Federal news
Lots of legislative health-related stories are in the headlines. Here are some of the highlights:
MLA comments on the use of the FHIR standard for capturing and sharing clinical data [MLA, 11/22/2019]
“Today, the Medical Library Association (MLA) commented on how the Health Level Seven International (HL7®) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard could be used to capture, integrate, and exchange clinical data for research purposes and to enhance capabilities to share research data.”
668,000 will lose food stamp benefits under new work rules [Associated Press, 12/4/2019]
House GOP unveils alternative drug pricing measure ahead of Pelosi vote [The Hill, 12/9/2019]
Deal banning surprise medical bills also ups tobacco purchase age to 21 [Roll Call, 12/8/2019]
Health care spending grew at a faster rate in 2018 [Axios, 12/5/2019]
“U.S. health care spending climbed again not because people went to the doctor or hospital more frequently, but because the industry charged higher prices.”
Major journal editors blast EPA’s ‘secret science’ rule, again [Science, 11/26/2019]
“The proposal could become ‘a mechanism for suppressing the use of relevant scientific evidence in policy-making, including public health regulations,’ the editors of Science, Nature, PLOS, Cell Press, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences write today in a joint statement.”