Joint Commission Almost Certainly Arrives Monday
Please keep PPE guidelines, and consult attestation compliance top of mind.

New Periop Newsletter: A Cut Above
The monthly publication features updates on strategic projects, new initiatives, and recognition items across the YNHH surgical services teams. Read the March 2026 edition on the intranet.

Separate Cytology and Pathology Specimens
Specimens for cytology and pathology must be placed in separate bags with individual requisitions before leaving the OR to ensure accurate routing to different labs and reduce the risk of processing errors.

Avagard Shortage
3M Avagard Surgical Hand Antiseptic is on intermittent backorder, with an expected end date of May 2026. Sites must be prepared to use web scrub protocols as needed.

Voting is Open: USNWR 'Best Hospitals'
The online voting period for the U.S. News & World Report 2026-2027 "Best Hospitals" and “Best Children’s Hospitals” survey is open for a limited time. Your vote is critical to our rankings across the surgical specialties.

Video: Clarence T. Sasaki MD Lectureship
A recording from the March 20 grand rounds is available on the intranet.

Student Education: Call for Faculty Volunteers
We are seeking faculty volunteers to support hands-on training for medical students at the SAP Clerkship's scheduled suture skills sessions: March 31, July 7, Sept. 29. Time: Two hour slots, 12:15-4:15 p.m. Sign up to express interest.

YCCI Rate Changes
Effective July 1, 2026, all Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI) study services—including pre-2023 studies—will transition to the prevailing University Service Provider (USP) rate; updated rates are forthcoming, and current rates are available here.

YCC Trials Funding Opportunity
Yale Cancer Center (YCC) invites proposals for the Investigator-Initiated Trial (IIT) Pilot Funding Opportunity to support new clinical IITs with a therapeutic intent in oncology by Mar. 30.

SciENcv & Common Forms
Common Forms are required for NIH applications due Jan. 25, 2026 or later. NIH will allow a grace period through May 2026, but faculty are strongly encouraged to transition to SciENcv in advance.

Federal Funding Guidance
Federal funding policies continue to evolve. To stay current:

• Bookmark Yale's Federal Agency Directives website for the most up-to-date information on policy changes and impact.
• Review slides from the Townhall for Research Active Faculty with Federal Funding, which summarize required actions related to:
  • The implementation of Common Forms
  • New research security training
  • A revised award structure for international collaborators
  • Zero-embargo public access compliance
• Subscribe to the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts.
• Direct questions to Peter Gruber at Peter.Gruber@yale.edu.