Latest KFF Health News Stories
Government Pauses Processing Of International Nurse Visas
The pause will be in place until fiscal year 2025, which Modern Healthcare says will leave “thousands” of qualified nurses in limbo even as health system staffing gaps remain. Apprenticeships, AI warnings for patients’ deteriorating conditions, and more are also in the news.
Judge Knocks Down HHS Guidance Against Hospital Web Trackers
A federal district court judge in Texas ruled that HHS did not have the authority to warn hospitals that website trackers are a violation of health privacy rules. The American Hospital Association challenged the guidance.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Reused Masks Worn By Nurses At Start Of Pandemic Didn’t Properly Block Aerosols
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Haven’t Had Covid? Scientists Find How Nasal Cells Help In Dodging Infections
Specialized immune cells may help some people reliably avoid catching covid. Separately, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that although initially closing schools during the pandemic was a good move, the shutdowns shouldn’t have lasted so long.
Editorial writers discuss H5N1, weight-loss drugs, pharmaceutical advertising, and more.
Bipartisan House Group Aims To Halt Chinese Supply Sources For Fentanyl
They will seek to boost sanctions, target money launderers, and explore trade reforms to cut off supply from China in an attempt to impact the opioid epidemic. Also in the news: limited military health care on Guam, a rise of streptococcal toxic shock in Japan, and more.
FDA Warns Dollar Tree, Says Retailer Didn’t Remove Tainted Applesauce
Lead-contaminated applesauce pouches, linked to over 500 cases of illness in children, remained on some Dollar Tree shelves even after they’d been recalled, the FDA says. Meanwhile, scientists have detected microplastics in human penises for the first time, highlighting the spread of the material.
Novant Health Ends Effort To Purchase Two North Carolina Hospitals
A federal appellate court backed an FTC push to block Novant Health’s planned $320 million purchase from Community Health Systems. Meanwhile, Steward Health Care has pushed back its planned auction of eight of its Massachusetts hospitals by three weeks.
Preventive Task Force Urges More Intervention For Kids With High BMI
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is shifting its guidance on childhood obesity. The panel now recommends that physicians take behavioral interventions—though not with new GLP-1 drugs—for kids 6 or older with a high body mass index.
FLiRT Variant Is Fueling Covid Reinfections In California
As the Golden State sees a summer surge in cases, public health officials are worried their preparedness plans might not be enough to tackle more growing threats.
Massachusetts 911 Outage, Blamed On Firewall Glitch, Exposes System’s Risks
Although dispatchers couldn’t receive calls, they were able see the phone numbers of callers and reach out to them. Also in the news: Utah and Florida target transgender rules while Texas looks at maternal mortality and a memory loss care center.
Medicare Patients To Get Access To Amazon RxPass’ $5-A-Month Plan
Amazon Pharmacy is extending its RxPass prescription plans to Medicare enrollees. The service allows customers to fill and have delivered as many prescriptions as they need from a list of about 50 generic medications—for $5 a month. Other Medicare news reports on its star ratings.
Rate Of Uninsured Americans Forecast To Reach 8.9% Over Next 10 Years
More than 25 million people currently lack coverage, CBO reports. Also, researchers found that ailing Americans spend roughly two weeks a year working among colleagues rather than staying home to tend to their illnesses.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Reality Of Living With Long Covid; A Report On Excess Mortality Should Be Retracted
Editorial writers examine covid, reproductive rights, and cannabis.
The American Diet Might Have Turned Corner, No Longer As Unhealthy: Study
An analysis of two decades of nutritional data shows that Americans may have begun to eat a little healthier, with some restaurants and brands playing along. But there’s still a long way to go. Also in the news: health issues in older women, the benefits of drinking coffee, and more.
Federal Judge Squelches Trans Student Protections In Another 6 States
U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, a George W. Bush nominee, temporarily halted enforcement of changes to Title IX designed to protect trans students from discrimination in schools that get government funding. Reeves said the changes were “arbitrary and capricious rulemaking.”
Side Effects Of Drugs Like Leqembi Masked By ‘ARIA’ Acronym, Some Say
Far from an operatic solo, ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) may be being used as a “soothing” term to obscure potentially fatal side effects of Alzheimer’s drugs, doctors say. Separately, a new Alzheimer’s blood test is offering faster, highly accurate diagnoses.
Mpox Cases Spike In Los Angeles County
Alarmed by the sudden increase, officials advise anyone who shows symptoms—rash, sores, fever, aches—to seek immediate medical attention. In other news, scientists have found that U.S. citizens have very little, if any, immunity to the H5N1 bird flu virus.
