Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
National MS Society: Researchers Discover Protein That May Limit Myelin Repair
NEW YORK, Jan. 15 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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Researchers Discover Protein That May Limit Myelin Repair
In a study funded by the National MS Society, researchers at Oregon Health and Science University identified a protein that interferes with myelin repair.
Myelin - the protective coating around nerve cells - is damaged in MS. Myelin can be repaired, but the process is not effective in people with MS. Recently, researchers identified a protein called CEMIP (cell migration inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein) that could be interfering with
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 15 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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Researchers Discover Protein That May Limit Myelin Repair
In a study funded by the National MS Society, researchers at Oregon Health and Science University identified a protein that interferes with myelin repair.
Myelin - the protective coating around nerve cells - is damaged in MS. Myelin can be repaired, but the process is not effective in people with MS. Recently, researchers identified a protein called CEMIP (cell migration inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein) that could be interfering withthe body's ability to repair damaged myelin.
CEMIP acts like scissors to "cut" a substance called hyaluronan into fragments. These fragments prevent the cells that produce myelin from maturing, which limits their ability to repair damaged myelin
Scientists think that blocking CEMIP activity could be a new therapeutic strategy for promoting myelin repair and restoring what's been lost.
Read more about the study in the institutional press release.
Learn more...
Myelin repair is a critical part of restoring what's been lost, one of the National MS Society's funding priorities and part of the Pathways to Cures Roadmap.
"The CEMIP Hyaluronidase is Elevated in Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells and Inhibits Oligodendrocyte Maturation" by Alec Peters, Kanon Yasuhara, Weiping Su, Steven Matsumoto, Peter Pham, Fatima Banine, Eliana Harris, Stephen A. Back, and Larry S. Sherman. Published in ASN Neuro (2025).
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About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/cemip-myelin-repair
[Category: Health Care]
NFIB Statement on the Passing of Former Attorney General Mark Brnovich
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2026:
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NFIB Statement on the Passing of Former Attorney General Mark Brnovich
PHOENIX - NFIB State Director Chad Heinrich issued the following statement on the passing of former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich:
"On behalf of Arizona's small business owners, NFIB offers our heartfelt condolences to the family of former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. During his tenure, Brnovich played a pivotal role in protecting small businesses from exploitative
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2026:
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NFIB Statement on the Passing of Former Attorney General Mark Brnovich
PHOENIX - NFIB State Director Chad Heinrich issued the following statement on the passing of former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich:
"On behalf of Arizona's small business owners, NFIB offers our heartfelt condolences to the family of former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. During his tenure, Brnovich played a pivotal role in protecting small businesses from exploitativeand abusive litigation filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act. His decisive action is now hailed as the standard in balancing disability rights with business protections. A dedicated public servant and NFIB Champion of Small Business, Brnovich sought to defend the rule of law for all Arizonans. He will be missed."
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Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/nfib-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-attorney-general-mark-brnovich/
American Farm Bureau Federation: Farmers Applaud Return of Whole Milk to Schools
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Jan. 15 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release:
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Farmers Applaud Return of Whole Milk to Schools
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on President Trump signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law.
"Farmers applaud Rep. GT Thompson and Senator Roger Marshall for working to return whole milk to America's schools, and to the president for signing the legislation today. The commonsense, bipartisan bill ensures children will have access to important vitamins, protein and other nutritients while supporting
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Jan. 15 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release:
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Farmers Applaud Return of Whole Milk to Schools
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on President Trump signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law.
"Farmers applaud Rep. GT Thompson and Senator Roger Marshall for working to return whole milk to America's schools, and to the president for signing the legislation today. The commonsense, bipartisan bill ensures children will have access to important vitamins, protein and other nutritients while supportingdairy farmers who need access to expanded markets for their product.
"America's farmers as a whole are struggling with high expenses that outpace income. Finding a solution that benefits everyone without creating extra costs for taxpayers is innovative and a sign of good government. Farm Bureau is committed to working with the administration to find more solutions to keep farmers in business and increase affordability for America's families."
