WASHINGTON, DC—The majority of VA facilities are up to code on colonoscopy reprocessing procedures, according to a recent investigation by the VA Office of the Inspector General. The investigation of 129 VA facilities was initiated after an unannounced inspection of 42 facilities in June revealed serious deficiencies in endoscopy procedures at those sites. Full Article

WASHINGTON, DC—The Military Health System’s Chief Human Capital Office launched a new annual “Building Stronger Female Physician Leaders in the MHS” award. The award, which is the first of its kind, identifies and honors outstanding female physicians who have made significant contributions to the practice of military medicine and serve as exemplary role models for others. Full Article

WASHINGTON, DC—Black non-Hispanics and Hispanics often receive more equitable care under Tricare than in other parts of the US healthcare system, but disparities persist in how they view their health status, according to study published in the July issue of the Journal of the National Medical Association. Full Article

WASHINGTON, DC—An investigational HIV vaccine has been shown to be safe and moderately effective in protecting people from the virus, officials announced at the end of September. Full Article

WASHINGTON, DC—Bob Filner (D-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, announced that the House of Representatives approved a critical funding increase for a paralympic program for veterans and members of the Armed Services. Full Article

WASHINGTON, DC—When servicemembers are on active deployment, they are not the only ones who may be affected by their departure; their children may also feel strained. Full Article

BETHESDA, MD—Mood disorders remain some of the most debilitating diseases afflicting the nation. Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the world, topping even heart disease. Bipolar disorder ranks at number 8. Full Article

WASHINGTON, DC—some veterans advocates are accusing the Department of Veterans Affairs formulary and its administrative system of not being properly transparent, and of making it too difficult for VA physicians to prescribe non-formulary medications when necessary. Full Article

washington, dc—The Department of Veterans Affairs should direct more of its time and resources to explaining burial benefits to veterans, legislators told VA officials last month. Full Article

WASHINGTON, DC—Last month, CDC announced that it has awarded a total of $22 million to 26 states and tribal organizations in order to provide colorectal cancer screening services for low–income people aged 50–64 years, who are underinsured or uninsured. Full Article