The Case for Treating Frailty Like a Primary Care Problem Lara Salahi January 22, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/case-treating-frailty-primary-care-problem-2026a100024y

Utah Becomes the First State to Permit AI ‘Decision-Making’ Authority for Prescription Renewals Steph Weber January 22, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/utah-becomes-first-state-permit-ai-decision-making-authority-2026a1000251

More Balance in the US or Not? Medscape International Physician Mental Health & Well-Being Report 2025 Jon McKenna |

https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2025-US-global-mental-health-report-6018461?ecd=WNL_physrep_260121_MSCPEDIT_lifestyle_etid8042959&uac=148436CN&impID=8042959

Alabama hospital system would gain monopoly with proposed $450 million deal ++++++

Alabama hospital system would gain monopoly with proposed $450 million deal People in Huntsville would have just one choice for local care: Huntsville Hospital https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/huntsville-hospital-merger-antitrust-concerns-alabama/ By Bob HermanJan. 22, 2026 Business of Health Care Reporter As FDA raises bar in rare diseases, pivotal moment nears for RegenxBio Plus: Why an upcoming study readout is a big deal for Cytokinetics https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/biotech-rare-diseases-regenxbio-cytokinetics/ By Adam FeuersteinJan. 22, 2026 Senior Writer, Biotech A Goldilocks approach to centralization of high-risk pathogen research This work needs better standards and balance, not fewer labs https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/high-risk-pathogen-research-centralization-concerns/ By David Gillum, Anemone Franz, An Tran, and Kathleen M. VogelJan. 22, 2026 Gillum is associate vice president of compliance and research administration and adjunct faculty in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno. Franz is a visiting research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Tran is a Ph.D. student in the Environmental Science and Health Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. Vogel is a professor at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University. Slingshot pulls therapy chatbot Ash out of U.K. over regulatory concerns The company has said the bot is a ‘wellbeing’ product and not a medical device https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/21/slingshot-therapy-chatbot-ash-uk-regulatory-concerns/ By Mario AguilarJan. 21, 2026 Health Tech Correspondent OpenEvidence raises $250 million, doubling its valuation CEO says $12 billion valuation reflects business potential beyond advertising https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/21/health-ai-starutup-openevidence-raises-250-million/ By Mario AguilarJan. 21, 2026 Health Tech Correspondent As U.S. prepares to exit WHO, it is stiffing the agency on a large bill Hundreds of millions are owed, but no one expects Trump administration to pay https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/21/trump-withdrawal-world-health-organization-leaves-unpaid-bills-behind/ By Helen BranswellJan. 21, 2026 Infectious Diseases Correspondent

Anthony Letai says NCI is more stable than perceived and is heading for a big year ++++

Anthony Letai says NCI is more stable than perceived and is heading for a big year In a Q&A, new director predicts more grants and a focus on immuno-oncology https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/national-cancer-institute-director-anthony-letai-q-and-a/ By Angus ChenJan. 22, 2026 Cancer Reporter Guinea-Bissau says plans for controversial U.S.-funded vaccine study need further review Hepatitis B vaccine trial could still move forward https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/guinea-bissau-hepatitis-b-vaccine-trial/ By Andrew JosephJan. 22, 2026 Europe Correspondent U.S. makes exit from the WHO complete Health experts fear the move comes with enormous risks https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/usa-divorce-world-health-organization-puts-america-at-risk/ By Helen BranswellJan. 22, 2026 Infectious Diseases Correspondent I ask my patients what they’re grateful for. Recently, three of them cried Their responses helped me realize that gratitude without justice is not enough https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/doctor-gratitude-question-made-patients-cry-lesson-learned/ By Joseph TuckerJan. 22, 2026 Tucker is an infectious diseases physician at UNC Chapel Hill.

What RFK Jr.’s milk mustache says about the historic power of dairy in the U.S. AI-inflected campaign is latest twist on government’s special pleading for a symbolic industry

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/new-whole-milk-campaign-raises-questions/ By Sarah ToddJan. 22, 2026 Reporter, Commercial Determinants of Health

AI Health Tools Raise Safety Concerns. Plus, Flu Vaccine Myths Spread During Record Season Irving Washington , Hagere Yilma , and Joel Luther ++

AI Health Tools Raise Safety Concerns. Plus, Flu Vaccine Myths Spread During Record Season Irving Washington, Hagere Yilma, and Joel Luther https://www.kff.org/health-information-trust/ai-health-tools-raise-safety-concerns-plus-flu-vaccine-myths-spread-during-record-season/ A new features from AI companies, like ChatGPT Health and Claude for Healthcare, aim to provide personalized health guidance, but may still provide wrong or dangerous health advice. And, as the U.S. experiences a severe flu season, a vaccine-strain mismatch may be contributing to misconceptions that flu vaccines are ineffective. https://www.kff.org/health-information-trust/ai-health-tools-raise-safety-concerns-plus-flu-vaccine-myths-spread-during-record-season/?utm_campaign=22234741-KFF-Information-Trust&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9cbMxqhqjGIzlROy6UMJ-m77HIyuTSHNHjmeGPurXFm3C1KjFzga-zKYyqhEESFYaxeegxXyNF9xMYyVr1hdw5anWPUg&_hsmi=399787819&utm_content=399787819&utm_source=hs_email Global Health Funding in the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor HHS) Conference Bill & Accompanying Report Published: Jan 22, 2026 https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/global-health-funding-in-the-fy-2026-labor-health-and-human-services-education-and-related-agencies-labor-hhs-conference-bill-accompanying-report/ This budget summary provides an analysis of global health funding amounts provided in the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor HHS) conference bill and accompanying report.

Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs ++

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/research-roundup-the-latest-science-discoveries-and-breakthroughs-52/ Viewpoints: Trump Dodges Abortion As His Base Pushes On; Americans Are Going Broke Without ACA Subsidies https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-trump-dodges-abortion-as-his-base-pushes-on-americans-are-going-broke-without-aca-subsidies/

Research Finds Trace Amounts Of Pesticides, Chemicals In Breast Milk

Research Finds Trace Amounts Of Pesticides, Chemicals In Breast Milk Although researchers were quick to say that the health effects are still unknown, they say this new data could help strengthen chemical regulations as well as protections for infants and parents. Plus, news about abortion access, vasectomies, C-sections, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/research-finds-trace-amounts-of-pesticides-chemicals-in-breast-milk/

FDA Clears AI Radiology Tool That Triages CT Scan For 14 Conditions

FDA Clears AI Radiology Tool That Triages CT Scan For 14 Conditions Aidoc's tool can scan for multiple critical findings — including liver injury, spleen injury, bowel obstruction, and appendicitis — in one abdominal scan, which sets it apart from other approved AI-based medical devices. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/fda-clears-ai-radiology-tool-that-triages-ct-scan-for-14-conditions/

Heart Disease Deaths Drop 2.7% But Remain Top Cause Of Death In US

Heart Disease Deaths Drop 2.7% But Remain Top Cause Of Death In US Other public health news is on measles in Utah, flu vaccination rates among older Americans, Robert Kennedy Jr.'s national “Take Back Your Health” tour, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/heart-disease-deaths-drop-2-7-but-remain-top-cause-of-death-in-us/

Florida Bill Would Criminalize Helping Minors Access Gender-Affirming Care

Florida Bill Would Criminalize Helping Minors Access Gender-Affirming Care Although gender-affirming care is already illegal in Florida, a new bill would change who could be held criminally liable for it. More news from around the nation comes from Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Oregon, New York, and North Carolina. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/florida-bill-would-criminalize-helping-minors-access-gender-affirming-care/

Insurance CEOs In Capitol Hill Hot Seat Over Surging Health Care Costs

Insurance CEOs In Capitol Hill Hot Seat Over Surging Health Care Costs The chief executive officers of UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, Elevance Health, Cigna, and Ascendiun are slated to testify today. One insurer, UnitedHealth Group, has revealed plans to return ACA profits to its marketplace members while Congress works "toward more long-term solutions.” https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/insurance-ceos-in-capitol-hill-hot-seat-over-surging-health-care-costs/

Withdrawal From WHO, Now In Effect, Weakens America’s Sway, Experts Warn

Withdrawal From WHO, Now In Effect, Weakens America’s Sway, Experts Warn Today marks the United States' formal exit from the World Health Organization, of which it had been a member since 1948. Advocates for the disease-fighting alliance see a path to the U.S. agreeing to rejoin, perhaps if the Trump administration sees an American at the helm. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/withdrawal-from-who-now-in-effect-weakens-americas-sway-experts-warn/

Make Us Swoon: Send In Your Health Policy Valentines By KFF Health News Staff January 22, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/health-policy-valentines-annual-contest/

Farmers Now Owe a Lot More for Health Insurance By Sarah Boden and Drew Hawkins, Gulf States Newsroom January 22, 2026

Farmers Now Owe a Lot More for Health Insurance By Sarah Boden and Drew Hawkins, Gulf States Newsroom January 22, 2026 https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/farmers-health-insurance-costs-aca-obamacare-subsidies/

