Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
Retailers Urge Congress to Pass Bipartisan Debt Ceiling Deal
ARLINGTON, Virginia, June 1 (TNStalk) -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association issued the following statement on May 31, 2023:
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The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today issued the following from Senior Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Michael Hanson.
"Retailers are urging lawmakers to support the bipartisan deal struck by President Biden and Speaker McCarthy to avert a debt ceiling crisis.
"The deal puts in place sensible restraints on spending, while giving private sector businesses the certainty needed to make investments, hire workers, and keep the economy
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, June 1 (TNStalk) -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association issued the following statement on May 31, 2023:
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The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today issued the following from Senior Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Michael Hanson.
"Retailers are urging lawmakers to support the bipartisan deal struck by President Biden and Speaker McCarthy to avert a debt ceiling crisis.
"The deal puts in place sensible restraints on spending, while giving private sector businesses the certainty needed to make investments, hire workers, and keep the economygrowing.
"Retailers appreciate the principled leaders who negotiated in good faith to arrive at this point, and we urge swift passage to preserve market confidence and reassure anxious consumers."
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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.
RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.
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Original text here: https://www.rila.org/focus-areas/public-policy/retailers-urge-congress-to-pass-bipartisan-debt-ce
[Category: Business]
NAFRA Statement on Safer Products for Washington Regulations
WASHINGTON, June 1 (TNStalk) -- The American Chemistry Council issued the following agency statement on May 31, 2023:
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The American Chemistry Council's (ACC) North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) issued the following statement in response to the publication of restrictions and reporting requirements in the Safer Products for Washington Cycle 1 regulation with respect to the use of organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) in casings and enclosures of electronic and electrical equipment.
The members of the North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) remain very concerned with the
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WASHINGTON, June 1 (TNStalk) -- The American Chemistry Council issued the following agency statement on May 31, 2023:
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The American Chemistry Council's (ACC) North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) issued the following statement in response to the publication of restrictions and reporting requirements in the Safer Products for Washington Cycle 1 regulation with respect to the use of organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) in casings and enclosures of electronic and electrical equipment.
The members of the North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) remain very concerned with theSafer Products for Washington regulations on flame retardants and the impact they may have on overall product design, performance, safety, and product availability. The new rules primarily impact an array of indoor consumer electronic products by restricting the use of OFRs in plastic casings. However, Washington State has importantly communicated in the past that the regulatory scope does not impact critical uses of these same chemistries, including inside electrical products, products sold as spare parts, medical devices, aerospace, motorized vehicles, etc. NAFRA would also note that even with this reduced scope, the final regulations are in direct conflict with other global jurisdictions, further contributing to a patchwork of conflicting state and international regulations that create confusion in the marketplace and complicate the states' ability to enforce the regulations.
At the same time, the regulations appropriately recognize the numerous critical uses of flame retardants and allow for manufacturers to seek appropriate exemptions where alternative solutions and chemistries cannot be found. NAFRA members look forward to communicating and collaborating with Washington State and key downstream users as they work to implement this new regulation. As the program moves forward, NAFRA believes Washington State officials should align regulatory actions with other state, federal, and international requirements as much as possible. Otherwise, consumers and manufacturers in the state face a confusing landscape of inconsistent and overlapping regulations that may affect the availability of electronic and electrical products.
Public health risks posed by fire remain a concern for Washington State. In 2021, there were more than 5,000 house fires in the state, resulting in more than $200 million in property losses. In the span between 2008 and 2017, there were 581 fire-related fatalities to Washington State residents, with the second leading cause reported as "electrical related," including misuse of electrical equipment, improperly installed wiring, overloaded circuits, or misuse of electrical extension cords. Electrical fires remain an important public safety issue, and flame retardants are valuable chemistries that help to stop residential fires from product failures.
If the Safer Products for Washington program is going to be successful, it is critical that state officials more fully address the underlying regulatory requirements for this new program and meaningfully consider proposed improvements including those identified by product designers and manufacturers. Product safety is a shared objective, and NAFRA looks forward to working with policymakers in the state to enhance implementation of this new program and help ensure that chemicals and the products that they enable are safe and available.
