JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - CE Broker, the leading provider of continuing education management and compliance software, is pleased to announce its collaboration with the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (IMLCC) to streamline continuing education and licensure compliance required for physicians to practice across multiple states.

The mission of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (Compact) is to increase access to healthcare - particularly for patients in underserved and rural communities. By providing an expedited pathway to multi-state licensure for physicians, the Compact makes it possible to extend the reach of qualified physicians, improve patient access to medical specialists, and leverage the use of new technologies, such as telemedicine. The Compact also strengthens public protection by enhancing the ability of states to share investigative and disciplinary information.

With over 20 years of experience working with state medical licensing boards, agencies, associations, and medical professionals, CE Broker provides member licensing boards the opportunity to further automate their renewal processes by verifying continuing education compliance at the time of renewal. Additionally, CE Broker's accredited course catalog enables medical professionals to complete continuing education requirements online with automated reporting to participating state boards. CE Broker is currently piloting this Compact compliance process with the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.

"CE Broker is honored to support the mission and vision of the Compact by partnering to help streamline how their medical professionals manage multi-state licensure compliance," said Julie Walker, CEO of CE Broker. "We believe that CE Broker further supplements the compliance efficiencies that IMLCC has instituted with medical boards across the nation."

Approximately 80% of U.S. physicians meet the criteria for licensure through the Compact and since 2017, the Compact process has been used by more than 15,000 physicians who were able to secure more than 66,000 licenses in member states. To apply and qualify for multi-state licensure, a physician must meet nine requirements, and hold an active, unrestricted license in a member state where they live and practice. Continuing education compliance is a function, which is established by each board independent of the Compact, generally applicable to all licensees who wish to use it to renew their license.

"The utilization of the Compact process by physicians since its inception has been phenomenal and demonstrated a need in the licensing process that proved critical during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Marschall Smith, Executive Director of the IMLCC. "With CE Broker, the Compact will provide our member boards the option to automate their independently established continuing education compliance verification and support the essential work that they perform in the evaluation of physician qualifications and enforcement of their Medical Practice Act."

The Compact currently includes 39 states, the District of Columbia and the Territory of Guam. In these jurisdictions, physicians are licensed by 52 different medical and osteopathic boards. Other U.S. states are currently in the process of introducing legislation to adopt the Compact.

Learn more about each organization at cebroker.com and imlcc.org.

Ernie Wallerstein
CEO of Mental Health Technologies

LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Mental Health Technologies (MHT) is a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant, platform that provides advanced mental health screening assessments to health care providers. The company's SmarTest platform is cutting-edge technology used by respected medical professionals.

MHT allows clinicians and healthcare providers to send assessments directly to a patient's email or phone, giving the patient ample time and privacy to complete their screening in the comfort of their own home. Once finished, results are automatically uploaded to the patient's electronic health record (EHR) and the clinic is notified. The medical provider is then able to assess the results and develop a treatment plan suitable to the patient's needs.

"According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States has a mental illness in any given year," says Ernie Wallerstein, CEO of MHT. "There's a need for technological innovation from a customer experience perspective and from a clinical and analytical perspective. MHT can objectively help determine an individual's mental health through psychometric evaluations and send the information directly to the right hands, whether it's an employer or a healthcare provider."

According to Wallerstein, "The vast majority of healthcare happens in primary care, and primary care physicians are overwhelmed dealing with behavioral health issues. There are not enough behavioral health professionals to help all the people who need help."

MHT maximizes value through its innovative SmarTest technology. SmarTest allows each clinic to set testing rules to determine which screens are appropriate based on the individual patient's history and appointment type. It then forwards the results to the patient's provider and generates a referral to a Behavioral Health partner if warranted.  This streamline referral process is one of the capabilities that sets MHT apart.

"Via our SmarTest-AI module, our client's medical director tells us the rules for who gets tested based on what criteria. We then send an email or text message to the patient. They take it and then we write those results to the EHR. Everything resides in their EHR, which is their single source of truth," said Wallerstein. "The only way to get in front of this behavioral health issue is to make mental health a key aspect of preventative medicine processes. We need to proactively figure out who needs help and what level of help they need before the issue becomes too big."

MHT understands that a person's mental health is just as important as their physical health. That is why it is leading the change in how medical professionals can more effectively diagnose and treat patients suffering from mental health and substance abuse conditions. MHT strives for customer and patient satisfaction, which is why the ease of use and accuracy of results benefits everyone.

The company is improving the mental health field through the use of technology and is an essential partner in delivering better mental health services nationwide.

