White House Says It’s Trying To End Cancer Drug Shortages
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Stat reports experts are still worried and say the administration has to show exactly how it’ll tackle shortages of three key generic chemotherapies. Separately, 2Seventy Bio, a Cambridge biotech developing cancer drugs, is laying off 40% of its workforce as the business sector is in hard times.
Bill That Bans FDA-Approved Food Additives Heads To California Governor
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 418, which bans four food additives — including red dye No. 3, linked to potential health issues. If signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, the law would be the first in the nation to ban FDA-permitted additives. Mental and behavioral health programs in California are also in the news.
Optimism For New Parkinson’s Treatment; Recently Updated RCDI Treatments Are Promising
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Bankruptcies Endangering Private Equity-Owned Hospitals, Nursing Homes
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Wall Street has been snapping up health care businesses through cheap financing. Now those funds are drying up, Politico reports, and debts are coming due, leaving private-equity backed health centers vulnerable.
Food Industry Tries To Avert Federal Guidance On Ultra-Processed Products
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Representatives of food makers spoke Tuesday to a federal panel tasked with reviewing latest nutrition research and recommending changes to national dietary guidelines. Other news reports on diabetes, dementia, and more.
Women Denied Care In Oklahoma, Tennessee, Idaho Sue Over Abortion Bans
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
At the core of the argument is a denial of access to abortion during dangerous pregnancy complications that the women say endangered their lives. Meanwhile, in Kansas medical experts are questioning a lawmaker’s inexpert anti-abortion testimony, likely based on unreliable data.
Utah Judge: Medical Records Of 2 Trans Minors Must Be Shared With State
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The minors are both transgender girls who are suing over the state’s ban on athletes like them playing in high school sports. Data, such as their onset of puberty and mental health reports, will be shared. Meanwhile, a judge ruled a Florida restriction on trans adult care can be enforced.
Panel Says Leading Decongestant Won’t Actually Unblock Your Nose
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Advisers to the FDA have been nosing into phenylephrine’s effectiveness as a decongestant, and news outlets reported their conclusion: It doesn’t work. But don’t be snooty about all cold meds: phenylephrine isn’t dangerous, and other ingredients can work to help.
From 2011 To 2019, Prescription Opioid Shipments Fell As Fatal Overdoses Rose
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Covering new federal data on opioid use, the Washington Post notes that the numbers explain the opioid crisis: A flood of pain pills got people hooked, then cheap, illegal drug use soared. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court is hearing an appeal of the $650 million opioid judgment against leading pharmacies.
Child Poverty Soared, Incomes Declined When US Covid Supports Ended
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The dreadful economic math of the end of the pandemic is revealed in new data from the U.S. Census Bureau: As covid benefits wrapped up in 2022, child poverty more than doubled and median household income fell. But income inequality declined for the first time since 2007.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, September 13, 2023
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Covid shots, opioids, covid, abortion bans, health industry financial troubles, cancer drug shortages, and more are in the news.
CDC Backs New Covid Vaccines For Nearly All Ages; Shots Available This Week
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Everyone over the age of 6 months should get an updated Pfizer or Moderna covid booster, the FDA recommended Tuesday. Shots are expected to be available within 48 hours. Data considered indicates that universal vaccination could prevent 100,000 more hospitalizations each year than if only the elderly were vaccinated.
Why the CDC Has Recommended New Covid Boosters for All
By Arthur Allen
September 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As covid-19 hospitalizations tick upward with fall approaching, the CDC says it’s time for new boosters — and not only for those at highest risk of serious disease. Here are seven things you need to know.
First Edition: Sept. 13, 2023
September 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Despite Successes, Addiction Treatment Programs for Families Struggle to Stay Open
By Christina Saint Louis
September 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Residential addiction treatment programs that allow parents to bring their children along have been recognized for their success. But a mix of logistical challenges and low reimbursement rates mean they struggle to stay afloat.
Watch: In Emergencies, First Comes the Ambulance. Then Comes the Bill.
By Caresse Jackman, InvestigateTV
September 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
This installment of InvestigateTV and KFF Health News’ “Costly Care” series delves into the lack of cost protections for patients who find themselves on the hook for an emergency ground ambulance ride.
Pzifer y Moderna presionan por un nuevo refuerzo contra covid. ¿Deberías recibirlo? Los CDC están por decidir
By Arthur Allen
September 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A pesar de las amplias recomendaciones para el refuerzo anticovid actualizado publicadas el otoño pasado, sólo el 17% de la población la recibió, y alrededor del 43% de las personas de 65 años o más.
Viewpoints: Being Anti-Sunscreen Is A Risky Conspiracy; Why Is Childbirth So Dangerous In US?
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers delve into the anti-sunscreen movement, American childbirth risks, electric shock therapy and more.
Worries Over Licensed Practical Nurses Omission From CMS Staffing Rules
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Data shows that LPNs make up as much as 75% of clinical staff at some nursing homes, which explains why some are concerned that LPNs weren’t included in the staffing mandate from CMS recently. In other industry news, nursing homes continue to experience ongoing challenges, post-covid.
American Red Cross: Donor Blood Supply At ‘Critically Low Levels’
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Amid a national blood shortage, the organization is calling on more people to donate blood and platelets. Among other news, Stat reports on efforts by the food industry to get “friendly” researchers on to a nutrition panel chosen by the USDA and HHS that influences food policy.