In brief: Republican sign-on letter, Aeroflow Sleep survey, Finnegan Health Services buy

WASHINGTON – Reps. Dan Meuser and Mariannette Miller-Meeks are spearheading a sign-on letter asking CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz to prevent flawed provisions for a new round of the competitive bidding program (CBP) from taking effect, AAHomecare reports. 

In a time-sensitive call to action, the groups are asking industry stakeholders to reach out to Republicans in the House of Representatives to sign on to the letter. 

“If you are represented in the House by a Republican, please share the letter with their staffer who handles health care issues and ask them to join the letter,” AAHomecare stated. “CMS is expected to release the final rule soon, so please take action today.” 

Key concerns with competitive bidding expansion 

The letter notes several major issues with the CBP provisions in the recent DMEPOS/Home Health Proposed Rule, including impacts on domestic medical product manufacturing and new product categories unsuited to the bidding program.  
 
Preserving guardrails from previous round of program 

It specifically asks CMS to withdraw expansion of the CBP into new product categories and to keep in place “guardrails established under the first Trump Administration—including use of the unadjusted 2015 fee schedules as the bid ceiling and payment at the clearing price—that helped stabilize the market, maintain supplier viability, and protect patient access.” 

A new proposal: America First Demonstration 
 
The letter proposes an alternate path that directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to “test an America First demonstration that rewards U.S.-made and allied-sourced products, incorporates modern fraud-prevention technologies and evaluates outcomes before any nationwide expansion.” 

Read the full letter here. 

Aeroflow Sleep survey reveals growing gap in sleep health education, DIY sleep trends 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Many Americans struggling with sleep are turning to unvetted online trends instead of seeking medical advice, according to a new survey from Aeroflow Sleep. 

The survey of 1,884 U.S. adults found that, while 81% of Americans struggle with sleep, many are turning to unvetted online trends instead of seeking professional medical advice.  

Key survey results: A public health concern  

The survey uncovered a widespread struggle with sleep across the U.S. adult population:  

• 81.64% of respondents reported having trouble sleeping.  

• 58.78% are getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night.  

• 63.82% of respondents feel their sleep negatively impacts their day-to-day activities and ability to complete tasks; and 

• 72.82% feel it negatively impacts their mental health, at least sometimes.  

The rise of DIY sleep trends & a lack of oversight  

The data show a clear and concerning trend of individuals relying on unverified online sources for sleep help as opposed to turning to medical professionals:  

• 69.82% of respondents have heard of online sleep trends like "mouth taping" and "magnesium mocktails."  

• Of those who had heard of the trends, 58% have tried one. A striking 60% of those who tried a trend did so without consulting a healthcare provider. 

• The data reveals that a total of 32% of respondents are using melatonin and 22% are using magnesium supplements.  

"The prevalence of self-guided approaches and adoption of unvetted online sleep trends without consulting a physician is concerning,” said Dr. Carleara Weiss, PhD, Sleep Science Advisor at Aeroflow Sleep. “It also emphasizes a potentially high prevalence of undiagnosed sleep disturbances. These findings demonstrate a clear need for health care professionals to be more proactive in discussing sleep with their patients and individuals to seek evidence-based guidance before making changes to their health routine. Without professional oversight, these self-guided approaches could have unforeseen consequences."  

The "Sleep Health Gap"  

A significant disconnect exists between patient need and health care provider engagement. The data reveals several layers to this gap, including age and gender disparities:  

• Overall, 64.6% of survey respondents have spoken to a doctor about their sleep. However, an overwhelming 80% of all respondents wish their doctors provided more sleep-related resources.  

• A notable "gender flip" in health care-seeking behavior identified women ages 18-29 as more proactive in consulting a doctor (51.3%) than their male counterparts (42.1%). A reversal occurs later in life, with the survey finding men aged 45-60 far more likely to consult a doctor (60.6%) than women in the same age group (40.9%). 

• The data also revealed a concerning trend among senior women. A full 55% of women aged 60 and older reported seeking no help for their sleep problems, medical or otherwise, compared to only 33% of men in the same age group.  

