• Colorado: According to a new report from the Clean Label Project (CLP), almost half of the most popular protein powders available on the market contained levels of heavy metals that exceed those set by government food safety regulations. In the report, CLP found arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in the protein powder products studied. Of the 160 products tested, 47% had levels of heavy metals in excess of at least one federal or state guideline. Organic products also had higher levels of heavy metal contamination than nonorganic products, as did plant-based products compared to whey-based products. When it came to flavors, chocolate-flavored powders had four times more lead and up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored powders. "This study serves as a wake-up call for consumers, manufacturers, retailers, and regulators alike," CLP said in the report. "With the lack of comprehensive federal regulations specifically addressing heavy metals in dietary supplements, it is critical that the industry independently takes proactive measures." (Rubin, Axios, 1/9)
• District of Columbia: Incoming officials in the Trump administration have selected Dorothy Fink to serve as interim HHS secretary, three people familiar with the matter told the Washington Post. Fink, an endocrinologist, currently leads HHS' Office on Women's Health and would lead the agency as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's choice for HHS Secretary, undergoes Senate confirmation. In addition to Fink, Trump has allegedly selected Houston Park, a retired fire captain from Palm Beach County, Florida, to serve as the HHS' assistant secretary for preparedness and response, a role that requires Senate confirmation. John Knox, a longtime Los Angeles firefighter who lost his job for not complying with the city's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, has also allegedly been selected to serve as Park's deputy. So far, Trump's transition team has not confirmed any of the choices for the positions. (Diamond, Washington Post, 1/19)
• Illinois: GE Healthcare has signed a years-long agreement with Sutter Health to provide AI medical technology, as well as software upgrades, to the health system. The agreement, which has been named Care Alliance, is expected to generate GE Healthcare $1 billion in revenue over seven years. Through the partnership, GE Healthcare will assist with Sutter Health's expansion plans and help design a talent development program, which will include community outreach and collaborations with radiologic technologist schools. According to GE Healthcare CEO Peter Arduini, he expects the company to enter into more strategic partnerships as it begins offering a variety of healthcare solutions and more health systems continue to consolidate. Since GE Healthcare spun off from General Electric two years ago, the company has entered into over 25 strategic partnerships, including with Mayo Clinic and University Hospitals. (Nix, Bloomberg, 1/14)

As executive turnover continues to increase in healthcare organizations, interim leaders become more critical. In this Q&A, Sue Schade, principal at StarBridge Advisors, shares how to effectively utilize interim leaders to navigate transitions and achieve long-term improvements.