First Partial Heart Transplant Deemed Success After Nearly A Year Of Working
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The world’s first partial heart transplant happened nearly a year ago when a newborn received transplanted valves and arteries, and the organs are functioning well and growing with the child’s heart. This means the procedure is deemed successful, paving the way for future surgeries.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, January 3, 2024
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Emergency abortions, long covid, FDA approvals, drug costs, hunger, RSV, narcolepsy, and more are in the news.
Appeals Court Rules That Texas Can Ban Life-Saving Emergency Abortions
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Contrary to federal regulations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided Tuesday with Texas, which challenged the rule that emergency rooms must perform emergency abortions.
Increased FDA Approvals Of Novel Drugs Could Spur Biotech Investment
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The FDA’s increased pace of approvals in 2023 over the prior year may lead to increased investment in biotech firms in 2024, Reuters reports. In another outlook on the new year, The Wall Street Journal offers consumer tips on keeping a lid on prescription drug costs.
First Edition: Jan. 3, 2024
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Is Poised to Protect Workers From Extreme Heat — Indoors
By Samantha Young
January 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Only a few states have rules to protect workers from the growing threat of extreme heat, either indoors or outdoors. California is expected to adopt heat standards for indoor workers in spring, even as federal legislation has stalled.
Patients With Narcolepsy Face a Dual Nightmare of Medication Shortages and Stigma
By Lauren Peace, Tampa Bay Times
January 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
It’s been more than a year since the FDA declared a national shortage of Adderall, and it’s affecting more than just patients with ADHD. Those with narcolepsy, a much rarer condition, are often treated with the same medication. Without it, they’re often unable to drive or function as usual.
¿Pueden los médicos de familia salvar a las zonas rurales de la crisis de obstetras?
By Sarah Jane Tribble
January 2, 2024
KFF Health News Original
El número de bebés que murieron antes de cumplir su primer año aumentó el año pasado; y más de la mitad de los condados rurales no tienen servicios hospitalarios para partos.
Listen to the Latest ‘KFF Health News Minute’
January 2, 2024
KFF Health News Original
“Health Minute” brings original health care and health policy reporting from the KFF Health News newsroom to the airwaves each week.
Idaho Judge Denies Request To Throw Out Challenge To Broad Abortion Ban
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
Idaho’s Attorney General Raul Labrador’s office had been trying to get a lawsuit to the state’s anti-abortion laws thrown out, but the judge declined and allowed the case seeking clarity on exemptions to continue. Also: Arizona may vote on an abortion ballot initiative this year.
CDC Data Show Respiratory Viruses Soaring: Covid More So Than Last Year
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
CDC wastewater analysis shows that covid levels are higher than they were at this time last year, and although covid is the leading respiratory illness sending people to hospital, flu activity is also high. But, separately, studies show that more U.S. adults are up for getting flu shots than covid or RSV ones.
Gender-Affirming Care Bans Dealt Setbacks In Idaho, Ohio
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
A preliminary injunction is in place in Idaho, halting enactment of a law banning gender-affirming care. In Ohio, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a similar measure, bucking his own party.
Nutramigen Infant Formula Recalled Over Possible Contamination
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
The recall of Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition’s product affects Nutramigen Powder 12.6 and 19.8 ounce cans and is driven by worries over possible Cronobacter contamination — the same pathogen behind the recent infant formula crisis. Also in the news: opioid claims; the Apple Watch ban; more.
‘Good’ Cholesterol Loses Its Shine: Study Links It To Higher Dementia Risk
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is thought of as “good” cholesterol because of cardiovascular benefits. But new research published in the Lancet says high levels of HDL can cause as much as a 42% higher risk for dementia in older people. Also: a study links smoking with brain shrinkage and Alzheimer’s risks.
‘Damp January’ Is An Alternative To Going Alcohol-Free
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Washington Post reports on the popularity of a ritual of cutting back on alcohol consumption for the new year versus the cold-turkey difficulties of the “dry January” trend. Other health goals for the new year are also in the news, including cutting back on sugar, learning from regrets, and more.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, January 2, 2024
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
Looming drug price hikes; new year, new health laws; respiratory viruses soar; medical errors; rural care; “damp January”; and more are in the news.
Drugmakers To Soon Hike Prices On More Than 500 Medications: Report
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
Reuters reports that several pharmaceutical companies are set to increase drug prices on at least 500 drugs this month. News outlets also look ahead to expected drug cost developments in the new year.
All Undocumented Immigrants Now Qualify For Medi-Cal In California
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
The new year rung in a host of new laws in California, including the expanded Medicaid coverage, nursing home disclosures, mental health measures, LGBTQ+ protections, and more.
New Health Laws Are Taking Effect In Nearly 20 States
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
News outlets round up the health-related measures that will become law in 2024 across the nation.
Study: When Private Equity Buys Hospitals, Medical Errors Soar
January 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
A major study found that the rate of serious medical complications increased when hospitals were bought by investors, sometimes at alarming rates. Also in the news: Medicare Advantage plans hitting rural hospitals; a health care data breach affecting over a million people; and more.