Latest news with #Guidelines
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Health Professionals Concerned At Further Delays To Gender Affirming Healthcare Guidelines
Press Release – PATHA This is clear evidence of ideological interference in an operational, professional frontline medical resource that is being requested by the health sector. We reiterate our call for the Government to allow Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to publish these … The Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA) is deeply concerned at further delays to the publication of updated Guidelines for Gender Affirming Healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. PATHA has been informed by Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand that the updated Guidelines will not be published until the Minister of Health decides on whether to introduce regulations on the ability of medical professionals to prescribe puberty blockers as part of gender affirming healthcare. The guideline's advice on prescribing puberty blockers was updated in November 2024 to reflect the Ministry of Health's position statement on the use of these medications. This advice spans just 6 of the total 182 pages of information contained in the guidelines. The guidance is evidence-based, aligns with international best practice and guidelines, and supports a holistic approach to gender affirming medical care for young people who need it. 'Medical professionals working in this area are constantly being asked by colleagues for clinical guidance on gender-affirming healthcare,' says Dr Rona Carroll, a Specialist General Practitioner and Vice-President of PATHA. 'By not publishing the updated guidelines, the government is stopping healthcare providers from being guided by evidence-based, up-to-date New Zealand specific information. We have been given no timeframe for when to expect a decision about the puberty blocker consultation or the updated guidelines. Considering how many other areas of health these guidelines include, and that the advice on prescribing puberty blockers is in line with the Ministry's position statement, the updated guidelines should be published immediately. I think clinicians would be providing safer care if they had access to these guidelines today.' On Wednesday, 28 May, PATHA published an open letter calling on the Minister of Health, Simeon Brown and the Associate Minister for Health, Matt Doocey, to release the updated guidance. This letter was signed by over 500 medical bodies, clinicians and community organisations. Signatories include the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, the New Zealand Society of Endocrinology, the College of Child and Youth Nurses, and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand. The evidence-based guidelines, which have been peer reviewed by clinicians with expertise in this care from within New Zealand and internationally, provide detailed information on a wide range of topics relevant to healthcare for transgender and non-binary people. This includes several revised chapters from the 2018 edition in line with emerging medical research. 'I'm proud of the amount of work the authors have put into these guidelines, bringing their extensive collective expertise into creating guidance that is broad and has a holistic view of transgender health,' says Jennifer Shields, PATHA President. 'These guidelines cover so much more than puberty blocker medication, and this information is important for all healthcare workers to have.' 'It is clear that there is no evidence-based justification for considering restrictions on prescribing puberty blockers to transgender young people,' Shields says. 'These medications continue to be prescribed to children for other indications, and limitations in the quality of the academic evidence are not unique to this care. Healthcare professionals are now left wondering if this government is being pulled into alarming 'culture war' trends away from best practice medical care, and into anti-transgender policies that lead to a reduction in patients' rights and freedoms, and set precedent for making clinical decisions based on political beliefs rather than what's best for patients.' 'This is clear evidence of ideological interference in an operational, professional frontline medical resource that is being requested by the health sector,' Carroll said. 'We reiterate our call for the Government to allow Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to publish these updated guidelines immediately.' Background information Statement on puberty blockers On 21st November 2024, the Ministry of Health published a position statement on the use of puberty blockers in gender affirming care, emphasising that puberty blockers could continue to be prescribed when needed as part of interdisciplinary teams. The Government expressed an intention to explore further restrictions on access to this care, and opened public consultation on possible restrictions. This consultation closed on 20th January 2025. A memo sent to then Minister of Health Shane Reti on 30 April 2024 was released to PATHA under the Official Information Act. In this memo, the Ministry of Health clarified that: 'There is currently no evidence that individual clinicians are prescribing [puberty blockers] outside of an interprofessional team.' This shows that concerns about individual professionals prescribing puberty blockers inappropriately are unfounded, and current prescribing practices are already in line with the Ministry's position statement. PATHA previously published a collective statement opposing the restrictions the Government is considering on the prescription of puberty blockers to transgender young people. This statement also received broad support from medical bodies, including the New Zealand Paediatrics Society and the New Zealand Society of Endocrinology. The statement reads [in part]: 'The Ministry of Health Evidence Brief identified that any evidence of harm associated with providing puberty-blocking medication is limited and inconclusive, and withholding this care may exacerbate gender dysphoria and negatively impact mental health. Equitable and non-discriminatory access to this care should be provided and maintained throughout the country. Decisions about prescribing