Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Global Sperm Count Decline Linked To Common Food Pesticides: Study
A new analysis of studies over the past 50 years says that the roughly 50% fall in sperm concentration is linked to the use of organophosphates and N-methyl carbamates. Also: a stalled rate of progress against childhood cancer among Black and Hispanic youth; new thinking on torn ACLs; and more.
Proposals From CMS Aim To Improve ACA Enrollment On State Exchanges
Among the proposed changes: State exchanges would have to establish open enrollment periods that mirror the sign-up period on federal exchanges, from Nov. 1 to at least Jan. 15.
CMS Finalizes Rule That Nursing Home Owners Must Disclose More Info
Homes will have to reveal their owners and other affiliated businesses to federal authorities. Also in the news: the Biden administration’s plan to tackle staffing minimums at nursing homes; U.S. News’ list of the best nursing homes; eldercare startup Papa; and more.
Senate Passes Bill That Puts A Few More Months On The Shutdown Clock
The House and Senate have now both approved a stopgap funding measure that avoids a federal government shutdown around the holidays. Health care program extensions largely fall under the earlier of the two next deadlines imposed by the measure.
Legal Abortions In Indiana Drop From 700 In July To Zero In August
Indiana’s near-total abortion ban took effect in August, dropping the number of procedures performed that month to zero, according to new data. Other abortion access news is reported from Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee.
Biden, Xi Agree To Crack Down On Fentanyl Production
President Joe Biden said Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday agreed to take steps to curb companies in China that produce chemicals used in the production of fentanyl that is eventually exported to the U.S.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Why Are Patients Now Being Called Consumers?; Be Careful What You Flush
Editorial writers discuss these health topics and more.