In early April, the Alaska House approved funds for cybersecurity defense at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. The proposed budget includes $1.9 million for an IT security assessment at DHSS, along with $2.4 million to address backlogs at DHSS caused by a cyberattack last year. Even eleven months after the attack on the DHSS, some of the department’s online resources remain offline. The Senate Finance Committee plans to review the budget this week, according to Anchorage Daily News on April 17.
A national survey of over 2,500 nurses measured significant increases in staffing problems, workplace violence and moral distress—compared to survey results from one year ago. The survey from National Nurses United found that 69% of respondents reported worsening staffing issues recently, up 20% from the 2021 survey. Only 32% of hospital nurses report adequate levels of personal protective equipment at their workplace to protect staff from a COVID surge. Read the full report released on April 14.
The Tennessee State Senate passed the Workforce Expansion Bill on April 14, allowing certain immigrants to obtain licensure in their desired trade or specialty. The bill, once law, enables anyone with a federally authorized work permit to access professional and occupational licenses, if they meet all other requirements of the licensing board. According to News Channel 5 Nashville, the bill helps address the ongoing labor shortages affecting various industries. The legislation benefits over 7,000 DACA recipients and 3,000 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. The bill awaits a signature from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Medical Marijuana Licensing Bills Get the Green Light in a State Senate Committee
Georgia Board of Pharmacy Continues to Review Licensure Requirements for Pharmacists
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