Latest KFF Health News Stories
FTC’s New Noncompete Ban Quickly Challenged By Lawsuit
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is among the groups that have already mounted a legal challenge to the Federal Trade Commission’s rule banning noncompete agreements. Separately, Republican lawmakers are targeting the health sector’s vertical integration habits.
Doctors Get New Weapon To Battle UTIs
It’s the first time in two decades a new antibiotic — Pivya, as it will be marketed in the U.S. — has been approved to treat urinary tract infections. Also in the news: risks of antipsychotics for people with dementia, how “dallying” delayed the menthol tobacco ban, and more.
Illinois Bill Aims To Prohibit Insurers’ Use Of ‘Step Therapy’ Treatments
The Chicago Tribune reports on a bill that would limit insurers’ ability to insist on patients trying alternate, often cheaper treatments before approving a physician-prescribed one. Separately, in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed a major investment in mental health services.
Divided Supreme Court Justices Spar With Both Sides Over Emergency Abortion
Arguments were heard on conflicts between the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or EMTALA, and Idaho’s near-total abortion ban. The female Supreme Court justices strongly questioned the Idaho law, while the more conservative members of the bench floated three ways they could justify siding with Idaho over the Biden administration.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Medical Skepticism Is Becoming A Real Problem; What’s Behind The Mommy Wine Culture?
Editorial writers tackle these health issues and more.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Doctors’ Skepticism Is Thwarting Wider Rollout Of Alzheimer’s Drug
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
White House Revises Suicide Prevention Plans, Mentions Social Media
Amid rising suicide rates, the updated national strategy emphasizes health equity and the mental health impacts of social media. Actor Ashley Judd and singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc helped promote the new plan; both lost loved ones to suicide.
Nonprofit Health Care Sector Could Dodge FTC’s Broad Noncompete Ban
The agency determines it doesn’t have the authority to regulate hospital and insurance companies that operate as not-for-profits. The sweeping changes might be tied up in the courts for years.
We’re All Breathing More Toxic Air Now Than 25 Years Ago: Report
The American Lung Association report shows recent air samples have the worst toxic particle pollution in the 25 years of study. Climate change and wildfires are likely to blame. Meanwhile, Massachusetts will deploy 200 air sensors in communities across the state to sample pollution.
Study Highlights Trans Women’s Advantages, Disadvantages In Sports
The study, paid for by the International Olympic Committee, showed trans women have substantial grip strength but lower jumping ability and lung function compared to athletes whose gender was assigned at birth — debunking theories some politicians espouse when enacting trans sports bans.
Inactive Bird Flu Virus Fragments Found In Pasteurized Milk: FDA
The FDA said Tuesday it had detected bird flu viral remnants in pasteurized milk but stressed that there was no actual risk from this source to consumers. Separately, reports show the H5N1 virus may have jumped to U.S. dairy herds earlier than thought.
Justices Set To Hear High-Stakes Case On Emergency Care And Abortion
News outlets examine what’s at stake when the Supreme Court hears arguments today related to how federal law applies to emergency health care in places where abortion is banned. Separately, some states and cities want to collect more patient data related to reproductive health.
Strapped FTC Fails To Fully Scrutinize Hospital Mergers: Study
A new study finds that the FTC does not have enough money or staff to properly review proposed hospital acquisitions for antitrust risks, which has led to higher health care prices and less industry competition. Other FTC news relates to price fixing.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Supreme Court May Lean Toward Laws That Ban Public Sleeping
A Supreme Court majority may support an Oregon city that banned sleeping or camping in public spaces in an effort to target homeless people. Protesters who are against moves to penalize homelessness gathered outside the court, concerned about the case’s implications.
Indiana Eclipse-Watching Party Might Have Been A Measles Exposure Event
The gathering at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on April 8 might have resulted in multiple people being exposed to measles, since an infected individual was in attendance. Meanwhile, a measles case in West Virginia is the first confirmed one in 15 years.
Louisiana Schools Told To Disregard Title IX Rules For Trans Students
The Biden administration’s new Title IX rules include more protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, but Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s superintendent of education, contends those rules conflict with state laws.
Viewpoints: The US Is Ready To Tackle A Bird Flu Pandemic; Black Maternal Health Care Sorely Lacking
Editorial writers examine H5N1, disparities in maternal health care, gene therapy, and psychiatry.