White House Issues Executive Order Outlining National AI Framework
The White House announced a new
executive order (EO) last week aimed at establishing a nationwide approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and limiting a patchwork of state-level regulation. The order directs the formation of an AI Litigation Task Force charged with reviewing and challenging state laws that may conflict with the U.S. Constitution or federal authority. The EO also instructs the Secretary of Commerce to publish a notice within 90 days detailing the criteria states must meet to access remaining funding under the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program. In addition, the EO calls for the development of a proposed federal AI regulatory framework that would supersede state laws in certain areas. According to the order, the proposed legislation should preserve state authority over matters such as child safety, data center infrastructure, state procurement of AI technologies, and other areas to be identified. The White House has released a
fact sheet providing additional details on the executive order.
CISA Updates Voluntary Cybersecurity Performance Goals
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has
released updated voluntary Cybersecurity Performance Goals that include measurable actions for critical infrastructure, including healthcare, to achieve a foundational level of cybersecurity. The update aligns with the most recent National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity standards and addresses the most common and impactful threats currently facing critical infrastructure. The guidance includes a new component highlighting the role of governance in managing cybersecurity management, with an emphasis on accountability, risk management and strategic integration of cybersecurity into day-to-day operations.
FDA Approves 2 Oral Therapies to Treat Gonorrhea
The Food and Drug Administration has
approved two new oral medicines to treat the common sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. Gonorrhea has become increasingly difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance and can have serious health implications. The FDA last week approved a new antibiotic, zoliflodacin, to treat gonorrhea in adults and children 12 years and older. The FDA also expanded use of another antibiotic, gepotidacin, for the same condition; the drug had previous been approved to treat urinary tract infections in women. The FDA said, “The approvals mark a significant milestone for treatment options.” The last new antibiotic for gonorrhea, ceftriaxone, was approved in the mid-1980s and resistance to this treatment has been rising. Earlier this year, the World Health Organization issued a
warning about the spread of drug-resistant gonorrhea throughout much of the world.
COVID Vaccine for Children Reduced Chances of ED, Urgent Care Visits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently
released findings that last year’s COVID-19 vaccine reduced the risk of COVID-related emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) by 76% for children ages 9 months to 4 years, and by 56% for children 5-17 years old. “These findings suggest that vaccination with a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine dose provided children with additional protection against COVID-19–associated ED/UC encounters compared with no 2024–2025 dose,” the CDC wrote.