puberty blockers should continue to be made collaboratively between young people, their families or support people, and the health professionals involved in their care. These decisions are individualised, based on informed consent, and guided by professional training, clinical experience, and the best available evidence. Any move to restrict access to puberty blockers would be a political decision and not one based on clinical guidance from health experts in New Zealand and international best practice. Medical decisions should remain free from political interference.' Background on puberty blockers Puberty blockers are a medication called gonadotrophic releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. They were developed in the 1980s for use in much younger children with precocious (early) puberty, and have been used in gender affirming care for over 20 years. They halt the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth or voice deepening, and can relieve distress associated with these bodily changes for transgender young people. Puberty blockers have the benefit of allowing the young person time before making any decisions regarding starting on gender affirming hormone therapy. The effect puberty blockers have on pausing pubertal changes is reversible. Once the puberty blocker medication has been stopped, puberty will resume as it would have done without medication. All medications have known or potential risks, but evidence and experience to date does not raise significant concerns about the safety of puberty blockers. As is the case in all medical prescribing, risks, side effects and benefits of medications are discussed with patients as part of the informed consent process before prescribing. There are also risks to not prescribing medications when they are indicated. Puberty results in irreversible physical changes, which can result in lifelong distress and gender dysphoria for some transgender people. In every area of healthcare, decisions about treatment and medication prescribing take all of these aspects into account, and health professionals support patients and their families to weigh up the pros and cons for their individual situation. Gender affirming healthcare is no different. Decisions about whether to start puberty blockers are made between health professionals, young people and their whānau. These are healthcare decisions which should remain free from ideological political interference. Clinicians who initiate puberty blockers should be experienced in providing gender affirming healthcare and working within an interdisciplinary team. It is essential that access to this care and to puberty blocker medication is maintained. Topics covered by the updated Guidelines Advice on the prescription of puberty blockers is a small portion of the content covered by the updated guidelines. The updated guidance also includes detailed information on a broad number of other areas of transgender health, including whānau support, creating inclusive clinical environments, non-medical and non-surgical gender affirmation, speech and language therapy, fertility and sexual health, mental wellbeing, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and detransition, as well as specific guidance for Māori, Pasifika, and refugee and asylum seeker trans people.
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Health Professionals Concerned At Further Delays To Gender Affirming Healthcare Guidelines
The Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA) is deeply concerned at further delays to the publication of updated Guidelines for Gender Affirming Healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. PATHA has been informed by Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand that the updated Guidelines will not be published until the Minister of Health decides on whether to introduce regulations on the ability of medical professionals to prescribe puberty blockers as part of gender affirming healthcare. The guideline's advice on prescribing puberty blockers was updated in November 2024 to reflect the Ministry of Health's position statement on the use of these medications. This advice spans just 6 of the total 182 pages of information contained in the guidelines. The guidance is evidence-based, aligns with international best practice and guidelines, and supports a holistic approach to gender affirming medical care for young people who need it. 'Medical professionals working in this area are constantly being asked by colleagues for clinical guidance on gender-affirming healthcare,' says Dr Rona Carroll, a Specialist General Practitioner and Vice-President of PATHA. 'By not publishing the updated guidelines, the government is stopping healthcare providers from being guided by evidence-based, up-to-date New Zealand specific information. We have been given no timeframe for when to expect a decision about the puberty blocker consultation or the updated guidelines. Considering how many other areas of health these guidelines include, and that the advice on prescribing puberty blockers is in line with the Ministry's position statement, the updated guidelines should be published immediately. I think clinicians would be providing safer care if they had access to these guidelines today.' On Wednesday, 28 May, PATHA published an open letter calling on the Minister of Health, Simeon Brown and the Associate Minister for Health, Matt Doocey, to release the updated guidance. This letter was signed by over 500 medical bodies, clinicians and community organisations. Signatories include the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, the New Zealand Society of Endocrinology, the College of Child and Youth Nurses, and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand. The evidence-based guidelines, which have been peer reviewed by clinicians with expertise in this care from within New Zealand and internationally, provide detailed information on a wide range of topics relevant to healthcare for transgender and non-binary people. This includes several revised chapters from the 2018 edition in line with emerging medical research. 'I'm proud of the amount of work the authors have put into these guidelines, bringing their extensive collective expertise into creating guidance that is broad and has a holistic view of transgender health,' says Jennifer Shields, PATHA President. 