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Original text here: https://www.fb.org/news-release/farmers-applaud-return-of-whole-milk-to-schools
[Category: Agriculture]
ASPR Releases Strategic Plan For Fiscal Years 2026-2029
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 15 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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ASPR Releases Strategic Plan For Fiscal Years 2026-2029
On Jan. 9, the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response released its FY 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which includes five goals.
* Strengthen the workforce and reinforce a "One ASPR" culture.
* Strengthen preparedness through state and local resiliency.
* Execute rapid, efficient and adaptive federal response.
* Secure America's medical supply chain.
* Address emerging health security
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 15 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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ASPR Releases Strategic Plan For Fiscal Years 2026-2029
On Jan. 9, the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response released its FY 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which includes five goals.
* Strengthen the workforce and reinforce a "One ASPR" culture.
* Strengthen preparedness through state and local resiliency.
* Execute rapid, efficient and adaptive federal response.
* Secure America's medical supply chain.
* Address emerging health securitythreats.
This plan sets the federal direction for strengthening health security and emergency preparedness nationwide. Through these goals, ASPR aims to drive a more integrated, well resourced and strategically aligned health care readiness environment, one in which hospitals play a central operational role.
For more than 20 years, MHA has received ASPR Hospital Preparedness Program funding to support hospitals and health care coalitions as part of its emergency preparedness and safety portfolio. While the plan mentions rescoping the HPP, it does not outline the specific changes.
MHA will closely monitor federal updates to assess potential impacts on our programming and on the hospitals we serve.
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About Missouri Hospital Association
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 136 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.
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Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/aspr-releases-strategic-plan-for-fiscal-years-2026-2029
[Category: Health Care]
ASAM Weekly for Jan. 13, 2026
ROCKVILLE, Maryland, Jan. 15 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine posted the following news wrapup:
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The ASAM Weekly for January 13, 2026
Experience would tell us not to make predictions for 2026, but let's try to make sense of the evidence anyway...
Telehealth flexibilities have been extended for controlled substances, and an exception for buprenorphine inductions has been made permanent ( ASAM ). Teenage alcohol and substance use continue to remain at historic lows ( University of Michigan News ), while new dietary guidelines don't include customary
... Show Full Article
ROCKVILLE, Maryland, Jan. 15 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine posted the following news wrapup:
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The ASAM Weekly for January 13, 2026
Experience would tell us not to make predictions for 2026, but let's try to make sense of the evidence anyway...
Telehealth flexibilities have been extended for controlled substances, and an exception for buprenorphine inductions has been made permanent ( ASAM ). Teenage alcohol and substance use continue to remain at historic lows ( University of Michigan News ), while new dietary guidelines don't include customarylimits on alcohol consumption-even though the evidence shows a strong link with cancer ( New York Times ).
Historically, US drug policy hasn't always aligned with the evidence. A new study attempts to reconcile this with a multi-criteria decision analysis that ranks drugs by harmfulness but seems to be limited (by design) by the judgment of 17 experts ( Harm Reduction Journal ). Sometimes, though, experts can be driven more by experience than evidence-as in the case of involuntary treatment, where ethics, humanity, and hope will likely (hopefully) shape US policy for the better ( MedPage Today ).
It's also possible that experts' experience shapes the evidence, even when they're looking for evidence to shape our experience. For example, many clinicians find it increasingly difficult to start buprenorphine in the modern era of fentanyl, but a careful reading of the evidence should not discourage us from continuing to do so ( JAMA Network Open ). Rather it should encourage us to modernize our experience with extended-release formulations, at higher doses and with more rapid inductions ( JAMA Network Open ).
The new year will likely also bring a change to how we understand our experiences. Large language models (LLM) offer an unprecedented level of knowledge and efficiency, one that risks bypassing the very nature of what makes us human: lived experience ( PNAS ). But since lived experience is so uniquely defined, it is not always evident how it fits into addiction medicine. A profile of an addiction doc pushed out of practice touches upon this well (regardless of the "facts" of the case), demonstrating how the practice of addiction medicine requires a balance of both the evidence and lived experience, and that the real " Battle for the Future of Addiction Medicine " will actually be about protecting this balance.
Bring on the new year.
