SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis has successfully implemented a telemedicine program to address the shortage of behavioral health providers in Missouri, where only 200 out of 1,000 licensed psychiatrists are available for a population of 6 million. Partnering with Iris Telehealth, the hospital started with one full-time psychiatrist to adapt processes for pediatric patients while ensuring telepsychiatrists were licensed across multiple states. This integration into the existing Epic EHR system improved communication and care continuity. The program has significantly increased psychiatric activity volume, enhancing patient access, with new patient appointments scheduled within 14 days rising from 14% to over 60%.

Telemedicine Transforms Pediatric Behavioral Health at Cardinal Glennon Hospital Healthcare IT News

Contaminated drinking water is becoming a pressing issue in cities post-wildfires, particularly in Los Angeles, where utilities have issued "Do Not Drink" advisories due to the infiltration of toxic chemicals from fires. Pasadena Water and Power issued a rare advisory after testing indicated potential contamination, which was later mostly lifted. Experts highlight that wildfires can damage infrastructure, allowing ash, smoke, and soot to enter water systems, especially when system pressure is compromised by high water demand or power outages. The health risks from such contamination can vary, including temporary symptoms and long-term consequences like cancer.

Wildfires Contaminate Drinking Water, Prompting Urgent Safety Alerts MedPage Today

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare offers numerous advantages but also raises serious challenges that necessitate a strong governance framework to protect patient safety and uphold ethical standards. At the CHIME24 Fall Forum, healthcare IT leaders highlighted the urgent need for structured governance to address the specific risks related to AI, such as misdiagnosis and algorithmic bias. A comprehensive governance model, led by a cross-functional committee of senior executives and informed by clinical, administrative, and legal perspectives, is essential. This model should prioritize patient safety, implement clear policies, and ensure ongoing evaluation of AI systems, utilizing frameworks like the IEEE UL 2933 and NIST's AI Risk Management Framework to guide ethical reviews and technology assessments.

"AI in Healthcare: Urgent Call for Robust Governance to Ensure Safety" Forbes

The Justice Department and FBI have launched a major international operation to eradicate "PlugX" malware, attributed to the Mustang Panda hacking group backed by the Chinese government. Collaborating with international partners, including French law enforcement and cybersecurity firm Sekoia.io, the operation targeted a specific version of PlugX that has been stealing sensitive information globally since 2014. The campaign successfully removed the malware from approximately 4,258 computers in the U.S., underlining the DOJ's commitment to disrupting cyber threats and holding perpetrators accountable. Officials stressed the significance of international cooperation in addressing threats from state-sponsored hackers.

Justice Department and FBI Launch Global Operation Against Chinese PlugX Malware U.S. Department of Justice