Latest KFF Health News Stories
Some Hospitals Restrict Visitors Due To RSV And Flu Surges
As respiratory cases soar, several hospital systems in Arizona and North Carolina are limiting visitors. And news outlets report on capacity at other facilities with hospitalizations on the rise.
Pelosi Cast Long Shadow On Health Issues As Democratic Leader
As Nancy Pelosi announced that she will step down as the Democrats’ House leader, news outlets examined her legacy on key health issues like the Affordable Care Act while Pelosi touched on the trauma of the violent attack on her husband. Other congressional news reports are on Medicaid, insulin costs, and more.
Concerns Over Rising Use Of Drugs To ‘Restrain’ Nursing Home Patients
A report from the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services found that nursing homes continue to give psychotropic drugs to a high percentage of residents more than a decade after regulators began scrutinizing how the medicines are used.
FDA Gives First-Ever Approval For A Drug That Delays Type 1 Diabetes
The monoclonal antibody — manufactured by ProventionBio and Sanofi and will be marketed under the name Tzield — has been authorized by the FDA for use only in patients who have stage 2 type 1 diabetes, with an aim at delaying the onset of stage 3 of the disease.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle crisis pregnancy centers, RSV, polio and more.
Texas Lawmakers Want To Criminalize Gender Care For Minors
Some lawmakers are stepping up efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for minors, The Hill reports, with at least three new bills aiming to classify treatment as child abuse. Health news from New Hampshire, Montana, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Ohio are also reported.
OptumRx Will Cover Humira Biosimilars Alongside Original Drug
The move will, Modern Healthcare says, permit members to continue using the brand name medicine or swap to a lower cost alternative. Bloomberg highlights that UnitedHealth’s choice to keep both versions available is a partial win for the original drugmaker.
Primary Care Doctors Are Burning Out — Young Ones Particularly
Stat’s headline says across 10 wealthy countries, the stress of the pandemic is contributing to high burnout rates, making doctors feel like their delivery of care is failing. Axios says that half of primary care physicians under age 55 in the U.S. say they’re burned out and many may leave the profession.
FDA Moves To Encourage OTC Overdose Drug Distribution
News outlets report on an FDA notice asking naloxone makers to start discussions about a switch from prescription-only models for the opioid overdose-reversal drug to over the counter. The matter is complex, though, and centers only on some versions of the medication.
Spotlight Falls On Surprising Covid Symptom: Black Tongue
Tongue discoloration is reportedly getting fresh attention as a lesser-known covid symptom of covid. Meanwhile, CDC data shows new covid subvariants have overtaken BA.5 for the first time in the U.S. And drugmakers who make treatments are struggling to keep up.
More Home Births Happened In 2021 Than For 30 Years
Media outlets cover a report from the CDC showing 2021 home birth figures jumped 12% from 2020’s total. But they still remain uncommon at 1.26% of all U.S. births. Separately, metro Atlanta abortion providers saw a surge in calls after Georgia’s abortion law was blocked.
FDA Clears Way For Lab-Grown Meat
Upside Foods’ cultivated chicken product was certified as safe for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration. The move is anticipated to pave the way for a flood of available lab-grown meat products in the U.S.
Research Roundup: Leprosy; Covid; Malaria
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Monkeypox A Contributing Factor In Indiana Death, Officials Say
The state health commissioner warned that “this disease is still circulating and can cause severe illness and death.” Also in the news: dengue, Ebola, Hendra, and bird flu.
First Bill Solely Related to Marijuana Policy Heads To Biden’s Desk
The legislation facilitates medical marijuana research and gives doctors greater flexibility to talk about the drug with patients. Other congressional news reports on drug pricing, online safety, and CDC oversight.
Pediatricians Fighting RSV Wave Say It’s Time For National Emergency
With a surge of pediatric respiratory illnesses overwhelming emergency departments and pediatric offices, doctor groups are asking the Biden administration for aid that a declaration of a national emergency and public health emergency could provide. Other news on RSV and seasonal flu is also reported.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Pediatric Health Care Must Be Prioritized; Ideas For Tackling The Mental Health Crisis
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
