Latest KFF Health News Stories
Montana Will Ignore Order Allowing Trans Birth Certificate Changes
The Republican-led state was blocked by a Montana judge from enforcing a state rule preventing transgender people from changing their birth certificate. But the Department of Public Health and Human Services said it would ignore the new ruling.
HCA Healthcare Could Face Federal Probe Over Allegations Of Fraud
Rep. Bill Pascrell, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee’s subcommittee on oversight, has asked the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate HCA, the largest for-profit health care chain in the U.S.
Excessive Patent ‘Gaming’ Contributes To High Drug Prices: Report
Key drugmakers, like Bayer and Bristol-Myers Squibb, are playing the U.S. patent system in a way that can keep drug prices at an “exorbitant” level, a report at NBC News says. Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Administration is said to be investigating telehealth startup Done.
Warnings Of Nitazenes In Illicit Opioids: 10 Times Fentanyl’s Strength
Nitazenes — a class of extremely strong synthetic opioids — are increasingly linked to deadly overdoses. Axios reports on the growing threat fentanyl offers to teens, while Stat reminds us the meth crisis is worse than ever. Separate reports say the U.S. is limiting fentanyl exports to Russia.
Use Of 2 Covid Treatments ‘Strongly’ Discouraged By WHO
Characterizing the therapies as obsolete since omicron emerged, the World Health Organization withdrew its conditional endorsement for two of Regeneron and GSK’s antibody treatments. In other pandemic news, some scientists say we’ve reached the point where covid is no more lethal than flu.
CDC Says Only High-Risk Monkeypox Patients Should Get Tpoxx
At a White House briefing, Dr. Anthony Fauci mentioned the risk of causing mutations in the monkeypox virus through the use of antivirals, and indicated a new study will monitor for mutation warnings. Meanwhile, a survey showed monkeypox awareness grew during summer.
How Rough Of A Flu Season Is Coming? Bad, With A Chance Of Severe
Public health officials urge Americans to get their vaccine this fall, as bellwethers from Australia heighten concerns over a difficult flu season. And after several mild years, one virologist tells The Hill, “As a population, our immunity to the flu is down a bit.”
Health Industry Contributes 10% Of US Greenhouse Gas, And Growing
A report from the House Ways and Means Committee shows how the health industry is contributing to climate change, with certain emissions rising 6% between 2010 and 2018. A separate AP report reminds how climate change can jeopardize health services, including via wildfires and smoke.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Covid; Dementia; Pain Management
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
LGBTQ+ Patients Say Doctors Discriminate Against Them
A survey finds that LGBTQ+ people report more experiences of medical discrimination than cisgender people. Meanwhile, a study suggests multivitamins may have a role in improving seniors’ cognition. Also: the risks of sitting, a Starbucks recall, and more.
Opinion writers weigh in on Lindsey Graham’s 15 week abortion ban as well as the new covid bivalent boosters.
Viewpoints: New Malaria Vaccine Sorely Underfunded; The Important Role Of Pharmacists
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
US Will Spend Over $2B To Back White House Biomanufacturing Plan
The plan, outlined with new details Wednesday, is about expanding drug manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., with an eye on future pandemic responses. Meanwhile, Roll Call notes “pandemic fatigue” may threaten funding efforts in the battle against monkeypox. The polio outbreak is also reported.
Despite mRNA Advances, An HIV Vaccine Is Still Far Off
A leading scientist from South Africa is warning that though the pandemic accelerated progress of using mRNA in vaccines, using the tech against HIV will still take a long time. Also: key appointments at Philip Morris, threats to a judge over J&J’s bankruptcy, and clinical trial diversity.
California Governor Signs Law Enabling Some Forced Mental Health Care
AP says the new law could “force” some of the 100,000 unhoused people in California into treatment, a move critics say is cruel. The law could also be used in instances where people have been diagnosed with particular disorders, such as schizophrenia. Other news is from Alaska, Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Montana.
House Passes Medicare Advantage Reform Bill; It Now Heads To Senate
The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act strives to make it easier for seniors to get care and to modernize the process of prior authorizations. For example, the current process often still requires using fax machines to send documents to insurance companies.
Review Of Joint Commission’s Standards Planned
The Joint Commission will assess all of its accreditation requirements, similar to how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have been doing for requirements waived during the covid pandemic. Other industry news comes from Cleveland, Houston, and Atlanta.
Study: If Your Doctor Is Burned Out, Your Safety May Be At Risk
The Press Association reports that the study, conducted by researchers at the University of Manchester in the U.K., links burned-out doctors with a higher incidence of patient safety issues. Other news on health care personnel issues is on the Minnesota nurses strike, mental health workers in Colorado, violence in hospitals and more.
Pharmacist Bill Introduced As Republicans Walk Abortion Tightrope
Republican House members introduced legislation Wednesday that would counter Biden administration guidance to pharmacists on dispensing contraception and abortion drugs. Like the proposed federal 15-week ban introduced in the Senate the day before — and now signed on to by Sen. Marco Rubio but dividing others in the party ahead of the midterms — the bill is not expected to advance unless Republicans regain congressional control next term.