As US Is Poised To Lose Measles-Free Status, RFK Jr.’s New CDC Deputy Downplays Its Significance By Amy Maxmen January 21, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/measles-free-status-us-cdc-ralph-abraham-paho-who-outbreaks-vaccines/

Bridging Patient-Reported Experience and Outcomes in Healthcare (Webcast)

Bridging Patient-Reported Experience and Outcomes in Healthcare (Webcast): ContentsSummarySpeakersPresentation Slides and RecordingSummaryThis free 1-hour webcast explored how integrating Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) offers a comprehensive view of patient care and delivers actionable insights that support quality improvement. Now Posted: December 11 Webcast Replay and Slides on Bridging Patient-Reported Experience and Outcomes in Healthcare This webcast explored how integrating Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) offers a comprehensive view of patient care and delivers actionable insights that support quality improvement. Experts from AHRQ’s Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) program shared practical approaches, real-world examples, and emerging best practices for using these tools together to strengthen patient-centered care. Speakers: Aruna Jhasti, M.P.H., Health Scientist Administrator, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Eugene Nelson, D.Sc., M.P.H., Professor of The Dartmouth Institute and of Community and Family Medicine Emeritus, The Dartmouth Institute Brant Oliver, Ph.D., M.S., M.P.H., APRN-BC, Associate Professor, The Dartmouth Institute, Community and Family Medicine, and Psychiatry Ron D. Hays, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Medicine, UCLA Department of Medicine (Moderator)

Virtual Public Meeting and Listening Session on Food Allergen Thresholds and Their Potential Applications February 18, 2026

https://www.fda.gov/food/workshops-meetings-webinars-food-and-dietary-supplements/virtual-public-meeting-and-listening-session-food-allergen-thresholds-and-their-potential?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery January 21, 2026 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will host a virtual public meeting on food allergen thresholds and their potential applications in the United States on February 18, 2026, followed by listening sessions on February 19-20, 2026. Registration is open and the event materials are now available. The agency will hold these events in collaboration with various stakeholders, including industry representatives, consumer groups, healthcare professionals, individual firms, retailers, and academic researchers. These collaborative efforts will help inform the FDA's next steps, prioritize potential options, and advance our food allergen threshold approaches to benefit public health. During the events, presentations will provide background on FDA's major food allergen requirements, current regulatory frameworks, risk assessment methodologies for establishing food allergen thresholds, potential applications of risk-based food allergen thresholds and communication, and global approaches to food allergen management. Additionally, three panels will address risk-based food allergen threshold concepts, risk communication and labeling strategies, and potential applications for implementing food allergen thresholds. Questions for consideration during the public meeting, including the panel sessions, should be submitted through the registration process by February 3, 2026. Registration for the February 18, 2026, public meeting will remain open until the meeting begins. There will also be two days of facilitated listening sessions (February 19-20, 2026) to offer participants the opportunity to provide feedback on food allergen thresholds and their potential applications in the U.S. Participants must register by February 3, 2026, to attend the listening sessions. Each session will have a maximum number of participants. Beginning on February 18, 2026, a Regulations.gov docket will open for comments related to the event topic. Electronic comments must be submitted on or before May 19, 2026.

FDA Announces PreCheck Implementation Roadmap

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-precheck-implementation-roadmap?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Minimal Residual Disease and Complete Response in Multiple Myeloma: Use as Endpoints to Support Accelerated Approval Draft Guidance for Industry January 2026

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/minimal-residual-disease-and-complete-response-multiple-myeloma-use-endpoints-support-accelerated?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

SCOTUS to Hear Skinny Label Dispute January 22, 2026 By Sara W. Koblitz —

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/01/scotus-to-hear-skinny-label-dispute/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scotus-to-hear-skinny-label-dispute

FDA clears Aidoc tool to detect 14 different conditions from a CT scan It’s one of the first instances of the agency clearing an AI tool that looks for multiple conditions

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/21/fda-clears-aidoc-tool-detect-multiple-conditions-from-ct-scan/ By Katie PalmerJan. 21, 2026 Health Tech Correspondent

House and Senate appropriators endorse NIH budget increase, reject Trump’s proposed cuts Compromise bill protects research overhead payments but retains up-front funding of multiyear grants

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/20/nih-funding-deal-trump-cuts-rejected-budget-boosted-415-million/ By Anil Oza and Jonathan WosenJan. 20, 2026

What’s in Congress’ sweeping health care deal: PBM reform, telehealth, science funding The deal rejects Trump’s plans to upend NIH, CDC

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/20/congress-budget-deal-health-care-policy-hhs-budget-increased/ By John Wilkerson and Daniel PayneJan. 20, 2026

Viewpoints: Most Insurance Preapprovals Are Unnecessary; Patients Skip Insurance In A Broken System

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-most-insurance-preapprovals-are-unnecessary-patients-skip-insurance-in-a-broken-system/

Prenatal Exposure To Wildfire Smoke Raises Autism Risk, Study In Calif. Says

Prenatal Exposure To Wildfire Smoke Raises Autism Risk, Study In Calif. Says The risk of autism diagnosis was 10% to 23% higher depending on how many days a pregnant person in the third trimester was exposed to smoke pollution. Plus, Florida moves to woo nurses. More news comes from Hawaii, Wyoming, Missouri, and Maryland. Also, a tuna recall affects nine states. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/prenatal-exposure-to-wildfire-smoke-raises-autism-risk-study-in-calif-says/

Red Cross Asks For Blood Donations As It Declares A Severe Shortage

Red Cross Asks For Blood Donations As It Declares A Severe Shortage The American Red Cross says hospital demand is outpacing donor blood supply, which is impacted by factors including inclement weather and the flu season. Other public health news is on cancer research, mental health, and gun violence. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/red-cross-asks-for-blood-donations-as-it-declares-a-severe-shortage/

Vice President Vance And Wife Usha Are Expecting Fourth Child, A Boy

Vice President Vance And Wife Usha Are Expecting Fourth Child, A Boy The second family's newest member is due to arrive in July. In other administration news, DOGE did indeed gain access to one of the government’s most protected databases — the one containing Americans' Social Security information. Plus, the toll of ICE actions in Minnesota and Florida. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/vice-president-vance-and-wife-usha-are-expecting-fourth-child-a-boy/

Lurie Children’s Hospital In Chicago Halts Even More Trans Care For Minors

Lurie Children’s Hospital In Chicago Halts Even More Trans Care For Minors Lurie was one of just a few Chicago-area hospitals that still provided gender-affirming medications to minors. The hospital announced Tuesday that it had been threatened with a federal probe and would no longer offer the meds for those under 18 who hadn't previously been treated at the hospital. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/lurie-childrens-hospital-in-chicago-halts-even-more-trans-care-for-minors/

CDC Official Downplays Potential Loss Of Measles Elimination Status In US

CDC Official Downplays Potential Loss Of Measles Elimination Status In US Ralph Abraham, principal deputy director of the CDC, claimed the continued spread of the virus is 'just the cost of doing business." As Stat notes, however, elimination status is lost if a country is unable to stop ongoing transmission of the virus and circulation continues for a year or longer. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/cdc-official-downplays-potential-loss-of-measles-elimination-status-in-us/

Congress Irons Out A Deal To Fund HHS, But There Still Could Be Wrinkles

Congress Irons Out A Deal To Fund HHS, But There Still Could Be Wrinkles The legislation still must pass the Senate and House. Stat noted that many of the health care reforms in the package were part of a deal Congress struck in December 2024 that quickly fell apart after then President-elect Trump and Elon Musk attacked it. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/congress-irons-out-a-deal-to-fund-hhs-but-there-still-could-be-wrinkles/

GOP Promotes MAHA Agenda in Bid To Avert Midterm Losses. Dems Point to Contradictions. By Stephanie Armour January 20, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/maha-midterms-gop-strategy-health-rfk-vaccines-ultraprocessed-food/

Medicaid Tries New Approach With Sickle Cell: Companies Get Paid Only if Costly Gene Therapies Work By Phil Galewitz January 21, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/sickle-cell-disease-gene-therapy-medicaid-vertex-bluebird-bio/

