HHS Releases New Cybersecurity Tool Kit Module
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) yesterday released a new cybersecurity module within the Risk Identification and Site Criticality (RISC) 2.0 Toolkit. RISC 2.0 is a free, web-based platform where organizations can conduct risk assessments by identifying threats, assessing vulnerabilities, determining consequences and criticality, and sharing findings with stakeholders. ASPR said in a news release that more than 3,500 Health Systems are currently using the RISC Tool.

The new cybersecurity module guides users through a series of questions about their policies and practices, scoring responses against the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and HHS Cybersecurity Performance Goals. This objective, standards-based approach helps organizations identify critical gaps, prioritize investments, and make informed decisions about risk mitigation. Integrated into the existing RISC 2.0 platform, the module allows facilities, health systems, and coalitions to analyze cyber risk alongside other hazards in one unified tool. Users can complete the cyber module questionnaire independently or in combination with other risk assessments, depending on need.

HHS, DOE Announce Nutrition Education Initiative for Medical Schools
The U.S. Depts. of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education (DOE) yesterday announced voluntary commitments from 53 U.S. medical schools that will now require at least 40 hours of nutrition education, or a 40-hour competency equivalent, for medical students beginning fall of 2026. HHS will also dedicate $5 million through a multi-phase National Institutes of Health nutrition education challenge to support medical schools, nursing residency, nutrition science, and dietician programs that integrate nutrition education into their curricula. The funding will help institutions develop coursework, clinical training opportunities and research initiatives focused on evidence-based nutrition science. Click here to view the fact sheet. 

FDA Communication Cautions Against Reliance on Anti-Choking Devices
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication March 4 encouraging the public to follow established choking rescue protocols, known as the “Heimlich” maneuver, which have been approved by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. The FDA’s safety communication was issued to emphasize to consumers, parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers that the established rescue protocols are the most effective method to relieve airway obstruction in a choking victim, emphasizing that using an anti-choking device before established protocols could delay critical life-saving action, and should be used as a second option and only by those familiar with the device and its use instructions. 

The FDA recommended healthcare providers educate patients and caregivers on the established choking protocols, and talk to them about the potential risks associated with using unauthorized anti-choking devices. At this time, the FDA has only authorized one anti-choking device for marketing and distribution in the U.S.

REMINDER: Daylight Saving Time Begins This Sunday, March 8
Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend. At 2 a.m. CT on Sunday, March 8, clocks will “spring forward” one hour. While many electronic systems update automatically, be aware of those that do not and adjust clocks and other time-sensitive systems, devices, and schedules to ensure they are updated accordingly to reflect the time change.

State Legislative Update
The Illinois Senate stands adjourned for the week, after having convened Tuesday through Thursday. Senate lawmakers primarily spent the week considering legislation at the committee level. The Senate is scheduled to Springfield March 10 –13. The House of Representatives isn’t scheduled to return until Wednesday, March 18, following the March 17 primary elections. Next Friday, March 13 is the deadline to pass substantive bills out of Senate committees. The House Committee deadline is March 27.

The Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard from the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) provides the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity and demographic data. IDPH also tracks COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus information through the Illinois Wastewater Surveillance System dashboard.

Briefly Noted

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated a previous recall communication to notify the public that Medline Industries is recommending additional lots of reprocessed electrophysiology and ultrasound catheters be removed from where they are used or sold. This update is an expansion of previously communicated recalls. Products identified in the most recent recall should be destroyed, while products identified in prior recall communications should be returned to Medline Industries. As of late 2025, Medline hasn’t reported any serious injuries or deaths associated with this recall. 

Leading the News

Nursing schools are racing to stave off a looming workforce crisis

Crain’s Chicago Business

With a quarter of all nurses planning to retire within five years, nursing in the U.S. is racing toward a cliff that threatens not just the profession, but the nation’s health care. Now, with an expensive but temporary COVID-era crisis of over-reliance on traveling and temporary workers largely behind hospitals, the long-term provider workforce shortage that’s looming has nursing schools thinking creatively about how to bridge the gap.

Illinois proposal to raise minimum wage to $27 sparks concern from small businesses

WICS
Illinois lawmakers are pushing to raise the minimum wage to $27 by 2032, with increases starting this year. But an Illinois business advocacy group said they strongly oppose potential increases.

Medicine, diet and exercise are turning conventional ideas for preventing stroke on their heads

Crain’s Chicago Business

An Endeavor Health neurologist says a recent clinical trial is upending what doctors have assumed for decades about treating carotid artery blockages, one of the major causes of stroke. The trial’s findings could result in fewer invasive surgeries to remove blockages in favor of using medication, diet and exercise along with intensive stenting procedures.