Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
National Spotlight Has Been On Poor Quality Of VA Facilities, And Yet New Report Paints Still-Discouraging Picture Of Care
Boston Globe and USA Today: Bed Sores, Smeared Faces, Helplessness: New Reports Paint Dismal Picture Of Care At VA Nursing Homes
From April through December 2018, outside inspectors found deficiencies that caused “actual harm” to veterans at 52 out of the 99 VA nursing homes they reviewed. In three facilities, they found veterans’ health or safety in “immediate jeopardy.” In eight, inspectors found veterans both harmed and in jeopardy. (Estes and Slack, 3/28)
Arizona Republic: Arizona's U.S. House Members Back Reform Effort To Improve Phoenix VA
Arizona’s U.S. House delegation has come together behind bipartisan legislation designed to improve the Phoenix VA hospital, one of the lowest-ranking facilities in the VA system. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., introduced the Phoenix VA Congressional Oversight Act in October, but the last Congress ran out of time to take action. (Egeland, 3/28)
In news from the military —
The Associated Press: House Votes To Condemn Trump's Transgender Military Ban
The House delivered a rebuke to President Donald Trump on Thursday by voting to condemn his administration's move to restrict transgender men and women from military service. A non-binding resolution opposing Trump's transgender ban passed 238-185. Every Democrat supported the resolution, while nearly every Republican voted against it. Five Republicans broke ranks and voted in favor: Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Trey Hollingsworth of Indiana, Will Hurd of Texas, John Katko of New York and Tom Reed of New York. (3/28)
