The Biden administration on Thursday formally notified governors that the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will end in May, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from the District of Columbia, Montana, and North Carolina.

• District of Columbia: The Biden administration on Thursday formally notified governors that the COVID-19 PHE will end on May 11. In the notice, the administration outlined how the PHE measures will transition from the government to the private market. Administration officials highlighted how measures like telehealth will continue after the PHE ends. They also emphasized that COVID-19 vaccines and treatments will still be widely accessible since authorizations won't be affected. (Reed, Axios, 2/10)

• Montana: A proposal called House Bill 313 that would give physician assistants (PAs) increased independence to practice without physician supervision is up for debate in Montana. Currently, Montana law requires PAs to be supervised by a licensed physician under a supervision agreement with the state Board of Medical Examiners. The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Jodee Etchart (R), would give PAs the ability to practice without a supervision agreement. Notably, it mirrors laws in neighboring North Dakota and Wyoming. However, many physicians are opposed to the legislation. According to Jean Branscum, CEO of the Montana Medical Association, the bill expands a PA's scope of practice without additional training requirements. "They can be in any area with no supervision," Branscum said. (Larson, Kaiser Health News, 2/10)

• North Carolina: Reynolds American last week submitted a formal "citizen petition" to FDA urging the agency to crack down on companies that manufacture disposable e-cigarettes, which are being used by young people at an increasing rate. In particular, the company asked FDA to establish an enforcement policy aimed at disposable competitors to its Vuse e-cigarettes. "A new enforcement policy, one that is specifically directed at these disposables that are on the market illegally, is needed to better protect public health," the company said. Reynolds' petition highlights Puff Bar and Elf Bar, noting that both products have launched ad campaigns that target teens. (Florko, STAT+, 2/9 [subscription required])