🩺 The Healthcare Helper, 11th September Editon.
Your trusted round-up of what’s shaping healthcare this week — from HIPAA texting to essential medicines.
💬 HIPAA-Compliant Texting, Step-by-Step (for Small Clinics)
Standard SMS risks PHI exposure. Our latest blog breaks down true HIPAA-ready texting (beyond “just encryption”): consent, audit trails, templates, and EHR integration — plus a 5-step rollout plan and pitfalls to avoid.
Why it matters: Cut errors, reduce legal risk, and save staff time with structured, secure messaging.
👶🧓 Nova Scotia: Free RSV Vaccines for Infants & 75+
NS will offer RSV vaccination at no cost to infants <8 months (before discharge or via primary care) and adults 75+, with appointments starting Sept 15.
Why it matters: High-risk groups get easier access ahead of RSV season; expect similar moves in other provinces.
💊 WHO Adds Key Cancer & Diabetes Drugs to Essential Medicines
GLP-1s (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) and PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies (e.g., pembrolizumab) make the EML — guided by proven survival/clinical benefit.
Why it matters: Strong signal to payers and systems to plan access pathways and address price barriers.
🧠🎮 CMAJ: Protecting Youth from Sports-Betting Ads
🔗 Read the commentary With sports betting ads saturating broadcasts, authors call for federal action to curb youth exposure linked to addiction and mental-health harms.
Why it matters: Prevention policy is becoming a pediatric and public-health priority.
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📲 Tool of the week: HosTalky for Secure Teamwork
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