AHRQ in the Professional Literature ++++ ++++

AHRQ in the Professional Literature Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life, anxiety, connections to friends, and access to resources among people with HIV: using the social ecological model. Dawson-Rose CS, Horvat Davey C, Huang E, et al. AIDS Behav. 2025 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print.] Access the abstract on PubMed®. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41144188/ 'In Texas, everybody wants antibiotics': reducing inappropriate antibiotic expectations and use with a provider-patient communication tool in primary care. Collazo A, Wermuth P, Luna Rodriguez J, et al. Fam Med Community Health. 2025 Nov 11;13(4). Access the abstract on PubMed®. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41218913/ The association of sleep quality, sociodemographic, and disease-related factors in youth living with sickle cell disease. Tucker TD, Padmanabhan DS, Alishlash AS, et al. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2026 Jan;73(1):e32115. Epub 2025 Nov 2. Access the abstract on PubMed®. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41177928/ Human performance evaluation of a pediatric artificial intelligence sepsis model. Kandaswamy S, Muthu N, Braykov N, et al. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2025 Oct;32(10):1552-61. Access the abstract on PubMed®. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40694809/ Expanded child tax credit payments during pregnancy were associated with decreased odds of adverse birth outcomes. Vasan A, Wood JI, Luan X, et al. Health Affairs. 2025 Oct;44(10):1298-1306. Access the abstract on PubMed®. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41052394/ Practice-level spending variation for radiation treatment episodes among older adults with cancer. Lam MB, Landrum MB, McWilliams JM, et al. JAMA Health Forum. 2025 Jul 3;6(7):e251952. Access the abstract on PubMed®. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40679816/ An adaptive simulation intervention decreases emergency physician physiologic stress while caring for patients during COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial. Evans LV, Bonz JW, Buck S, et al. PLoS One. 2025 Sep 3;20(9):e0331488. Access the abstract on PubMed®. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40901855/ A patient-centered outcomes framework for evaluating behavioral health crisis care. Burns A, Meanwell E, Blackburn J, et al. Psychiatr Serv. 2025 Sep;76(9):834-45. Epub 2025 Jun 19. Access the abstract on PubMed®. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40534318/

National Action Alliance: Webinars

National Action Alliance: Webinars: The National Action Alliance hosts informational webinars on patient and workforce safety topics that are of interest to partners and practitioners. Register for Upcoming Webinar January 27, 2026, 3–4 p.m. ET: Making Safety a Core Value: Building the Foundation

Comparative Effectiveness of Medical Therapies for Locally Advanced Gastric Adenocarcinoma

https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/gastric-cancers/research

AHRQ Stats: High Blood Pressure Treatment by Insurance and Access

AHRQ Stats: High Blood Pressure Treatment by Insurance and Access In 2021-22, 47.0 percent of nonelderly adults with diagnosed or treated high blood pressure who lacked a usual source of care had no medical treatment for their high blood pressure. Among those who were uninsured for the entire year, 48.7 percent went without treatment. (Source: AHRQ Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Statistical Brief #563, Recent Changes in Treatment Patterns for Diagnosed or Treated Hypertension, 2018-19 to 2021-22.) https://meps.ahrq.gov/data_stats/Pub_ProdResults_Details.jsp?pt=Statistical+Brief&opt=1&id=1317

Reciprocal intern-nurse shadowing program may lead to improved interprofessional collaboration

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41139520/ Shadowing Program Strengthens Nurse-Intern Collaboration and Communication A reciprocal shadowing program between pediatric interns and nurses improved understanding, teamwork, and communication between the two professions, according to an AHRQ-funded study. Published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, the study paired 60 pediatric interns and 52 acute care pediatric nurses in a 4-hour shadowing experience where each observed the other’s daily responsibilities from January 2020 to June 2023. Using pre-and post-shadowing surveys, researchers found that both groups gained clearer insight into each other's workflows and roles. Interns more accurately described nurses' work schedules after the program, and nurses significantly improved their understanding of interns' shift routines. More than 85 percent of interns and 90 percent of nurses reported that the experience positively influenced their teamwork and communication in daily practice. Researchers recommended incorporating such programs early in medical and nursing training to promote lasting interprofessional understanding.

Enhancing medication safety with System Approach to Verifying Electronic Prescriptions (SAV E-Rx): pharmacists' review of product selection outcomes between prescribed and dispensed medications

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40983365/ Automated Tool Shows Potential for Enhancing Medication Safety A new AHRQ-funded study published in BMJ Health & Care Informatics evaluated an automated tool that shows potential for detecting discrepancies between prescribed and dispensed medications. Using the tool, the System Approach to Verifying Electronic Prescriptions (SAV E-Rx), researchers analyzed over 1.2 million e-prescription records from 14 pharmacies across 9 states. Of the 662 cases reviewed by pharmacists, 89 percent were intended substitutions (such as dosage or form changes), while 11 percent represented unintended mismatches, primarily due to human factors and labeling issues. Though dispensing errors were rare, unintended mismatches could pose clinical risks. Most pharmacists favored receiving future alerts for these errors. The findings suggest that integrating automated verification tools like SAV E-Rx can strengthen patient safety by catching medication discrepancies that may otherwise go unnoticed, highlighting opportunities for improved labeling standards, workflow optimization, and pharmacy staff training to prevent dispensing errors

Understanding Clinical Decision Support Failures in Pediatric Intensive Care Units via Applied Systems Safety Engineering and Human Factors Problem Analysis: Insights From the DISCOVER Learning Lab

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12453092/ Study Uses Virtual Reality To Assess Clinical Decision Support in Pediatric ICU Using a novel systems approach and virtual reality observation method, an AHRQ-funded Patient Safety Learning Lab study has pinpointed key challenges in the use of clinical decision support (CDS) in the pediatric intensive care unit. Common issues included poor communication, workflow inefficiencies, limited real-time access to clinical data, and consistent clinician disregard for existing in-room CDS tools. Researchers mapped unit workflows and conducted qualitative interviews, then tested clinician behavior in an immersive virtual reality "digital twin" of the unit. A subsequent failure modes and effects analysis revealed failures related to information flow, diagnostic accuracy, and situation awareness. These findings indicate opportunities for predictive, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated CDS design, supported by systems safety and human factors principles

Artificial intelligence approach to optimise safety for hospitalised patients with dementia

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12414173/ AI Sheds Light on Dementia-Related Hospital Safety Risks An AHRQ-funded study published in BMJ Open Quality found that machine learning tools can provide insight into the causes of patient safety events for hospitalized people living with dementia. Researchers evaluated 1,387 dementia-related patient safety event records from a diverse 10-hospital health system from January 2018 to July 2023. After categorizing the free-text reports by contributing factors, the team developed two machine learning models to identify whether the events were caused by situational factors, such as patient-related care challenges, or active failures, such as those caused by staff. The models were able to identify situational factors—such as agitation, wandering, or mobility challenges—that drive most dementia-related safety events with over 70 percent accuracy, but detected just over 8 percent of errors caused by staff. These findings suggest that AI has strong potential to inform targeted training, medication management, and systemwide interventions to enhance safety for hospitalized patients with dementia.

Changes to “Hemp” Definition Set to Close the Farm Bill Loophole January 21, 2026 By Larry K. Houck —

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/01/changes-to-hemp-definition-set-to-close-the-farm-bill-loophole/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=changes-to-hemp-definition-set-to-close-the-farm-bill-loophole

M4Q(R2) The Common Technical Document for the Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use: Quality January 2026

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/m4qr2-common-technical-document-registration-pharmaceuticals-human-use-quality

It’s time to translate vague unease around stem cell IVF into clear guardrails Thorny ethics around using stem cells to create eggs and sperm demand tough conversations

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/20/stem-cell-ivf-ethics-regulation-complications/ By Zubin Master and Scott D. RhodesJan. 20, 2026 Master is associate professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and associate director of Wake Forest University’s Center for Bioethics, Health & Society. Rhodes is professor and chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy at Wake Forest University of School of Medicine.

Congress revives bipartisan health care proposal, including drug middlemen provisions Extension of ACA premium tax credits are excluded in package that resembles 2024 proposal

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/19/bipartisan-health-care-package-pharmacy-benefit-manager/ By John WilkersonJan. 19, 2026 Washington Correspondent

Florida proposes cutting eligibility for an AIDS drug program, causing panic The state would also eliminate coverage of two widely relied-on HIV medicines

https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2026/01/20/florida-hiv-aids-gilead-health-insurance/ By Ed SilvermanJan. 20, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer

Excitement and wariness as FDA shifts to much more flexible cell and gene therapy oversight The new system is a big regulatory experiment with many tradeoffs

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/20/fda-cell-gene-therapy-cgt-oversight-flexible-system-risks/ By Paul KnoepflerJan. 20, 2026 Knoepfler is a professor of cell biology and human anatomy at UC Davis School of Medicine.

