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* In California, San Diego County is experiencing an outbreak of hepatitis A, with no source of the disease determined so far. For weekly updates, go to http://bit.ly/2vsYmLc.

 

* Beginning in 2018, purchasers of tobacco products must be 21 years old in Maine, the fifth state to increase the smoking age, joining California, Hawaii, Oregon, and New Jersey.

 

* Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts signed into law the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in July, which "will prohibit workplace and hiring discrimination related to pregnancy and nursing," according to the governor's office.

 

* A statewide Prescription Drug Monitoring Program will be created in Missouri, the last state to enact such legislation. Such programs collect, monitor, and analyze prescribing and dispensing data submitted by pharmacies and dispensing practitioners in an effort to reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion.

 

* Public acts 68 through 79, signed by Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan in July, toughen criminal penalties for those convicted of performing female genital mutilation.

 

* North Carolina became the 26th state to join the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which will enable nurses to practice across state borders, including use of telehealth technology. An interstate commission is planned to establish rules and set implementation dates for participating states. In 2018, eNLC states will prepare to issue multistate licenses to their nurses.