Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
How To Tell If You’re Burning Out; Why Dry January Is Good And Bad for You
Media outlets cover some timely lifestyle health news, including how New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s decision to resign emphasizes how burnout is real. Also; how “Dry January” can both benefit and hurt you; a lawsuit over chemicals in Thinx period underwear; and more.
FDA Blasts Drugmaker In India For ‘Cascade Of Failures’
The agency visited the Intas Pharmaceuticals plant in Gujarat, India, in November. The company was cited for problems with data integrity, accuracy, procedures designed to prevent microbiological contamination, and much more — including the discovery of a truck full of shredded documents. In other pharmaceutical and biotech news: Wegovy, epilepsy, solid tumor cancer treatment, and more.
Opinion writers focus on these public health issues and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on abortion, anatomy, Chagas, “intuitive eating,” how to be happy, and more.
Georgia Won’t Consider Full Medicaid Expansion Yet, GOP Leader Says
The new House speaker, a Republican, says instead lawmakers will focus on the Republican governor’s alternative plan, which would narrowly expand Medicaid under a “waiver” program, The AJC reported. In other news, CMS has updated its federal poverty level standards for Medicaid.
Judge Refuses Florida’s Mental Check Request For Young Trans Plaintiffs
A federal judge has declined a request by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration that a pair of 12 year-olds have “mental examinations.” The two are plaintiffs in a case challenging the state’s Medicaid cover ban for gender-affirming care.
An Addiction Meds Lawsuit May Lead To More Protection For Patients
The suit — which awarded back pay and damages to a former Tennessee correctional officer who was forced to resign for taking Suboxone to treat opioid use disorder — is the first time the Department of Justice has used the Americans with Disabilities Act to settle a claim over discrimination against opioid medication use.
Everyone Likes Their Jobs Better Than Health Care Workers: Survey
Data from the Qualtrics 2023 Healthcare Experience Trends Report, which compares the health sector to 27 other industries, show health coming in last place for employee satisfaction, and only half of health workers think their pay is fair. Also: chatbot AI therapy, nurse-patient ratios, and more.
Newly Identified Gonorrhea Strains Show Signs Of Antibiotic Resistance
The CDC is investigating with public health officials in Massachusetts where the strains were identified in 2 patients. Both were cured with the standard antibiotic but genetic profiling prompted a warning that the bacteria “is becoming less responsive to a limited arsenal of antibiotics.”
1,300 Nursing Homes Had Covid Infection Rates Of 75% In 2020: Data
A study by the HHS’ Office of the Inspector General found that over 1,300 U.S. nursing homes experienced extremely high covid infection rates in 2020. Meanwhile, other research shows that first-wave covid patients had a much higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease for at least 18 months.
USDA Cracking Down On Foods Inappropriately Labeled ‘Organic’
The Department of Agriculture issued a new rule Thursday that sets requirements for foods to qualify as “organic,” a step in stronger oversight efforts aimed at stamping out fraud.
FDA Refuses Accelerated Approval Request For Eli Lilly Alzheimer’s Drug
Eli Lilly has been declined an accelerated approval process for its Alzheimer’s drug donanemab, a treatment for people in the early stage of the disease. The company says, however, that a Phase 3 study of the drug is on track. The FDA is said to be seeking more data.
March For Life Arrives In Washington, DC; Focus Falls On Anti-Abortion Goals
News outlets cover the annual “March for Life” protest against legal abortion, and on what the antiabortion movement and Republican party may target next, now that Roe v. Wade is over. Other abortion-related news is from Indiana, Minnesota, Maryland, and Missouri.
Debt Ceiling Showdown Carries High Stakes For Medicare, Medicaid
Lawmakers missed the deadline for lifting the debt ceiling last night. As negotiations continue — in which Republicans’ efforts to cut Medicare and Medicaid play a significant role — CNBC reports on potential delays in Medicare and Social Security payments to beneficiaries.
Supreme Court Still Hasn’t Found Who Leaked Abortion Decision
The court released a 20-page report Thursday describing its investigation into the leaked draft majority opinion that ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade. The probe has failed to identify the culprit among the 82 employees who had access to the document and found no evidence of hacking.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Omicron In Pregnancy; High Blood Pressure; Alzheimer’s
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Intermittent Fasting Not Linked To Long-Term Weight Loss, Study Shows
A study undermines intermittent fasting as a weight control trick, while a different study shows that people with a higher BMI metabolize vitamin D differently. Meanwhile, there’s pushback on the new AAP childhood obesity treatment guidelines
University’s Staff Demand Raises Amid Rising Student Mental Health Concerns
University of Illinois at Chicago faculty are asking for significant pay rises partly because student mental health needs have become so severe and time consuming to address. Separately, Yale University launched new policies for helping students with mental health problems.