'Breathe'
'Breathe' Movie Poster

ATLANTA, June 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - An anxiety attack can be debilitating. It's never been easy — and often not even feasible — for those suffering from those attacks to convey through words what they are feeling or experiencing. Which is why the short film "Breathe" by 19-year-old Atlanta filmmaker Olivia Healey is being viewed by those in the mental health space as a potential groundbreaking tool.

Healey wrote, produced and stars in the film, something she felt compelled to create following an epiphany during a therapy session for her anxiety. It centers around her description of an anxiety attack feeling like she's in a white room and unable to find the door to get out.

"My ultimate goal for 'Breathe' is for it to serve as a visual and auditory tool in conversations about anxiety in schools and other mental health spaces, as well as be an accessible take-home video that those struggling with anxiety can use to show rather than tell what their anxiety feels like to their support system," Healey explains.

Mental health and education professionals who attended the June film premiere agree about the potential impact of "Breathe."

"Ms. Healey's short film 'Breathe' is the perfect springboard for opening a discussion on anxiety and panic attacks. A great contribution from a talented young woman who has learned to deal with her demons," said Dr. Peter C Thomas, president of Georgia Psychological Foundation.

Licensed psychologist Dr. Josh Spitalnick, who is board certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology and CEO/practice owner of Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, referred to Healey's film, made when she was 18, as a "sensory masterclass" that accurately portrays the depth of the emotions one experiences during an anxiety attack.

"What a sensory masterclass in showcasing the intensity and loneliness of what debilitating anxiety and panic feels like for so many. In less than five minutes, 'Breathe' incorporates haunting storytelling along with sensory-evoking visuals and sounds, leading each of us to hold our own breath waiting to see what happens next. As an anxiety specialist, I see tremendous value in such a film that offers insight, inspiration, and hope to those who have no voice, who feel misunderstood, and who rely on resilience and grit each and every day to overcome their struggles."

Healey was meticulously intentional in using multiple elements to make anxiety relatable. She acknowledges that someone else's anxiety may look completely different from the white room that "Breathe" uses as a metaphor — it could be a monster chasing them or a black tunnel with no light at the end.

"But even so, you'll probably be able to relate to at least one element," Healey said. "Especially the symptoms of the fight, flight, freeze or fawn experience. If you can still relate to none of those elements, you can hopefully at least connect to the idea of wanting to understand what others go through in order to increase empathy in this world."

The ultimate goal is to publicize the impact "Breathe" can have for national mental health organizations so they realize the value in partnering with Healey to implement "Breathe" as a tool for both anxiety sufferers and their support systems. In addition to sparking interest in her film, Healey hopes that sharing the story of "Breathe" will aid the fight to normalize conversations around anxiety and panic disorders. 

Healey is represented by Barbara Divisek at Aligned Stars Agency and Elana Dvorak at East West Management.

'Breathe'
'Breathe' Movie Poster

Olivia Healey
Headshot of Olivia Healey

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - VoluMetrix, a Nashville-based biotech startup dedicated to creating a new wave of solutions for vital monitoring to enhance well-being, announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the CHOP-based Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium, funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to accelerate the development of the NIVA Pediatric Monitor, a device designed to provide volume status monitoring non-invasively for pediatric patients.

"We are thrilled to be honored with this prestigious award, as it will provide invaluable support for the continued development of our exciting technology focused on improving pediatric care," said Kyle Hocking, Ph.D., President & CEO of VoluMetrix.

Detecting hemorrhage early in pediatric patients poses a challenge, as vital sign changes often occur only after significant blood loss and end-organ damage have already developed.¹ In the context of surgical procedures, hemorrhage stands as a leading cause of pediatric perioperative morbidity, with improved survival linked to prompt and adequate resuscitation.² Although various devices and calculations have been used to estimate volume status, their accuracy in the pediatric population has been found lacking. Addressing this critical gap, VoluMetrix is currently developing the NIVA Pediatric Monitor, an investigational non-invasive sensor patch placed on the wrist. This innovative device aims to provide real-time volume status estimate with hemorrhage detection to be used during surgical procedures through the recovery phase.

Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium (PPDC) is funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and based at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). PPDC provides seed funding and support for innovators taking promising ideas into commercialized medical devices for children. "The PPDC is delighted to support VoluMetrix and its innovative solution to an unmet clinical need for children with the NIVA Pediatric Monitor," said Joshua Dienstman, Program Manager of Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium.

What is NIVA Technology?

