Latest KFF Health News Stories
Aging Roundup: Emergency Care; Elder Abuse; Alzheimer’s; And Holiday Cheer
Media outlets take a look at various issues surrounding aging, including what to look for when trying to spot elder abuse; how difficult the emergency room can be for seniors; how to keep the aging body and brain healthy; and more.
Doctors Who Treat Gunshot Victims Tell NRA Why Gun Safety Is Their ‘Highway’
After the NRA said “anti-gun” physicians should stay in their lane, a growing number of doctors join the social media campaign with the hashtag “#ThisIsOurLane,” gaining support from the U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams. Other gun violence news looks at a lack of CDC gun studies, a faulty high school active shooter drill and disturbing writings from the Sandy Hook shooter.
Hospital-Acquired Infections Dip, But Experts Say That There’s Still More Work To Do
Experts say there are certain infection types–such as pneumonia or C. diff–that aren’t showing any progress. Meanwhile, health care executives weigh in on what a politically divided Congress will mean to the hospital industry. And other hospital news comes out of Illinois, Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas.
This Company’s Souped Up Hospital Bed Includes Sensors To Monitor Patients’ Vitals
The latest-generation bed’s sensors could also detect movement that would alert providers if the patient was falling out. The transformation of a low-tech medical staple reflects how much the hospital is undergoing a digital makeover.
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.
