Latest KFF Health News Stories
Goodbye, ‘Aerosol Transmission,’ Hello, ‘Through-The-Air’ Viruses: Experts
A move to rename aerosol viral transmission comes after confusion was sown during the pandemic over terms like “airborne,” with a group that includes the WHO proposing a clearer definition. Meanwhile, a Dutch patient had covid for a record 613 days.
Biden Administration Finalizes Title IX Protections For LGBTQ+ Students
The new provisions come as part of a revised Title IX regulation from the Education Department, protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ students. A rule to protect trans students’ sporting rights is on hold. Separately, Alaska moves forward with an anti-trans bill criticized for “weaponizing” civil rights law.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
High Brain Cancer Rates Found In Kids At New Mexico Air Force Base
Military.com reports on a new Air Force study that seems to point to a higher-than-normal rate for rare brain and spinal cord cancer among service members’ children at Cannon Air Force Base. Separately, more communities across the U.S. are removing fluoride from water.
Some Doctors Add Gun Safety Questions To Wellness Visit Checklist
During a doctor visit, patients are accustomed to lifestyle questions regarding exercise or substance use that can impact overall health. Now some physicians are adding gun safety to that list. Also: the long road to recovery for gun violence survivors.
Neurorights Group: In Today’s Techy World, Brain Data Needs Protections
Stat reports on efforts to prevent consumer technology companies from Hoovering-up data from users’ brains, including a new bill to expand the relevant privacy protections in Colorado. Meanwhile, a dispute between Epic Systems and startup Particle Health over data-sharing is in the news.
Drug Shortages Hit Record For The First Three Months Of This Year
In the first quarter of this year, 323 drugs were low in supply, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, compared with 320 in 2014. Meanwhile, reports highlight how prior authorizations are also worsening the growth hormone shortage.
Research Roundup: TB; Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria; Covid
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers discuss H5N1, donor breast milk, American life expectancy, and more
Hospitals’ Trauma Care Prices Differed Wildly In 2023: Study
A new study found prices were so unpredictable between hospitals that some insured patients needing trauma care even ended up with more bills than uninsured people did. Stat, meanwhile, covers tech startups who are making money out of hospital price transparency rules.
Texas’ Planned Medicaid Changes Could Upend Coverage For 1.8 Million
Under the proposal, three top nonprofit children’s health plans would be bounced as the state looks to shift coverage to more for-profit companies.
Report: Every State Shows Racial, Ethnic Inequalities In Health Care
News outlets note that this is true even for states with “robust” health systems, and the best health outcomes, new data from the Commonwealth Fund shows. Also in the news: botched executions for Black prisoners, toxic water supply in a majority Latino city, and more.
GOP Again Quashes Efforts To Restore Abortion In Arizona
The state Senate might vote in the next few weeks to reverse the near-total abortion ban, but it’s not certain the House will approve the measure.
At Least 4 States Hit By 911 Outages; Services Restored In Some Areas
Landlines and mobile phones were unable to connect to the emergency phone line in parts of South Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, and Nevada on Wednesday, with service now partially restored. The cause is being investigated.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
HIV Drugs May Also Be Effective Alzheimer’s Treatment; Antibiotics May Make Cough Last Longer
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: Missouri Must Put Abortion Up To Voters; Kids Online Safety Act Is A Necessity
Editorial writers tackle abortion, safety rules for social media, viral hepatitis, and more.
Mine Safety Group Sets Stricter Rules To Guard Against Black Lung Disease
The Mine Safety and Health Administration acted, NPR reports, after investigative reporting exposed a “once-hidden epidemic” of severe, deadly black lung disease affecting miners. Other research shows that younger adults are aging faster than ever, and that trend is linked to early-onset cancers.
For Now, Transgender Children In Ohio Can Access Care After Ban Is Blocked
Franklin County Judge Michael J. Holbrook ordered a hold on the law for at least two weeks, pending a possible longer-term order to stop the ban from being implemented. Also: How Idaho’s ban on youth gender care has affected families.
House Committee Alleges China Is Helping To Fuel US Fentanyl Crisis
A special House committee released a report that alleges the Chinese government is subsidizing core materials used in the production of fentanyl to fuel the ongoing drug crisis in the U.S. Meanwhile, news reports say San Francisco officials want to expand methadone access to help combat addiction.
