Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drug Patent For Opioid Use Disorder Granted To Member Of Family That Owns Maker Of OxyContin
With more than a thousand lawsuits against Purdue for allegedly misleading the public about the dangerous addictive properties of the painkiller, critics question Richard Sackler’s right to benefit from a drug to treat the disorder. Media outlets also report on safe injection site studies, recovery help for moms and babies; spikes in fentanyl-related deaths; training for dispensing naloxone, treatment in jails, and more.
Although there’s no proof that dirty stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs make patients sick, experts say its important for medical professionals to get into the habit of cleaning the equipment after each person. In other public health news: organ donations, flu drugs, Alzheimer’s, sepsis, STDs, surrogates and more.
First Edition: September 10, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers express views on these health topics and others.
Editorial pages weigh in on the seriousness of the latest revelations about the fitness of President Trump.
Research Roundup: Physician Burnout; Uninsured In California; And Diversity
Editorial pages express views on reproductive issues.
Media outlets report on news from Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Texas, Iowa, Georgia, Michigan, California, Missouri and Nevada.
For example, physicians in a dozen states write “prescriptions” for fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and groceries — scripts that can be exchanged for tokens to buy produce. In other public health news: cancer, flu shots, supplements, the power of thoughts, scooter injuries and more.
The symptoms in all three cases were most likely from the flu or the common cold. Meanwhile, the quarantine highlighted the rapid-response system in place to deal with possible infections coming into the country.
Repeated Complaints Of Abuse, Neglect At VA Medical Center Prompt Sharp Call For Stricter Oversight
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote a letter to the VA demanding the problems be addressed days after a report detailed allegations of substandard care at a medical center in Bedford, Mass. In other news, an audit finds that contractors running the Veterans Choice program were overpaid.
New Hire Hints At Important Role Technology Will Play In Amazon-JPMorgan-Berkshire Health Initiative
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Jack Stoddard’s hiring is that the new venture created by Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase is serious about using technology to create efficiencies in care and cut health care costs.
After Weeks Of Delay On Opioids Legislation, Senate Keys Up Bipartisan Package For Vote Next Week
The sweeping legislation promises $500 million dollars for the states to fight the opioid epidemic — an important issue going into the midterms for both parties — and is similar to what the House produced. Other news on opioids looks at efforts to stem foreign fentanyl supplies, Colorado’s lawsuit against Purdue, Maryland’s misconduct charges against Insys Therapeutics, Endo’s attempt to limit lawsuits, a decision by Blue Cross to stop paying for OxyContin, and more.
But House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) did say he expects more administration action in the near future. Meanwhile, Walgreens, due to a shortage of EpiPens, will be offering an alternative.
Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson stood firm in the face of criticism from advocates who say the requirements aren’t incentivizing work but rather just adding hurdles to get government aid. “We will continue to do everything we can to ensure those who qualify for the program keep their coverage,” Hutchinson said, “but we will also make sure those who no longer qualify are removed.” Medicaid news comes out of Kentucky, Idaho and Massachusetts, as well.
EPA Drifts Toward Deemphasizing Value Of Human Health When Calculating Cost Of Environmental Rules
Government officials have to use complicated calculations when creating rules for the environment, weighing financial costs and the impact on human health. A possible change to mercury rules may reveal that the EPA is putting less weight on the latter than it has before. Meanwhile, lawmakers urge EPA to move faster to regulate dangerous industrial chemicals.
The analysis by The Associated Press and Avalere Health also finds that insurers are starting to come back to the marketplace.
The 1997 Flores settlement has helped govern the treatment of minors in federal custody for the past 20 years, and has survived numerous court challenges. The Trump administration, however, is proposing a new rule that would lift the 20-day limit established in Flores.
Abortion rights was in the spotlight at Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s third day of hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Emails revealed Kavanaugh talking about the Supreme Court overturning Roe V. Wade, which was in contrast to his defense of precedent earlier in the week. Kavanaugh, though, said that he was reflecting “an accurate description of all legal scholars,” not expressing his own opinion. Meanwhile, the nominee’s use of “abortion inducing drugs” to describe contraception set off alarm bells with abortion rights advocates. Media outlets offer glimpses and insights into the rest of the day, as well.
First Edition: September 7, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these and other health issues.