'These guidelines cover so much more than puberty blocker medication, and this information is important for all healthcare workers to have.' 'It is clear that there is no evidence-based justification for considering restrictions on prescribing puberty blockers to transgender young people,' Shields says. 'These medications continue to be prescribed to children for other indications, and limitations in the quality of the academic evidence are not unique to this care. Healthcare professionals are now left wondering if this government is being pulled into alarming 'culture war' trends away from best practice medical care, and into anti-transgender policies that lead to a reduction in patients' rights and freedoms, and set precedent for making clinical decisions based on political beliefs rather than what's best for patients.' 'This is clear evidence of ideological interference in an operational, professional frontline medical resource that is being requested by the health sector,' Carroll said. 'We reiterate our call for the Government to allow Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to publish these updated guidelines immediately.' Background information Statement on puberty blockers On 21st November 2024, the Ministry of Health published a position statement on the use of puberty blockers in gender affirming care, emphasising that puberty blockers could continue to be prescribed when needed as part of interdisciplinary teams. The Government expressed an intention to explore further restrictions on access to this care, and opened public consultation on possible restrictions. This consultation closed on 20th January 2025. A memo sent to then Minister of Health Shane Reti on 30 April 2024 was released to PATHA under the Official Information Act. In this memo, the Ministry of Health clarified that: 'There is currently no evidence that individual clinicians are prescribing [puberty blockers] outside of an interprofessional team.' This shows that concerns about individual professionals prescribing puberty blockers inappropriately are unfounded, and current prescribing practices are already in line with the Ministry's position statement. PATHA previously published a collective statement opposing the restrictions the Government is considering on the prescription of puberty blockers to transgender young people. This statement also received broad support from medical bodies, including the New Zealand Paediatrics Society and the New Zealand Society of Endocrinology. The statement reads [in part]: 'The Ministry of Health Evidence Brief identified that any evidence of harm associated with providing puberty-blocking medication is limited and inconclusive, and withholding this care may exacerbate gender dysphoria and negatively impact mental health. Equitable and non-discriminatory access to this care should be provided and maintained throughout the country. Decisions about prescribing puberty blockers should continue to be made collaboratively between young people, their families or support people, and the health professionals involved in their care. These decisions are individualised, based on informed consent, and guided by professional training, clinical experience, and the best available evidence. Any move to restrict access to puberty blockers would be a political decision and not one based on clinical guidance from health experts in New Zealand and international best practice. Medical decisions should remain free from political interference.' Background on puberty blockers Puberty blockers are a medication called gonadotrophic releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. They were developed in the 1980s for use in much younger children with precocious (early) puberty, and have been used in gender affirming care for over 20 years. They halt the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth or voice deepening, and can relieve distress associated with these bodily changes for transgender young people. Puberty blockers have the benefit of allowing the young person time before making any decisions regarding starting on gender affirming hormone therapy. The effect puberty blockers have on pausing pubertal changes is reversible. Once the puberty blocker medication has been stopped, puberty will resume as it would have done without medication. All medications have known or potential risks, but evidence and experience to date does not raise significant concerns about the safety of puberty blockers. As is the case in all medical prescribing, risks, side effects and benefits of medications are discussed with patients as part of the informed consent process before prescribing. There are also risks to not prescribing medications when they are indicated. Puberty results in irreversible physical changes, which can result in lifelong distress and gender dysphoria for some transgender people. In every area of healthcare, decisions about treatment and medication prescribing take all of these aspects into account, and health professionals support patients and their families to weigh up the pros and cons for their individual situation. Gender affirming healthcare is no different. Decisions about whether to start puberty blockers are made between health professionals, young people and their whānau. These are healthcare decisions which should remain free from ideological political interference. Clinicians who initiate puberty blockers should be experienced in providing gender affirming healthcare and working within an interdisciplinary team. It is essential that access to this care and to puberty blocker medication is maintained. Topics covered by the updated Guidelines Advice on the prescription of puberty blockers is a small portion of the content covered by the updated guidelines. The updated guidance also includes detailed information on a broad number of other areas of transgender health, including whānau support, creating inclusive clinical environments, non-medical and non-surgical gender affirmation, speech and language therapy, fertility and sexual health, mental wellbeing, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and detransition, as well as specific guidance for Māori, Pasifika, and refugee and asylum seeker trans people.
