Rather than simply reward top-performing facilities, the state’s Medicaid program will hand bonuses to nursing homes — even low-rated ones — for hiring more workers and reducing staff turnover.
Category: Public Health
One Texas Judge Will Decide Fate of Abortion Pill Used by Millions of American Women
“What happens in Texas doesn’t stay in Texas,” warns an abortion rights advocate bracing for a district judge’s ruling on whether the abortion pill mifepristone was properly authorized by the FDA. His decision could force the medication off the U.S. market.
Senators Have Mental Health Crises, Too
When U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania checked himself into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment of depression this month, he got an unusual reaction from his colleagues in Congress: compassion. It’s a far cry from how politicians once kept their mental health issues under wraps at all costs. Meanwhile, GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley is stirring up controversy by proposing that all politicians over age 75 be required to pass a mental competency test to hold office. Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post join KHN chief Washington correspondent 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.
What experts are saying about the potential for a 2nd flu wave
Flu activity continues to dwindle nationwide, and although its patterns are hard to predict, experts say there has not been evidence to suggest influenza B will drive a second wave.
FDA expands recall of eye products tied to bacterial infections
The FDA expanded its recall for eye drops potentially contaminated with a highly drug-resistant bacteria that has hospitalized 16 and blinded six patients, CBS News reported Feb. 22.
States Seek Crackdown on Toxic Ingredients in Cosmetics to Close Gaps in Federal Oversight
Washington state regulators found formaldehyde, lead, and arsenic in lipstick, powder foundations, skin lotions, and hair products marketed to and popular with women of color. Now legislators there are seeking to ban the products and, like at least a dozen other states, make up for lax federal rules.
CDC to probe aftermath of Ohio train derailment
The CDC is sending epidemiologists and environmental health scientists to the area in Ohio where a train derailed in early February, Politico reported Feb. 21.
Climbing norovirus infections have physicians on alert
Norovirus rates continue to climb after the CDC recently reported 15 percent of test results for the virus are coming back positive nationwide — the highest rate since March, ABC News reported Feb. 10.
New exercise goal reduces hospitalizations by up to 23%: Study
A large, seven-year study found 20 minutes of daily exercise reduced hospitalizations from 4 percent to 23 percent for different conditions, U.S. News and World Report reported Feb. 20.
A Law Was Meant to Free Sick or Aging Inmates. Instead, Some Are Left to Die in Prison.
The First Step Act was supposed to help free terminally ill and aging federal inmates who pose little or no threat to public safety. But while petitions for compassionate release skyrocketed during the pandemic, judges denied most requests.
