Latest KFF Health News Stories
Police Sedation Practice Left Dozens Of Detainees Dead, Investigation Finds
Injections intended to calm people who are being restrained and “reduce violence and save lives has resulted in some avoidable deaths,” according to a special report by the Associated Press, Frontline, and the Howard Centers for Investigative Journalism.
FDA Testing So Far Finds Milk Pasteurization Kills Bird Flu
Dairy cows in Colorado tested positive for bird flu, adding a ninth state to the list where it’s been detected. The FDA plans to continue to test milk samples, but so far has found that the pasteurization process makes it safe from the virus.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Should Kidney Donors Be Paid?; New Weight-Loss Drugs Could Treat Many More Ailments
Editorial writers examine organ donation, weight-loss drugs, gender-affirming care, and more.
Covid Vaccines Violated Patent Rights, GlaxoSmithKline Contends In Lawsuit
Meanwhile, Acuitas Therapeutics and CureVac reach an agreement in another patent lawsuit regarding technology used in mRNA-based Covid shots. Also, Maine’s high court lets stand a mandate that EMS workers must be vaccinated against Covid.
New York’s Ban On Selling Weight Loss Supplements To Minors Takes Effect
Muscle-building supplements are also subject to the new legislation. Separately, Colorado lawmakers advanced efforts to require state-regulated insurers and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs for some people. TikTok, facing a ban, is also cutting down on posts highlighting disordered eating.
Study: Breast Cancer Diagnosis Linked To High Risk Of Second Cancers
People with breast cancer are also found to be at higher risk for developing cancer in unaffected breast tissue, plus ovarian cancer and a form of leukemia. Also in the news: high levels of food recalls, salmonella in some frozen chicken products, sugar in school meals, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on eyesight, postpartum care, nutrition labels, mosquito nets, and more.
Inactive Bird Flu Virus Pieces Detected In 1 in 5 Pasteurized Milk Samples
The findings suggest the spread of the disease is greater than what it being reported. Meanwhile, the USDA, FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain the nation’s “commercial milk supply is safe.” Also, a bird flu explainer.
CDC: ‘Vampire Facials’ Are Likely Source Of 3 Cases Of HIV Transmission
The CDC says the first known cases of HIV transmission likely due to cosmetic injections happened at a New Mexico spa during a procedure known as a “vampire facial.” Alert for graphic photos.
Kaiser Permanente Entity Reports Breach Of Data For 13 Million
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, a nonprofit company that is part of insurance giant Kaiser Permanente, told HHS that data on over 13 million individuals could have been exposed by a technical vulnerability.
17 States File Suit Against Rules Protecting Abortion-Seeking Workers
The suit against new federal abortion rights protections was filed by 17 Republican state attorneys general. Meanwhile, Texas doctors worry over plans for more oversight of treatment before medically-necessary abortions, including whether patients were transferred to other facilities.
Cigna Will Sell Humira Biosimilar Via Its Specialty Pharmacy For $0 Copay
Also in pharmaceutical news: ongoing effects from the bankruptcy of drug maker Mallinckrodt; J&J spinoff Kenvue plans global headquarters in New Jersey; the study of millions of small drug candidates in a University of Washington lab; and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Dairy Cows Must Be Tested For Bird Flu Before Moving States: USDA
Transporting dairy cattle across state lines now requires the animals be tested for bird flu, under new Department of Agriculture rules. Meanwhile, the FDA stressed that pasteurization is “very likely” to inactivate any H5N1 in milk because, like other viruses, it’s heat-sensitive.
Editorial writers tackle bird flu, emergency abortion care, “Havana Syndrome,” and weight-loss drugs.
Research Roundup: Salmonella; Immunotherapy; CRISPR; And More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Repeal Of Controversial 1864 Abortion Ban Approved By Arizona House
On a third attempt, Arizona House lawmakers voted 32-38 to repeal the Civil War-era law that the Arizona Supreme Court previously upheld. The bill next goes to the state Senate for consideration. Separately, California is considering a bill that would make it easier for Arizona abortion providers to practice in the state.
McKinsey’s Advisory Role To Opioid Makers Under Criminal Investigation
Feds also are looking into whether the consulting firm obstructed justice. In other news, it appears patients are shunning a crucial medicine prescribed to treat opioid addition.
Starting Next Year, California Will Cap Annual Health Care Cost Increases
The new rule, approved Wednesday, will limit increases to 3% each year and will be phased in over five years, beginning in 2025 with a 3.5% limit. In other news, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has launched an investigation into the price of weight loss drugs.