Overnight Health Care: Dems call for vote on allowing CDC gun violence research | Health chief looks at actions to tackle high drug prices | NJ restores Planned Parenthood funding

House Dems call for vote on lifting gun violence research limits

A group of House Democrats is calling on Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) to take up a bill to repeal restrictions on gun violence research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The push to lift the restriction has gained new attention in the wake of the school shooting last week in Florida.

“Mr. Speaker, you have said we need more facts and data on this issue and we agree,” the group of seven House Democrats wrote in a letter to Ryan. “Federal research is essential to provide us the facts and data we deserve to protect every American and prevent more senseless tragedies.”

At issue is an annual provision in appropriations bills that states, “None of the funds made available in this title may be used, in whole or in part, to advocate or promote gun control.”

Read more here.

 

Health chief exploring more actions on high drug prices

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar says his department is working on additional proposals aimed at high drug prices, including some that could be enacted without congressional action.

In an interview with WTHR in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Azar pointed to the proposals to Congress on drug pricing that the administration made in its budget this month, but also said the department is working on other proposals that might not need congressional approval.

“We look forward to working with Congress to get those proposals enacted and we’re continuing to work with more proposals that we’ll move forward with on our own authority if we’re able,” Azar said, according to WTHR.

The administration is moving forward on its own with drug pricing proposals that would raise the chances for some action this year, given that it is always tough for Congress to pass controversial drug pricing measures, especially in an election year.

President Trump has repeatedly attacked high drug prices and called for action, but advocates have faulted the administration for taking relatively little action so far.

Read more here.

 

NJ restores funding for Planned Parenthood

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Wednesday signed a bill restoring millions of dollars of funding to Planned Parenthood and other women’s health groups that had been cut by his predecessor, Chris Christie (R).

The law restores $7.45 million in funding to Planned Parenthood and other facilities, and is the first bill Murphy has signed since taking office.

“We cannot immediately undo the damage of eight years of vetoed women’s health care funding under Governor Christie,” he said.

“But we can put the era of putting personal politics before the needs of countless thousands of New Jerseyans behind us. We are one state, one family, and we will stand in support of everyone’s access to family planning, to prenatal care, and to life-saving cancer screenings.”

Read more here.

 

Shulkin says he has White House approval to root out ‘subversion’ at VA

Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin has the White House’s approval to root out agency staffers who oppose his policies and defy his leadership, he told Politico Tuesday night.

Shulkin’s new chief of staff, Peter O’Rourke, is reportedly meeting with each VA staffer who is believed to have gone against Shulkin or pushed for his ouster.

“Those who crossed the line in the past are going to have to be accountable for those decisions,” Shulkin told Politico.

He did not specify how many people were involved in what he called “subversive events,” but multiple appointees have reportedly defied his orders and pushed for his ouster as head of the VA.

Read more here.

 

Alaska state lawmakers look to impose Medicaid work requirements

Lawmakers in the Alaska Legislature have introduced bills that would require the state to seek work requirements for those enrolled in Medicaid.

The bills follow the Trump administration’s decision earlier this year to allow states to seek such requirements on Medicaid beneficiaries.

The legislation was introduced earlier this week in the Alaska Senate and last Friday in the state House.

It requires the state to craft a waiver asking the federal government for permission to implement a 20 hour per week requirement that Medicaid beneficiaries are working, looking for a job, participating in educational or training programs, volunteering or other such activities.

Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance for states on designing work requirements in Medicaid, marking a major change for the health insurance program for low-income and disabled Americans.

Read more here.

 

FDA recalls dietary supplements after opioid declaration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday announced a recall of dietary supplements that contain kratom, following the agency’s decision to classify the herb as an opioid.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb also urged manufacturers to stop selling products intended for human consumption if they contain kratom.

“The extensive scientific data we’ve evaluated about kratom provides conclusive evidence that compounds contained in kratom are opioids and are expected to have similar addictive effects as well as risks of abuse, overdose and, in some cases, death,” Gottlieb said in a statement. “At the same time, there’s no evidence to indicate that kratom is safe or effective for any medical use.”

Last week, the FDA released findings showing kratom acts like an opioid and can be dangerous and addictive.

Read more here.

 

What we’re reading

CRISPR could end sickle cell, but will African-Americans enroll in studies? (STAT)

HHS secretary promises ‘open and transparent’ relationship with media (AHCJ)

Trump’s nominee for Indian health post withdraws (The Wall Street Journal)

 

State by state

Maryland ponders way to stabilize health insurance markets (Associated Press)

Five states, five different patterns for health care spending (Modern Health Care)