With More People Giving Birth at Home, Montana Passed a Pair of Laws to Make It Easier
By Keely Larson
July 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The state now requires Medicaid to cover midwife services and has expanded the list of prescription drugs midwives can administer.
Excessive Drinking During the Pandemic Increased Alcoholic Liver Disease Death Rates
By Phillip Reese
July 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The number of Californians dying from alcoholic liver disease rose dramatically in the last decade, sped by the pandemic.
Groups Sue to Overturn Idaho ‘Abortion Trafficking’ Law Targeting Teens
By Sarah Varney
July 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
It is illegal to help a minor obtain an abortion in Idaho or leave the state for one without parental consent. The lawsuit says the ban infringes on the right to interstate travel and First Amendment freedoms.
Different Takes: Climate Change Is Killing Us; You Could Have Diabetes And Not Know It
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss climate change and its effect on our health, diabetes, health impacts of summer birthdays, and more.
Doxycycline Has Promise As Post-Sex STD Preventative
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
NPR reports research shows that as post-exposure prophylaxis, doxycycline can lower the risk of contracting bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Separately, the Washington Post covers research showing 1.3 billion people will have diabetes worldwide by 2050.
Dangerous Heat Incoming: Multiple States Under Temperature Warning
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
A heat wave is already leading to hospital visits in Florida, WMFE reports. But it’s now expected to hit 100 degrees elsewhere in the South and even the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Chronicle reports that this year’s weather is bringing another agony: booming mosquito populations.
No One Has Called An NYC Hotline To Force People Into Psych Evaluations
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Politico says the hotline is designed to help NYPD officers determine if someone should be forced to undergo an evaluation, but it’s remained unused for around six months since launch. Meanwhile, Minnesota Public Radio reports soaring use of the 988 mental health crisis line.
Researchers Take A Closer Look At Rare ‘Long Vax Syndrome’
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Scientists and doctors are aiming to deepen their understanding of a rare link between receiving a covid-19 vaccination and developing side effects that resemble long covid, something that’s being called “long vax syndrome.” Other covid-related news is on long covid, the constitutionality of a Minnesota mask mandate, and more.
FDA Permits More Chinese Cancer Drug Imports As Shortage Hits Patients
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Bloomberg reminds us that the ongoing drug shortage is forcing doctors to ration care and putting patients’ lives at risk. Separately, the hot-topic weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Saxenda are being investigated in the EU due to reports of suicidal thoughts from some patients.
HCA Reveals Extraordinary Data Breach Affecting Millions Of Patients
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
CNBC and Stat report on the hack of patient information across nearly two dozen states, which Stat suggests may be “likely the largest data breach ever reported by a health care provider.” Other news from the health care industry is on private equity, naturopaths, medical tourism, and more.
Abortions In Iowa Could Abruptly Stop By Wednesday
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
GOP lawmakers have a timeline for a one-day special session that could lead to a final vote as soon as tonight, the Des Moines Register said. The legislation they are debating would ban nearly all abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The ban would take effect immediately after the governor signed it.
GOP Lawmakers Say Fauci, Other NIH Leaders Were Reappointed Illegally
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
“If Dr. Fauci was never reappointed,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter last week to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, “every action he took is potentially invalid.” The Department of Health and Human Services insisted the appointments were legal and said claims “are clearly politically motivated.”
Biden Administration Unveils Plan To Reduce ‘Tranq’ Overdose Deaths
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
The strategy includes increased testing of people who have overdosed, testing confiscated street drugs for xylazine, and figuring out how to stop xylazine from entering the drug supply, NBC News reported.
First Edition: July 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As Nonprofit Hospitals Reap Big Tax Breaks, States Scrutinize Their Required Charity Spending
By Andy Miller and Markian Hawryluk
July 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Nonprofit hospitals avoid paying taxes if they provide community benefits such as charity care. More states are examining that trade-off, scrutinizing the extent of hospitals’ spending on their communities.
Mental Health Respite Facilities Are Filling Care Gaps in Over a Dozen States
By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock
July 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As three years of pandemic stress accelerated an ongoing nationwide mental health crisis, peer respite programs diverted patients from overburdened emergency rooms, psychiatric institutions, and behavioral therapists. Now, more “respites” are opening.
Viewpoints: Secular Version Of AA Needed For Non-Religious Alcoholics; Steps To Help Struggling Teens
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle AA treatment issues, mental health, PTSD, and more.
Experts Unsure Why More Kids And Teens Are Getting Kidney Stones
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports that young girls are particularly affected and that experts speculate a mix of issues like diets rich in ultra-processed foods and dehydration may be playing a part. Meanwhile, the New York Times covers worries that the antibiotic shortage may drive up syphilis rates.