"The differing behaviors we see in how people approach their sleep health, such as the proactive nature of young women and the engagement of middle-aged men, highlights a unique opportunity for tailored patient education," said Dr. Christopher Allen, a Sleep Medicine Physician and Scientific Advisor at Aeroflow Sleep. "The data shows us that a one-size-fits-all approach to sleep health can fall short. We must encourage all individuals to recognize the signs of a sleep disorder and seek a professional medical diagnosis."  

Access the full report here. 

To learn more about Aeroflow Sleep, visit aeroflowsleep.com. 

Finnegan Health Services acquires Children’s Medical Services, expanding commitment to pediatric care 

CONWAY, Ark. – Finnegan Health Services (FHS), a provider of integrated DME solutions, has acquired Children’s Medical Services (CMS), a provider of children’s health and family-centered medical supply and DME services. The acquisition strengthens Finnegan’s mission to deliver high-quality, accessible care across all age groups and expands its footprint into Missouri, the company says. 

Through the acquisition, FHS says it will integrate CMS’s team of patient specialists, care coordinators, and support staff into its growing network of community-based and specialty health services. 

“Children’s Medical Services has a long-standing legacy of exceptional pediatric care,” said Todd Ross, CEO of Finnegan Health Services. “By bringing CMS into the Finnegan family, we are combining resources, expertise, and technology to enhance care coordination and improve outcomes for children and their families.” 

All of CMS’s existing programs, services and care providers will continue uninterrupted, with additional support from Finnegan’s expanded resources, payer networks, DME product offering and family education services. 

“Joining Finnegan Health Services allows us to strengthen what we do best—supporting children and families,” said Kris Presley, director of CMS. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to grow and innovate while staying true to our mission.” 

Related: Todd Ross says FHS ‘takes the good with the bad’ 

AAH calls on small businesses to reach out to lawmakers to share impact of competitive bidding 

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare is calling on industry stakeholders to reach out to members of Congress and ask that they weigh in with CMS on the potential impacts of another round of competitive bidding on small businesses. 

The association says outreach over the next two weeks will help to amplify points it is making in direct meetings with the administration. 

“In recent meetings, we’ve seen that discussion of the potential impacts on small businesses are of particular interest to members of the administration and are also well received on Capitol Hill,” it stated in a grassroots alert on Oct. 21. 

The association suggests including this messaging to members of Congress if applicable: 

• The proposed rule will create especially severe financial and operational strain for small suppliers like (name of company). 

• CMS needs to pause implementation of the proposed rule to conduct meaningful analysis of the rule’s impact on small DMEPOS suppliers.   

• The Regulatory Flexibility Act strictly requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their regulations on small businesses and other small entities. CMS analyzed impacts on small home health agencies in the Proposed Rule but failed to include any analysis on effects for DMEPOS suppliers. 

AAHomecare also recommends including this fact sheet on DMEPOS small business impacts in emails to lawmakers.   

NCPA installs new president, officers at annual convention 

NEW ORLEANS – Kristen Riddle, PharmD, of Greenbrier, Ark., was installed as 2025-2026 president of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) by its House of Delegates at the organization’s 2025 Annual Convention in New Orleans. Riddle, who has been an NCPA member since the early 2000s, is a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy. She and her husband, Jeremy, are the co-owners of American Home Pharmacy in Clinton, Ark. Among her other industry activities, Riddle is a former president of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association and a delegate to the United States Pharmacopeia. “The world is changing, and so is our profession,” Riddle said in her inaugural speech delivered during the House of Delegates meeting. “Patients are looking to us not only for prescriptions but also for prevention, education, chronic care management, insurance, point-of-care testing and treatment, mental health support and so much more. We are not simply dispensers – we are providers, advocates, innovators, and leaders in the health care system.” Additionally, the NCPA House of Delegates – comprised of pharmacy owners and managers representing their respective states – elected Cole Sandlin of Hamilton, Ala., to be the newest association officer. 

The full roundup of 2025-2026 NCPA Officers: 
Board of directors 

• President – Kristen Riddle, Greenbrier, Ark.  

