Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: November 20, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine unions and vaccinations, climate change, seniors using pot, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections include stories on midwifery, drug abuse, the Golden Gate Bridge, tattoos, space burial, and more.
US Has Its First Asthma Death At Work In The Cannabis Industry
The woman, 27, suffered a fatal asthma attack while working in a cannabis cultivation and processing facility. Her death has prompted calls for more preventive efforts by the industry. Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota has launched the state’s first cannabis research center.
Doctors Are Disagreeing Over Fairness Reform For Medicaid Pay Panel
Stat says, perhaps unsurprisingly, that doctors who generally get paid more by Medicaid like the current system but doctors who are paid less wish the secretive system would be more fair. Also in health industry news: the CMS pay-for-performance sepsis measurement; ambulance delays; and more.
Kids In Missouri Will Soon Get To Keep Medicaid Coverage For A Year
Missouri is a state that does not normally offer year-long coverage, but that will change for anyone ages 18 and younger who needs Medicaid coverage from January 1. Among other news, a Florida bill would allow the creation of “remote-site” pharmacies.
Data Show Child And Teen Cancer Death Rates Fell 24% In Last 20 Years
The rate dropped by 24% from 2001 to 2021 according to a report from the CDC, though after 2011 only rates for children 9 and younger showed significant declines. Among other news, the FDA has approved AstraZeneca’s Truqap breast cancer drug combo.
FDA Officials Find Worrying Hygiene At Eye Drop Factory In India
Kilitch Healthcare India manufactures eye drops that were being sold in the U.S. until a recent recall. Inspectors visiting the plant found cracked floors, barefoot workers, and altered records. Separately, the FDA cited Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, another India-based drugmaker, for quality-control issues.
Janet Woodcock To Retire As No. 2 At FDA In Early 2024
Principal Deputy FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock confirmed plans to step down from her post early next year, having worked at FDA since 1986. News outlets look back at her record.
Spending Deal Punts Annual Health Policy Debates To New Year
President Joe Biden signed the bill that funds a portion of the government through January and other parts through February. The deal pushes off several funding battles over health programs that have become a regular part of the holiday landscape on Capitol Hill for the past few years.
US Preterm Birth Rate Is Alarmingly High, March Of Dimes Report Shows
The U.S. received only a D+ grade in the “State of Maternal and Infant Health for American Families” report card, with notable disparities for life-threatening preterm labor outcomes for Black and Native women. Separately, reports say Florida lawmakers are thinking of a website to help during pregnancy.
Measles Cases And Deaths Jump Worldwide By Alarming Rates, WHO Says
Measles cases rose 18% last year, and deaths increased by 40%, according to a new World Health Organization report. And the trend can be expected to continue as child vaccination rates are decreasing, in what could lead to a public health “disaster” for vulnerable kids.
CDC Arranges Speedy Release Of 77,000 Extra RSV Shots
Sanofi and AstraZeneca’s drug Beyfortus is in serious demand amid a surge that is straining some hospitals, and is in short supply — hence the CDC’s action to boost availability. Meanwhile reports say, worryingly, fewer U.S. health care workers are keeping up with their covid and flu shots.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into AI, drug tests, safe injection sites and more.
Research Roundup: Respiratory Illness; Cancer Therapy; Life Expectancy; Depression
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
FTC Warns Influencers Over Artificial Sweetener Endorsements
The sweetener in question is aspartame, and a dozen social media influencers and two trade associations received warnings from the FTC for not adequately disclosing their connections to an advertiser when marketing products. In other news, data show Americans are now walking much less.
Ruling Means Vulnerable Muslim Babies In Minnesota Can Have Donated Milk
The decree is the result of negotiations between the Minnesota health systems and Islamic faith leaders. In Massachusetts, Salem Hospital warned around 450 endoscopy patients that they may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis due to incorrectly administered IVs over a two year period.
Scientists Find Combo Covid-Flu Shots May Be Better Than Individual Ones
Meanwhile, other research has suggested that the lingering loss of taste and smell that affects some people after covid is not permanent, and will slowly fade in time. Also, scientists have found that a severe covid infection is tied to prolonged coughing and sputum production in long covid.
FDA Grants Approval For First At-Home Chlamydia, Gonorrhea Test
Those infections are the two most common STIs in the U.S. Among other news, Amazon has removed seven eye-drop products from sale after the FDA warned they were unapproved. Also: the CDC has updated advice for preventing and treating anthrax.