Is ‘shared decision-making’ being hijacked by U.S. health officials to sow doubt about vaccines? Researchers say the Trump administration’s vaccine guidance is distorting the term’s meaning

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/20/shared-decision-making-vaccine-guidance-twists-meaning-of-term/ By Eric BoodmanJan. 20, 2026 General Assignment Reporter

RFK Jr. is moving to remake a little-known vaccine panel. It could have big consequences Kennedy has indicated that he wants to revamp the system that compensates people who are injured by vaccines

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/20/kennedy-fires-vaccine-injury-compensation-advisers-vicp-accv/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--pmt412e9WWJTsOUkKL9bum2t1m4PmOJLl1gMuHtXZzwDVAQi36EXY_tol5yBn7x7FxdJNMx6N7apkeWHe8G39-JEAUg&_hsmi=399358208&utm_content=399358208&utm_source=hs_email By Chelsea CirruzzoJan. 20, 2026 Washington Correspondent health The latest in vaccine news We’ve got something for everyone today when it comes to vaccines. Let’s start with the newsiest bit: https://www.statnews.com/2025/06/09/rfk-jr-fires-every-member-of-cdc-vaccine-expert-panel-acip/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_P70BvsHZHMGsajzDb7C_O0913hoWOPdiTBY9bkUyD3JZl1vv2jVOSlGOcA4R7_I7ngaJ8qQs9SjvqgRN732MdpSNVjg&_hsmi=399358208&utm_content=399358208&utm_source=hs_email Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears to be reshaping another little known piece of federal vaccine infrastructure. He’s removed at least four of the nine members of a panel that advises on a program to compensate people who are injured by vaccines. The abrupt firings mirror actions Kennedy took last year to remake the main federal vaccine advisory panel; stacking this commission with allies could help if he wants to add autism to the list of covered injuries. Read more from STAT’s Chelsea Cirruzzo on what the panel does and what could come next. https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/20/shared-decision-making-vaccine-guidance-twists-meaning-of-term/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_6U_4ra-q1kp9mAq8A-p4Q677U2zaAjuJsn3gZcrkz2xUqMvooGoskzTwr0CrXxxeBTr4C24Slcd9LCVDH3-Ma0jQTVQ&_hsmi=399358208&utm_content=399358208&utm_source=hs_email And for the essay-inclined: As federal health officials upend long-standing federal vaccine recommendations, you may notice that they’re talking a lot about “shared decision-making.” But what does it really mean? Experts are concerned that the Trump administration is hijacking the term to sow doubt about vaccines. STAT’s Eric Boodman traces the evolution of the term and its uses. Some say it goes back to a 1972 essay about medicine and ethical values. Read more on how we got here. Ben Lopman is an infectious disease epidemiologist who has spent decades studying diarrheal diseases and the viruses that cause them, including rotavirus. And it’s not just professional for him, it’s personal. Lopman’s son was born in 2007, after the rotavirus vaccine was recommended in the U.S. but before it was brought to England, where he lived at the time. Read his First Opinion essay about his family’s experience, and why he believes ending universal rotavirus vaccination is a tragedy. https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/17/rotavirus-vaccine-removed-what-it-means-kids/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8BvqiU3EgIwd90QCnTVOIvruh5hlp8KUOia0uUFblDQtAfojjK77k59fTl7WQF_WHbheui_ZZLt3XEziI6fgkZBccOWw&_hsmi=399358208&utm_content=399358208&utm_source=hs_email

Viewpoints: AI In The Doctor’s Office Isn’t Scary — It’s The Future; Stem Cell IVF Needs Guardrails Instead Of Fear

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-ai-in-the-doctors-office-isnt-scary-its-the-future-stem-cell-ivf-needs-guardrails-instead-of-fear/

Pig Kidney Recipient Gets A Human Organ, Making Transplant History

Pig Kidney Recipient Gets A Human Organ, Making Transplant History Doctors and scientists have been able to fine-tune treatment for future xenotransplant patients after guiding New Hampshire patient Tim Andrews through an experimental pig kidney transplant that his body rejected months later but that bought him time while waiting for a human kidney match. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/pig-kidney-recipient-gets-a-human-organ-making-transplant-history/

Phantom Exchange Enrollees May Haunt Health Insurers As Sign-Ups End

Phantom Exchange Enrollees May Haunt Health Insurers As Sign-Ups End Some insurers are still seeing enrollees who were automatically enrolled when their previous carrier left the market, and they are not counting on them paying their premiums. Early evidence suggests that more exchange enrollees than usual will not keep their plans this year. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump focuses blame on insurance companies for rising health care costs. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/phantom-exchange-enrollees-may-haunt-health-insurers-as-sign-ups-end/

Minnesota Residents ‘Holding Off’ On Medical Care In Order To Avoid ICE

Minnesota Residents ‘Holding Off’ On Medical Care In Order To Avoid ICE Also: More older adults are protesting in California; geriatricians say it can be beneficial to their health. Other news from around the nation comes from Maryland, Florida, Oregon, and Illinois. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/minnesota-residents-holding-off-on-medical-care-in-order-to-avoid-ice/

Future Of Abortion Rights In Virginia Will Be Decided By Voters

Future Of Abortion Rights In Virginia Will Be Decided By Voters A proposed constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights cleared the Virginia General Assembly last week. The issue will go before voters in November. Virginia currently allows abortion through the second trimester of pregnancy. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/future-of-abortion-rights-in-virginia-will-be-decided-by-voters/

As Vaccinations Dip, Experts Warn That Few ERs Can Fully Care For Sick Kids

As Vaccinations Dip, Experts Warn That Few ERs Can Fully Care For Sick Kids Only about 17% of hospitals met standards for high pediatric readiness in a 2024 national study of almost 5,000 emergency departments, Axios reported. In related news, the United States is on the cusp of losing its measles elimination status. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/as-vaccinations-dip-experts-warn-that-few-ers-can-fully-care-for-sick-kids/

Maternal Acetaminophen Use Does Not Increase Autism Risk, Review Confirms

Maternal Acetaminophen Use Does Not Increase Autism Risk, Review Confirms Acetaminophen remains “the first-line treatment that we would recommend if the pregnant women have pain or fever in pregnancy,” said Dr. Asma Khalil, the lead author of the study. Other MAHA news looks at fluoridated water, whole milk, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/maternal-acetaminophen-use-does-not-increase-autism-risk-review-confirms/

Listen to the Latest ‘KFF Health News Minute’ January 20, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/listen-to-the-latest-kff-health-news-minute-2026/

GOP Promotes MAHA Agenda in Bid To Avert Midterm Losses. Dems Point to Contradictions. By Stephanie Armour January 20, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/maha-midterms-gop-strategy-health-rfk-vaccines-ultraprocessed-food/

2026 TPSAC Meeting Materials and Information

https://www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/tobacco-products-scientific-advisory-committee/2026-tpsac-meeting-materials-and-information?utm_campaign=ctp-tpsac&utm_content=landingpage&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=stratcomms Meeting Materials Available for Advisory Committee Meeting on MRTP Applications for ZYN Nicotine Pouch Products On January 20, 2026, FDA posted meeting materials in preparation for the virtual Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting to discuss modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) applications submitted by Swedish Match USA, Inc. for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products. Meeting materials — such as a draft agenda, backgrounders from Swedish Match USA, Inc. and FDA, and draft questions to the committee — are available on the 2026 TPSAC Meeting Materials and Information page. As a reminder, the virtual TPSAC meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2026. FDA established Docket No. FDA-2025-N-0835-0020 for public comment on this TPSAC meeting. As a reminder, the comment period for this docket will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on January 21, 2026. FDA also reminds the public that comments directed to the ZYN MRTP applications may be submitted to Docket No. FDA-2025-N-0835-0001, established on June 18, 2025. Advisory Committee Meeting Scheduled on Modified Risk Tobacco Product Applications for ZYN Nicotine Pouch Products https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/ctp-newsroom/advisory-committee-meeting-scheduled-modified-risk-tobacco-product-applications-zyn-nicotine-pouch?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_medium=email&utm_medium=email&utm_term=stratcomms&utm_term=stratcomms&utm_content=landingpage&utm_content=landingpage&utm_campaign=ctp-tpsachttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.fda.gov%2Ftobacco-products%2Fctp-newsroom%2Fadvisory-committee-meeting-scheduled-modified-risk-tobacco-product-applications-zyn-nicotine-pouch%3Futm_source%3DCTPEblast&utm_campaign=ctp-tpsac

ACI’s 13th Annual Legal, Regulatory & Compliance Forum on Cosmetics & Personal Care Products January 19, 2026

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/01/acis-13th-annual-legal-regulatory-compliance-forum-on-cosmetics-personal-care-products/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=acis-13th-annual-legal-regulatory-compliance-forum-on-cosmetics-personal-care-products

Editorial e173 Long may people-centred adaptation reign The Lancet Global Health ++... ++

Doing implementation otherwise: territory, trust, and the work of staying Prof Ana María Arias-Uriona, PhD aarias.u@ucb.edu.bo ∙ Prof Marcela Losantos, PhD https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(25)00363-8/fulltext?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_updatealerts_langlo&utm_campaign=update-langlo&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9JAXhAIjXd7Q1nUs5YYCB8lL0tgKAj-dqgtyIyoxnDfggGHmfJ_Xip31cB5zwUM1Qp030e8iVYFtf1wxZ2srwJsjWdpA&_hsmi=399267773&utm_content=399256686&utm_source=hs_email Editorial e173 Long may people-centred adaptation reign The Lancet Global Health https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/issue/vol14no2/PIIS2214-109X(25)X0014-0 Measuring co-design in global health research: methodological challenges and decolonial innovations Prof Jenevieve Mannell, PhDa,b j.mannell@ucl.ac.uk ∙ Nwabisa Jama Shai, PhDc,d ∙ Natsayi Chimbindi, PhDa,e,f ∙ Andrew Gibbs, PhD https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(25)00438-3/fulltext?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_updatealerts_langlo&utm_campaign=update-langlo&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-94e0U57iVvEiAmy6mv_3U9GCFDLtZrBsLUBce5HWrmf4i0-cZsVHrRNz1nGl-ikvPKk22b1I3M_IzoIT2hOvgoEB3__A&_hsmi=399267773&utm_content=399256686&utm_source=hs_email# Safety and equity in scaling minimally invasive surgery worldwide in 109 countries using cholecystectomy as a tracer procedure: a prospective cohort study NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery and the GlobalSurg Collaborative https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(25)00476-0/fulltext?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_updatealerts_langlo&utm_campaign=update-langlo&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9GqnLbAiimK2dvAxoX0EDu1d2R9hjokeL7VcxmkkQ52j9wpbfbf8BVAX3t3QhHepkzw9soL_9dIC70AsoloJLVnpg0ag&_hsmi=399267773&utm_content=399256686&utm_source=hs_email

Editorial A new era for RSV: the end in sight? The Lancet Regional Health – Americas +++ +...