• President elect – Christian Tadrus, Moberly, Mo.  

• Chair – Justin Wilson, Norman, Okla. 

• Jonathan Marquess, Woodstock, Ga.  

• Steve Moore, Plattsburgh, N.Y.  

• Dared Price, Winfield, Kan.  

• Ken Thai, San Marino, Calif.  

• Hashim Zaibak, Milwaukee, Wisc.  

• Immediate past president – Jeff Harrell, Ilwaco, Wash.  

Officers 

• Vice president – Ben McNabb, Eastland, Texas  

• Vice president – Ashley Moose, Monroe, N.C.  

• Vice president – Scott Pace, Little Rock, Ark.  

• Vice president – Cole Sandlin. Hamilton, Ala.  

• Vice president – Ashley Seyfarth, Aztec, N.M. 

AMA launches Center for Digital Health and AI to put physicians at the heart of health care innovation 

CHICAGO – The American Medical Association (AMA) has launched the Center for Digital Health and AI, a new endeavor created to put physicians at the center of shaping, guiding, and implementing technologies transforming medicine, it says. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health tools are advancing rapidly, but without physician leadership and input, they risk creating unintended burdens and failing to reach their full potential, the AMA says. The new center will tap the full potential of AI and digital health by embedding physicians throughout the lifecycle of technology development and deployment to ensure it fits into clinical workflow and physicians know how to utilize it, it says. 

“Augmented intelligence will be a defining force in the future of health care, but right now we are barely scratching the surface of its potential,” said AMA CEO & Executive Vice President John Whyte, MD, MPH. “Digital health tools are everywhere and the technology has limitless opportunity, but if you don’t understand clinical practice or clinical workflow, even the best tools will never be fully implemented. By launching this center, the AMA is leading in this space, so physicians have a say in the technology and clinical care of the future. Our goal is to harness innovation responsibly and effectively, so it improves patient care and reduces unnecessary burdens on physicians.” 

The center will focus on: 

• Policy and regulatory leadership: Working with regulators, policymakers and technology leaders to shape benchmarks for safe and effective use of AI in medicine and digital health tools. 

• Clinical workflow integration: Creating opportunities for doctors to shape AI and digital tools so they work within clinical workflows and enhance patient and clinician experience. 

• Education & training: Equipping physicians and health systems with knowledge and tools to integrate AI efficiently and effectively into practice. 

• Collaboration: Building partnerships across the tech, research, government, and health care sectors to drive innovation aligned with patient needs.  

Recent AMA surveys show growing enthusiasm for AI – roughly two-thirds of physicians have incorporated AI-enabled tools in some form into practice. But concerns persist – a quarter of physicians remain more worried than excited, recognizing potential risks to data privacy, as well as reliability and safety concerns. 

The new center, the AMA says, has potential to capitalize on growing enthusiasm around AI, help incorporate the technology into clinical workflow, and allay concerns. 

Teknocare Medical launches to distribute home health care equipment across Canada, US 

CALGARY, Alberta – Teknocare Medical, a newly established medical distribution company based in Canada, has officially launched. The company will specialize in providing high-quality hospital beds, mobility scooters, wheelchairs and walkers to health care providers, retailers and patients across Canada and the United States. Leading Teknocare Medical is Rocco (Rick) Nori, who has been appointed president & CEO. With more than three decades of experience in the home health care industry, Nori brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and a deep passion for improving patient care through innovation and partnership, the company says. “I’m honored to step into this new role and lead Teknocare Medical,” said Nori. “This new chapter is both a continuation of my journey and an opportunity to help shape the future of our industry. Our mission is clear: to deliver excellence, strengthen partnerships and create value for our customers, their patients, and the communities we serve.” 

