Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Health Care Officials, Patients Sue Montana Over Vaccine Mandate Ban
Montana Public Radio: Groups File Lawsuit Challenging Montana’s Ban On Vaccine Mandates
The Montana Medical Association, three health care providers and several patients with compromised immune systems are suing the state over a law that bans employers from mandating vaccines for employees. The law in question gave vaccine status protection under the Montana Human Rights Act, which in effect prohibits government agencies and businesses from requiring employee vaccinations. (Ragar, 9/24)
AP: Health Officer Resigns, Citing Pushback On COVID Guidelines
The public health officer in a small northern Montana county is resigning because of the “constant negativity, pushback, disregard and lack of support” that health officials have faced throughout the coronavirus pandemic, she said. Blaine County public health nurse Jana McPherson-Hauser said her resignation would take effect Oct. 15, KOJM-AM reported. The county’s health board accepted her resignation Wednesday. (9/23)
In other news about covid mandates —
Bloomberg: Vaccine Mandates Spark U.S. Lawsuit By Group Of Federal Workers
A group of federal workers and contractors filed suit against the U.S. government over its Covid-19 vaccination mandates. The lawsuit, filed in Washington Thursday, challenges President Joe Biden’s executive order earlier this month requiring federal workers to be vaccinated and the U.S. Defense Department’s August memorandum that members of the military must be protected against coronavirus. (Davis, 9/23)
Axios: D.C. Goes Further Than Area Counties With Vaccine Mandates
D.C. is cracking down on vaccine mandates for some workers, going further than surrounding counties by getting rid of test-out options for public employees. With the region's rate of partially vaccinated individuals hovering around 70%, government mandates are a key tool in fighting COVID-19. (Cirruzzo, 9/23)
Modern Healthcare: Hospital CEOs Have No Regrets About COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
Rancorous opposition to vaccine mandates from a fraction of the hospital workforce has drowned out the voices of the administrators and staff who desperately want to feel safer at work during a pandemic that has killed thousands of healthcare personnel. Before President Joe Biden declared that all healthcare providers that participate in Medicare and Medicaid must vaccinate their 17 million employees against COVID-19, dozens of hospitals and health systems around the U.S. took the step on their own. The CEOs of three pioneer hospitals—Houston Methodist, the Medical University of South Carolina and Inova Health System—say their successes demonstrate the wisdom of requiring vaccines. (Young, 9/23)
Health News Florida: Gainesville City Employees Granted Temporary Injunction Against Vaccine Mandates
Gainesville city employees won a court battle Wednesday when they were granted a temporary injunction, or a request to refrain from taking a certain action, against an imposed vaccine mandate. A lawsuit was filed against the city on Aug. 26 after city officials imposed a vaccine mandate or risk termination for all city employees. 200 plus employees were against the mandate. (Leandri, 9/23)
AP: 'We Want To Get Back To Life': Most NHL Players Get Vaccine
Sporting a mask, Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander opened his news conference at the start of training camp by informing reporters he was not yet fully vaccinated. “Had couple medical things to take care of,” he said. “I’ll be fully vaccinated by the beginning of the season.” The NHL is counting on it and said last week that 98% of its players will be vaccinnated by the time the season begins Oct. 12. That would leave 10-15 players out of 700 on 32 teams lacking the vaccine, including Detroit’s Tyler Bertuzzi. (9/23)