Dengue virus genetic diversity in unvaccinated and vaccinated dengue-infected individuals: an observational analysis of the Butantan-DV phase 3 trial in Brazil Lívia Sacchettoa ∙ Beatriz de Carvalho Marquesa ∙ Cecília Artico Banhoa ∙ Victoria Bernardia ∙ Cássia Fernanda Estofoletea ∙ Cecília Luiza Simões dos Santosb ∙ et al. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(25)00320-5/fulltext?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_updatealerts_lanam&utm_campaign=update-lanam&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_eNFgyWptNSUz8_PHRPapVyykdlz4BXiDQ3wNK3_ZkMxeStfOkoxkvtd-Lq7JVh-loBA88afB3qgx_4V2DmGKkJdg-Yg&_hsmi=399149220&utm_content=398252980&utm_source=hs_email Genomic landscape of hereditary cancer syndromes in the largest cohort in Colombia: a retrospective study Juan Javier López Riveraa,b,c jjlopez@colsanitas.com ∙ Natalia Hernández-Bocanegraa ∙ Katherine Aguirre-Guataquia ∙ María Paula Rodríguez Calderóna ∙ Laura Camila Rios Pintoa,b ∙ Ronald Cardenas-Prietoa ∙ et al. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(25)00332-1/fulltext?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_updatealerts_lanam&utm_campaign=update-lanam&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_iHdoJmTVBA_OlKP3jU-XHKtuCST7PZESeheAlYwQFfSEZKfVK-N0DpM4YzvYDaBw2gJ7L0QxXVWi1-8zNY_e709RvJA&_hsmi=399149220&utm_content=398252980&utm_source=hs_email Age-disparate experiences and incidence of gender-based violence victimization of transgender women: findings from a cohort study in eastern and southern United States Andrea L. Wirtza,b awirtz@jhsph.edu ∙ Elizabeth Humesa ∙ Tonia C. Poteatc ∙ Keri N. Althoffa ∙ Kenneth H. Mayerd,e ∙ Erin E. Cooneyb ∙ et al. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(25)00309-6/fulltext?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_updatealerts_lanam&utm_campaign=update-lanam&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_5xwfba4bjvFbzESey7i5hdRzrsOhxk38X9gP8U_rnDG0OmJsvEmHgH0D5NrDtgu62dm4e3ActB5b95YMXSim0fAyinA&_hsmi=399149220&utm_content=398252980&utm_source=hs_email Editorial A new era for RSV: the end in sight? The Lancet Regional Health – Americas https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/issue/vol53nonull/PIIS2667-193X(25)X0012-0

National Action Alliance: Webinars: Register Now: National Action Alliance for Patient and Workforce Safety Webinar Series ++++

National Action Alliance: Webinars: The National Action Alliance hosts informational webinars on patient and workforce safety topics that are of interest to partners and practitioners. Making Safety a Core Value: Building the Foundation January 27, 2026 | 3–4 p.m. ET (noon–1 p.m. PT) 🔗 Register here: https://www.ahrq.gov/action-alliance/webinars/index.html This session will feature real-world insights from leading healthcare systems—Houston Methodist, Mayo Clinic, and St. Luke’s Health Network—on how they operationalize safety as a true organizational core value. Presentations will highlight: High-impact actions for building a safety culture that organizations can prioritize to embed safety into daily operations Strategies for linking safety culture and experience Options for sustaining a safety culture Practical lessons that participants can adapt within their own organizations Featured speakers: Shawn Tittle, M.D., M.B.A. Senior Vice President and System Chief Quality Officer - Houston Methodist Pauline Byom, M.B.A., CPHQ, FHIMSS Vice Chair (Interim), Quality - Mayo Clinic Donna Sabol, M.S.N., R.N., CPHQ Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer - St. Luke’s Health Network Using Data for Real-Time Reporting, Learning, and Review March 10, 2026 | 3–4 p.m. ET (noon–1 p.m. PT) 🔗 Register here: https://www.ahrq.gov/action-alliance/webinars/index.html This session will explore how leading organizations use data not just for compliance, but as a powerful learning and improvement tool. Speakers will share actionable strategies for creating transparent, responsive systems that drive safer care. Key topics include: Making reporting easy and meaningful through user-friendly tools, anonymous reporting channels, and effective “closing the loop” practices Leveraging dashboards, internal benchmarking, and real-time surveillance to inform decision making Real-world examples of how high-performing organizations reduced harm through robust event analysis Leadership That Drives Safety and Patient Outcomes June 9, 2026 | 3–4 p.m. ET (noon–1 p.m. PT) 🔗 Register here: https://www.ahrq.gov/action-alliance/webinars/index.html Strong safety cultures depend on leaders who consistently model, reinforce, and prioritize safety. This session focuses on how organizations can develop leaders at every level to improve patient and workforce outcomes. Key topics include: Developing leaders at all levels of the organization Essential behaviors that distinguish high-performing safety leaders Purposeful leadership rounding—what effective leaders say, ask, and do to drive improvement Building a Sustainable Safety System: Governance, Strategy, and Spread September 9, 2026 | 3–4 p.m. ET (noon–1 p.m. PT) 🔗 Register here: https://www.ahrq.gov/action-alliance/webinars/index.html Sustained safety improvement requires alignment across culture, leadership, and governance. This session will highlight strategies for embedding safety into long-term organizational structures and oversight. Key topics include: Hardwiring culture, leadership, and governance to support long-term success Actions boards can use to strengthen oversight and improve outcomes Structures that maintain accountability, including tiered huddles, quality committees, and transparency frameworks

My son had rotavirus before he could get the vaccine. Ending universal rotavirus vaccination is a tragedy I’ve seen firsthand — and around the world — how the rotavirus vaccine has saved children

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/17/rotavirus-vaccine-removed-what-it-means-kids/ By Ben LopmanJan. 17, 2026 Lopman is professor of epidemiology and global health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.

Former AMA president says the U.S. health care system will implode without an overhaul Jesse Ehrenfeld, chief medical officer at Aidoc, says AI can be a key part of the solution

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/19/aidoc-jesse-ehrenfeld-former-ama-preisdent-on-health-ai/ By Brittany TrangJan. 19, 2026 Health Tech Reporter

Limit on multiyear funding of NIH grants is a sticking point in Senate budget talks White House is pushing lawmakers to allow a strategy that led to fewer research awards in 2025

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/16/nih-grants-multiyear-funding-sticking-point-hhs-budget/ By Anil Oza and John WilkersonJan. 16, 2026

Behind new dietary guidelines: Industry-funded studies, opaque science, crushing deadline pressure Replacement committee was given just three months to write new scientific review

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/17/new-food-pyramid-behind-the-scenes-dietary-guideline-development/ By Isabella CuetoJan. 17, 2026 Chronic Disease Reporter

What lingers in ‘The Pitt’ is heartache. What’s missing is outrage The virus was lethal, but the scale of physicians’ and other health care workers’ despair was built by people

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/18/the-pitt-covid-failures-despair/ By Jennifer W. TsaiJan. 18, 2026 Tsai is an emergency medicine physician, writer, and educator in Oakland, California.

