Articles

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Despite Doctors’ Concerns, University of California Renews Ties With Religious Affiliates

KFF Health News Original

The public university’s health system is renewing contracts with outside hospitals and clinics even as some doctors and faculty say clearer language is needed to protect physicians performing abortions and gender-affirming treatments.

Listen: Who Investigates Suspicious Deaths in Your Community — And Why It Matters

KFF Health News Original

KHN senior correspondent Samantha Young appeared on the “Apple News Today” podcast and KOA, a public radio station in Denver, to discuss the difference between coroners and medical examiners and why it matters.

The Decision of Where to Seek Care Is Complicated by the Multitude of Options

KFF Health News Original

The proliferation of care options — particularly urgent care centers and free-standing emergency departments — can make the head spin. Facilities have little incentive to clear up the confusion of where to go. But for patients, the wrong choice can mean big bills and possibly poor health outcomes.

Behavioral Telehealth Loses Momentum Without a Regulatory Boost

KFF Health News Original

As flexible treatment options spurred by the covid pandemic wane, patients relying on medications classified as controlled substances worry that without action to extend the loosened rules, it’ll be harder to get their meds.

Hospitals’ Use of Volunteer Staff Runs Risk of Skirting Labor Laws, Experts Say

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals using volunteers is commonplace. But some labor experts argue that deploying unpaid workers to do work that benefits the organization’s bottom line lets for-profit hospitals skirt federal labor laws, deprives employees of work, and potentially exploits the volunteers.

En cárceles de Pennsylvania, guardias utilizan gas pimienta y pistolas paralizantes para controlar a personas con crisis de salud mental

KFF Health News Original

En muchos casos, los guardias utilizaron armas, como pistolas paralizantes y aerosoles de pimienta, para controlar y doblegar a presos con condiciones psiquiátricas graves que podrían haberles impedido seguir órdenes, o entender lo que estaba sucediendo.

Medicaid and Abortion Top Health Agenda for Montana Lawmakers

KFF Health News Original

State lawmakers say their health care goals for the new legislative session are to lower costs and improve access to care. They’ll have to grapple with a full slate of other issues, as well.

In PA County Jails, Guards Use Pepper Spray and Stun Guns to Subdue People in Mental Crisis

KFF Health News Original

An investigation of records from 25 county jails across Pennsylvania showed that nearly 1 in 3 “use of force” incidents by guards involved a confined person who was having a psychiatric crisis or who had a known mental illness.

California Senate’s New Health Chair to Prioritize Mental Health and Homelessness

KFF Health News Original

California state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman of Stockton has been appointed chair of the Senate’s influential health committee. A licensed social worker, Eggman said she will make mental health care and homelessness front-burner issues.

Sueño alterado y nervios de punta: la contaminación acústica afecta la mente y el cuerpo

KFF Health News Original

Décadas de investigación vinculan la contaminación acústica no solo con la interrupción del sueño, sino también con una serie de afecciones crónicas, como enfermedades cardíacas, deterioro cognitivo, depresión y ansiedad.