Latest KFF Health News Stories
Parsing Policy: The Real Reason Medicine Costs So Much; Why Fewer Docs Want To Be A Pediatrician
Opinion writers discuss these topics and others.
Potassium Chloride Capsules Recalled For Irregular Heartbeat Risk
Included in the voluntary recall are 114 batches of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals extended-release capsules. In other news: Only 18% of eligible Americans are up to date on lung cancer screenings; hoarding disorder rises; an anti-noise advocacy group sues the EPA; and more.
Wyoming’s Ban On Transgender Minor Care Takes Effect
Puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth are now restricted in Wyoming. Meanwhile, in West Virginia, students on university and college campuses are allowed to carry guns. In Mississippi, a law restricting young people’s social media use was blocked.
Biden Administration Allocates $206M To Address Shortage Of Geriatricians
The money will go toward academic programs that focus on training doctors to care for the elderly. Family members and caregivers also may benefit from initiatives to help them care for aging loved ones. Meanwhile, news moms are suing for the right to breastfeeding pump breaks.
Not-For-Profit Hospital In Pennsylvania Hacked By Ransomware Gang
The group behind the hack of the 114-bed, not-for-profit Wayne Memorial Hospital claimed it had data that it would leak soon. A data breach at Geisinger, meanwhile, is now expected to have affected the personal info of more than 1.2 million people.
That Bout With Covid Might Cause Myriad Ailments Later On, Study Finds
Scientists suspect inflammation is at least partly responsible for IBS, mini strokes, and a host of other issues that begin years later, even if a person had only a mild infection. Separately, although the threat of bird flu in humans is low, scientists warn that could change rather quickly.
Nebraskans Call Out Sneaky Language On Abortion Petitions
The Secretary of State’s office has received a slew of affidavits from voters who want their names removed from petitions. The majority stem from a petition by Protect Women and Children, which wants the 12-week abortion ban codified in the constitution. In Kansas doctors challenged a law requiring they collect data on patient’s reasons for abortions.
FTC Investigating Teva Over Contested Patents On Inhalers
The Federal Trade Commission has ordered Teva Pharmaceuticals to provide internal documents about its patents on asthma and COPD inhalers. The move is part of a larger dispute over minor tweaks made by pharmaceutical companies to products to fend off generics competition, resulting in higher prices for patients.
National Protections For Workers In Extreme Heat Proposed By Biden
The Biden administration released a proposal that would put in place the first-ever national protections for people who work in extreme heat. The measure, if finalized, would require rest breaks and access to shade and water.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Massachusetts On Track For Local Record With Over 50 Dengue Cases
Also in Massachusetts, as well as New Hampshire, residents are warned of potential measles exposure from an international traveler. Also in state health news: credit agencies barred from medical debt data in Connecticut; gun violence in Baltimore drops; and more.
FDA Has New Powers Over Cosmetics Regulation Starting Today
It’s part of a phase-in of a 2022 law allowing more oversight of the industry. In other news, a study links anxiety in older people to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. Also: brain damage found in Navy SEALs who died by suicide.
Critical Patients Missed Out On Lung Transplants Due To Algorithm Error
The Chicago Tribune reports that a new system to help fair distribution of donor lungs was built on a flawed algorithm which harmed some sick and dying patients. Meanwhile a researcher was indicted on research fraud charges related to an Alzheimer’s drug candidate.
Data On 800,000 People Leaked In Lurie Children’s Hospital Cyberattack
The attack compromised such personal health information as names, drivers’ license numbers, medical conditions and diagnoses, and Social Security numbers. In other industry news, Optum’s bid on Steward Health’s physician group; Ascension’s hospital selling; rural telehealth; and more.
Scientists Zero In On Milking Machines As Conduit For Bird Flu Spread
Virologists say this is good news, but halting transmission of the virus poses “a real logistical problem” for farmers. Elsewhere, two more people in Pennsylvania have contracted the virus, which also has been detected in San Francisco wastewater.
Opinion writers discuss these topics and others.
White House Signals It Opposes Gender Surgery For Trans Minors
Meanwhile, in Texas, the Supreme Court upheld a gender care ban for transgender youth. Also: LGBTQ+ people say their mental health is boosted when states have protective laws.
Abortion Rights Measure Will Be Put To Nevada Voters In November
As efforts to enshrine abortion protections gain steam in Nevada, Florida maneuvers to stop any ballot initiatives. Meanwhile, Iowa’s high court allows the state’s six-week abortion ban to stand.
House Republican Leaders Demand Investigation Of Alleged ACA Fraud
Several high-level House committees want the Government Accountability Office and Health and Human Services inspector general to look into separate reports from KFF Health News and conservative think tank Paragon Health Institute.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
