A Year-Round Commitment to Advocacy
While the Advocacy Summit is a cornerstone event, NFDA's work in Washington, D.C., continues every day. With a dedicated full-time lobbyist, NFDA ensures that funeral service remains visible, respected and well-represented at the federal level.
At a time when legislative and regulatory decisions increasingly impact small businesses and the families they serve, that sustained presence is critical.
Looking Ahead
NFDA will continue to build on the momentum generated at this year's Summit, strengthening relationships with policymakers and advancing priorities that support funeral service professionals and the grieving families they serve nationwide.
The 2027 NFDA Advocacy Summit will take place April 28 through 30, 2027, at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., and is open to any member who wants to make a difference in their profession and for the families they serve.
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NFDA is the world's leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org.
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Original text here: https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/10071/nfda-members-showed-up-for-the-funeral-service-profession-and-stood-up-for-those-they-serve
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
AHCA/NCAL Applauds the Introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026
WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSrpt) -- The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living posted the following news release:* * *
AHCA/NCAL Applauds the Introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the nation's largest organization representing long term and post-acute care providers, praised lawmakers for the introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 (H.R. 8375). The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan group ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSrpt) -- The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living posted the following news release: * * * AHCA/NCAL Applauds the Introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the nation's largest organization representing long term and post-acute care providers, praised lawmakers for the introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 (H.R. 8375). The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan groupof members, many of whom are physicians.
"The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 represents a significant step towards ensuring Medicare Advantage delivers on its promise to America's seniors," said Clif Porter, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. "We commend these lawmakers for developing a better way to enable seniors to have timely access to care and hold plans accountable. We urge continued bipartisan support and swift passage through Congress."
The bipartisan Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 is led by Representatives John Joyce (PA-13), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Gregory Murphy (NC-03), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Mariannette Miller Meeks (IA-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), and Beth Van Duyne (TX-24). Upon introduction, the bill was referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce. It is the most sweeping attempt to enhance Medicare Advantage (MA) to date, including provisions to:
* Protect patients from inappropriate delays and denials;
* Standardize coverage criteria between MA and traditional Medicare;
* Increase transparency surrounding prior authorizations and compliance;
* Penalize plans that fail to meet oversight and compliance benchmarks;
* Reduce administrative burdens through real-time and automated systems;
* Promote prompt payments;
* Prevent retroactive "clawback" of payments for pre-approved, reapproved, and delivered care and services; and
* Strengthen patient access to post-acute care providers.
More seniors are enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans than traditional Medicare because it offers many perks appealing to seniors; however, large, insurer-led MA plans are too often denying or delaying beneficiaries' access to necessary skilled nursing and post-acute care. From 2019 to 2022, the top MA insurers denied prior authorization requests for post-acute care more frequently than for other services. This has contributed to a doubling of seniors leaving MA for traditional Medicare in their final year of life--shifting costs onto taxpayers.
"This bill addresses many of the obstacles driven by insurer-led Medicare Advantage plans that were making it unnecessarily difficult for seniors and their families to navigate care options and receive coverage for medically necessary care," said Nisha Hammel, Vice President of Reimbursement Policy and Population Health at AHCA/NCAL. "Coverage decisions for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries must be driven by each patient's needs and clinical necessity, with appropriate oversight that ensures compliance and patient protections."
AHCA/NCAL has been a consistent advocate on addressing MA challenges in post-acute care. AHCA/NCAL and its Post-Acute Care Coalition partners submitted recommendations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on improving MA prior authorization processes last fall. In addition, in a report based on a survey of skilled nursing care providers, AHCA found that denials or delays of medically necessary post-acute care by MA plans occur daily and/or weekly for two-thirds of providers.
The Better Way, AHCA's forward-looking policy agenda to deliver bold solutions for quality long term and post-acute care, identifies MA as one of its key priorities. Through "Reaffirming the Promise of Medicare Advantage," the organization offers several recommendations for alignment among providers, residents, policymakers and the public.
Learn more about the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 HERE (https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-miller-meeks-congressional-doctors-introduce-bipartisan-bill-restore).
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REPORT: https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Provider-Insights-Medicare-Advantage.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Applauds-Introduction-Medicare-Advantage-Improvement-Act-2026.aspx
[Category: Health Care]