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Walkie talkie listings on E-Commerce platforms under fire, govt issues advisory to regulate illegal sale
Walkie talkie listings on E-Commerce platforms are under fire as the central government has issued guidelines to regulate illegal sale of radio equipment online and address security issues. This crackdown comes in the wake of strengthening security arrangements across the country post Operation Sindoor. A press release issued on May 30 states, 'The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has notified Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025.' As districts sharing border with Pakistan prepare for second Operation Shield mock drill, which is scheduled to take place on May 31, the government is undertaking measures to curb the unauthorised sale of wireless devices online that may pose risks to consumer safety. It was observed that these wireless devices 'mislead consumers regarding their legal position and interfere with critical communication networks, including those used by law enforcement and emergency services.' E-Commerce Platforms and sellers are strictly required to comply with the advisory that states, 'No radio equipment shall be listed or sold on e-commerce platforms, if the possession or use of such equipment requires that a frequency assignment from DOT shall be obtained by the buyer. Such equipment (licensed equipment) shall be purchased only from a dealer duly authorized by DOT (DPA holder) listed on the Saral Sanchar portal of DOT.' Notably, listing or sale of mobile signal boosters and wireless jammers online is illegal. Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, key regulatory and security concerns were raised that prompted government to issue guidelines keeping in mind the safety of its citizens. Walkie-talkie sellers are required to disclose necessary information such as frequency bands on product description. Walkie-talkie sellers are required to disclose necessary information on digital marketing platforms such as frequency bands on product description, 'licensing obligations under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Use of Low Power, Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules.' Only verified sellers with mandatory certification are allowed to sell these products. Non-compliance to these regulations and concealment of licensing information, or Equipment Type Approval (ETA) can attract penalties and platform liability. Sellers must refrain from misleading advertisements or product descriptions as violation may attract penalties laid down under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Chandigarh heritage concerns can't override development: SC backs verandah, green parking in HC
In a landmark ruling delivered at 7:04 pm on Wednesday, the Supreme Court upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court's orders directing the Chandigarh administration to construct a verandah in front of Court Room No. 1 and lay green paver blocks in the kutcha parking area near the High Court building. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the UT's appeals (Civil Appeal Nos. arising out of SLP (Civil) Nos. 162–163 and 9042–9043 of 2025), underscoring the importance of sustainable development and the balance between heritage preservation and public convenience. The court held that the verandah, aligned with existing ones in front of Court Rooms Nos. 2 to 9, 'is absolutely justified and would not violate the UNESCO guidelines.' It also directed the High Court administration to proceed with laying green paver blocks in the parking area and to ensure tree plantation to enhance green cover. The bench granted the Chandigarh administration 12 weeks to comply with the verandah directive and stayed contempt proceedings against UT Chief Engineer C.B. Ojha. The dispute stems from a public interest litigation (CWP No. 9 of 2023) in which the High Court issued a series of orders starting November 29, 2024. It directed the UT administration to build a verandah to shelter litigants and lawyers from extreme weather. The order was reiterated on December 13, 2024, after no action was taken. On February 7, 2025, the High Court ordered green paver blocks in the kutcha parking area to address severe space constraints. The court noted that the parking lot currently handles 3,000–4,000 vehicles daily, while the underground facility can accommodate only 600. The Chandigarh administration, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, challenged these directives citing concerns about the potential impact on the Capitol Complex's UNESCO World Heritage status. He argued that even a seemingly minor modification, such as a verandah, required clearance under Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines of the World Heritage Committee. The Supreme Court found the administration's concerns unpersuasive and backed the High Court's reasoning. 