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Original text here: https://www.americanchemistry.com/chemistry-in-america/news-trends/press-release/2023/nafra-statement-on-safer-products-for-washington-regulations
[Category: Chemicals]
FAH Leader Calls Debt Ceiling Deal "Important Step Forward," Urges Passage to Protect Access to Care
WASHINGTON, June 1 (TNStalk) -- The Federation of American Hospitals issued the following statements on May 31, 2023:
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FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn released the following statement after the House Rules Committee voted to advance the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023:
"President Biden and Speaker McCarthy took an important step forward by crafting this bipartisan agreement to raise the nation's debt ceiling.
"It will help ensure those Americans on Medicare and Medicaid maintain access to the essential physician and hospital services they need and deserve.
"We urge Congress to move
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 1 (TNStalk) -- The Federation of American Hospitals issued the following statements on May 31, 2023:
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FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn released the following statement after the House Rules Committee voted to advance the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023:
"President Biden and Speaker McCarthy took an important step forward by crafting this bipartisan agreement to raise the nation's debt ceiling.
"It will help ensure those Americans on Medicare and Medicaid maintain access to the essential physician and hospital services they need and deserve.
"We urge Congress to movequickly on passage so seniors and our most vulnerable patients are protected and don't face any interruption in care."
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Original text here: https://www.fah.org/blog/fah-leader-calls-debt-ceiling-deal-important-step-forward-urges-passage-to-protect-access-to-care/?media-center=true
[Category: Health Care]
Endocrine Society: ENDO 2023 Press Conferences to Highlight Emerging Technology and Diabetes Research (June 15-18)
CHICAGO, Illinois, June 1 (TNSres)(TNSconf) -- The Endocrine Society issued the following news release:
Researchers will delve into the latest research in diabetes, obesity, reproductive health and other aspects of endocrinology during the Endocrine Society's ENDO 2023 news conferences June 15-18.
The Society also will share its Hormones and Aging Scientific Statement publicly for the first time during a news conference on Friday, June 16. Reporters will have an opportunity to hear from members of the writing group that drafted the statement on the research landscape.
Other press conferences
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CHICAGO, Illinois, June 1 (TNSres)(TNSconf) -- The Endocrine Society issued the following news release:
Researchers will delve into the latest research in diabetes, obesity, reproductive health and other aspects of endocrinology during the Endocrine Society's ENDO 2023 news conferences June 15-18.
The Society also will share its Hormones and Aging Scientific Statement publicly for the first time during a news conference on Friday, June 16. Reporters will have an opportunity to hear from members of the writing group that drafted the statement on the research landscape.
Other press conferenceswill feature select abstracts that are being presented at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting. The event is being held at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. News conferences will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person.
To register to view the news conferences, visit endomediastream.com. Journalists can register to attend and learn more about the meeting on our website.
News Conference Schedule:
Thursday, June 15
Reproductive Health (11:30 a.m. CT): Researchers will discuss increased mortality risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), post-cycle therapy's potential to help recovering anabolic steroid users regain their ability to produce testosterone, and heightened body image concerns among women with PCOS.
Obesity (2 p.m. CT): Featured studies will explore the limits of body-mass index measurements, food security and metabolic syndrome in the Latina population, and the effectiveness of anti-obesity medications for breast cancer survivors.
Friday, June 16
Debut of the Society's Hormones and Aging Scientific Statement (9:30 a.m. CT): Experts will discuss aging's effects on the endocrine system, including testosterone, thyroid health, bone health, diabetes, and menopausal symptoms.
Saturday, June 17
Hormones and Technology (9 a.m. CT): Researchers will discuss a phase 1 study results for an orally administered robotic pill, a meta-analysis on closed-loop insulin delivery systems designed to automate aspects of diabetes management in children and teens, and how families of children with diabetes could be using continuous glucose alarms to better protect against dangerous blood glucose lows and highs.
Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals (10 a.m. CT): Studies will examine the ways polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure can raise the risk of cognitive disorders in future generations, how dioxin exposure can harm thyroid function, and the effects of prenatal phthalate exposure on fetuses and newborns.