Nicholas Athanasiou, MD, MBA, DFASAM
Editor in Chief
with Co-Editors: Brandon Aden, MD, MPH, FASAM, John A. Fromson, MD; Sarah Messmer, MD, FASAM; Jack Woodside, MD
Apply to be the ASAM Weekly Editor in Chief!
ASAM Weekly, with a circulation of 70,000 readers, is conducting a search for a new Editor in Chief (EIC). The EIC will serve a 1-year term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with the option to renew for additional years. Benefits and compensation offered.
For a full job description and to apply, please click here.
Lead Story
Barriers to Buprenorphine Initiation in Patients Using Fentanyl
JAMA Network Open
This is a survey study of 396 buprenorphine-prescribing clinicians in the US to determine if they faced problems initiating buprenorphine among patients using fentanyl, and whether their practice changed as a result. Participants were selected from a stratified random sample of X-waivered clinicians registered with the DEA who had prescribed buprenorphine in 2022, with representation across all regions nationally. Of the participants, 72.8% reported difficulty with buprenorphine initiation (either precipitated and/or prolonged withdrawal). Clinicians with waivers to treat larger numbers of patients, those reporting fentanyl use by their patients, and those in outpatient settings were more likely to report challenges with buprenorphine initiation. In addition, 67.3% of participants reported they modified their standard buprenorphine treatment protocols for patients using fentanyl.
Research and Science
Comparison of Extended-Release Buprenorphine Doses for Treating High-Risk Opioid Use: A Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA Network Open
This randomized clinical trial compares the efficacy and safety between 100-mg and 300-mg once-monthly extended-release buprenorphine doses for individuals with high-risk opioid use, including fentanyl. The study included 436 participants with moderate to severe opioid use disorder and found that both the 100-mg and 300-mg maintenance doses improved opioid abstinence and were well tolerated without any new safety signals. In post hoc analyses, the 300-mg dose performed better than the 100-mg dose among participants who used fentanyl daily, 14 times or more per week, or both. These findings demonstrate that both 100-mg and 300-mg extended-release buprenorphine doses improved opioid abstinence among patients at high risk; the 300-mg maintenance dose may perform better for individuals with heavy fentanyl use.
Pharmacological Interventions for Electronic Cigarette Cessation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses
Journal of Addiction Medicine
E-cigarette use has increased significantly over the last couple of decades and is not without harms. Researchers conducted a systematic review to evaluate pharmacological treatments for e-cigarette use. This review included four studies with varenicline, two with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and one with cytisine. Varenicline was found to statistically reduce continued e-cigarette use (OR=2.52, p<0.001), but neither NRT nor cytisine showed a statistically significant reduction in use. The authors did find that the abstinence rates did trend down over time. Given these findings the authors suggest there is evidence for use of varenicline as treatment for e-cigarette use, but more studies are needed with respect to NRT and cytisine.
Fentanyl test strip use and homelessness among people who use drugs in Rhode Island
International Journal of Drug Policy
The Rhode Island Prescription and Illicit Drug Study (RAPIDS) is a two-arm randomized clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a brief, theory-based overdose prevention intervention including fentanyl test strips (FTS). In this study, using survey data collected for RAPIDS, the authors examined the association between having experienced homelessness in the past month and the use of FTS. Recruited between September 2020 and February 2023, 505 people who use drugs in Rhode Island were included in the study. Of the participants, 59% reported experiencing homelessness in the past month, with 93.3% reporting having ever experienced homelessness. Participants reporting past-month homelessness were more likely to report FTS use in the past month at baseline compared to those with stable housing; however, this association was not appreciated in multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis. Additionally, regular use of crystal methamphetamine was associated with recent FTS use, and participants recruited later in the study (in 2023) were more likely to use FTS.
Are there differences in gradual versus abrupt smoking cessation quit attempts and success by social grade? A population study in England
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
This study examined the success rate of gradual versus abrupt smoking cessation. Data were drawn from the Smoking Toolkit Study, a representative sample of the population of adults who smoke in England. Of the 27,390 participants, 45.5% had quit gradually and 54.5% had quit abruptly. Those who quit abruptly had higher odds of success than those who quit gradually (OR=1.70). Participants from lower socioeconomic grades were less likely to quit abruptly-53.2% versus 57.4% for higher socioeconomic grades. However, the relationship between the abrupt method and higher success was similar for both.
