Georgia Moves To Limit Public Vaping Like Smoking
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
Georgia lawmakers are reported to have given final passage to a bill that would restrict public vaping in the same way the state limits smoking, with the bill now going to the governor. Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, also has a bill on his desk that would ban gender care for minors.
Hormonal Birth Control Linked To Small Rise In Breast Cancer Risk
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new study says that most hormonal birth control methods have more or less the same, small, impact on higher breast cancer risks. In other news, Gerber recalls infant formula; contaminated eye drop death toll climbs; worries over the rise of candida auris, and more.
1 In 3 Vets Concerned Over Health Care Costs, 8% Forgo Treatment
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
A survey shows more than a third of military veterans under 65 worry over their ability to pay medical bills, no matter their type of coverage. Separately, a report says medical debt in Illinois disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities. Varying costs of brain imaging are also in the news.
Liver Transplant Rule Changes Benefit Some States, But Not Poorer Ones
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
An analysis of the new rules covering donated livers shows that while patients in New York, California, and other states benefit, patients in other, mostly poorer, states do not. Also in the news, relief in shortages of some weight loss drugs, even as other drug shortages continue.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, March 22, 2023
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
Abortion laws, covid origins, vaccine schedules, high health costs, liver transplant rules, birth control, vaping, and more are in the news.
FDA Mulls Next Round Of Covid Shots As Americans Wonder What To Do Next
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
U.S. health officials are weighing whether to authorize a second round of Omicron-targeted boosters, the Wall Street Journal reported. And new research suggests people who got covid before getting a vaccination may be less protected than previously thought.
Report Released On Covid Samples Found In Wuhan Raccoon Dogs
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
The analysis by an international group of scientists of previously unseen genetic samples taken in January 2020 bolsters the theory that animals at the market in China are the source of the covid outbreak. The findings were previewed last week, and the preprint report was released Monday night.
Oklahoma Court Loosens Abortion Ban To Allow Saving A Woman’s Life
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
The state Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that a physician can terminate a pregnancy if they have determined “to a reasonable degree of medical certainty” that the pregnant person’s life is in danger. “Absolute certainty” isn’t required, but “mere possibility” isn’t enough.
First Edition: March 22, 2023
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Prescription for Housing? California Wants Medicaid to Cover 6 Months of Rent
By Angela Hart
March 22, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Gov. Gavin Newsom is making a bold push for Medicaid health plans to provide more housing support. He argues it’s cheaper to pay for rent than to allow homeless people to fall into crisis, which requires costly care in hospitals, nursing homes, and jails.
A Lot of Thought, Little Action: Proposals About Mental Health Go Unheeded
By Sam Ogozalek, Tampa Bay Times
March 22, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A recent report detailing problems with Florida’s patchwork mental health system had reached conclusions nearly identical to those of a similar report from more than 20 years ago. The echoes between the findings are unmistakable. And Florida isn’t the only state struggling with the criminalization of mental illness, a lack of coordination between providers, and insufficient access to treatment.
End of Covid Emergency Will Usher in Changes Across the US Health System
By Rachana Pradhan
March 22, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The May 11 expiration of the federal government’s pandemic emergency declaration will affect patient care across a broad range of settings, including telemedicine, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, March 21, 2023
March 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Covid origins, a deadly fungus, abortion laws, xylazine, mental health, weight loss drugs, nursing homes, and more are in the news.
Infectious Disease, Deadly Heat Risks As UN Warns On Climate Emergency
March 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets cover a dramatic warning from the United Nations: Its climate change report alerts that the world is set to pass a “dangerous temperature threshold” soon, with implications for human health and well-being, including deadly heat waves. Forever chemicals are also in the news.
States Crack Down On Neglect, Abuse Of Developmentally Disabled Patients
March 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham warned caregivers Monday, “If you’re not providing the care that you were supposed to provide, we will find you and you will be held accountable. That’s it — zero tolerance. … We are coming.” Meanwhile, an audit in Georgia found unsafe conditions at facilities that care for vulnerable adults.
Xylazine Found Across US, Prompts DEA Warning Over ‘Tranq’
March 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram warned about the mixture of xylazine and “the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl.” CBS News reports the drug mix known as tranq is found in almost every state. Prescription opioids for elderly patients are also in the news.
It’s Not Just TikTok: Warnings That All Social Media Have Mental Health Risks
March 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Bloomberg covers warnings from an advocacy group that says despite the focus on mental health and security risks from TikTok, all other social media platforms also pose a risk. Meanwhile, the stars of hit show “Ted Lasso” visited the White House to promote mental health care.
Senator Urges Review Of Dietary Guidance Panel Over Weight Loss Drugs
March 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Citing conflicts of interest, Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican, is calling on the HHS and Department of Agriculture to examine vetting of a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, with a focus on one member over weight loss drug company links. Also in the news: gene therapies, ALS drugs, more.
High Rate Of Crime Medical Exams Pushes Colorado Hospital To Build Unit
March 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Colorado Sun reports on UCHealth Memorial Hospital’s “first-of-its-kind” forensic nursing center. Also: In Kentucky, a bill aims at boosting rural hospitals; it’s hoped a new hospital designation in Iowa will keep rural facilities open; four Florida hospitals are among top in heart care; and more.