Rehab Medical named 2024 ‘Corporate Partner of the Year’ by SAWS 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Rehab Medical, a provider of custom mobility solutions, has been honored as the 2024 Corporate Partner of the Year by Servants at Work (SAWs), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building wheelchair ramps for individuals with mobility challenges. This recognition celebrates Rehab Medical’s ongoing commitment to improving lives through strategic community investment and its people-first culture. “When we looked at SAWs’ work—building wheelchair ramps and creating safe access into and out of the home—the partnership was a natural fit,” said Rehab Medical President Kevin Gearheart. “Both organizations serve the same purpose from different angles. We focus on independence inside the home, while SAWS focuses on accessibility to the home and community. Together, we remove barriers—literally and figuratively. Our missions align perfectly, and that makes this collaboration not only meaningful, but essential to improving lives in a more holistic way.” SAWs, headquartered in Indianapolis, has constructed thousands of ramps across Indiana and beyond, empowering individuals with disabilities to safely enter and exit their homes. Most recently, the non-profit organization constructed their 5,000th ramp for a family of four, including a 6-year-old with autism and epilepsy. Rehab Medical provided both funding and volunteers for the milestone build, reinforcing why the company was named SAWs 2024 Corporate Partner of the Year. The Corporate Partner of the Year award is presented annually to a company that exemplifies outstanding support for SAWs’ mission—through financial contributions, volunteerism, and advocacy. The award was presented Oct. 18 at SAWs’ Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, where Rehab Medical Employee Experience Manager Jessi Harris accepted the honor on behalf of the company. 

NCPA Foundation launches rural ownership program 

NEW ORLEANS – The NCPA Foundation has launched the Rural Pharmacy Ownership Accelerator, a comprehensive 12-month virtual program designed to prepare future pharmacy owners to successfully open and operate pharmacies in rural America. The free, application-based program addresses the growing shortage of pharmacies in rural communities by reducing barriers to ownership and providing aspiring pharmacy owners with the knowledge, resources and professional connections needed to turn their vision into reality. “Access to pharmacy services shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code, and up-and-coming pharmacy entrepreneurs should have all the resources they need to be able to open a pharmacy and succeed in a rural community,” said Sonja Pagniano, executive director of the NCPA Foundation. “This program removes the knowledge and networking barriers that often prevent passionate people from opening practices in rural areas. By providing expert training, experienced mentors, and business-planning support at no cost, we’re helping to create a clear pathway to ownership for those committed to serving underserved communities.” The inaugural cohort for the accelerator will be limited to 15 participants. Applications are open to aspiring pharmacy owners pursuing various pathways to ownership, including those starting new pharmacies from scratch, inheriting family businesses or exploring partnership opportunities with pharmacy groups. For more information about the Rural Pharmacy Ownership Accelerator or to apply, visit ncpafoundation.org/ruralpharmacyownership or contact ncpaf@ncpafoundation.org. 

ACHC taps new pharmacy program director 

CARY, N.C. – The Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) has appointed Caroline Girardeau as director of the Pharmacy Program. Girardeau has held leadership roles at premier health care institutions, including pharmacy management and clinical coordination positions at UNC REX Healthcare, specialty roles at UNC Chapel Hill Medical Center and WakeMed Health and Hospitals, and clinical research positions with leading Clinical Research Organizations (CROs). “I am honored to join an organization that shares my commitment to centering education and collaboration as the foundation for sustained program success,” said Girardeau. “I look forward to empowering our pharmacy customers to improve patient outcomes, mentor the next generation of pharmacy leaders and accelerate growth across ACHC’s diverse pharmacy program portfolio.” As pharmacy director, Girardeau will apply her expertise in life sciences, data analytics, drug development and pharmacy practice to strengthen ACHC’s Pharmacy Program. She will oversee operations to ensure compliance with accreditation standards and advance patient care through innovative, data-driven strategies. Her unique combination of clinical management experience, business administration training and operations background positions her to drive innovation in an evolving health care landscape. For more information about ACHC and the Pharmacy Accreditation Program, visit www.achc.org. 

Medtrade registration is open for 2026 

PHOENIX – Registration for Medtrade 2026, which will return to the Phoenix Convention Center March 2-5, is officially open. Insider Rates are now in effect. These rates, the lowest rates for the show, will be available until Nov. 1. Register for Medtrade 2026 here.