FDA Grand Rounds – Antibody Glycosylation Insights for High-Quality Biotherapeutics Thursday, January 22, 2026 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. ET

https://www.fda.gov/science-research/about-science-research-fda/fda-grand-rounds?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Title: FDA Grand Rounds: Antibody Glycosylation Insights for High-Quality Biotherapeutics (CE credit offered) Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026 Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ET Via webcast About the Speaker: Baolin Zhang, PhD Senior Biomedical Research and Biomedical Product Assessment Service Expert Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Dr. Baolin Zhang has 25 years of experience in regulatory affairs at FDA, specializing in CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) and product quality assessment for biologics and biosimilars. As a distinguished SBRBPAS Expert (Senior Biomedical Research and Biomedical Product Assessment Service Expert) at FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, he leads regulatory reviews for numerous Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs) and Biologic License Applications (BLAs) and directs translational research programs. Dr. Zhang is recognized for his contributions to biotherapeutic characterization, bioassays, and biomarkers, with over 100 publications, 200 invited presentations, and more than 20 major awards, including the FDA Scientific Achievement Award and the AAPS High Impact Article Award. Before joining FDA, he was an Associate Professor at Nanjing University, Deputy Director at the Beijing Center for Biologics Research & Development, and Senior Scientist at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Peking University, and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Chemistry from Lanzhou University. About the Presentation: This lecture will examine how antibody Fc glycosylation influences product quality, potency, and clinical performance, highlighting common glycan features in FDA-approved antibodies, strategies for glycosylation control, and the use of a tailored lectin microarray for characterization. It will also address the gap between in vitro Fc-mediated effector functions and clinical evidence, emphasizing a mechanism-driven, totality-of-evidence approach to quality and regulatory assessment. CE credit will be offered. For more event information: https://www.fda.gov/grandrounds

Chemophobia & Monetized Activism: Year in Review Jon Entine | January 19, 2026 +++

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/19/chemophobia-monetized-activism-year-in-review/ Supreme Court agrees to review Bayer’s request to block lawsuits claiming federally-approved herbicide glyphosate causes cancer Muhammad Hassan | January 19, 2026 https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/19/supreme-court-agrees-to-review-bayers-request-to-block-lawsuits-claiming-federally-approved-herbicide-glyphosate-causes-cancer/ Viewpoint — Lysenkoism 2.0: RFK, Jr. is more dangerous than the 1930s Soviet scientist Trofim Lysenko, whose crackpot views killed millions of people and set back Russian science for decades David Gorski | January 16, 2026 https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/16/viewpoint-lysenkoism-2-0-rfk-jr-is-more-dangerous-than-the-1930s-soviet-scientist-trofim-lysenko-whose-crackpot-views-killed-millions-of-people-and-set-back-russian-science-for-deca/

Food & Ag Daily Digest News from Around the Web +++++

Food & Ag Daily Digest News from Around the Web Bayer on SCOTUS: It should not face liablity in state courts for alleged health damages caused by its weedkiller Roundup (glyphosate) when independent federal agencies have reviewed thousands of studies and labeled it safe Bayer https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/19/bayer-on-scotus-it-should-not-face-liablity-in-state-courts-for-alleged-health-damages-caused-by-its-weedkiller-roundup-glyphosate-when-independent-federal-agencies-have-reviewed-thousands/ Viewpoint: Why RFK, Jr.’s promotion of ‘natural medicines and food’ is simplistic, often ignorant, and sometimes dangerous Brian Meier | Psyche https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/19/viewpoint-why-rfk-jr-s-promotion-of-natural-medicines-and-food-is-simplistic-often-ignorant-and-sometimes-dangerous/ Bloated advice: MAHA influencers are flooding social media with misinformation on gut health Marilynn Larkin | Medscape https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/16/bloated-advice-maha-influencers-are-flooding-social-media-with-misinformation-on-gut-health/ How MAHA policies are fast-changing the ingredients in popular foods Jesse Newman | Wall Street Journal https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/16/how-maha-policies-are-fast-changing-the-ingredients-in-popular-foods/ Viewpont—’Weight gain is not a necessary component of a highly ultra-processed diet’: A nuanced look at America’s ‘deadly diet’ Dhruv Khullar | New Yorker https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/15/viewpont-weight-gain-is-not-a-necessary-component-of-a-highly-ultra-processed-diet-a-nuanced-look-at-americas-deadly-diet/

Human Daily Digest News from Around the Web +++++

Human Daily Digest News from Around the Web Viewpoint: Trump’s support for nuclear energy is a win for the climate Ted Nordhaus | Washington Post https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/19/viewpoint-trumps-support-for-nuclear-energy-is-a-win-for-the-climate/ RFK, Jr. quietly undermining science consensus that cellphones are safe Liz Essley Whyte, Patience Haggin | Wall Street Journal https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/19/rfk-jr-quietly-undermining-science-consensus-that-cellphones-are-safe/ Coalition of medical expert organizations formed to counteract RFK, Jr.’s rejectionist recommendations Apoorva Mandavilli | New York Times https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/16/coalition-of-medical-expert-organizations-formed-to-counteract-rfk-jr-s-rejectionist-recommendations/ Viewpoint: Trump’s FDA has been corrupted into a bargaining chip for White House deal-making Henry Miller https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/16/viewpoint-trumps-fda-has-been-corrupted-into-a-bargaining-chip-for-white-house-deal-making/ Viewpoint: COVID vaccines caused ‘turbo cancers’? MAHA disinformers revive long-debunked claims David Gorski | Science-Based Medicine https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/15/viewpoint-covid-vaccines-caused-turbo-cancers-maha-disinformers-revive-long-debunked-claims/

Native American Leaders Target High Maternal Mortality in Indian Country

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTgIaO6lD71/ I'm Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez, a correspondent at KFF Health News covering rural and Native American health from Elko, Nevada. Share your health stories with me at jorozco@kff.org. By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez When she was 25 years old, Rhonda Swaney nearly died delivering a stillborn baby. She’s a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Montana. Although her experience was nearly 50 years ago, Swaney said Native Americans continue to receive inadequate maternal care. The data appears to support that belief. In 2024, the most recent year for which data for the population is available, Native American and Alaska Native people had the highest pregnancy-related mortality ratio among major demographic groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to a CDC analysis of 2021 data from 46 maternal mortality review committees, most, if not all, deaths among Native American and Alaska Native people were considered preventable. In response, Native organizations, the CDC, and some states are working to boost Native American participation in state maternal mortality review committees, which investigate deaths that occur during pregnancy or within a year after birth. Native organizations are also considering ways tribes could create their own committees. Kim Moore-Salas, of the Arizona Maternal Mortality Review Committee, said tribal sovereignty, experience, and traditional knowledge are important factors to consider in developing tribal-led committees. "Our matriarchs, our moms, are what carries a nation forward," she said. In 2024, Moore-Salas, a member of the Navajo Nation, became the first Native American co-chair of Arizona's committee. Last year, she and other Native members of the committee developed guidelines for an American Indian/Alaska Native subcommittee and reviewed its first cases. The National Council of Urban Indian Health is also working to increase the participation of Urban Indian health organizations in state committee processes. As of 2025, the council had connected Urban Indian health organizations to state maternal mortality review committees in California, Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. Native leaders such as Moore-Salas find the efforts encouraging. "It shows that state and tribes can work together," she said. After her stillbirth, Swaney had another complicated pregnancy. She went into labor about three months early, and doctors didn’t expect her son to survive. But he did, and Kelly Camel is now 48. He has severe cerebral palsy and profound deafness. He lives alone but has caregivers to help with cooking and other tasks, said Swaney, 73. He “has a good sense of humor,” she said. “He’s kind to other people. We couldn’t ask for a more complete child.” Pregnancy-Related Deaths Among American Indian or Alaska Native Women: Data from Maternal Mortality Review Committees https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/data-research/mmrc/aian.html?cove-tab=3&utm_campaign=KHN%20-%20Weekly%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8yWJdvFULHRZvQL8uaiayWjycQi4xoFlraiK2d0HMmd8H1GzxFNX0tpam4S6QI3IZDXwoXkhSEsf91228RS1CSQMUVxg&_hsmi=398953639&utm_content=398953639&utm_source=hs_email Data from the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/pregnancy-mortality-surveillance-data/?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fmaternal-mortality%2Fphp%2Fpregnancy-mortality-surveillance%2Findex.html&cove-tab=1&utm_campaign=KHN%20-%20Weekly%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--30oe5Rd8eHCeFQ5So5I4VoNrteni_u1UEGb_hdAS0VPljMnPHFZ3xmXj9nhx3XGrYCK6T-eQERr_8L6-YhyU3urj4xg&_hsmi=398953639&utm_content=398953639&utm_source=hs_email

The America First Global Health Strategy and Pooled Procurement What do we know about Existing Pooled Procurement Mechanisms? Author: Jennifer Kates Published: Jan 12, 2026

https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/the-america-first-global-health-strategy-and-pooled-procurement/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_nh5NfgZ5dkdqTePOug0ejvAMK9ZkfcOuwB4qUuDwzmfzeyCRExhYi21lH7ww-trshd4s7r3pyeJJA-M5P8jBsjv46pQ&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email

KFF Tracker: America First MOU Bilateral Global Health Agreements Published: Jan 14, 2026

https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/kff-tracker-america-first-mou-bilateral-global-health-agreements/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9p0J-2rc-9c96gSuSeWRacMJsMsqbEhnRcRHSDvWuq05_r25gx6I8G2wS2W3lRw_ceC_dvsfIIQO_tN_Y2W1Svy2f3hQ&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email

States Race To Launch Rural Health Transformation Plans By Sarah Jane Tribble and Arielle Zionts and Maia Rosenfeld January 14, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/rural-health-transformation-state-distribution-technical-scores-variation-deadlines/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8j2ddx0lOnmEPm32a1Sixo6YR3Zs8B0DkVNBnQMMaJbKXkwbM9VQ8dptpxfywYFm2i7AezIf4qh-JAVw0KzOhcyGWN4w&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email

GOP Cuts Will Cripple Medicaid Enrollment, Warns CEO of Largest Public Health Plan By Bernard J. Wolfson January 15, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/la-care-ceo-martha-santana-chin-interview-gop-cuts-medicaid/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9xLU3PsYGHqM3XNjsaDA8KlaXqLCux93EQ1PjtAdHc1NvoZs7K2U9VFQUUm0PjUtSb92JUy4yZR8FqbeBbg3jvdRi6Fw&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email Martha Santana-Chin, a daughter of Mexican immigrants, last year took the helm of L.A. Care, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan. She warns that looming federal cuts will push up to 650,000 people off L.A. Care’s Medicaid rolls by the end of 2028.

