Keep up-to-date on current issues in the GI/endoscopy field. Click on any of the links below to find out more information on current issues and events.
Sedasys, a Division of Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., has been greanted PreMarket approval for the SEDASYS® System for minimal-to-moderate sedation with propofol in healthy patients undergoing routine colonoscopy and EGD procedures. Click here for more information.
Olympus has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Articulating HD 3D Laparoscopis Surgical Video System. To read the full press release click here.
Warner Chilcott announces FDA approval of their new colitis product, DELZICOL. The anticipated launch of the product is March 2013. For more information click here.
Consider supporting the Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC) by attending the 2013 Public Policy Forum on March 3-4, 2013 in Washington, DC. This annual event brings together patients, healthcare providers, industry representatives and lawmakers for two days of educational programs, legislative updates and advocacy training. The Public Policy Forum is free to attend, but you must register by February 17, 2013.
EndoChoice, Inc. announced it will merge with Peer Medical Ltd. The combined company will operate under the EndoChoice name and be head quartered in Alpharetta, GA. Review the press relsease for additional information.
ASP and ICT Magazine is now offering a free webinar featuring CECs Cathy Rocco and Carol Stevens underscoring the importance of endoscope reprocessing and following guidelines to attain best practice and improve patient care. Click here for more information or you can access the webinar directly: Endoscope Reprocessing: Demystifying the Multisociety Guideline.
The CDC has released a report detailing two life-threatening outbreaks that occurred when healthcare providers used medication from single-dose/single-use vials for multiple patients undergoing treatment for pain. Read more here.
The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) is alerting GI/endoscopy professionals to a growing public health safety concern: the ingestion of neodymium magnets by children and adolescents. Click here to listen to podcasts that educate the medical community on the dangers of these magnets.
Click here for more information on American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS) 7th Postgraduate Course on Gastrointestinal Motility and Neurogastroenterology in Clinical Practice.
Call your Representative on March 28 to support HR 4120 which is "Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2012." For more information click here.
Call to Action: Support the “Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act” (H.R. 4120) introduced by Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) on March 1. To write to your member of Congress click here.
SGNA recently signed on to this letter thanking the Department of Defense for for including $12.8 million for Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program for FY 2012.
ASP recognizes 25th Annual International Infection Prevention Week by launching several new resources and programs to support healthcare professionals. To read more and watch a public message featuring infection prevention experts click here.
Call to Action: Urge your state representatives while they are in your district to support the Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC) FY12 priorities! You only have until before Labor Day to encourage the below priorities:
-Protect investments in the division of viral hepatitis, colorectal cancer control program and the infammatory bowel disease epidemiology program.
-Continue to defend health reform provisions for those with chronic diseases and pre-existing conditions.
-Examine the entire federal budget when considering cuts, not just discretionary programs.
If you do not know your representative, please go to www.congress.org and enter in your zip code.
SGNA recently submitted comments to the FDA regarding the FDA’s Draft Guidance document. Overall, the Draft Guidance document reinforces statements in the SGNA practice documents related to processing and reprocessing medical devices in the healthcare setting. Click here to view these important guidelines.
Byrne Medical, Inc. announces launch of Applied Clinical Concepts. Click here to read more.
SGNA signed a letter to support the ANSR (Americans for Nursing Shortage Relief) Alliance to secure $313 million for the Title VIII – Nursing Workforce Development programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and $20 million for the Nurse Managed Health Clinics as authorized under Title III of the Public Health Service Act.
The Colon Cancer Alliance released a new organizational logo that incorporates the Blue Star. Click here to read the press release and view the new logo.
Urge Your Member of the House of Representatives to Co-sponsor the Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 2239). Click here to learn more.
FDA approves treatment for Clostridium difficile infection, click here to learn more.
Click here for more information on ASGE's signature educational event, EndoFest.
See how the recent tragedy in Japan has affected our GI/endoscopy industry partners:
Olympus Update
Pentax Update
Fujinon Update
Medivators Press Resease on FDA Clearance of Advantage Plus Endoscope Reprocessing System
Crohn's and Colitits Foundation of America (CCFA) is proud to present an archived webinar series highlighting the most widely attended presentations and seminars delivered at the 2010 Advances in IBD Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Clinical & Research Conference. The webcasts are available at no cost to participants. Click here for more information.
SGNA has signed on to a letter to ranking members of the House Appropriations Committee requesting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) continue to be funded. Click here to read the entire letter.
Click here to learn more about recent positive data found for the use of GATTEX® (teduglutide) as a treatment for adult short bowel syndrome.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) announces the availability of registration for the Medicare and Medicaid electronic health record (EHR) incentive programs.
Click here to view helpful resources for eligible providers.
Click here to learn more about their incentive program.
Commit to fighting colon cancer and Find it First - FinditFirst.com
Department of Health and Human Services: Final Rule OCIIO-9992-IFC
SGNA Action Alerts
SGNA and ASGE's joint statement on Congressional hearing related to VA reprocessing issue
SGNA and ASGE release joint statement on JAMA study regarding infection control at ambulatory surgical centers. Click here to view the letter.
SGNA Announces New Executive Director