FDA To Overhaul Its Oversight Of Tobacco, Nicotine Products
February 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Roll Call notes the Food and Drug Administration’s changes come in response to a report critical of its rules regarding oversight and e-cigarette reviews. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf also spoke on the benefits of e-cigarettes over traditional tobacco products.
Federal Judge: Funds For Out-Of-Texas Abortions Are Safe From Prosecutors
February 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin ruled Friday that local prosecutors in Texas can’t use state laws to prosecute organizations that help fund and arrange abortions for Texans in other states where they are legal. The Texas Tribune tempers the news with the words “likely safe,” however.
Stomach Bug Shigella Is Increasingly Drug Resistant, Warns CDC
February 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets cover a new warning from the CDC concerning a rise of serious gastrointestinal infections from the Shigella bacteria, which seems to be increasingly resistant to common antibiotics. Bird flu and Naegleria fowleri are also in the news.
‘Major Milestone’: First Home Test For Covid And Flu Authorized By FDA
February 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
The FDA approved Friday an emergency use authorization for the first at-home test that can simultaneously detect both covid and the two most common flu strains in 30 minutes. It’s developed by Lucira Health — which filed for bankruptcy last week — and is a nasal swab similar to other rapid kits people have become used to during the pandemic.
Energy Department Shifts Assessment On Covid Origins To ‘Likely’ Lab Leak
February 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
In a classified intelligence document reported by The Wall Street Journal, the Department of Energy revised its undecided position on the source of the covid pandemic to “likely” originating from an unintentional lab leak in China. The report joins a mix of U.S. intelligence agency judgments on covid’s origins.
First Edition: Feb. 27, 2023
February 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Readers and Tweeters Urgently Plea for a Proper ‘Role’ Call in the ER
February 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KHN gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
California Explores Private Insurance for Immigrants Lacking Legal Status. But Is It Affordable?
By Rachel Bluth
February 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Nearly half a million Californians without legal residency make too much to qualify for Medicaid yet they can’t afford to buy coverage. A state lawmaker is proposing to open up the state’s health insurance exchange as a first step to providing them affordable insurance.
After Capping Insulin Copays, Colorado Sets Its Sights on EpiPens
By Helen Santoro
February 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Colorado’s proposed legislation to cap the copay for the EpiPen is part of a nationwide trend as more states try to shield patients from skyrocketing drug prices.
Dementia Care Programs Help, If Caregivers Can Find Them
By Judith Graham
February 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Programs assisting people with dementia — and their caregivers — improve quality of life and care. But millions of unpaid family and friend caregivers may not know where or how to find help.
Different Takes: Americans, Especially Teenagers, Are Struggling With Mental Health
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle the mental health crisis in America.
Ohio Lt. Gov. Says Residents Near Train Crash Can ‘Drink Bottled Water’
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, a Republican, drank tap water to show it’s safe, the Hill reported, but he said local residents could switch to bottled water if they remain concerned over health risks after the toxic train derailment. In New York, news on Mayor Eric Adams’ new mental health plan.
Morning Briefing for Friday, February 24, 2023
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
TGIF: Mifepristone’s fate, the fentanyl crisis, forever chemicals, health worker shortages, mental health, and more in today’s health news.
Health Providers Struggle With Worsening Issue Of Worker Shortages
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Primary care practices, insurers, doctors, residents, and nursing homes are at all at the center of a critical challenge widely impacting the health care industry around the nation.
Humana Reveals Plans To Exit Employer-Based Insurance Market
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on a new strategy from health insurer Humana: it will take up to two years to exit the employer-based insurance business, and instead focus on government-backed programs like Medicare Advantage. Amazon, SimpliFed, DaVita, Teledoc, and more are also in the news.
Big Tech: Data’s Racial Biases Must Be Fixed Before AI Health Care Expands
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
With generative AI in the news, Google and Microsoft officials spoke on the use of AI in health care, highlighting problems from implicit racial biases built into health data. Meanwhile, CIDRAP reports that celebrity Twitter users helped swing public opinion on pandemic responses.
Majority Of States Fail To Keep Lead Out Of School Drinking Water
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new analysis out Thursday found many American school children are at risk of lead exposure when drinking water at school — 27 states earned an “F.” Other public health news is on food stamps; Ozempic and childhood obesity; weather’s impact on health; hunger; and more.
Senators Renew Push For Research On Health Impact Of Forever Chemicals
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Senators are backing the Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act with the goal of driving research into the health impacts of PFAS contamination. And actor Mark Ruffalo joins advocates raising awareness of the issue. Separately, lawmakers are scrutinizing the patents around cancer drug Keytruda.
Far-Reaching Judicial Decision Looms On Fate Of Abortion Pill Mifepristone
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Vice President Kamala Harris is meeting with reproductive rights groups at the White House Friday and speak in defense of the drug used in medicated abortions, as well as the “authority” of the FDA, a U.S. official told Reuters. News outlets look ahead to a critical decision expected soon from a Texas judge.