As Insurance Prices Rise, Families Puzzle Over Options By Lynn Arditi January 16, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/aca-obamacare-premium-payments-prices-marketplace-plans-hard-choices/

Millions of Americans Are Expected To Drop Their Affordable Care Act Plans. They’re Looking for a Plan B. By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio January 12, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/aca-enhanced-subsidies-obamacare-uninsured-drop-coverage-medicaid-gap/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--JaSUdPSi0CKu_rW9s16OqRVUppADqQKwM95EwlPKWuZ4fJKwBdqMljIBPaj1WLGag6e7Ul-L7GJX9mxtiyftK-c0NXw&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email An estimated 4.8 million people are expected to go without health coverage because Congress did not extend enhanced subsidies for ACA plans. But even without a health plan, people will need medical care in 2026. Many of them have been thinking through their plan B to maintain their health.

Potential Implications of the New Medicaid Data Sharing Agreement Between CMS and ICE Authors: Drishti Pillai, Samantha Artiga, Alice Burns, and Jennifer Tolbert Published: Jan 14, 2026

https://www.kff.org/immigrant-health/potential-implications-of-the-new-medicaid-data-sharing-agreement-between-cms-and-ice/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--PXFmUCGeTsBdEcYV95eGjLXN4tvev4N6wwryignkkAQMALz5R14Zw2UKoo4zn6Ll9pyc4_oozyMrOrnxIQE38UNqglQ&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email This issue brief provides an overview of a new data sharing agreement for CMS to share Medicaid data with ICE and its potential implications for health care access and data privacy.

Higher Premium Payments or Higher Deductibles: The Tradeoffs ACA Enrollees Face By Emma Wager Twitter, Justin Lo, and Cynthia Cox Twitter January 14, 2026

Higher Premium Payments or Higher Deductibles: The Tradeoffs ACA Enrollees Face By Emma Wager Twitter, Justin Lo, and Cynthia Cox Twitter https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/higher-premium-payments-or-higher-deductibles-the-tradeoffs-aca-enrollees-face/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ijVIuCYTyY-GWr-iAMea8q6MLqydScIIIWu9yvtrhkjXKviJAKBsDGVTjzfcx9ZI0j-xmiRqaziNayPSKDB9Zb9pz8A&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email January 14, 2026 Some Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace enrollees are choosing between plans that charge higher premium payments and plans with higher deductibles. Many enrollees are considering these tradeoffs following the expiration of the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025, according to a new Health System Tracker analysis. President Trump Proposes Codifying MFN Drug Pricing Deals But Key Details Are Missing https://www.kff.org/quick-take/president-trump-proposes-codifying-mfn-drug-pricing-deals-but-key-details-are-missing/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9zYKQlu7zvZ9M_lTxq1YwQFyncQ2YJRoFBsJhnIKTI5Opd6i1g58GkSo3esgTlCbjP_0kN74rJXi8SWbwGNz812V7eOQ&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email Juliette Cubanski, Deputy Director, Program on Medicare Policy: "While codifying most-favored-nation drug pricing could be helpful for bringing more transparency to these arrangements and guaranteeing that drug companies will deliver on what they’ve promised, policymakers would need substantially more information to turn these backroom voluntary deals into law." The ‘Great Healthcare Plan’ Leaves Open Questions for People with Pre-existing Conditions https://www.kff.org/quick-take/the-great-healthcare-plan-leaves-open-questions-for-people-with-pre-existing-conditions/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-85-fvTdH7PWgrOc7OMunVz7DRhIENRdDHKEV1Xmm8_8xWxyuKxPoEH5QewZRE4ov-tYuGMMXEK9entNsV8xxTGpg2xAw&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email Cynthia Cox, Senior Vice President, Director of the Program on the ACA: "Until the 'Great Healthcare Plan' takes shape and details are filled in, it leaves open questions about out-of-pocket costs, premiums, federal spending, and health coverage for people with pre-existing conditions." Larry Levitt, Executive Vice President for Health Policy: https://bsky.app/profile/larrylevitt.bsky.social?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9alWN5iAq3Me1HBn2hap-Gijfpwv2yxLn9CB3d90SlP96830rqVGxrE_7TEKp1Udo_--doC5eFpNW4Gyq_SZ0poda9QA&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email "President Trump’s 'Great Healthcare Plan' includes some ideas with bipartisan support, like more price transparency and regulating pharmacy benefit managers. But, they’re wrapped in partisan proposals that would undermine the ACA."

Trump Has No Health Plan, He Has the Art of the Health Care Deal Author: Drew Altman

https://www.kff.org/from-drew-altman/trump-has-no-health-plan-he-has-the-art-of-the-health-care-deal/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Yan-K4Z0OYhf-PvWScLysCl906elQ1RtWXZA_ozegQIylHVDrEWv9uhp9OBBSDfQ8M12MZtKdG7RTlkKpkExWj7b5vQ&_hsmi=398943376&utm_content=398943376&utm_source=hs_email Initial Insights on "The Great Healthcare Plan" Yesterday, President Trump released a new framework that lays out elements of a "Great Healthcare Plan." Dr. Drew Altman, KFF’s President and CEO, shared initial thoughts: "We have been trying to analyze the Trump health "plan" but I worry that unless Congress puts something real together we are analyzing air. Big Q’s such as are pre-x protected are impossible to answer from their Fact Sheet. What we do know: it partly captured a news cycle." "It looks like Trump’s “buy your own insurance“ plan would largely do away with pre-x protections and the Marketplaces, but not insurance companies he doesn’t like who would still provide most of the coverage."

Has Private Equity Taken the ‘Beauty’ Out of Practicing Ophthalmology? Will Publicly Held Companies Do Any Better? Richard Mark Kirkner January 19, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/has-private-equity-taken-beauty-out-practicing-ophthalmology-2026a10001p4

How Women Were Written Out of Medical History Carlos Sierra, PhD Medscape Europe January 19, 2026

How Women Were Written Out of Medical History Carlos Sierra, PhD https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-women-were-written-out-medical-history-2026a10001qm Medscape Europe January 19, 2026

Partnerships to Advance Patient Safety and Address Preventable Harm: Case Studies from International Health Care Leaders

https://academic.oup.com/healthaffairsscholar/advance-article/doi/10.1093/haschl/qxag008/8425077?rss=1&login=false

Population Health Costs Of Exclusionary And Criminalizing Immigration Policies EDITOR'S NOTE: A related brief was published November 6, 2025. Nolan Kline Alana M. W. LeBrón William Lopez Nicole L. Novak Melina Michelen Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/briefs/population-health-costs-exclusionary-and-criminalizing-immigration-policies

Consumer Debt, Race, And Health: Can Debt Relief Be A Solution For Reducing Racial Health Disparities? Fenaba R. Addo

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/briefs/consumer-debt-race-and-health-can-debt-relief-solution-reducing-racial-health

Private Equity And American Lives Yashaswini Singh January 16, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/private-equity-and-american-lives

The Obituary Of The US Childhood Immunization Schedule Anna Larson William Walters Richard Hughes IV

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/obituary-us-childhood-immunization-schedule

How Federal Cuts Are Dismantling Children’s Behavioral Health Systems Sunny Patel Matthew Biel

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/federal-cuts-dismantling-children-s-behavioral-health-systems

Educating For A Climate-Ready Health Workforce Elizabeth Cerceo Lawrence Rosen Catherine Chen Stefan Wheat

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/educating-climate-ready-health-workforce

Millions Of Women Don’t Have Access To Maternity Care - And The Number Is Growing Katy Backes Kozhimannil Emily C. Sheffield Julia D. Interrante

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/millions-women-don-t-have-access-maternity-care-and-number-growing

Stop Pretending Pharmacists Can’t Meet Primary Care Needs Steven N. Leonard January 12, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/stop-pretending-pharmacists-can-t-meet-primary-care-needs

Implementing Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements: Defining A ‘Serious Or Complex Medical Condition’ Sara Rosenbaum Jane Tavares Marc A. Cohen Alison Barkoff Feygele Jacobs

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/implementing-medicaid-work-reporting-requirements-defining-serious-complex-medical

The Peddling Of “Junk Plans” To Consumers Facing Higher Insurance Premiums Amy Killelea JoAnn Volk January 16, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/peddling-junk-plans-consumers-facing-higher-insurance-premiums

AI In Health Care: Balancing Clinical Utility With Environmental Sustainability Manijeh Berenji Anna Novoselov Allie Thompson Chethan Sarabu

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/ai-health-care-balancing-clinical-utility-environmental-sustainability

Work Requirement Exemptions Based On Medical Frailty: We’d Better Get Them Right This Time Elizabeth Kaplan Carmel Shachar

