Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Missouri, Arkansas, New York, Louisiana, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Florida, Tennessee, Hawaii and North Carolina.
Bribes-For-Test-Referrals Scheme Draws Prison Time For N.Y. Doctor
Meanwhile, a Maryland physician pleads guilty to health care fraud after he fled to Panama amid charges that he overprescribed painkillers, and two former employees of CareFlight are alleging in a federal whistle-blower suit that the nonprofit air and ground medical service provider improperly billed the federal government.
Gov. Kasich Signs Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Measure Into Law
Ohio is now the 26th state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. However, the law sets out a number of steps that must take place in order to establish the state’s program, which is expected to be operational in about two years.
5,000 Nurses To Strike At 5 Minn. Hospitals
The union says it is protesting Allina Health’s “unwillingness to respond to their proposals on workplace violence and staffing issues.” The strike will be for one week.
California Aid-In-Dying Law Goes Into Effect
Some are worried that low-income people will be pressured into choosing the option over more expensive long-term care.
Longer Looks: Mental Illness And Death Row; Declining Women’s Health; And Fighting Superbugs
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
More Women In Texas Crossing Into Mexico For Do-It-Yourself Abortion Pills
Misoprostol is easy to get without a prescription in Mexico, but it lacks the second half of the regimen — mifepristone. Meanwhile, after Texas cut its HIV prevention contract with Planned Parenthood, the state promised there would be no gap in services. That hasn’t proven to be the case.
Proposed VA Rule Would Lift Restriction On Gender Reassignment Surgery For Vets
If approved, the regulation would allow Veterans Affairs hospitals to provide the procedure. In other news, the struggles of an old Army buddy prompt a scientist to study battlefield brain injuries.
Oregon Plan To Test Schools, Day Care Centers For Lead Announced
As the state moves to ensure the safety of the drinking water, emails are released showing that a Portland Public Schools’ senior manager resisted testing and spread false information. And in Chicago, an additional 11 elementary schools show high lead levels in a pilot testing program.
Fear, Pain Caused By Blood Draws Could Be Alleviated By New Device
Meanwhile, news outlets report on public health developments related to multiple sclerosis, genetic engineering, sleep deprivation for shift workers and a chickenpox outbreak at a federal detention center.
Scientists: Antidepressants Barely Better Than Nothing For Young Patients
The researchers say the quality of evidence about antidepressants and young people is so bad that there’s no way to tell if any of them are safe or effective.
New Hampshire AG: OxyContin Maker Routinely Engages In Deceptive Marketing
OxyContin’s selling point is that it relieves pain for 12 hours, but that is not the case in some patients. Meanwhile the Republican gubernatorial candidate’s comments on the opioid crisis rankle law enforcement officers.
2 Major Physician Services Companies Are In Talks On A Merger
Analysts say a merger between Envision Healthcare and AmSurg, which would have a combined value of $9 billion, could increase operating efficiency and profit margins.
Biotech Industry Joins Other Drug Companies In Pricing Debate
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) President Jim Greenwood says he is seeking to restore the drug industry’s reputation, which has taken a hit over high prices. In other industry developments, USA Today reports that the charity-care programs run by three drug makers are drawing scrutiny in two states. Outlets also report on the latest news about Valeant and Glaxo.
New House Proposal Would Require Doctors To Report Medical-Device Dangers
It’s not clear whether the measure, which was advanced by Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., will see action this session.
Senate, House Negotiators To Begin Talks On Reconciling Zika Funding
The Senate approved a bill providing $1.1 billion in funding for efforts to combat the virus while the House approved $622 million. The conference committee will try to find a compromise.
Louisiana Insurers Seek Double-Digit Rate Hikes On Obamacare Policies
Meanwhile, in Iowa, Wellmark will seek a 6 percent increase in premiums for its longtime customers, which is dramatically lower than the rate hike it requested last month for newer customers who gained coverage after the federal health law took effect.
HHS Unveils Rules To Limit Short-Term Health Policies, Strengthen Marketplaces
These plans are often cheaper but less comprehensive than those sold on the health law marketplaces. The proposed rules would limit their use to three months.
