Latest KFF Health News Stories
Publisher Retracts Studies On Abortion Pill As Supreme Court Case Looms
Three studies, including two on potential harms of mifepristone, were retracted by their publisher over a complaint of misleading data and that authors had affiliations with pro-life organizations. Meanwhile, Florida’s Supreme Court will hear a case Wednesday about whether the abortion ballot measure language meets state rules.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Loneliness Is Officially A Public Health Crisis, Declares A California County
San Mateo County, which includes part of the world-famous Silicon Valley, just declared loneliness a health emergency. It’s pledged new efforts to boost social connections in the community. Also in the news: how a Minnesota city used anti-crime laws against people with mental illnesses.
Amgen Sees Successes For MariTide Weight-Loss Drug
News outlets report on a new weight-loss drug called MariTide that is showing success. Early data show it can provide longer-lasting weight loss than its rivals, and maker Amgen is testing if it can wean patients to lower or less frequent doses. Also in the news: Tirzepatide, Ozempic and more.
Ohio GOP Still Inventing Ways To Circumvent Voters On Abortion
An Ohio judge is hearing a case over a six-week abortion ban that is circulating through the court system even though voters approved a constitutional amendment in November that guaranteed the right to an abortion. On Friday, Republican Attorney General Dave Yost asked a judge to dismiss the case, which would effectively leave the ban in place.
Federal Appeals Court Tosses Opioid-Prescribing Doctor’s Conviction
The doctor had prescribed over 500,000 opioid doses in less than two years, but a federal judge threw out his conviction and ordered a new trial. Separately, reports say that less than 5% of the $50 million that Massachusetts received as opioid settlement cash has been spent on addiction-related efforts.
Editorial writers tackle new pain killers, CDC rules, medical education and more.
Employment In Health Care Grew Faster In 2023 Than It Has For 30 Years
New data show health care jobs grew by nearly 4% in 2023, way above the 1.5% growth rate across all other industries — despite health industry struggles with staff burnout. Also in the news: Cano Health files for bankruptcy; Steward Health’s deal to keep Massachusetts hospitals open; and more.
Big Changes Are Likely Coming For Pulse Oximeters, FDA Hints
The FDA plans to propose that companies conduct better evaluation of pulse oximeters before applying for approval. Manufacturers will have to increase accuracy and test on patients with many different skin colors. Separately, the FDA approved a device to help post-menopausal women fight bone loss.
Flu Appears To Be Making A Comeback; 57 Kids Have Died From It This Season
The CDC says influenza cases are beginning to climb again, especially in the Midwest and south-central regions of the U.S. Cases of covid and RSV, meanwhile, continued an overall decline.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Measles Is Back, Thanks To Low Vaccination; Here’s How To Halt The Physician Shortage
Editorial writers delve into measles outbreaks, physician shortages, abortion access, and more.
Different Takes: What Medications Should, And Also Shouldn’t, Be Covered By Medicare?
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
CDC Releases New Guidance For Physicians On PFAS Testing
The new guidance was released by the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Also: the EPA says PFAS “forever chemicals” should be considered hazardous substances for human health. Climate change and health, wildlife-to-human illness crossovers, and more are also in the news.
Senator Wants Justice Department To Investigate Prison Health Contractor
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, wrote to the Department of Justice, calling on the agency to halt “abusive” practices by Corizon Health. An affiliate of the company, Tehum Care, has declared bankruptcy related to allegations of prisoner neglect and malpractice.
Study Finds Switching Disinfectants For Skin Can Reduce Hospital Infections
The type of disinfectant used on patients’ surgical sites could have an impact on hospital-acquired infections, researchers find. Other industry news reports on home health devices, X-rays, and more.
Researchers Find X Chromosome Linked To Autoimmune Diseases
Standford researchers may have found a clue as to why women are more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases like lupus than men. Also in the news: Marijuana and asthma risk in youngsters; lung cancer screening and “one size fits all;” music as a weapon against dementia; and more.
FDA Panel To Resume Looking Into Race Bias Of Pulse Oximeters
The panel will continue debating questions of reliability of pulse oximeters that deliver lower accuracy when used on patients with darker skin. Separately, a study links later, higher stroke risks with Black women under 35 having high blood pressure.
Mom Of Michigan Gunman Says Son Never Asked For Mental Health Help
Taking the stand Thursday in her trial, Jennifer Crumbley defended her parenting skills and also said it was her husband’s responsibility to store her son Ethan’s guns safely. “I’ve asked myself if I would have done anything differently, and I wouldn’t have.” The prosecution rested its case Thursday.
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 organ donation, research integrity, concussions, schizophrenia, and more.