Legislation Archives - Page 10 of 39

The State of the Union Is … Busy

Episode 337

March 7, 2024

At last, Congress is getting half of its annual spending bills across the finish line, albeit five months after the start of the fiscal year. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden delivers his annual State of the Union address, an over-the-counter birth control pill is (finally) available, and controversy erupts over new public health guidelines for covid-19 isolation. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Neera Tanden, the White House domestic policy adviser, about Biden’s health agenda. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too.

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When It Comes to Ketamine, Meta’s Posting Policy Is No Party to Decipher

Despite growing awareness that the party drug is dangerous, the social media company is open to promotion of the drug in treating mental health.

By Darius Tahir

March 7, 2024

A digital illustration of a circle of hands extending from the edge of the image, each holding a sheet of paper. The papers overlap in the center and, like a puzzle, come together to reveal a drawing of a handgun. The gun is partially pixelated, representing the data and information each person is adding to the pile. In the background, a yellow spotlight made of Ben-Day dots eclipses the research over a textured black background.

Why Even Public Health Experts Have Limited Insight Into Stopping Gun Violence in America

After the 1996 Dickey Amendment halted federal spending on research into firearms risks, a small group of academics pressed on, with little money or political support, to document the nation’s growing gun violence problem and start to understand what can be done to curb the public health crisis.

By Christine Spolar

March 6, 2024

The Health 202

Why Hospitals in Many States With Legal Abortion May Refuse To Perform Them

By Rachana Pradhan

March 5, 2024

The Health 202

Biden’s Got a Taker for One of His Gun Safety Proposals: California

By Samantha Young

March 4, 2024

A stethoscope and voting pin rests on top of an American flag.

America Worries About Health Costs — And Voters Want to Hear From Biden and Republicans

The presidential election is likely to turn on the simple question of whether Americans want Donald Trump back in the White House. But health care tops the list of household financial worries for adults from both parties.

By Julie Appleby and Phil Galewitz

March 4, 2024

How a Friend’s Death Turned Colorado Teens Into Anti-Overdose Activists

High school students in Colorado are pushing for a change they say is necessary to combat fentanyl poisoning: ensuring students can't get in trouble for carrying the overdose reversal drug naloxone wherever they go, including at school.

By Rae Ellen Bichell

March 1, 2024

A photograph of Rohit Chopra during the senate hearing. He holds his chin in his left hand in a contemplative position.

Diagnosis: Debt

With Medical Debt Burdening Millions, a Financial Regulator Steps In to Help

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, created after the Great Recession of 2007-09, has increasingly started policing the health care system.

By Noam N. Levey

March 1, 2024

California Takes Up White House Call to Toughen Gun Storage Rules

State lawmakers are weighing legislation that would require gun owners to keep their firearms locked up most of the time, a move advocated by the Biden administration.

By Samantha Young

Feb. 29, 2024

A photo of signage on a paneled building directing people to separate gendered bathrooms.

Bathroom Bills Are Back — Broader and Stricter — In Several States

State lawmakers are resurrecting and expanding efforts to prohibit transgender people from using public restrooms and other spaces that match their gender. Some have sought to ban trans people from “sex-designated spaces,” including domestic violence shelters and crisis centers, which experts say could violate anti-discrimination laws and jeopardize federal funding.

By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez

Feb. 29, 2024

A photo of a sign that reads, "United States Environmental Protection Agency."

Toxic Gas That Sterilizes Medical Devices Prompts Safety Rule Update

The Environmental Protection Agency is tightening regulation of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic gas used to sterilize medical devices. The agency is trying to balance the interests of the health care industry supply chain with those of communities where the gas creates airborne health risks.

By Andy Miller and Sam Whitehead

Feb. 29, 2024

The Health 202

The Supreme Court Confronts a Public Health Challenge: Homeless Encampments

By Angela Hart

Feb. 28, 2024

A diverse group of unrecognizable medical practitioners wearing scrubs listen to a lecture and take notes.

California Lawsuit Spotlights Broad Legal Attack on Anti-Bias Training in Health Care

State laws requiring doctor training on how bias affects treatment violate teachers’ right to free speech, opponents say.

By Ronnie Cohen

Feb. 28, 2024

A street sign for South Dakota Right to Life.

A Government Video Would Explain When Abortion Is Legal in South Dakota

South Dakota allows doctors to terminate a pregnancy only if a patient’s life is in jeopardy. Lawmakers say a government-created video would clarify what that exception actually means.

By Arielle Zionts

Feb. 27, 2024

Samuel Buckles, an older man, sits on the ground outside with his dog in his lap. The small black dog reaches up to lick Buckles' face. Behind them is a green tent, where Buckles resides.

California Gov. Newsom Wants Voters to Approve Billions More to Help the Homeless. Will It Help?

A March 5 ballot initiative seeks $6.4 billion to build thousands of new housing units and provide mental health treatment for homeless people — on top of the billions already being spent to address the public health crisis. Despite significant support from health and law enforcement officials, many front-line workers are skeptical that more money is the answer.

By Angela Hart

Feb. 26, 2024

What the Health? From KFF Health News

Alabama Court Rules Embryos Are Children. What Now?

Episode 335

Feb. 22, 2024

In a first-of-its-kind ruling, the Alabama Supreme Court has determined that embryos created for in vitro fertilization procedures are legally people. The decision has touched off massive confusion about potential ramifications, and the University of Alabama-Birmingham has paused its IVF program. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to endorse a national 16-week abortion ban, while his former administration officials are planning further reproductive health restrictions for a possible second term. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Rachana Pradhan of KFF Health News, and Victoria Knight of Axios join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too.

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A photo of a man speaking to a therapist across from him, who is writing on a clipboard.

Health Care Workers Push for Their Own Confidential Mental Health Treatment

Montana may join about a dozen other states in creating “safe havens” that keep health care professionals from facing scrutiny from licensure boards for seeking mental health or addiction treatment.

By Katheryn Houghton

Feb. 22, 2024

A woman with long dark hair and wearing a white doctor's coat stands in a hallway with arms by her side and looks at the camera.

The Powerful Constraints on Medical Care in Catholic Hospitals Across America

The expansion of Catholic hospitals nationwide leaves patients at the mercy of the church’s religious directives, which are often at odds with accepted medical standards.

By Rachana Pradhan and Hannah Recht

Feb. 17, 2024

The Health 202