Latest KFF Health News Stories
Microsoft, Epic To Build New AI Tool Targeting Nurses’ Workload
Microsoft and Epic Systems are partnering on new AI tools geared toward nurses, in the hopes that the effort could lead to better quality care and less staff burnout. Studies show understaffed hospitals cause more health care-associated infections. Meanwhile, the AHA reports overall safety improvements.
Harris Fields Questions From Latino Voters On Health Care Access And Costs
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris said at a Univision town hall Thursday in Las Vegas that a key to securing health care for more people is through a path to citizenship for Dreamers. Other election news examines how Biden administration policies would fare under a second Trump White House.
Abortion Access Is Limited in Western NC As Sole Clinic Recovers From Helene
The Asheville clinic still does not have must-needed running water, and staffing the facility might be tricky, officials say. Separately, North Dakota’s abortion ban will remain paused while a challenge to the law winds its way through the court system.
Floridians Urged To Avoid Floodwaters Teeming With Bacteria After Milton
Meanwhile, successive storms are taking a toll on the mental health of those whose lives were abruptly upended. Also, a Daytona Beach medical manufacturing facility will resume IV fluid operations today after it closed as Milton neared.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 11, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Pediatric Brain Disease; Covid And Heart Attacks; MS
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Should Medicare Cover Cost Of Home Health Care?; Trump: A Disaster For Public Health
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
Two More Presumptive Bird Flu Cases Detected In California Dairy Workers
CIDRAP reports that if confirmed, they’d bring the state’s total to five cases over the past few weeks. In other news from around the nation, a call to investigate youth residential treatment facilities, an investigation into whether school districts are undercounting students who are homeless, and more.
Telehealth Sector In Chaos While Waiting For Looming Regulations
The clock is ticking down on the current extensions of pandemic-era rules that give telehealth providers the ability to prescribe medications. With no new government regulations yet to materialize, companies are operating in a vacuum of information. Other health industry news reports on insurance costs, biotech, and more.
Antibiotic Duo Effective Against Drug-Resistant Infections: Study
This week, a phase 3 clinical trial showed aztreonam-avibactam might be treatment option for patients facing multidrug-resistant infections. Meanwhile, research shows that penicillin allergies in nursing homes residents contribute to over prescription of broad spectrum antibiotics, adding to antimicrobial resistance.
FDA Food Label Warning Sparks Pushback From Top US Bakery
The FDA issued a warning in June to stop labeling products as containing sesame (a known allergen) when they did not. Bimbo Bakeries USA refused, claiming the labels prevent people from inadvertently eating foods that can trigger potentially life-threatening reactions.
In An Election Light On Health Care, Harris Leans Into Medicare Plan
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is trying to appeal to undecided voters with her major policy pitch to add home health aide coverage to Medicare. At his campaign stop Wednesday, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump hurled insults at his rival as well as the hosts of “The View,” where Harris unveiled her Medicare plan.
Solar Storm Might Disrupt Power Grid As US Copes With Hurricane Aftermath
Meanwhile, as Florida braced for a direct hit from Hurricane Milton, home health care providers made sure patients had the medical supplies and other necessities required to weather the storm and the likely loss of power.
Report: Sex Crimes Affected More Than 370M Girls, About 300M Boys Globally
UNICEF says its findings underscore the need to strengthen laws and help children recognize and report sexual violence. Separately, A CDC report details the extent of childhood traumatic experiences. Also, the number of adults affected by suicide continues to rise, The Harris Poll finds.
Spotlight On IV Supplies In Wake Of Milton, After Disruptions From Helene
After Hurricane Helene disrupted production of IV fluids at a factory in North Carolina, officials worked to protect the supply from a plant in Daytona Beach, Florida as Hurricane Milton moved through. Meanwhile, hospitals are scrambling to conserve fluids during the supply shortage.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
45% Of Americans Struggle To Afford Health Care Across The States: Map
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans — in the only wealthy country in the world to not have a developed universal health care system — lack reliable primary care access. Meanwhile, unlike JD Vance, Americans are getting shorter due in part to poor access to quality health care and nutrition.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Viewpoints: Has Obesity Rate Finally Plateaued?; Doctors Can Regain Trust By Saying ‘I Don’t Know’
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
