Latest KFF Health News Stories
Ohio, Texas Pushing Copycats Of Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
In what supporters call a “parental rights” move, Ohio lawmakers introduced House Bill 616 — similar to a new Florida law designed to stymie educators discussing gender issues with young children. Meanwhile, the Texas Tribune reports on pushback on Texas’ plan to pass similar legislation.
Study Shows Instagram Fails To Protect Prominent Women From Abuse
A report from the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate says women “in the public eye” are being failed by Instagram, including the service not removing accounts aiming abuse at them.
Walgreens Faces Jury In Opioid Case
Other big pharmacy chains have settled in Florida, but Walgreens will face a jury over its opioid distribution. Other news is on opioids, and on pot distribution in the nation’s capital.
Researchers Invent Way To Spot Signs Of Lyme Disease Sooner
In other news, about 28% of young American people aged 12 to 19 show signs of prediabetes; a science team has found microplastics in live human lung tissue for the first time; and a California startup is trying to convert pollutant gasses into a new kind of artificial meat.
Hospital Held Accountable for Sexual Abuse
A California state court rules a hospital can be held responsible for sexual abuse of a patient by an employee. In other hospital industry news, the Health and Human Services Department wants to know how health care organizations implement security practices to protect patients’ information.
Oklahoma House Passes Strict Anti-Abortion Bill
Oklahoma’s Republican governor has said he will sign any anti-abortion bill sent to him. This one makes it a felony to perform an abortion. Idaho and Iowa also ready anti-abortion measures.
Nearly 3 In 4 US Covid Cases Now ‘Stealth’ Omicron BA.2
The dramatic rise of omicron covid subvariant BA.2 is seen in data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Separately, since GlaxoSmithKline’s covid drug sotrovimab is known to be ineffective in treating this subvariant, the FDA has deauthorized its use.
CDC Director Clear On Need For Booster Covid Shot
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said there is enough immunity in the U.S. population to provide some protection against the more contagious omicron BA.2 subvariant and clearly encouraged people over 50 to get a booster.
White House Steps Up Efforts To Study Long Covid
Media outlets report on new plans from the Biden administration to battle long covid, including creating a new task force to coordinate research efforts across different federal agencies. Meanwhile, two new studies on the disease in France and China report its long-term symptoms persist over a year.
Biden, Obama Reunite At White House To Promote Affordable Care Act
President Joe Biden signed an executive order Tuesday that ordered agencies to expand coverage and lower costs. The Biden administration has also proposed a rule to close a subsidy loophole dubbed the “family glitch.”
Quick Passage Of Covid Relief Bill Appears Remote
Republicans are using a Trump-era immigration policy to hold up a bill to provide $10 billion in covid aid. Getting the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk before a two-week recess seems remote.
The cancer-causing substance can still be found in car brakes and linings, gaskets and water treatment. Its use has never been completely banned.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Different Takes: People Are Prepping For The End Of Roe; Maryland Relaxes Some Abortion Restrictions
Opinion writers weigh in on covid management and abortion issues.
New UK Covid Variant ‘Omicron XE’ Most Transmissible Yet
Media outlets report on the rise in Britain of a new omicron subvariant dubbed XE, which is a hybrid of BA.1 and BA.2 and may be the most transmissible covid version found. Meanwhile, also in the U.K., the official list of covid symptoms has been expanded with nine new ones, including fatigue.
Georgia’s Medical Marijuana Production Bill Falls Short By One Vote
Meanwhile, in D.C., lawmakers will consider a bill to adjust how medical marijuana is sold, and KRQE reports that recreational weed sales in New Mexico topped $3.5 million on the first weekend.
Walmart Health Expanding In Florida With 5 New Locations
Meanwhile, over 300 Howard University Hospital health workers are planning to strike this month; Campbell County, Wyoming, health officials say their entire system could be bankrupt soon; hospital prices soar in Northern California; flooded operating rooms in Vermont delay surgeries; and more.
Gov. Kemp Signs Bill To Overhaul Georgia’s Poor Mental Health System
Covering the news, AP calls the current state of Georgia’s mental health services “dismal.” The new bill covers changes in private insurer coverage for mental health conditions, more public spending on patient care, and more.
It Costs The US $2.5 Billion For Gun Violence Victims’ First Year Of Care
Bloomberg covers a Harvard study on the cost of post-shooting care for victims of gun violence. USA Today notes that victims also suffer a spike in psychiatric and substance abuse disorders following an injury. And a report in the L.A. Times says living with gun owners doubles your homicide risk.
