First Edition: May 15, 2023
May 15, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As More Hospitals Create Police Forces, Critics Warn of Pitfalls
By Renuka Rayasam
May 15, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Nearly 30 states have active or proposed laws authorizing independent hospital police forces. Groups representing nurses and hospitals say the laws address the daily realities of patients who become aggressive or agitated. But critics worry about unintended consequences.
New Mexico Program to Reduce Maternity Care Deserts in Rural Areas Fights for Survival
By Sarah Jane Tribble
May 15, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A federally funded program in remote New Mexico has helped hundreds of pregnant mothers stay healthy, but it’s running out of time and money despite a growing national maternity care crisis. The four-year, nearly $3 million grant has provided telehealth, coordinated care, and social services to mothers in need.
Journalists Give Status Reports on the ‘Personhood’ Debate and the HIV Epidemic
May 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
La inteligencia artificial puede estar llegando a los consultorios, pero no está lista para ver pacientes
By Darius Tahir
May 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Las empresas quieren que sus IA tomen notas para los médicos y ofrezcan una segunda opinión, suponiendo que puedan evitar que divulgue la información privada de los pacientes.
ER Doctors Vow to Pursue Case Against Envision Despite Bankruptcy
By Bernard J. Wolfson
May 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The lawyer for an emergency physicians group says its lawsuit against Envision Healthcare should be allowed to proceed even though the company has filed for Chapter 11 protection.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on moms, hearing aids, sign language, animal testing, MSG, and more.
Florida’s Governor Signs Laws To Limit Public Health Protections Like Vaccines
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed a set of “medical freedom” laws, Axios reports, including bans on mask and vaccine mandates, plus new conscience protections for health providers. Another move forces hospitals that accept Medicaid to quiz patients on their immigration status.
Mpox Is No Longer A Public Health Emergency: WHO
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The global health emergency status of mpox lasted 10 months, but the World Health Organization now says it’s time to focus on managing the long-term aspects of the viral disease. Meanwhile, drug-resistant ringworm is found in the U.S. for the first time.
Pressure Rises On NIH Over Slow Progress Against Long Covid
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Rep. Anna Eshoo, the House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee’s top Democrat, is demanding answers from the National Institutes of Health over its slow progress in tackling long covid. Sleep apnea’s link to long covid is also in the news.
Ohio’s August Election Has Huge Implications For Abortion Rights
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The GOP-controlled legislature approved an Aug. 8 measure that will ask voters to increase the threshold needed to change the constitution from 50% to 60%, a move aimed at defeating a likely ballot measure in the November election that would guarantee abortion rights. August elections typically have a low turnout.
White House Targets Staff-To-Patient Numbers; Nursing Homes Push Back
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Axios explains a “fight” over nursing home staff mandates is pitting the industry against organized labor and some senior lawmakers in Congress, as the Biden administration wants to mandate staffing numbers to assure high-quality care. Other news includes nursing staff pickets, layoffs, and more.
Drug Shortages May Get Even Worse; Cancer Drugs Among Worst-Hit
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
A report in CIDRAP says that while covid worsened the U.S. health care supply chain, it was “in trouble long before” and that drug and medical device shortages could get worse, according to experts. CNN notes cancer drugs are among the top 5 most affected.
CDC Data Show Teen Mental Health Crisis May Be Fading As Covid Wanes
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
New CDC data show U.S. adolescents made fewer weekly visits to emergency departments for mental health issues in Fall 2022 compared to 2021. But teen suicide and overdose ED visit rates remain high.
Judge Strikes Down Barrier On 18- To 20-Year-Olds From Buying Handguns
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The ruling would dismantle decades-old laws and regulations that prohibit federally licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to those under 21. U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne said the measures violated the Second Amendment.
Debt Meeting Pushed To Next Week While Behind-The-Scenes Deal Sought
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
As the U.S. inches closer to possible debt default, The Wall Street Journal reports that staff-level talks have made progress toward a compromise, including over clawing back unspent pandemic funds from the states. And Vox examines the role of Medicaid work requirements in the negotiations.
Senate HELP Committee Passes Drug-Pricing Bills, Skips One PBM Reform
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The measures that the Senate health panel did advance include provisions that would ban pharmacy benefit managers from using so-called spread pricing and would require them to pass along rebates and payments they receive to insurers. Chair Bernie Sanders dropped for now one major PBM reform to end administrative fees based on a percentage of a drug’s list price.
More Gay Men Now Eligible To Donate Blood Under Final FDA Rules
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Blood banks can now implement revised FDA guidelines that allow gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships to give blood in the U.S. without abstaining from sex.
Morning Briefing for Friday, May 12, 2023
May 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Next-gen covid vaccines, drug prices, blood donors, AI, teen mental health crisis, shortages, and more are in the news. Plus, weekend reads.