Diabetes (11:30 a.m. CT): Researchers will share studies on a type of intermittent fasting that improves blood sugar levels, the challenges athletes with type 1 diabetes face in managing blood sugar levels, and the rising rate of type 2 diabetes diagnoses among youth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Register to attend the news conferences at endomediastream.com. Credentialed journalists will be given priority to attend. Recordings will be available on the Society's website following the event.
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About Endocrine Society
Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.
The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses, and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at http://www.endocrine.org. Follow us on Twitter at @TheEndoSociety and @EndoMedia.
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Original text here: https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2023/endo-2023-press-conferences-to-highlight-emerging-technology-and-diabetes-research
[Category: Medical]
CHLA Commends FHA Commissioner Gordon for New Proposal to Keep Homeowners in Their Home
ARLINGTON, Virginia, June 1 (TNSgov) -- The Community Home Lenders of America issued the following news release:
The Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) commended FHA Commissioner Julia Gordon for today's announcement that FHA is proposing a program to create a flexible partial claim loan modification option for defaulted borrowers - which avoids having to take the underlying loan out of a Ginnie Mae loan pool.
CHLA was the first national association to ask FHA to develop such a program option, in a letter to FHA last August.
"CHLA commends FHA Commissioner Gordon for proposing this innovative
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, June 1 (TNSgov) -- The Community Home Lenders of America issued the following news release:
The Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) commended FHA Commissioner Julia Gordon for today's announcement that FHA is proposing a program to create a flexible partial claim loan modification option for defaulted borrowers - which avoids having to take the underlying loan out of a Ginnie Mae loan pool.
CHLA was the first national association to ask FHA to develop such a program option, in a letter to FHA last August.
"CHLA commends FHA Commissioner Gordon for proposing this innovativeoption to enable more defaulted borrowers to keep their home, by allowing partial claims without the borrower losing the benefit of lower interest rates on their loan," said Scott Olson, CHLA's Executive Director.
"The skyrocketing of mortgage rates has undermined FHA's main loss mitigation tool for helping distressed borrowers - and FHA's nimbleness in finding a workaround for this will be greatly appreciated by distressed homeowners."
CHLA's August 2022 letter - which noted former Ginnie Mae Commissioner Ted Tozer's work on this subject - explained why rising mortgage rates created a problem for FHA loss mitigation - and why this type of action could benefit consumers.
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EXCERPT FROM CHLA LETTER
"Rising mortgage rates are creating problems for Ginnie Mae issuers carrying out loss mitigation for defaulted FHA borrowers. Typically, issuers implement loss mitigation by buying an FHA loan out of a Ginnie Mae pool, modifying the loan, and then selling the loan back into a Ginnie Mae pool.
This was not a problem when mortgage rates were stable or falling. However, Ginnie Mae issuers are now facing two unpalatable options - either an increase in the mortgage rates that could make it difficult to carry out the loss mitigation or the re-sale of loans into Ginnie Mae pools at steep losses to the issuer."
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Original text here: https://www.communitylender.org/chla-commends-fha-commissioner-gordon-for-new-proposal-to-keep-homeowners-in-their-home/
[Category: Financial Services]
American Heart Association: 1 in 3 Adults With Type 2 Diabetes May Have Undetected Cardiovascular Disease
DALLAS, Texas, June 1 (TNSjou) -- The American Heart Association issued the following news release on May 31, 2023:
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Two heart disease-related biomarkers were elevated in one-third of adults with Type 2 diabetes, finds new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association
Research Highlights:
* One-third of adults in the U.S. with Type 2 diabetes may have symptomless or undetected cardiovascular disease.
* Adults with Type 2 diabetes who do not have any signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease are more likely to have elevated levels of two proteins linked to heart disease than
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, June 1 (TNSjou) -- The American Heart Association issued the following news release on May 31, 2023:
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Two heart disease-related biomarkers were elevated in one-third of adults with Type 2 diabetes, finds new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association
Research Highlights:
* One-third of adults in the U.S. with Type 2 diabetes may have symptomless or undetected cardiovascular disease.
