Latest KFF Health News Stories
Enforcement Powers Of Medical Board Of California To Get A Boost
The medical board may soon get a “significant boost to its enforcement powers” under a proposed shakeup, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports, but some critics say the changes aren’t extensive enough. Also in California, efforts to add diversity to a physician training program bear fruit.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Delaware Becomes 22nd State Permitting Recreational Marijuana
Marijuana became legal for personal use starting Sunday, as long as consumption happens in private. USA Today points out employers are still allowed to have zero-tolerance policies. Separately, a fierce lobbying fight has been sparked by New York’s plan to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
Abortion Pill Ruling Offers Temporary Clarity To Health Providers, Patients
Full access to mifepristone until next year was likely assured by a Supreme Court’s decision Friday. Health care providers and abortion rights supporters voiced relief while President Joe Biden said he’d continue to fight legal and political challenges. And news outlets cover what the ruling means for patients.
In Ohio, GOP Bill Would Make It Harder To Pass Pro-Choice Ballot Measures
Abortion-rights activists have been circulating a petition that would put the issue to voters on the November ballot. But Republican lawmakers have advanced a ballot amendment of their own to raise the percentage of votes required to pass such measures — and they’ll put it on the August ballot, when fewer people vote. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Mike Pence trade opinions on abortion.
Alarm Grows Over Hunger Crisis While Cuts To SNAP Aid Considered
Food banks in the U.S. report emptying shelves as demand from hungry Americans is back to pandemic levels. Concurrently, House Republicans are pushing for work requirements for people seeking aid.
Owners Of Opioid Maker Gave Millions To Body Advising Govt. On Drug Crisis
The New York Times covers concerns that members of the Sackler family, owners of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, donated millions of dollars to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine — which has been a source of advice to the White House and Congress on the opioid crisis.
As Allergy Season Arrives, Concerns New Covid Variant May Cause Pinkeye
Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is a common allergy season symptom, but this year there are concerns that Arcturus covid (a.k.a. XBB.1.16) is also causing the same symptom — even though it’s not been formally linked to the virus.
Weight Loss Drug Manufacturers Aim For Medicare Coverage
The Wall Street Journal reports that even as costly diabetes and obesity drugs are in vogue for their weight loss powers, the drugmakers are busy lobbying Congress to grant them access to Medicare coverage money. NBC News, on the other hand, covers worries that the drugs are linked to hair loss.
CDC Busy Retraining Staff, Releasing Data, Updating Website
Axios reports on efforts to overhaul the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with director Rochelle Walensky noting the progress that’s been made. In other news, HHS and CMS unveil a hospice and home health agency ownership database; the DOJ targets some providers for wrongful billing; and more.
Catching Influenza Possibly Tied To Higher Heart Attack Risk
A new study links a diagnosis of the flu to possibly being six times more susceptible to having a heart attack in the days that follow. Increased rates of kids ingesting illicit substances, research into unknown viruses found in baby diapers, and more are also in the news.
Facing Bans, Transgender Youth Rush To Find Gender-Affirming Treatment
News outlets cover the dire situation faced by trans youth as they seek gender-affirming care while, in some places, medical providers delivering such care are banned from providing it. Reports say even in states without bans, some providers face harassment for providing gender care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 the dangers of medical tourism, body dysmorphia, “super seaweed,” and more.
US News Pauses New Med, Law School Rankings Amid Controversy
U.S. News & World Report is delaying its influential but controversial rankings of some college programs in the face of numerous inquiries from schools over the data. Other hospital and insurance news from across the country is reported.
Youth Suicide Attempts By OTC Drug Poisonings Surge In US
Rates of suspected suicide attempts using drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen leaped 30% over pre-pandemic levels, Bloomberg reports. The news outlet also covers how TikTok’s algorithm is allegedly “pushing” suicide content to vulnerable teens. Also in the news, weed’s impact on creativity, dangers of “new car smell,” and more.
Newborn Returned To Black Parents In Texas Amid Claims Of Medical Bias
Child Protective Services took the infant from her home March 28 after her parents chose to follow the directions of their licensed midwife rather than a directive from their pediatrician, The 19th reported.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Supreme Court Justices To Meet Ahead Of Anticipated Abortion Pill Decision
Today’s actions by the Supreme Court are being closely watched as interim access to mifepristone may be determined while full legal challenges play out. The justices are reported to be holding a private conference in which the case may be discussed.