The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended telemedicine prescribing flexibilities for an additional year, addressing the demand for accessible healthcare. This decision reflects the growing recognition of telehealth's role in improving patient access to care, a point emphasized by the American Hospital Association (AHA), which has been advocating for Congress to prioritize telehealth initiatives. Additionally, Dr. Johnna Nynas from Sanford Health Bemidji discussed the expansion of maternal telehealth services, particularly beneficial for expectant mothers in rural areas. The AHA continues to push for a two-year extension of telehealth flexibilities from the DEA and HHS, underscoring the critical nature of these services.

CMS Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities, Boosting Access to Healthcare Services AHA

During a recent U.N. Security Council briefing, U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger criticized Russia for enabling healthcare cyberattacks, especially ransomware incidents that threaten global security and public health. She noted that over half of ransomware attacks in the first half of 2024 targeted U.S. victims, with the healthcare sector significantly affected. Neuberger highlighted that countries like Russia allow cybercriminals to operate without repercussions, pointing to specific attack groups and reaffirming the need for international cooperation to combat these threats. Lastly, she emphasized the dire effects of such cyberattacks on healthcare, resulting in critical disruptions to patient care.

U.S. Condemns Russia for Healthcare Cyberattacks Threatening Global Security TechTarget

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a new framework to ensure the secure development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in critical infrastructure sectors, including healthcare. This initiative aligns with President Biden's AI executive order and aims to address the potential risks associated with AI technologies as they become more integrated into essential services. The framework outlines 16 critical sectors and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to mitigate vulnerabilities that could threaten national security and public health. It also provides recommendations for enhancing security measures throughout the AI supply chain.

DHS Unveils New Framework for Safe AI in Critical Infrastructure Healthcare IT News

A study in *Mayo Clinic Proceedings* examines how medical work affects physicians' personal relationships and contributes to professional burnout. Surveying over 7,300 physicians from 2020 to 2021, it found that more than one-third experienced a moderate to high impact on their personal relationships, correlating strongly with burnout rates—physicians are 40% more likely to experience burnout than those in other fields. Those reporting a moderate impact on relationships had 3.77 times the odds of burnout, while a high impact raised that figure to 13.59 times. Relationship status and work hours also played significant roles, with single physicians and those working over 60 hours weekly facing greater relationship strain. The study highlighted that emergency medicine physicians were particularly vulnerable to these challenges.

Study Reveals Work-Life Strain Fuels Physician Burnout Crisis AMA