Latest KFF Health News Stories
Officials Blast Steward Healthcare For Overcomplicated Bankruptcy Plans
Meanwhile, in other news, Highmark Health has laid off 47 employees; nursing home merger and acquisitions are heating up in states where Medicaid pay is better; Connecticut lawmakers target better nursing home oversight; and more.
FDA Delays Discussions Over Which Covid Strains To Put In Shots This Fall
The panel pushed back its date from May 16 to June 5 amid the gaining dominance of a new set of covid variants called FLiRT.
White House To Invest $46.8 Million In Mental Health Programs
Other health policy news from the Biden administration and Congress relates to telehealth rules, antitrust enforcement, and maternal health.
Ascension Hospitals Report Cyberattack That Is Disrupting Clinical Operations
Nonprofit health system Ascension detected a cyberattack that has impacted hospitals in at least six of the 19 states in which it operates. Clinical operations have been disrupted, and a possible data breach is under investigation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Bird Flu Might Be The Next Pandemic; Stop Treating Menopause Like It’s A Secret
Editorial writers discuss these topics and others.
Young Patient In Duchenne Gene Therapy Study Died, Says Pfizer
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Florida, Catholic Medical Group Sue To Retain Power To Refuse Gender Care
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and the Catholic Medical Association sued the Biden administration to try to block a transgender health care rule. Meanwhile, more details emerge on Kansas Republicans’ reversal on gender-care bans.
Cancer Society To Study Black Women’s Disproportionate Death Rate
The American Cancer Society’s study may be the largest investigation in the country into low cancer survival rates among Black women. Separately, scientists raise alarm over cancer risk of in-car flame retardant chemicals.
RFK Jr. Said He Suffered Brain Injuries From A Parasite
The New York Times reports on a 2012 deposition by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that alleges neurological symptoms he was suffering were from a dead brain parasite. In other news, RFK Jr. says he has changed his mind about gender-affirming care for young people.
For Months, Change Healthcare Doled Advice On How To Avoid Cyberattacks
Change Healthcare published articles and policy papers expressing the need for extra cybersecurity measures. In a cruel bit of irony, its own devastating hack might have been avoided if it had universally used two-factor authentication.
Abortion Rights Amendment Blocked From New York Ballot; Appeal Planned
In other news, Idaho asks appeals court to allow enforcement of a law that prohibits strangers from secretly helping minors seek out-of-state abortions. In Florida, advocates for and against abortion contemplate legal course over other states’ shield laws.
Joint Commission Begins Rural Health Care Accreditation Program
The Rural Health Clinic Accreditation Program is designed to help clinics in underserved areas streamline safety and quality of care. Also in the news: Oscar Health, KKR and Healthcare Realty Trust, Amazon Clinic, and more.
Bankrupt Steward’s Aim To Sell Hospitals By June May Not Be ‘Feasible’
Steward Health Care is attempting to offload its 31 hospitals after declaring bankruptcy earlier this week. Court filing also revealed that the company is $9 billion in debt. The upheaval has left many patients in a precarious position.
New Set Of Covid Variants Dubbed ‘FLiRT’ Overtakes JN.1 For Dominance
According to the CDC, FLiRT variants have been detected in wastewater. Also in the news: AstraZeneca begins a worldwide withdrawal of its covid vaccine; the HHS covid vaccine campaign saved billions; the importance of wastewater testing as H5N1 bird flu spreads in cattle; and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘I’m Huuungry’: After-Day Care Snacks Tend To Be Unhealthy, Study Finds
Emerging from day care tired and cranky, the foods kids eat in the hour transitioning home tend to be sugary or processed, according to a new study. Nutritionists say this is a prime opportunity to teach healthier eating habits.
Psych Hospital Often Falsified Records To Its Benefit, Former Staffers Allege
Workers at Jacksonville’s Brynn Marr Hospital in North Carolina say management told them to exaggerate diagnoses. In other news, researchers explore the teen mental health crisis.
Lawmakers Spotlight Large Nursing Home Companies’ Staffing, Spending
Democratic lawmakers sent letters to three large chains of nursing homes, questioning their spending levels and staffing ratios, in response to new federal minimum levels. In Wisconsin, 3 in 5 homes are said to need to hire more staff.
Penn Medicine To Phase Out Greenhouse Gas Anesthetic
Desflurane is reportedly the most potent greenhouse gas used in health facilities, and reducing it can improve a hospital’s carbon footprint. Also in the news: more fallout from the Steward Health bankruptcy filing.