'We are satisfied with the submission of Shri Gupta, appearing for the High Court administration, that even as per Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, the verandah… would not violate the guidelines, because neither can it be said to be a major restoration nor a new construction within the main structure,' the court said. It added that the High Court is 'best placed to take a suitable decision' on preserving the building while ensuring functional utility. On the parking issue, the bench endorsed the High Court's 'proactive approach,' calling the green paver solution 'reasonable' and 'a step towards sustained development.' Quoting from its 2021 judgment in Rajeev Suri v. Delhi Development Authority, the court said, 'Environment and development are not sworn enemies… as long as legitimate development activity can be carried on in harmony with environmental protection, courts should strive to uphold that harmony.' The court also emphasized the inadequacy of existing parking, calling the need for a proper facility 'imperative.' The bench validated the High Court's decision to revisit the 1956 rejection of a similar verandah proposal. It quoted an official communication acknowledging that the construction of a verandah in front of Court Room No. 1 had been under consideration at the time but did not proceed due to lack of consent from the then Chief Justice. 'The High Court administration felt a dire need to provide a verandah for the stakeholders,' the bench noted. It also cited instances of rainwater seepage into Court Room No. 1 causing damage and disruption. Senior counsel Nidhesh Gupta, appearing for the High Court, argued that the verandah was consistent with existing structures and that green pavers would help mitigate environmental issues. The court accepted the submission and directed the High Court administration to consult landscaping experts to ensure adequate tree plantation along the paver-lined area.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles board proposes changes to scoring guidelines
ALABAMA (WHNT) — The Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles board released a new set of guidelines that could change who can get a second chance. However, it doesn't make it easier for some to get that fresh start. Just like in golf, a high Baseline Parole Guideline Total Score isn't a good thing. The Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles has a whole scoring system it uses when suggesting that a judge grant an inmate parole. Based on the current standards revised in 2020, an inmate could be suggested for parole if they score 0-7. This score scale would also suggest that a judge denies parole for an inmate if they score an 8 or higher. The guidelines, as they stand now, rank inmates in six categories: Severity of Offense of Conviction Actuarial Assessments Institutional Behavior Participation in Risk-Reducing Programming/Treatment Reentry Progress Stakeholder and Community Input 'The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles considers relevant offender information when making parole decisions, including static and dynamic risk factors, individual factors, and stakeholder input, while applying professional judgment in each case. The Parole Guidelines ensure the consistent review of certain common decisional factors for all offenders. The Baseline Score is used in conjunction with the individual case review and parole hearing as the Board considers the offender's parole readiness.' Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Below are the current guidelines for granting an inmate parole. ABPP-Form-2-Parole-Guidelines-Revised-07.13.20Download The 2025 proposed parole changes, posted on May 14, add more specific scores/categories, take away some of the scoring categories, as well as make the final total score more detailed. The proposed changes (indicated by bold letters/numbers) by the board are: Current Guidelines- 2020 Proposed Revision Guidelines- 2025 1. Severity of Offense of ConvictionLow = +0Moderate = +1High = +2 1. Severity of Offense of ConvictionLow = +1Moderate = +2 High = +3Very High = +4 2. Actuarial AssessmentsNO CHANGES 2. Actuarial AssessmentsNO CHANGES 3. Institutional Behavior0 disciplinaries within last 12 months = +01 disciplinary involving violence w/in last 12 months = +22 or more disciplinaries involving violence w/in last 12 months = +51 or more non-violent disciplinaries w/in 12 months = +1 3. Institutional Behavior0 disciplinaries within last 12 months = +01 or 2 non-violent disciplinaries within last 12 months = +13 or more non-violent disciplinaries within last 12 months = +21 disciplinary involving violence within last 12 months = +3Multiple disciplinaries involving violence within last 12 months = +5 4. Participation in Risk-Reducing Programming/TreatmentCompletion of required programs = +0Deficient programs, reasonable efforts made = +0Deficient programs, no reasonable effort made = +2Deficient Programs, unacceptable compliance = +3 4. Participation in Risk-Reducing Programming/TreatmentCompletion required programs = +0Deficient programming = +2Refusal/unacceptable compliance = +3 5. Reentry PlanNO CHANGE 5. Reentry PlanNO CHANGE 6. Stakeholder and Community InputSupport = +0Neutral/none = +1Opposition = +2 6. Stakeholder and Community InputSupport only, with no opposition = +0Support and opposition, or no input = +1 Opposition only = +2 Baseline Parole Guideline Total ScoreSuggest Parole Grant = 0-7Suggest Parole Denial = 8+ Baseline Parole Guideline Total ScoreSuggest Parole Grant = 0-5Neutral = 6-8Suggest Parole Denial = 9+ The final date for public comment and completion of the notice is July 4, 2025. You can view the revised parole guidelines below. Pardons_and_Paroles_Alabama_Board_of_–_Repeal_and_Replace_Rule_640-X-A-2_ProposalDownload News 19 has reached out to the Alabama Department of Corrections for a statement on these proposed guidelines, but has not received a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