* Adults with Type 2 diabetes who do not have any signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease are more likely to have elevated levels of two proteins linked to heart disease thanpeers without Type 2 diabetes. These cardiac biomarkers are associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and any cause.
* The findings suggest that routine screening for these two cardiac biomarkers and more tailored interventions may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease events in this high-risk population.
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1 in 3 adults with Type 2 diabetes may have undetected cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of two protein biomarkers that indicate heart damage were associated with undetected or symptomless cardiovascular disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes compared to those without Type 2 diabetes, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
Tests for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide biomarkers are used to measure injury and stress to the heart. These tests are routinely used to diagnose heart attack and heart failure. However, mildly elevated concentrations of these proteins in the bloodstream may be an early warning sign of changes in the structure and function of the heart, which may increase the risk for future heart failure, coronary heart disease or death.
"What we are seeing is that many people with Type 2 diabetes who have not had a heart attack or a history of cardiovascular disease are at high risk for cardiovascular complications," said study co-author Elizabeth Selvin, Ph.D., M.P.H., a professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. "When we look at the whole population of people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, about 27 million adults in the U.S., according to the CDC, some are at low risk and some are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, so the open question is "Who is most at risk?" These cardiac biomarkers give us a window into cardiovascular risk in people who otherwise might not be recognized as highest risk."
Researchers analyzed health information and blood samples for more than 10,300 adults collected as part of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2004. The aim was to determine if the previously unrecognized cardiovascular disease with no symptoms could be determined by elevated levels of the cardiac protein biomarkers among people with and without Type 2 diabetes. Study participants had reported no history of cardiovascular disease when they enrolled in the study.
Using stored blood samples from all study participants, researchers measured levels of two cardiac biomarkers. Mortality statistics were collected from the National Death Index. After adjusting for age, race, income and cardiovascular risk factors, they assessed the associations among elevated troponin and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide with risk of death from cardiovascular death or all causes.
The study found:
* One-third (33.4%) of adults with Type 2 diabetes had signs of undetected cardiovascular disease, as indicated by elevated levels of the two protein markers, compared to only 16.1% of those without diabetes.
* Among the adults with Type 2 diabetes, elevated levels of troponin and Nterminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (77% and 78% increased risk, respectively) and cardiovascular death (54% and more than double the increased risk, respectively), compared to normal levels of these proteins in the blood. This elevated risk remained after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors.
* After adjusting for age, elevated levels of troponin were more common in people with Type 2 diabetes overall and across categories of age, sex, race/ethnicity and weight. In contrast, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels were not elevated in people with Type 2 diabetes compared to those without Type 2 diabetes when adjusted for age.
* The prevalence of elevated troponin was significantly higher in people who had Type 2 diabetes for a longer period of time and who did not have well-controlled blood sugar levels.
"Cholesterol is often the factor that we target to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. However, Type 2 diabetes may have a direct effect on the heart not related to cholesterol levels. If Type 2 diabetes is directly causing damage to the small vessels in the heart unrelated to cholesterol plaque buildup, then cholesterol-lowering medications are not going to prevent cardiac damage," Selvin said. "Our research suggests that additional non-statin-related therapies are needed to lower the cardiovascular disease risk in people with Type 2 diabetes."
Much research has focused on studying how traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol impact cardiovascular health, however, new evidence suggests that screening for certain cardiac biomarkers should be added to routine assessment of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
"The biomarkers analyzed in this study are very powerful in systematically categorizing patients based on their health status. Measuring biomarkers more routinely may help us focus on cardiovascular prevention therapies for people with Type 2 diabetes who are at higher risk," she added.
This is one of the first studies to use participants that truly reflect the general population. However, since the data did not allow identification of heart disease, heart failure, stroke events or cardiovascular complications, more research needs to be done to determine if routine measurement of these biomarkers may reduce cardiovascular complications in this population.
According to the American Heart Association's 2023 Statistical Update, 102,188 U.S. deaths in 2020 were attributed to diabetes (including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes) and an estimated 1.64 million deaths globally.
