In Nebraska, a concerning situation unfolds where more than half of its counties face a shortage of maternity services. Two-thirds of rural critical access facilities are struggling financially, with as many as 10 on the verge of closure. These dismal figures were presented to lawmakers this Wednesday morning.

Impact on Women's Access to Birth Services

Dr. Gerald Luckey from the Nebraska Medical Association revealed that between 2017 and 2023, Nebraska lost 57 primary care physicians, including 41 family medicine doctors. A significant 15.9% of women have no birthing hospital within a 30-minute radius. And the problem is only worsening, as Dr. Libby Crockett, an OBGYN in Grand Island for the past eight years, pointed out. She has witnessed a rise in congenital birth effects over the years, which is far beyond what they have ever seen before.It is evident that more physician-level trained and certified nurse midwife trained professionals need to be in these communities. Creating better incentives for recruitment and retention is crucial. A recent survey shows that if new attending physicians and certified nurse practitioners have family in a rural community, they are more likely to stay. Financial incentives like student loan repayment also play a big role. As the Nemaha County Hospital CEO stated, anything that helps the hospital will have a positive economic impact on the rural community.

Government Programs to Aid Rural Health

The NE Dept. of Health and Human Services has two programs offering loan repayment of up to $50,000 a year for qualified medical care providers willing to work in designated shortage areas. These programs are seen as a win-win situation, as the NE DHHS Deputy Director emphasized. Lawmakers were also informed that reimbursement rates need to be adjusted to ensure the survival of rural centers. Jed Hansen from the Nebraska Health Association proposed a tiered system that could better align reimbursement and infrastructure investment with the specific needs of communities.

Innovations in Rural Health Care

Shane Farritor's work with surgical robots and Virtual Incision is bringing hope to rural areas. He believes that remote surgery is the future and has lots of potential use cases. Next week, he and his team are planning a non-clinical surgery on an animal in a critical access hospital in Columbus, which will be performed by doctors in Lincoln. Their idea is to enable patients to stay in their communities while receiving support from local general surgeons. This approach helps rural communities achieve greater health equity and better access to specialists in a more conducive healing environment, allowing them to stay close to their loved ones and community.

The NSW Food Authority is currently engaged in a crucial process of seeking feedback on proposed draft changes to the state's food laws. These changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of the regulatory framework and ensure a safer food supply chain for the entire community. The proposed updates to the NSW Food Regulation 2015 are designed to address various aspects and bring the legislation in line with national standards.

Strengthening Food Safety with NSW Food Authority's Draft Regulation

Salmonella Enteritidis Requirements for Egg Producers

In the draft Food Regulation 2025, a significant change involves the implementation of permanent Salmonella Enteritidis requirements for larger egg producers. This move is aimed at addressing a key food safety concern and reducing the risk of salmonella contamination in eggs. By setting these strict standards, the NSW Food Authority hopes to safeguard the health of consumers and maintain the integrity of the food supply. It is a proactive step that reflects the authority's commitment to food safety. Such a requirement will likely lead to increased monitoring and compliance efforts among egg producers, ensuring that proper hygiene and safety measures are in place. This not only benefits consumers but also helps to build trust in the local egg industry. 2: The permanent Salmonella Enteritidis requirements will have a far-reaching impact on the egg production sector. It will require producers to invest in additional resources and implement stricter quality control measures. However, in the long run, this investment is essential for the overall safety of the food supply. By eliminating the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs, consumers can have greater confidence in the safety of the food they consume. It also sets a benchmark for other food producers to follow, promoting a culture of food safety across the industry.

New Licensing Requirements for Berry, Leafy Vegetable and Melon Growers and Processors

Another important aspect of the draft regulation is the introduction of new licensing requirements for berry, leafy vegetable, and melon growers and processors. These requirements are being put in place to align with new national legislation and ensure that these food products meet the highest safety standards. By mandating licenses, the NSW Food Authority can better oversee and regulate these sectors, ensuring that proper agricultural practices and processing procedures are followed. This will help to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses associated with these types of produce. The new licensing system will also provide a clear framework for growers and processors to operate within, reducing confusion and potential risks. 2: The implementation of new licensing requirements will bring several benefits. It will encourage growers and processors to adopt best practices and invest in infrastructure and equipment to meet the licensing criteria. This, in turn, will lead to improved product quality and safety. Additionally, the licensing process will help to identify and address any potential issues or non-compliance early on, minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses. It is a comprehensive approach that addresses the specific needs of these food sectors and contributes to the overall safety of the food supply.

Establishing an Industry Plant Products Consultative Committee

To foster better collaboration and communication within the food industry, the draft regulation proposes the establishment of an industry plant products consultative committee. This committee will bring together stakeholders from various sectors, including growers, processors, and regulators, to discuss and address issues related to plant products. It will provide a platform for industry experts to share their knowledge and experiences and work together to find solutions to common challenges. The committee's role will be crucial in ensuring that the regulatory changes are practical and effective in addressing the needs of the industry. 2: The establishment of this consultative committee is a significant step towards building a more collaborative and responsive food industry. It will enable different stakeholders to work together towards a common goal of ensuring food safety. By involving industry representatives in the decision-making process, the NSW Food Authority can gain valuable insights and perspectives that will help to shape the future of food regulation. This collaborative approach will also enhance the industry's ability to adapt to changing regulations and market demands.

Notifying Analysis Results and Resuming Business after Prohibition Orders

The draft regulation also includes provisions for laboratories to notify certain analysis results to the Food Authority for early detection of food safety issues. This proactive approach will allow the authority to take timely action and prevent the spread of potential foodborne illnesses. Additionally, businesses will be required to pay a new fee for resuming operation after receiving a prohibition order due to a serious food safety issue. This fee is intended to ensure that businesses take food safety seriously and invest in measures to prevent future violations. 2: The notification of analysis results and the new fee structure are important components of the draft regulation. By having laboratories report findings promptly, the Food Authority can quickly identify and address any potential risks. The fee for resuming business serves as a deterrent and encourages businesses to prioritize food safety. It also helps to cover the costs associated with investigating and addressing food safety incidents. This combination of measures will help to strengthen the food safety system and protect consumers.

Modernising and Updating References

In addition to the other changes, the draft Food Regulation 2025 aims to modernise and update references. This will make the regulation more relevant and easier to understand for both industry professionals and the general public. By updating references to reflect current best practices and scientific knowledge, the regulation will remain effective in addressing emerging food safety issues. 2: The modernisation of references is a necessary step in ensuring that the food regulation keeps pace with the evolving food industry. It will help to eliminate any ambiguity or outdated information and provide a clear and concise framework for food safety. This will make it easier for businesses to comply with the regulation and for the Food Authority to enforce it. It is a forward-thinking approach that demonstrates the authority's commitment to staying at the forefront of food safety.NSW Food Authority acting CEO Lachlan Porteous emphasizes that while some changes may result in increased costs for certain sectors, the long-term benefits for industry, consumers, and the broader community are significant. The draft Regulation 2025 aims to achieve a balance between effectively reducing foodborne illness and minimising business costs. It will lead to safer food for consumers and a stronger reputation for the NSW food industry, supporting growth in local and international markets.The draft Food Regulation 2025 is open for public comment from 25 November 2024 to 22 December 2024. To learn more and provide your feedback, click here.