Learn More
Put pressure on publishers to follow best practice -external regulation is the answer
Nature
This commentary argues that academic journals should be subject to external regulation to enhance research integrity. Independent oversight could push publishers to crack down on low-quality papers and correct or retract papers quickly when required. The author suggests publishers voluntarily subscribe to an existing international quality-management standard (ISO-9001) so all journals are held to the same standards. This system "could help to balance the commercial interests of academic publishers with the needs of everyone who relies on quality information."
US drug policy does not align with experts' rankings of drug harms: a multi-criteria decision analysis
Harm Reduction Journal
US drug policy is often poorly aligned with scientific evidence with punitive approaches and classifying drugs based on abuse potential, dependence risk, and accepted medical use, but not harm. Researchers adapted a 2010 United Kingdom study to rate drug harms using health, social, and societal impacts criteria. Seventeen experts assessed 19 drugs across 18 criteria, providing a score on a scale between 0 and 100. Authors ranked fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack, and heroin as the most harmful substances. Notably, many Schedule I drugs, such as LSD and mushrooms, were rated least harmful, while alcohol and tobacco were considered much more harmful. Harm to the person using was almost universally scored higher than other criteria and was the driving force for much of the overall harm score. The authors note this supports a focus on health interventions over punitive strategies which focus on society.
Is cannabis legalization associated with treatment completion? A study of pregnant women admitted for cannabis use in substance use treatment facilities, 2020-2022
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
This study examined treatment completion for 13,088 pregnant women admitted for cannabis use. Data were obtained from the SAMHSA Treatment Episode Data Set for the years 2020-2022. Overall, 28% completed treatment and 72% did not. Treatment completion was lower in states where cannabis was fully legalized (medical and recreational use) than in states where cannabis was illegal (aOR=0.33) and in states where it was partially legal (aOR=0.33). This effect was larger in outpatient versus residential settings and for patients referred by the court. The authors speculate that cannabis legalization increases the social acceptability and reduces the perceived harm of cannabis use.
In the News
DEA and HHS Extend COVID-Era Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities Through 2026
ASAM
New Dietary Guidelines Abandon Longstanding Advice on Alcohol
The New York Times
Reported use of most drugs remains low among US teens
University of Michigan News
The "machinal bypass" and how we're using AI to avoid ourselves
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
How a medical pioneer's cocaine addiction helped shape modern-day residency programs
CBC News (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
Is Recovery-Oriented, Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Possible?
MedPage Today
Inside the Battle for the Future of Addiction Medicine
KFF Health News
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Original text here: https://www.asam.org/news/detail/2026/01/14/the-asam-weekly-for-january-13--2026
ASA's December Economic Report: Can Stimulus Help Push Through Uncertainty?
ITASCA, Illinois, Jan. 15 (TNSxrep) -- The American Supply Association issued the following news release:
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ASA's December Economic Report: Can Stimulus Help Push Through Uncertainty?
From December 2025 ASA Monthly Economic Report: This year was shaping up with tailwinds coming from the tax bill, some proposed MBS stimulus, and softening interest rates. But there have already been several geopolitical changes theoretically throwing uncertainty into the mix early in 2026. Whether these become headwinds or are merely "noise" in the operating environment is still yet to be seen. Left alone,
... Show Full Article
ITASCA, Illinois, Jan. 15 (TNSxrep) -- The American Supply Association issued the following news release:
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ASA's December Economic Report: Can Stimulus Help Push Through Uncertainty?
From December 2025 ASA Monthly Economic Report: This year was shaping up with tailwinds coming from the tax bill, some proposed MBS stimulus, and softening interest rates. But there have already been several geopolitical changes theoretically throwing uncertainty into the mix early in 2026. Whether these become headwinds or are merely "noise" in the operating environment is still yet to be seen. Left alone,the economy is poised for stable growth in 2026 with the housing, nonresidential, and energy markets generally seeing improvements this year.
