Latest KFF Health News Stories
Supreme Court Refuses Case On Arkansas Law Restricting Medication Abortions
The legislation requires providers of medication abortions to have contracts with doctors who have admitting privileges at a hospital in the state. The case will continue being litigated in the lower courts, but for now Arkansas is now the first state to essentially ban medication abortions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Trump’s Anti-Abortion Policies Aside, He’s Not Really A Pro-Lifer
Opinion writers express views on President Donald Trump’s recent announcements about withholding funds for organizations that perform abortions or make referrals.
Media outlets report on news from California, Illinois, Minnesota, Connecticut, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio and Texas.
“This will not cover all of the uncompensated care costs that hospitals incur in taking care of those patients, but it will certainly help to offset the loss they will incur providing those important services,” said Steve Ahnen, president of the New Hampshire Hospital Association.
But the problem is that value-based purchasing hasn’t caught on in the behavioral health sector at nearly the same level as other medical specialties. Media outlets report on other cost and quality issues, such as paying for emergency room visits and a fight over dialysis.
New Technology Is Helping Make Operating Rooms Smarter, More Effective And Less Risky For Patients
From surgeon-controlled robot cameras to GPS-like maps projected onto a patients’ bodies, technology is bringing surgery into the new era. In other health-tech news: dementia, school nurses, blindness, and more.
Debate Over Bullying’s Link With School Shootings Re-Emerges After Santa Fe Incident
In many mass school-shooting cases in which the accused is a student, allegations have surfaced that the shooter was bullied. But whether there is a clear link between the two issues is the subject of contention.
Legally, standards for determining brain death are largely left up to the medical community. But families have begun to challenge doctors’ determinations, leading to more questions around the murky topic. In other public health news: medical professionals and hand washing; Ebola; brain stimulation and diabetes; DNA testing; crowdfunding for scientific research; and much more.
Transfusions, Bone Marrow Transplant Push Limits Of Already Daring Fetal Therapy Field
Elianna Constantino and her mother Nichelle Obar were the first patients in an experiment to treat a normally fatal disorder while Elianna was still in the womb.
Virginia’s Final Budget Likely To Hold Promise For Medicaid Expansion As Lawmakers Reconvene
Advocates expect the stalemate over whether to expand the program to end this week. Medicaid news comes out of Iowa and Illinois, as well.
When It Comes To Abortion, Both Sides Think They Have Upper Hand For The Midterms
Both anti-abortion and abortion rights groups are pouring money into campaigns for the 2018 midterms, which could prove to be a turning point for the divisive issue. In other women’s health news: hospital closures leave expectant mothers scrambling to find care; midwives mean healthier babies, so why aren’t they more common in the U.S.?; schizophrenia and unhealthy pregnancies; and untested rape kits.
The decision followed a call from students, faculty and alumni for C. L. Max Nikias’ resignation after reports emerged that the university knew of allegations against campus gynecologist George Tyndall for years and failed to act on them.
The drugmaker, under fire for its role in the opioid crisis, has maintained that it was unaware of the way its drug was being abused for years. But according to recently disclosed documents, that wasn’t the case. In other news on the epidemic: Philadelphia is working through the implications of closing its tent-camps; senators butt heads over an investigation into Teva; and more.
Republicans May End Up Bearing Lion’s Share Of Blame For Premium Spikes, Recent Poll Suggest
GOP lawmakers continue to point fingers at Democrats for passing the health law in the first place, but polls suggest that voters are thinking more short-term as they brace for the pain of higher premiums.
California’s gubernatorial race is acting as a microcosm of the larger push toward universal health care. But, experts say the issue is complicated. “Voters are thinking about the fundamental values associated with single-payer,” said Kelly Hall, an independent health consultant. “Almost zero voters have thought about the policy implications.” Those implications range from funding challenges to a vocal opposition to unanswered legal questions.
Veterans Groups Praise Trump’s VA Pick As Safe, Stabilizing Choice In Wake Of Years Of Scandal
If confirmed, Robert Wilkie will have to tread carefully between the administration and veterans advocates who are on opposing sides when it comes to privatization. But for now, he’s winning praise from Republicans and Democrats alike.
Here Comes The Sun: Outdated Sunscreens Pose Dangerous Risks For Skin Cancer
Also, a dermatologist hails skincare products sold in other countries, saying they’re more effective and feel better. Plus, news on summertime dangers include protection from eye damage and the dangers of leaving children in hot cars.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: In Commitment To Veterans’ Special Needs, Be Wary Of Using Private Doctors
Editorial pages focus on these and other health care issues.
