Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Different Takes: FDA Rules Regarding Supplements Need Improvement; How Can We End Period Poverty?
Chicago Tribune: FDA’s ‘Abundance Of Caution’ Should Extend To Supplements
It’s a weird system when an effective vaccine was suspended during a deadly pandemic for a maybe-one-in-a-million chance of blood clots, but you can get free two-day shipping on an elixir of elk antler velvet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is known for being cautious — in the case of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the watchwords were “abundance of caution.” I can’t help but think: I sure wish these folks were more risk-averse when it comes to the supplements in my medicine cabinet. (Sarah Green Carmichael, 5/4)
The Philadelphia Inquirer: Period Products Should Be Free In Public Bathroom
Period poverty impacts a staggering 500 million people globally — a systemic problem that has gotten worse during COVID-19. Despite its prevalence, it continues to be largely ignored and limited access to menstrual products remains widespread, including in the United States. Changes to the U.S. federal tax code and important safety net programs could substantially reduce the number of Americans affected by this hardship. Period poverty — the inability to afford menstrual products due to financial constraints — exacerbates income inequality and amplifies the shame and stigma that continue to surround menstruation. (Misha Valencia, 5/4)
Modern Healthcare: The Evolving Scope Of Practice For Nurse Practitioners
Nearly half the states allow broad practice authority for nurse practitioners. Some of their limitations were also loosened in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. What restrictions, if any, do you believe should be part of licensing nurse practitioners? (Sophia Thomas and Dr. Susan Bailey, 5/4)
