A New Law Is Supposed to Protect Pregnant Workers — But What If We Don’t Know How?
By Gina Jiménez
June 30, 2023
KFF Health News Original
During pregnancy, workers often face hazardous circumstances, including breathing toxic chemicals. On June 27, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act began requiring employers to provide “reasonable accommodations.” But the new law has a big hole: Not nearly enough is known about which chemical exposures are dangerous for pregnant workers.
As Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Hit the Market, Anti-Smoking Groups Press for Wider Standard
By Don Thompson
June 30, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The first FDA-authorized cigarettes with 95% less nicotine than traditional smokes will go on sale in California, Florida, and Texas starting in early July. Anti-smoking groups oppose greenlighting just one plant biotech’s products and instead urge federal regulators to set a low-nicotine standard for the entire industry.
Dental Device Investigation
June 29, 2023
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Featured Articles CBS Video Gallery Diagram of the AGGA Device Impact of the Investigation Credits Reporters Brett KelmanAnna Werner, CBS News Digital Producers David HicksLydia ZurawEric HarkleroadOona Tempest Editors John HillkirkKelly JohnsonTerry ByrneGabe Brison-Trezise
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': A Year Without Roe
June 29, 2023
Podcast
It’s been a year since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and, with it, the nationwide right to abortion. The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization set off widespread uncertainty in government and the courts about the legality or illegality of the procedure. But the decision has had other consequences too, including affecting where health professionals choose to locate. In this special episode of KFF Health News’ “What the Health?” Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call join KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF’s Alina Salganicoff about the organization’s research and other work on women’s health policy over the past year.
Primary Care Disrupted
June 29, 2023
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Featured Stories Featured Video As States Pass Abortion Bans, OB-GYNs Stage an Exodus KFF Health News senior correspondent Sarah Varney traveled to Idaho to produce a segment in partnership with PBS NewsHour on OB-GYNs leaving the state after it passed a strict abortion ban. More Stories from the Project Credits Reporters Michelle AndrewsJulie ApplebyLynn Arditi, […]
Parsing Policy: Why Europe Follows The Evidence In Health Care For Trans Youngsters
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
Opinion writers focus on these public health issues and others.
Research Roundup: Gates Foundation Will Fund Long-Awaited TB Vax Trial
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
NY Accuses Nursing Home Operator Of Neglect, Stealing Government Funds
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
The lawsuit from New York’s attorney general accuses Centers Health Care and its owners of stealing $83 million in funds while understaffing facilities, resulting in neglect and illness among residents. In Colorado, meanwhile, a person has tested positive for the plague.
Good News For Athletes? Torn ACLs May Not Need Surgery To Heal
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new study found that 90% of 80 ruptured ACLs investigated showed signs of healing about three months later, when patients followed a new protocol. A separate study finds that living near green spaces could add 2.5 years to your lifespan.
For That Occasional Pain In Your Back, Opioids Just Don’t Work: Study
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
A study says that opioids are no more effective than a placebo when it comes to tackling episodic back and neck pain that’s acute and nonspecific. Meanwhile, Oregon’s pharmacies are well-stocked with opioid addiction meds, unlike in some other states.
WHO Set To Warn Common Sweetener Aspartame Is Possible Carcinogen
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
Reuters claims sources say the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer will next month warn that the sweetener, which is used in many consumer products, is a possible human carcinogen. Also in the news: Sanofi’s mRNA flu shot efforts, a drug for a rare bone disease, and more.
It’s Not Just Drugs: Shortages Hit Other Supplies Across Health Industry
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
Even supply chains of basic products like syringes are being disrupted, Axios says, and health systems are spending huge amounts of money on workarounds. Meanwhile, ProPublica reports that no one really knows how often health insurers deny patients’ claims.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, June 29, 2023
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
Unhealthy air and heat, health fraud, medical supply shortages, transgender bans, abortion, opioids, aspartame, and more are in the news.
Federal Judge Won’t Block Most Of New North Carolina Abortion Ban
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles said that a case asking the court to set aside most of the new abortion restrictions in a revised anti-abortion law is overbroad. Meanwhile, another lawsuit alleges a crisis pregnancy center in Massachusetts failed to spot an ectopic pregnancy.
Judges In Kentucky, Tennessee Strike Down Some Transgender Bans
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
Both federal courts blocked parts of respective state laws that would have prevented transgender minors from receiving hormone therapy and puberty blockers. Other LGBTQ+ health news is reported from Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Kansas.
Justice Department Launches One Of Largest-Ever Health Care Fraud Cases
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Department of Justice announced charges against 78 people in 16 states for alleged bogus health care charges and fraud that totaled over $2.5 billion. The bulk appears to be related to telemedicine claims.
Unhealthy Smoke Blankets More Of US, Expanding Air Quality Warnings
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
More parts of the nation are under red alerts, meaning the air quality is unhealthy for all populations. Meanwhile, Texas and Louisiana continue to grapple with dangerous temperatures, as heat-related deaths climb.
First Edition: June 29, 2023
June 29, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
More States Drop Sales Tax on Disposable Diapers to Boost Affordability
By Hannah Critchfield, Tampa Bay Times
June 29, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Last month, Florida joined a growing number of states in banning sales taxes on diapers to make them more affordable for older adults and families with young children. Though diapers are essential for many, they are not covered by food stamps. Nor are incontinence products for older adults typically covered by Medicare. The cost can easily add up on a fixed income.
Once-Resistant Rural Court Officials Begin to Embrace Medications to Treat Addiction
By Taylor Sisk
June 29, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As evidence supporting medication treatment for opioid addiction mounts, judges, district attorneys, and law enforcement officials in rural America are increasingly open to it after years of insisting on abstinence only.