Latest KFF Health News Stories
HCA Profit-Centric Management Drove Mission Hospital Doctors Away: Report
A new report from Wake Forest University found a poor working environment for nurses and dangerous situations for patients were caused by HCA’s management style at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, 6 Steward Health hospitals now have new owners.
Supreme Court: 10 States Can Ignore LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination Rules
Ten Republican-led states had challenged Title IX expansion, and the Supreme Court declined to lift lower court bans on enforcing the anti-discrimination rules for students. Meanwhile, a new parental-consent law concerning medical treatments is said to worry school nurses in Tennessee.
Editorial writers discuss these current issues.
New Mechanical Heart Uses Clever Magnetic Tech From Rail Industry
The new BiVACOR artificial heart uses a magnetic levitating rotor to pump blood, eliminating wear issues seen with more traditional artificial heart pumps. The nation, meanwhile, is facing a shortage of donated blood—particularly the useful Type O variant.
Reproductive Health, Medical Costs To Feature At Democrats’ Convention
The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago today. The docket includes three women who will tell their pregnancy stories. Other speakers are expected to spotlight health issues like drug prices and medical debt.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 19, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Rising Teen Pregnancy Yet Another Consequence of Ending Roe; Why Is TB Still An Issue?
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Ohio Has Become Both An Abortion Desert And A Haven
Abortion is legal until fetal viability, but few clinics are left in the state, and there are no surgical abortion clinics at all in Northwest and Southeast Ohio. The lack of access is troublesome for residents, who may have to travel out of state for care. Meanwhile, women in surrounding states where abortion is banned are seeking help in Ohio.
Groundwater, Food Tainted With Rocket Fuel Chemical, Study Finds
Perchlorate is more likely to be found in types of food given to youngsters, a Consumer Reports study found. There is no strict definition of what is considered to be a “dangerous level” of perchlorate, which is found in such items as fireworks, matches, and now french fries and chicken nuggets.
NY Health Officials Move To Halt Use Of Key Antibiotic Against Meningitis
Ciprofloxacin is recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis against bacterial meningitis, but the New York State Department of Health is asking providers to discontinue using it over fears of rising antibiotic-resistant strains.
Court Rules Florida AG Can’t Block School, Hospital Opioid Lawsuits
Meanwhile, in Baltimore, a lawsuit against opioid makers and distributors will proceed to trial after a judge denied motions by the companies to dismiss the case. And MIT News reports on an implantable device that could automatically release naloxone in overdose situations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on AMR, extreme heat, dementia, homelessness, Zyn, and more.
Mpox Variant Discovered Outside Africa On A Traveler To Sweden
The Swedish case marks the first time the virus has spread outside of Africa. This comes as Pakistan health officials say they’ve detected the virus in their country. Meanwhile, the world and vaccine makers are responding after the World Health Organization declared mpox a health emergency.
Black Death, Bird Flu Among Diseases Posing Potential Pandemic Threat
The WHO’s watchlist of dangerous pathogens for the first time also includes bacteria such as salmonella and cholera. Also, despite concerns about the spread of bird flu to humans, dairy farmers remain reluctant to test their herds.
First Medicare Drug Negotiations Are Done, But Round 2 Could Get Testier
Even as the results of Round 1 were released Thursday, pharmaceutical companies were already preparing for what will now become annual price negotiations with Medicare. With 15 drugs on the table in 2025, The Wall Street Journal reports that drugmakers are fighting aspects of the process.
Employer Health Plans Could See 9% Bump In Cost, Consulting Firm Predicts
An increase in high-dollar treatments and greater demand for prescription drugs are driving up costs for employers, the company says. Meanwhile, supply chain woes in 2023 hampered health providers’ ability to provide care to ailing patients.
Gel That Quickly Halts Severe Bleeding Gets FDA Clearance
Traumagel, from Cresilon, can be used for life-threatening injuries and could be a vital new tool for EMTs. Separately, the FDA approved a non-small cell lung cancer treatment from AstraZeneca.
Kamala Harris’ 2024 Policy Agenda Includes Tax Break For New Babies
The Washington Post highlights proposals for eliminating medical debt for millions, a ban on price gouging for groceries and food, and a $6,000 tax credit for the first year of a new baby’s life.
First Edition: Friday, Aug. 16, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Antimicrobial Resistance; Pneumonia; Leukemia; Aging Immune Systems
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.