The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a final rule to reduce emissions of a cancer-causing chemical used to sterilize medical devices, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from California and the District of Columbia.

• California: Salesforce last week launched a new healthcare-focused artificial intelligence (AI) tool called Einstein Copilot. The tool is a conversational AI assistant that allows providers and care teams to capture and summarize information from both clinical and nonclinical sources, update patient and member information, and automate manual processes. Einstein Copilot can also trigger workflows for different tasks, such as ending referrals, booking appointments, and revising care plans. According to Salesforce, the tool is expected to be HIPAA-compliant by this summer and will generally be available by the winter. "These new data, AI, and CRM features help reduce the administrative and operational burden for healthcare providers and care teams, leading to better outcomes for their patients," said Amit Khanna, SVP and general manager for health at Salesforce. "And with Salesforce's trusted AI, healthcare organizations excited about generative AI—but nervous about clinical and security concerns—can confidently use these innovations in their everyday workflows." (Landi, Fierce Healthcare, 3/14)
• District of Columbia: In September, HHS issued a proposed rule requiring providers to retrofit facilities and medical equipment to accommodate patients' physical and sensory needs. The rule also requires providers to ensure their websites, mobile apps, and virtual care programs are user-friendly for individuals with disabilities, and to remove disability status as a factor for clinical support tools. According to HHS, the regulation will improve access to care for people with disabilities, set clear standards for providers that work with the federal government, and protect patients from discrimination. A final rule is expected to be issued within the next few weeks, and it will be the first update to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 since 2005. Although the response to the rule has generally been positive, the American Medical Association (AMA) has raised concerns about the potential costs of implementing the requirements, especially for smaller practices in disadvantaged areas. In a letter to HHS, AMA CEO James Madara said the organization supports not requiring "excessive structural retrofitting of existing facilities" and requested flexibility in achieving access so that it doesn't come at a "great cost or inconvenience" to patients. (Hartnett, Modern Healthcare, 3/14)
• District of Columbia: EPA last week finalized a rule to significantly reduce emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO), a cancer-causing chemical used to sterilize medical devices. Under the final rule, commercial sterilizers will have four years to reduce their EtO emissions by 90%. "For years, I have called for environmental justice, urging protections for workers and fenceline communities from the dangers of EtO pollution," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a news release. "We will continue to work together with EPA to achieve our shared goals of lowering EtO exposure while also mitigating potential risks of medical device shortages." FDA has also updated its guidance to device makers and recommended using vaporized hydrogen peroxide as an alternative sterilization method. (Goldman, Axios, 3/14; Goldman, Axios, 3/15; Lawrence, STAT+ [subscription required], 3/14)