Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Opioid Treatment Rules Eased During The Pandemic Will Remain In Place
The Biden administration announced that policies put in place during the covid pandemic to make it easier for patients to receive opioid addiction treatments will continue permanently. Other opioid news reports on a series of court settlements.
Former Military Officials Say Abortion Drug Access Is National Security Issue
Restricting access to mifepristone, used in more than half of all medical abortions in the U.S., would hit recruitment, military readiness, and impact national security, according to a number of former military officials and high-rank service members who’ve filed a legal brief with the Supreme Court.
Most Recent Covid Booster Offers 54% Protection: Study
Meanwhile, a meta-analysis of covid research found that among the different strains that have so far swept the world, the deadliest was beta, followed by gamma, alpha, delta, and omicron. Beta’s case-fatality rate (CFR) reached 4.2%, and while omicron’s CFR was lowest, it was still four times that of flu.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
eBay Settles, Will Pay $59 Million Over Pill Presses Used For Counterfeit Pills
AP reports that the $59 million settlement between eBay and the Justice Department comes after thousands of pill press machines, which can be used to make fake pills that look like prescription pills, were sold online. Other news on the opioid crisis is on settlement funds in Boston, Washington’s King County morgue, and more.
Mississippi Targets Earlier Medicaid Coverage To Lift Pregnancy Outcomes
Mississippi could allow coverage earlier in pregnancy so that health outcomes for mothers and babies are better — in the state has the nation’s worst infant mortality rate. Meanwhile, in Texas, a federal complaint claims Deloitte software is behind thousands of erroneous Medicaid removals.
Editorial writers discuss fatphobia, mental health care, transgender care, and more.
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
In Emotional Hearing, Lawmakers Blast Tech CEOs For Mental Health Crisis
Parents have blamed Meta, TikTok, X, Snap, and Discord for fueling cyberbullying and even their children’s suicides. In an extraordinary moment during his congressional testimony Wednesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stood and told parents in the room, “I’m sorry for everything you have all been through.” Every CEO stressed that they are parents, too.
Lawmakers Aim To Loosen Abortion Bans In Kentucky and Tennessee
They acknowledge though that there are tough headwinds to change abortion law in states with Republican-majority legislatures.
Experts: Conspiracy Theories Drive Rise Of Unproven Medical Treatments
An AP report draws attention to a rise of marketing unproven cures and treatments, driven by conspiracy theorists and rising social media use against a backdrop of skepticism about traditional health science. Meanwhile, the CDC’s new vaccice schedule for kids addresses fears over egg allergies.
Public Outrage Sparked As Essentia Shutters Labor, Deliveries In A Hospital
The facility in question is in Fosston, Minnesota. Separately, Bloomberg reports on the failed sale of Pennsylvania hospital chain Tower Health’s Brandywine hospital. A merger of two New Jersey providers — Saint Peter’s Healthcare System and Atlantic Health System — is also in the news.