As Nonprofit Hospitals Reap Big Tax Breaks, States Scrutinize Their Required Charity Spending
By Andy Miller and Markian Hawryluk
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.
Daily Edition for Monday, July 10, 2023
Excessive Heat Comes To California: In addition to warning people to stay hydrated and avoid overexposure to the heat, the National Weather Service is urging Californians to “Look before you lock!” to avoid trapping children, the elderly, or pets in a hot car. Read more from the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle.
What You Need to Know About the Drug Price Fight in Those TV Ads
By Arthur Allen
At least nine bills introduced in Congress take aim at pharmacy benefit managers, the powerful middlemen that channel prescription drugs to patients.
Proposed PFAS Rule Would Cost Companies Estimated $1B; Lacks Limits and Cleanup Requirement
By Michael Scaturro
A proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule calls for companies to disclose PFAS manufactured or imported since 2011. The chemical industry is upset because such compliance would cost an estimated $1 billion, while environmental health advocates worry because the rule wouldn’t ban the chemicals outright.
Meet the People Deciding How to Spend $50 Billion in Opioid Settlement Cash
By Aneri Pattani
As settlement dollars land at the state level, state councils wield significant power in determining how the windfall gets spent. And, though they will likely include the most knowledgeable voices on addiction, these panels also face concerns about conflicts of interest and other issues.
Daily Edition for Friday, July 7, 2023
Companies Can’t Be Held Liable For Covid Spread, State Supreme Court Rules: Employers in California are not legally responsible for preventing the spread of covid-19 from their employees to the employees’ family members, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday. Read more from the Los Angeles Times.
‘It Was a Bloodbath’: Rare Dialysis Complication Can Kill, and More Could Be Done To Stop It
By Brett Kelman
A venous needle dislodgment is a rare dialysis complication that can kill a patient in minutes. Some experts worry those who treat themselves at home are at increased risk.
Idaho Drops Panel Investigating Pregnancy-Related Deaths as US Maternal Mortality Surges
By Natalie Schachar
Amid a years-long rise in maternal mortality rates in the United States, Idaho lawmakers decided to disband a committee created to investigate pregnancy-related deaths.
Daily Edition for Thursday, July 6, 2023
Proposed Gun-Control Amendment Could Have Unintended Consequences, Some Say: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to enact national gun control measures through an unprecedented constitutional convention has rankled some members of his own party who worry it could open a Pandora’s box of prospective changes to the U.S. Constitution. Read more from The San Francisco Chronicle.