The monthly ASA Economic Report is produced by Armada Corporate Intelligence, ASA's business intelligence partner, and is available as a free member benefit for ASA members through the MyASA portal at www.asa.net/myasa.
Armada also wrote that at the time of writing, the Atlanta Fed was showing Q4 GDP trending at 5.1%. This is prior to many data releases that could easily temper that figure. But for 2026, even the Federal Reserve is predicting a more robust top line growth rate of 2.3%, up from prior estimates of 1.8%. Much of that will depend on the labor market which has been sluggish of late and interest rates - which have increased on geopolitical uncertainty (bond markets have moved up in early January).
What to Watch according to this months report? Geopolitical events have increased at a faster pace early in 2026, and many businesses may walk a fine line between pulling back further into a holding pattern or moving forward with spending plans that seemingly were higher in 2026.
The report also answers a reader's question of the month: Will $200B in Mortgage Backed Security (MBS) Purchases Help Housing?
Again, ASA members can access the Monthly Economic Report through the MyASA portal at www.asa.net/myasa.
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Original text here: https://www.asa.net/News/ASA-News/asas-december-economic-report-can-stimulus-help-push-through-uncertainty
[Category: Industrial Materials]
AICPA Urges Congressional Support for Fiscal State of the Nation Act
NEW YORK, Jan. 15 -- The American Institute of CPAs issued the following news release:
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AICPA Urges Congressional Support for Fiscal State of the Nation Act
Washington, D.C. - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is expressing its support for the Fiscal State of the Nation Act, introduced by Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Scott Peters (D-CA). This bipartisan legislation will promote greater fiscal transparency and require the Comptroller General of the United States to make an annual presentation before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Budget Committees to help key policymakers
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 15 -- The American Institute of CPAs issued the following news release:
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AICPA Urges Congressional Support for Fiscal State of the Nation Act
Washington, D.C. - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is expressing its support for the Fiscal State of the Nation Act, introduced by Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Scott Peters (D-CA). This bipartisan legislation will promote greater fiscal transparency and require the Comptroller General of the United States to make an annual presentation before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Budget Committees to help key policymakersfocus on some of the most important aspects of the consolidated financial statements, including financial and sustainability measures.
The AICPA has long supported measures to increase transparency of our nation's fiscal health and is expressing its strong support for this legislation. A survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the AICPA reveals that 81% of Americans agree they would support an annual report to Congress provided by the U.S. Comptroller on the audited financial statements of the nation, with 38% indicating they strongly agree.
The survey also revealed that 89% of registered voters agree that elected officials should have a full understanding of the long-term financial obligations of the federal government (e.g., Social Security, Medicare). Meanwhile, 84% of Americans indicate they are concerned about the national debt affecting future generation's economic opportunities, with 43% indicating they are "very concerned."
"Our nation's fiscal health is essential to sustaining long-term economic strength and national stability. The Fiscal State of the Nation Act represents a critical step towards greater transparency, providing a deeper understanding of the long-term economic impact of current and future policies," said Mark Koziel, President and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs. "As shown by the survey results, a significant majority of Americans are concerned with the nation's fiscal health affecting future generations and would support this transparency measure. By requiring an annual report on the federal government's consolidated financial statements to Congress, this legislation ensures that policymakers have the information needed to make sound decisions for our country's future. We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Barr and Peters on this critical issue and we strongly urge Congress to move this bipartisan measure forward."
The AICPA has applauded actions taken by the federal government to institute improvements in federal financial management and reporting over the years. The group believes that the consolidated federal financial statements and the Government Accountability Office (GAO)'s audit report provide valuable information on the financial condition of the federal government and it is important that the GAO have the ability to render an opinion on the federal consolidated financial statements.
The AICPA remains committed to promoting strong fiscal stewardship and ensuring that lawmakers have access to clear, reliable financial information. By advancing policies that strengthen transparency and education, we help support a more informed budget process and a more secure fiscal future for our nation.
Survey Method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of AICPA from December 18 - 22, 2025 among 2,079 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,774 are registered voters. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact the AICPA.
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About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
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Original text here: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-urges-congressional-support-for-fiscal-state-of-the-nation-act
[Category: Accounting]
