Lawsuit Challenges FDA Approval Of Abortion Medication
November 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Alliance for Defending Freedom, which was involved with the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, has asked a federal judge in Texas to overturn FDA approval of abortion medications up to the 10th week of pregnancy.
Senators Looking Into Allegation Of 2014 Supreme Court Leak
November 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
According to a New York Times story, an anti-abortion minister told Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts that he received advanced notice of a 2014 case related to contraception and religious rights. The news comes as part of the investigation into last spring’s bombshell leak of the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Justice Samuel Alito denies that he or his wife were involved in the alleged older leak.
First Edition: Nov. 21, 2022
November 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
After Election Win, California’s AG Turns to Investigating Hospital Algorithms for Racial Bias
By Mark Kreidler
November 21, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Attorney General Rob Bonta handily won election on a progressive, social justice platform. He’s already begun with an inquiry into hospital software programs that might bake in racial discrimination.
Audits — Hidden Until Now — Reveal Millions in Medicare Advantage Overcharges
By Fred Schulte and Holly K. Hacker
November 21, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Taxpayers had to foot the bills for care that should have cost far less, according to records released after KHN filed a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act. The government may seek to recover up to $650 million as a result.
Patient Mistrust and Poor Access Hamper Federal Efforts to Overhaul Family Planning
By Renuka Rayasam
November 21, 2022
KFF Health News Original
For decades, many women of color, particularly those with low incomes, had little control over their family planning care. Now, a White House effort aims to give patients more choices as abortion care evaporates, but patients remain wary of providers.
Viewpoints: Health Insurance Should Cover IVF; Massachusetts Is Ideal Location For ARPA-H
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle IVF, ARPA-H, covid and more.
Abortion Ban Exemptions Don’t Include Mental Crises In Some States
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
AP draws attention to what mental health advocates reportedly call a “cruel quirk” in some state abortion bans: Some medical exemptions exist where psychiatric ones don’t. Meanwhile, a Texas bill would allow a fetus to count as a second passenger for HOV lanes.
Oklahoma Seeks To Set Temperature Standards For Shipped Medications
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
Oklahoma announced proposed regulations to improve safety conditions for mailed medications, many of which can be impacted by heat. Health news from other states relates to a measles outbreak, medical marijuana, hunger, and more.
Cancer Screenings Haven’t Rebounded To Pre-Covid Levels
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
Data shows that screenings for a number of common cancers have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, with potential long-term health implications. Teen vaping habits, oral diseases, a ground beef recall, and the fentanyl crisis are also in the news.
Justice Dept. Probes Mental Health Care In Oklahoma Over Discrimination
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
The investigation will look at whether Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and the city’s police department have discriminatory practices when it comes to people with behavioral mental health disabilities. Separately, data show “thousands” of Florida students were involuntarily committed last year.
Theranos Ex-CEO Sentenced To More Than 11 Years In Prison
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
Elizabeth Holmes was sentenced Friday to 135 months, or 11.25 years, in prison for defrauding investors of failed blood-testing firm Theranos. Meanwhile, Reuters reports on plans to make pharma firms disclose their pricing and agreed deals in future global health emergencies.
WHO Negotiates Plans For Beating The Next Pandemic
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
The World Health Organization’s agreement has a target date of May 2024, and would be legally binding by its 194 member countries. Also: virtual reality solutions for real-world health care problems; the Sanford Health-Fairview Health proposed merger; and more.
No Link Found Between Shingles And Covid Vaccine In Larger Study
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
The findings of a trial involving more than 2 million people in the U.S. disputed smaller studies that reported a possible connection. Separately, more research is urged on the covid vaccine’s impact on menstrual cycles.
As Covid Rises, LA County Again Advises Indoor Masking
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Los Angeles Times reports that the daily number of new covid cases has risen almost 70% versus a month ago. The San Francisco Chronicle says that across the whole state, cases are up 36% over two weeks ago.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on the 1918 flu pandemic, abortion, safe sex, the racial health gap, digging holes to relieve stress, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, November 18, 2022
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
Friday’s roundup covers diabetes, nursing homes, RSV, flu, covid vaccines, masking, cancer screenings, mental health, drug safety, and more.
Some Hospitals Restrict Visitors Due To RSV And Flu Surges
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
As respiratory cases soar, several hospital systems in Arizona and North Carolina are limiting visitors. And news outlets report on capacity at other facilities with hospitalizations on the rise.
Pelosi Cast Long Shadow On Health Issues As Democratic Leader
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
As Nancy Pelosi announced that she will step down as the Democrats’ House leader, news outlets examined her legacy on key health issues like the Affordable Care Act while Pelosi touched on the trauma of the violent attack on her husband. Other congressional news reports are on Medicaid, insulin costs, and more.
Concerns Over Rising Use Of Drugs To ‘Restrain’ Nursing Home Patients
November 18, 2022
Morning Briefing
A report from the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services found that nursing homes continue to give psychotropic drugs to a high percentage of residents more than a decade after regulators began scrutinizing how the medicines are used.