NIVA is a proprietary venous waveform technology from VoluMetrix, representing a major innovation in vital monitoring technology. The venous waveform is an energy-based signal generated by the heart and respiratory activity that reflects numerous physiologic conditions, including pulse rate and respiration, as well as intravascular and extravascular dynamics.

About VoluMetrix

VoluMetrix is a Nashville-based company that is dedicated to creating a new wave of solutions for vital monitoring to enhance well-being. As pioneers of non-invasive venous waveform technology, we are partnering closely with patients and practitioners to develop the pathway towards the optimal implementation and utilization of our technology, from hospital to home.

NIVA technology is investigational and is not available for sale in the United States.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.volumetrix.com.

1. American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. (2017). Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Student Course Manual (10th ed.). Chicago, IL: American College of Surgeons

2. Karam et al. (2017). Perioperative hemorrhage in pediatric patients: a review of etiology, risk factors, and management. Current opinion in anaesthesiology, 30(3), 408-415.

Mary Jackson, AllerFocus, and Brent Jones, Bruder Healthcare
Mary Jackson, AllerFocus, and Brent Jones, Bruder Healthcare

ATLANTA, June 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Bruder Healthcare, a Hilco Vision Company, and a leading provider of eye care products including the #1 doctor-recommended Bruder moist heat eye compress, announced an eye care industry distribution agreement with Tallahassee, Florida-based AllerFocus for its Percutaneous Allergy Test, an easy-to-use, pain-free, needle-free allergy screening for 78 of the most common airborne and environmental allergens. Since one in three individuals suffer from eye allergies, the need for an allergy test to determine possible impact on eye irritation is important. Patients suffering from eye-related allergies can experience watery eyes, itchiness, sensitivity to light, redness, and grittiness like the symptoms individuals experience with dry eye.

With dry eye disease being a multifactorial condition, Bruder was looking to add diagnostic help for eye doctors. "AllerFocus marks a significant addition to Bruder's comprehensive line of eye care products, adding a crucial diagnostic solution for eye doctors in their treatment of patients," said Brent Jones, General Manager of Bruder Healthcare and Global Head of Dry Eye at parent company Hilco Vision. 

Why It's Crucial

One in four adults have seasonal allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can affect the eyes. U.S. Pharmacist reported that allergic conjunctivitis, one of the most common ocular allergies, affects up to 30% of the general population. "The chances are significant that some eye complications are caused by allergies. AllerFocus enables doctors to discover if pollen, animal dander, dust mites, grasses, mold spores or other environmental airborne antigens are to blame," said Mary Jackson, founder of AllerFocus.

What It Includes

AllerFocus relies exclusively on skin contact to identify which allergens cause skin reactions. Doctors receive a supply of the 78 allergens (shipped cold), dip well tray sets and storage containers, 10-prong sterile testing applicators, measurement tool, and documents, including an allergy health assessment form, test prep card for patients, test signature forms, and color-coded test report form, plus marketing materials in English and Spanish. An allergen description book and allergen test cart are also shipped in the first delivery to doctors. Each kit contains enough testing materials for 40 patients.

Once preparing the dip wells in the tray, and inserting the 10-prong applicators, four separate applicators are applied per arm to the patient. About 15 minutes later, eye care staff can measure the size of the flare or skin reaction among the 78 allergens compared against the two controls, indicating one of five levels of allergy. From there, doctors can advise on allergens to avoid, and patients may decide to seek treatment from an allergy doctor.

Where It's Going

"This strategic alliance aligns with our vision of empowering healthcare professionals and improving patients' quality of life through advanced technologies. With AllerFocus, we are confident in our ability to set new standards in diagnosing eye-related allergies," added Jones.

"We are delighted to team up with Bruder Healthcare, a recognized leader in eye care. Their dedication to excellence and strong distribution network will undoubtedly amplify the reach and impact of AllerFocus. Together, we will transform the way allergies are diagnosed, benefiting countless patients," added Jackson.

About AllerFocus:

Based in Tallahassee, Florida, AllerFocus gives practitioners the ability to skin-test patients for allergies and offer options for their patients to become desensitized within three to four years to the symptom-causing allergens. More at allerfocus.com.

About Bruder Healthcare:

Bruder Healthcare designs and markets therapeutic and ophthalmic medical products to professionals and consumers around the world, including the #1 doctor-recommended moist heat eye compress. Our broad line of proprietary products provides relief for the millions of people who suffer from pain, dry eye, and other ocular surface conditions. Bruder Healthcare is a part of the Hilco Vision family of eye care brands and companies. Open your eyes to bruder.com.