FDA Scrutinizing Antibacterial Soaps In December, the FDA announced that it plans to take a closer look at antibacterial hand soaps and body washes to determine if they provide benefits beyond those of "plain" (non-antibacterial) soaps. The FDA notes that there is currently no research that supports these soaps being any more effective at preventing illness. The agency is also concerned that chemicals commonly contained in these soaps, such as triclosan and triclocarban, might carry unnecessary risks, such as bacterial resistance to antibiotics and hormonal effects. What you need to know now: Under the FDA's proposal, manufacturers of antibacterial soaps would be required to provide more substantial data to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of antibacterial soaps. The proposed rule would only cover consumer-grade antibacterial soaps and body washes that are used with water. It would not apply to antibacterial soaps that are designed for use exclusively in healthcare settings or alcohol-based hand sanitizers or hand wipes. The agency is asking consumers, clinicians, environmental groups, scientists, industry representatives and others to weigh in on this proposal in the next 180 days. At this point, the FDA's proposal is preliminary and the agency has not officially recommended that anyone discontinue use of antibacterial soaps. ProMed will continue to closely monitor this issue and share any updates with you. You should also know that our DermaKleen antibacterial hand soap does not contain triclosan or triclocarban. Our territory managers are ready to help you choose the ideal product for your needs as well as address any concerns you might have. To connect with us, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

OIG Releases Its Top Management and Performance Challenges The Office of the Inspector General (OIG), a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has released its annual list of management and performance challenges. According to the OIG, this list reflects "continuing vulnerabilities that OIG has identified for HHS over recent years as well as new and emerging issues that HHS will face in the coming year." The 10 challenges identified by the OIG are: 1. Overseeing the health insurance marketplaces 2. Transitioning to value-based payment for health care

3. Ensuring appropriate use of prescription drugs in Medicare and Medicaid 4. Protecting the integrity of an expanding Medicaid program 5. Fighting fraud and waste in Medicare Parts A and B 6. Preventing improper payment and fraud in Medicare Advantage 7. Ensuring quality of care in nursing facilities and home- and community-based settings 8. Effectively using data and technology to protect program integrity 9. Protecting HHS grants and contract funds from fraud, waste and abuse 10. Ensuring the safety of food, drugs and medical devices

DermaKleen® is a soft antimicrobial hand soap. It kills bacteria on contact and is mild to skin. Additional Features: Triclosan and triclocarban free Moisturizers leave hands soft Active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria Softens, conditions and moisturizes Product pricing is only visible to registered promedsupply.com customers. If you are not yet registered, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 and our Customer Care Professionals will be happy to get you set up.