Latest KFF Health News Stories
Young Pa. Mayor’s Fatal Fentanyl Overdose A Snapshot Of Epidemic That Is Still Gripping Nation
Brandon Wentz was only 24 when he had to resign as mayor from a small Pennsylvania town because his family was moving. The day after he wrote his resignation letter, he died of an overdose. Other news on the national drug crisis is reported from Michigan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Texas and California.
HHS Opens Public Comments For Virginia’s Work Requirements Waiver
Since the Trump administration has approved work requirements in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire and Wisconsin, it’s likely that Virginia’s will also get the green light. Medicaid news comes out of Ohio and Texas, as well.
A recent investigation also found that staff at a Texas facility haven’t even undergone FBI fingerprint checks, let alone child welfare screenings. The Florida and Texas facilities can operate unlicensed and without required checks because they are located on federal property and thus don’t have to comply with state child welfare laws.
The Ripple Effect Of Halting Fetal Tissue Research: Study Hunting For Cure For HIV Is Shut Down
When HHS began its review of fetal tissue in September, the National Institutes of Health put in place a “pause” in the procurement of that kind of tissue, a decision that has rippled across multiple labs around the country.
The unfolding case is rattling an industry that has been portrayed as a savior to the high drug pricing problem. “This is most likely the largest cartel in the history of the United States,” said Joseph Nielsen, an assistant attorney general and antitrust investigator in Connecticut who has been a leader in the probe. He cited the volume of companies and drugs involved in the schemes. In other pharmaceutical news: shingles vaccine shortage, overcharging Medicaid for drugs, and a new CEO at Gilead.
A New York Times and ProPublica investigation reveals widespread flaws in how conflicts of interest are reported in medical journals, which are the main conduit for communicating the latest scientific discoveries to the public
There’s a brewing rift in the Democratic party between progressives who campaigned on “Medicare for all” and those who want to stabilize and improve upon the health law. The hospital, insurance and pharmaceutical industry are getting ready for the upcoming battle. Meanwhile, state attorneys general, emboldened by election wins, look to shore up their defense of the health law in courts.
Does Trauma Leave A Signature On Genes? The Idea Is Buzzy, But Evidence Is Circumstantial At Best.
The notion suggests that we genetically inherit some trace of our parents’ and even grandparents’ experiences, particularly their suffering, which in turn modifies our own day-to-day health — and perhaps our children’s, too. But critics contend that the biology implied by such studies simply is not plausible. In other public health news: CRISPR and gene-editing; cookie dough; global warming; genes in animals; diet; screen time for kids; and more.
First Edition: December 10, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these health care topics and others.
Media outlets report on news from Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Massachusetts, California, Utah and New Jersey.
Child-Friendly Prison Visits Help Moms In Washington Stay Connected, Reduce Trauma Of Separation
States are experimenting with programs that allow low-risk, incarcerated mothers to spend quality time with their children. Women are the fastest-growing prison population and states have varying policies on how often they can see their children. Prison news comes out of Washington, New York, Oklahoma, Missouri and Massachusetts.
Ochsner Health System Employees Will See A Minimum Wage Boost In January
In other hospital news, the Denver Post reports on the options offered at some hospitals for expectant mothers’ pain relief during labor.
Ohio Abortion Heartbeat Bill Stalls In Senate Amid Concerns About Whether It’s Unconstitutional
The delay means the bill might not pass this year. Similar abortion bans have been found unconstitutional in other states. Legislative news comes out of Georgia and Massachusetts, also.
EPA Circulating Proposal To Limit Obama-Era Rule On Water Pollution
The Obama administration’s regulation was a target for rural landowners since it could have restricted how much pollution from chemical fertilizers and pesticides could seep into water. Real estate developers and golf clubs also criticized the rule. In other environmental news, the EPA took steps to ease rules on the coal industry.
People Still Getting Sick By E. Coli-Tainted Romaine Lettuce
Nine more recent cases have been reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also in public health news today: school lunch nutrition, a cookbook-related study retracted, autism, secondhand smoke, c-sections, and suicide.
For Some Patients, Cancer Fight Turns To DNA
The therapies include risks and work for only a minority of patients. But those successes continue to drive the research forward.
Talking More To Patients, Families Leads To Fewer Medical Errors, Study Finds
A group of Boston researchers found this relatively simple idea – improving and streamlining communications in hospitals – went a long way to reducing dangerous errors.
Small Drug Companies Closely Watching Supreme Court Case On Patents
A Swiss drugmaker is challenging a 2011 change to the law that no longer allows a company to patent an invention if it was for sale for more than a year before filing a patent application. Meanwhile, Congress also plans to focus on the issue of pharmaceutical patents and lawmakers continue to question the industry’s pricing decisions. And as Capitol Hill gears up for potential action on drug costs, there may be some lessons to be learned from China.
Drugmaker Actelion Agrees To Pay $360M To Settle Kickback Investigation
The Justice Department alleged that Actelion Pharmaceuticals violated federal law by using a foundation fund to funnel kickback payments aimed at inducing patients to buy its drugs. Actelion was bought by Johnson & Johnson in 2017, after the alleged actions took place, and admits no wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
