• Arizona: Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed a bill repealing an 1864 ban on abortion that prohibits doctors from providing abortions except when it's necessary to save a mother's life. The ban, which was originally put on hold after the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, was reinstated last month in a 4–2 ruling from Arizona's Supreme Court. The Arizona House then voted on a bill to repeal the ban, and the state Senate followed suit soon after, sending the bill to Hobbs. "This ban needs to be repealed," Hobbs said. "I said it in 2022 when Roe was overturned and I've said it again and again as governor." According to Axios Phoenix, the repeal of the 1864 law will allow a 2022 law banning abortions after 15 weeks to take place. In November, voters are also expected to decide on the Arizona Abortion Access Act, which would allow abortions up to the point of fetal viability, or around 24 weeks of pregnancy. (Axios Phoenix, 5/2)
• District of Columbia: HHS has finalized a new rule that expands nondiscrimination protections for individuals with disabilities in healthcare settings. Under the rule, which goes into effect July 1, healthcare organizations are required to modify facilities and medical equipment to accommodate patients' physical and sensory needs. For example, facilities will need to update elevators and ramps so that they are functional and meet federal standards. Medical equipment will also need to be modified or replaced so patients with wheelchairs can use them. Organizations will also need to ensure that their websites, mobile apps, and virtual care programs are user-friendly for patients with disabilities. "By removing barriers to health care and social services, this rule advances justice for people with disabilities who have for too long been subject to discrimination," said Melanie Fontes Rainer, director of HHS' Office of Civil Rights. "No diagnosis should be missed because of an inaccessible mammogram, no patient should be left with questions about test results due to inaccessible websites, and no life should be valued less due to disability." (Hartnett, Modern Healthcare, 5/2)
• Illinois: Medline, the country's largest medical products supplier, has agreed to acquire Ecolab's surgical equipment unit for $950 million in cash. According to Modern Healthcare, the deal will provide Medline with innovative sterile drape products, as well as a fluid temperature management system. It is the company's third acquisition since Jim Boyle became its new CEO last summer. In January, Medline acquired medical supply company United Medco. The company also acquired the manufacturing rights and intellectual property of AG Cuffill from Hospitech Respiration in March. According to an interview with Boyle in August, his growth plans for the company include acquisitions and infrastructure improvements, such as new warehouses, information technology systems, and inventory expansion. (Davis, Crain's Chicago Business/Modern Healthcare, 5/2)

Learn how to operationalize health equity measurement with data-driven approaches, conversation starters, questions, and implementation considerations.