Tuesday’s edition of the Federal Register contains an order from the Drug Enforcement Administration to temporarily list a synthetic opioid as a Schedule I drug; guidance from the Food and Drug Administration for clinicians on how to avoid infecting patients when issuing colonoscopies; and a rule clarifying that all mobile devices issued by the U.S. Agency for International Development are subject to reporting requirements.
Synthetic opioid: The Drug Enforcement Administration is temporarily listing the synthetic opioid, furanyl fentanyl, as Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
DEA said the action is needed to “avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety” because the pattern of abuse is similar to heroin and prescription painkillers.
“Because abusers of furanyl fentanyl are likely to obtain this substance through unregulated sources (i.e. on-line purchases or drug dealers), the identity, purity and quantity are uncertain and inconsistent, thus posing significant adverse health risks to the end user,” DEA said in its final order.
The agency said those who use for the first time are at risk of becoming an addict, overdosing or dying.
The order will take effect immediately.
Colonoscopies: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will release guidance to help clinicians reduce the risk of cross-contaminating patients when giving colonoscopies.
FDA said clinicians typically use one water bottle and one set of tubing and values without cleaning or sterilizing all of the components between patients.
“This practice raises the risk of cross-contamination between patients, because the water bottle and associated tubing and connectors can become contaminated with the fluids and materials (e.g., blood, stool) of patients that travel back through the irrigation system channels and tubing during the procedure,” the agency said.
The guidance is immediately available and comments can be submitted anytime.
Cell phones: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is asking for the public to comment on a proposed rule to clarify that all government-issued cell phones, laptops tablets and encrypted devices are subject to reporting requirements.
“The Federal Government has been taking proactive steps to improve management and oversight of IT equipment especially in light of recent federal cybersecurity incidents,” USAID said in its rulemaking.
As part of a larger agency effort to strengthen and clarify existing policy and procedures for accountability of all of its IT equipment and access to agency facilities and information systems, the agency said it’s is clarifying its reporting requirements.
The public has 60 days to comment.