Co-authors are Michael Fang, Ph.D., M.H.S.; Dan Wang, M.S.; Olive Tang, M.D., Ph.D., M.H.S.; John William McEvoy, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., M.H.S., M.Ed., Ph.D.; Justin B. Echouffo-Tcheugui, M.D., Ph.D.; and Robert H. Christenson, Ph.D. Authors' disclosures are listed in the manuscript.
The study was funded by the Biomarkers Consortium of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.
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 funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are available here (https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial-information).
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JOURNAL: Journal of the American Heart Association https://www.ahajournals.org/journal/jaha
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Original text here: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/1-in-3-adults-with-type-2-diabetes-may-have-undetected-cardiovascular-disease
[Category: Health Care]
American College of Radiology CEO William T. Thorwarth Announces 2024 Retirement
RESTON, Virginia, June 1 (TNSper) -- The American College of Radiology issued the following news release:
American College of Radiology(R) (ACR(R)) CEO William T. Thorwarth Jr., MD, FACR, announced his intent to retire June 30, 2024, after ten years leading the association.
"ACR member volunteers, staff and I have worked tirelessly to keep the College positioned to ensure advancing technology, regulation, payment structures, quality assurance and research ultimately help radiologists provide ever-improved, accessible care," said William T. Thorwarth Jr., MD, FACR, CEO of the ACR. "ACR membership
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RESTON, Virginia, June 1 (TNSper) -- The American College of Radiology issued the following news release:
American College of Radiology(R) (ACR(R)) CEO William T. Thorwarth Jr., MD, FACR, announced his intent to retire June 30, 2024, after ten years leading the association.
"ACR member volunteers, staff and I have worked tirelessly to keep the College positioned to ensure advancing technology, regulation, payment structures, quality assurance and research ultimately help radiologists provide ever-improved, accessible care," said William T. Thorwarth Jr., MD, FACR, CEO of the ACR. "ACR membershiphas grown to 42,000, and the ACR is consistently named among America's Great Places to Work. I have had the opportunity to work with multiple incredibly dedicated and visionary leaders and am proud of all that we continue to accomplish together."
During his tenure, Thorwarth guided the College through the COVID-19 pandemic -- overseeing the creation and distribution of resources to help members and their practices:
* Better care for COVID patients (including imaging diagnosis and provider/staff safety).
* Survive the pandemic economic impact (70% of radiology practices enabled to apply for federal aid).
* Resume care following 2020 shutdown of non-urgent care (including lung and breast cancer screening).
* Take part in research to prepare medicine for future pandemics.
The ACR cofounded the Radiology Health Equity Coalition on Thorwarth's watch to collect, assess and disseminate resources and best practices, advocate for and connect with patients and community members in underserved communities, and collaborate on programs and services to improve imaging access and utilization.
He oversaw the launch of the ACR Data Science Institute(R) (DSI ) to work with industry, government, patients and others to guide the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) applications to help radiologists improve care.
"Dr. Thorwarth is an outstanding and widely respected leader," said Jacqueline A. Bello, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors. "He cares deeply about patients, the ACR, radiology and quality healthcare. We are fortunate to have such an accomplished CEO to help radiology navigate the shifting medical landscape. I congratulate him on a job well done and wish him the best moving forward."
Prior to becoming CEO in 2014, Thorwarth served as ACR president, chair of the ACR Economics Commission and a member of the ACR Board of Chancellors. He was honored with the ACR Gold Medal in 2010. The William T. Thorwarth, Jr., MD, Award, which honors ACR members and staff who demonstrate excellence in economics and health policy, is named after him.
The College has secured a search firm and is in the process of assembling a committee to identify and bring Dr. Thorwarth's successor on board next year.
"As we enter a new healthcare era, it is vital that the next CEO possesses the tremendous skills, abilities and experience of their illustrious predecessors," said Bello. "As we celebrate the ACR centennial, the search committee and ACR leaders will secure a new CEO with the qualities and capabilities to lead ACR into the seminal days of the next 100 years."
[Category: Medical]
