News Briefs
NIH announces guidelines on stem cell research
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) on July 6 published federal guidelines for human stem cell research. Those guidelines implement President Obama's executive order to allow federal funding for such research.
The NIH published draft guidelines on April 23 in the Federal Register and accepted public comment until May 26.
The agency said it received about 49,000 comments from patient advocacy groups, scientists and scientific societies, academic institutions, medical organizations, religious organizations, and private citizens, as well as from members of Congress.
The guidelines became effective July 7, and according to the NIH, help "ensure that NIH-funded research in this area is ethically responsible, scientifically worthy, and conducted in accordance with applicable law.
CDC says 129 older adults in EDs for fractures daily
From 2001 to 2006, an average of 129 Americans ages 65 and older were treated in emergency departments (EDs) each day — a total of more than 47,500 each year, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. The study, which examined six years of ED medical records, found that with the injuries related to falls from using canes or walkers for older adults, walkers were the culprit in 87% of cases.
People were seven times more likely to be injured in a fall with a walker as with a cane.
Also, older women sustained 78% of walker-related injuries and 66% of cane-related injuries.
"Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain their mobility. However, it's important to make sure people use these devices safely," said Judy Stevens, PhD, the study's lead author. "Walkers are often used by frail and vulnerable older adults; people for whom falls, if they occur, can have very serious health consequences."
According to the CDC, additional studies are needed to better understand fall risk factors for older adults who use walkers and canes, as well as to identify potential design problems and improve the design of walkers.
Congresswoman introduces legislation regarding in-office imaging loophole
According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) recently introduced HR 2962, the Integrity in Medicare Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Act of 2009.
The bill would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude certain advanced diagnostic imaging services from the in-office ancillary services exception to the "Stark laws" prohibition on physician self-referral.
HR 2962 as of early July had no co-sponsors and has been referred jointly to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
"ACR looks forward to working with Congresswoman Speier to incorporate the discussion of imaging self-referral into the ongoing health debate," said James H. Thrall, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR board of chancellors.
NIH announces guidelines on stem cell research; CDC says 129 older adults in EDs for fractures daily; Congresswoman introduces legislation regarding in-office imaging loophole;Subscribe Now for Access
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