New Jersey

Overdose Mortality Dashboard Unveiled

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is targeting resources to communities that need them most with the release of a new Overdose Mortality Data Explorer, which allows users to explore demographic disparities in fatal overdose by county.

The dashboard is funded as part of a 5-year grant awarded to New Jersey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program for $4.5 million annually. The grant represents a transformative opportunity to strengthen ongoing efforts in combatting the overdose crisis and reducing overdose-related harms.

“This new resource launched by the Department of Health will play a critical role in our efforts to end the opioid epidemic in New Jersey,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “To effectively combat this crisis, we must be informed about the devastating impacts of overdose-related harms across the state. This resource will better help us determine how to target critical support through prevention, treatment, and recovery services and programs.”

With this grant, New Jersey will be able to respond more quickly, effectively, and equitably to residents’ needs, using data to drive action to reduce overdose deaths and related harms.

Source: New Jersey Department of Health Press Release, January 29, 2024 https://www.nj.gov/health/news/2024/approved/20240129b.shtml

North Carolina

Lessons from NCMB's Disciplinary Committee

The North Carolina Medical Board's Digital Forum often presents issues that frequently come before the Disciplinary Committee but may not result in public action. Their hope in highlighting these topics is to help licensees avoid problems and ensure they meet appropriate professional standards.

In recent months NCMB has received an increased number of complaints that involve allegations of inappropriate touching or sexual misconduct during a physical examination with a licensee. Often these situations involve failures by the license to clearly communicate the medical necessity for a physical examination, and to adequately prepare the patient for how the examination will be conducted.

A case study pertaining to misunderstandings during physical examinations is available in the November-December 2023 edition of the Digital Forum at https://www.ncmedboard.org/resources-information/professional-resources/publications/forum-newsletter/article/lessons-from-ncmbs-disciplinary-committee-misunderstandings-during-physical-examinations

Ohio

SMBO Launches Sexual Misconduct Page

The State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO) is committed to prioritizing the safe handling of sexual misconduct complaints to ensure the public is protected from dangerous providers. This month, SMBO published a new page on its website that highlights the importance of reporting sexual misconduct and explains the tools used to properly address the complaints. Resources on this page include: •

  • Instructions and information specific to patients, licensees, and stakeholders

  • Medical Board presentations describing the handling of complaints

  • Videos of Medical Board staff discussing the board's practices

  • Human trafficking resources

The page can be accessed at https://med.ohio.gov/about-the-board/communications/sexual-misconduct?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=February_2024_eNews&utm_medium=email

Source: State Medical Board of Ohio eNews February, 2024