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/work-requirement-exemptions-based-medical-frailty-we-d-better-get-them-right-time

Growth In National Health Expenditures: It’s Not The Prices, Stupid Michael E. Chernew January 15, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/growth-national-health-expenditures-s-not-prices-stupid

The Future of Accountable Care Hope Glassberg Hoangmai H. Pham Gary Bacher Frank McStay January 27, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/he20260112.880040/full/?utm_campaign=event&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--Xd4pM2CPEtPeWoCQ6BypIuexk2qzpzpoj_vm1sxXNXvXowiky0ca7EDnpXAq6a4s8t04LWk_sMfmePqM0JepHv_UnCg&_hsmi=398968603&utm_content=briefing&utm_source=hasu

Health Affairs Branded Post Preserving Biological Order: Why Supply Chain Disruptions Are Patient Safety Crises Nicolette Louissaint, PhD, MBA, Chief Policy Officer, Healthcare Distribution Alliance | January 18, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/sponsored-content/national-minority-quality-forum/preserving-biological-order-why-supply-chain-disruptions-are-patient-safety-crises?utm_campaign=34032557-Health%20Affairs%20Sunday%20Update%202026&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--Xz0xkJH4NFt3uJgvX4R5Zo8moAjzn67h20W93_WbjxzJJwf9kdV-lFUPdoxSFFMPsPNk6zYyLRjlPoiNR8aGseNvWaw&_hsmi=398968603&utm_content=398968603&utm_source=hs_email

Podcast: US Health Care Spending 2009–2019: What Changed? (Sherry Glied) Rob Lott Sherry Glied

https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hp20260109.859125/full/?utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9SH71llZf644pYg2Q_O5oHYUktNfrKPIqQ3FAX2jzxf4JX6qrIfQltLNBjBgwwwMvXnY-tW9t-HVIt-tyNt0FFoDCOjg&_hsmi=398968603&utm_content=ahp&utm_source=hasu

Podcast: It's Not the Prices, Stupid. Michael Chernew on US Health Expenditures Jeff Byers Michael E. Chernew

https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hp20260115.905305/full/?utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ZkUZGsQPiPlFjfuodrlsOVtl_wcYJCVlckAroZDE16cxtLCPfuBgL9XAXw5jMM7jxIro3uFhchn-lX_AGQElnoMQmrw&_hsmi=398968603&utm_content=hatw&utm_source=hasu

Health Affairs Branded Post The Dignity of Risk: Empowering Support for People with Disabilities Emily Isaacs, Senior Clinical Manager, Maximus | January 11, 2025

https://www.healthaffairs.org/sponsored-content/the-dignity-of-risk-empowering-support-for-people-with-disabilities?&utm_campaign=34032557-Health%20Affairs%20Sunday%20Update%202026&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8JZc8Xuk2tAMMz9Q1CuV108cCHIHBKkNjArHw5DT51q-WF74o92Fa8RrOrYWJf8lxOMe5TLAaTcCV9gQVmSg3YSmFZSw&_hsmi=398968603&utm_content=398968603&utm_source=hs_email

National Health Care Spending Increased 7.2 Percent In 2024 As Utilization Remained Elevated Micah Hartman, Anne B. Martin, David Lassman, Aaron Catlin

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01683?utm_campaign=february+2026+issue&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_2aWASmJ4lw_UlzOzSX3Q-9ZpqF17cA3MMk9LepQasB6_KgOwWp9ddP8Aviap0M39fJOA0HZWbSUJbyUNlVdS2-xlzWA&_hsmi=398968603&utm_content=ahead+of+print&utm_source=hasu

Breaking down JPM 2026: the mood, the big interviews — and all the AI billboards So what were the vibes like this year?

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/jpm-2026-takeaways-status-report-hosted-by-alex-hogan/ By Alex HoganJan. 15, 2026 Senior Multimedia Producer On Day 4 of JPM, a chat with Regeneron’s George Yancopoulos, an IPO forecast, and all eyes on J&J Plus: Makary touts new FDA voucher program, despite criticism https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/jpm-2026-day-4-top-stories-regeneron-fda-ipos-jnj/ By Allison DeAngelis, Matthew Herper, Adam Feuerstein, and Elaine ChenJan. 15, 2026

MAHA says its new food pyramid is affordable and healthy. We asked experts Whole foods are cheaper than ultra-processed foods, but eating more meat will cost you

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/16/affordability-new-food-pyramid-dietary-guidelines-tested-by-economists/ By Sarah ToddJan. 16, 2026 Reporter, Commercial Determinants of Health

Measles cases jump again in South Carolina, rising to more than 550 Since the holidays, the state’s outbreak has exploded into the worst in the U.S.

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/16/measles-cases-jump-again-south-carolina/ By Associated PressJan. 16, 2026

Supreme Court agrees to review ‘skinny labeling’ and generic drug access Case is being watched closely for its implications for the availability of cheaper medicines

https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2026/01/16/scotus-generics-patents-supreme-court-amarin-hikma/ By Ed SilvermanJan. 16, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer

Limit on multiyear funding of NIH grants is a sticking point in Senate budget talks White House is pushing lawmakers to allow a strategy that led to fewer research awards in 2025

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/16/nih-grants-multiyear-funding-sticking-point-hhs-budget/ By Anil Oza and John WilkersonJan. 16, 2026

Tylenol use during pregnancy not linked to autism, new study says Findings rebut top U.S. health officials’ claims that acetaminophen is possible cause of the disorder

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/16/tylenol-autism-lancet-study-finds-no-acetaminophen-link/ By O. Rose BroderickJan. 16, 2026 Disability in Health Care Reporting Fellow

JPM Week 2026 is over. It was fantastic. Here’s why There’s a lot to be excited about in biotech right now

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/16/jpm-week-biotech-analysis/ By Adam FeuersteinJan. 16, 2026 Senior Writer, Biotech

My son had rotavirus before he could get the vaccine. Ending universal rotavirus vaccination is a tragedy I’ve seen firsthand — and around the world — how the rotavirus vaccine has saved children

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/17/rotavirus-vaccine-removed-what-it-means-kids/ By Ben LopmanJan. 17, 2026 Lopman is professor of epidemiology and global health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.

Behind new dietary guidelines: Industry-funded studies, opaque science, crushing deadline pressure Replacement committee was given just three months to write new scientific review

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/17/new-food-pyramid-behind-the-scenes-dietary-guideline-development/ By Isabella CuetoJan. 17, 2026 Chronic Disease Reporter

Trump releases health care plan amid pressure over affordability President’s plan is light on details, but could shape debate in Congress

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/trump-great-healthcare-plan-potential-stumbling-blocks/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_nXF5eWZWNSzJjxTWQDroVkBjL5DY6UZZo2ZwUpsQcXX-0ie2gmEycyc5LQHKoWJASj9ue2q6-eP6iEE7YTsYE3ZtqWQ&_hsmi=398825498&utm_content=398825498&utm_source=hs_email By Daniel Payne, Bob Herman, and John WilkersonJan. 15, 2026

Vaccines do more than prevent disease, especially for older adults Paula Span | New York Times | January 14, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/14/vaccines-do-more-than-prevent-disease-especially-for-older-adults/

RFK, Jr. adds two vaccine and antidepressant rejectionists to U.S. vaccine advisory panel Aria Bendix, Rebecca Shabad | NBC News | January 15, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/15/rfk-jr-adds-two-vaccine-and-antidepressant-rejectionists-to-u-s-vaccine-advisory-panel/

Viewpoint: COVID vaccines caused ‘turbo cancers’? MAHA disinformers revive long-debunked claims David Gorski | Science-Based Medicine | January 15, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/15/viewpoint-covid-vaccines-caused-turbo-cancers-maha-disinformers-revive-long-debunked-claims/

Coalition of medical expert organizations formed to counteract RFK, Jr.’s rejectionist recommendations Apoorva Mandavilli | New York Times | January 16, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/16/coalition-of-medical-expert-organizations-formed-to-counteract-rfk-jr-s-rejectionist-recommendations/

Viewpoint — Lysenkoism 2.0: RFK, Jr. is more dangerous than the 1930s Soviet scientist Trofim Lysenko, whose crackpot views killed millions of people and set back Russian science for decades David Gorski | January 16, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/16/viewpoint-lysenkoism-2-0-rfk-jr-is-more-dangerous-than-the-1930s-soviet-scientist-trofim-lysenko-whose-crackpot-views-killed-millions-of-people-and-set-back-russian-science-for-deca/

Viewpoint: Trump’s FDA has been corrupted into a bargaining chip for White House deal-making Henry Miller | January 16, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/01/16/viewpoint-trumps-fda-has-been-corrupted-into-a-bargaining-chip-for-white-house-deal-making/

Bridging Disparities in Endometrial Cancer Care Dana M. Chase, MD January 16, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/mdangle-endometrial-cancer-health-disparities-2026-2025a100101k

Over 1 Million Cancer Screenings at Risk With Recent Medicaid Changes Frederik Joelving January 16, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/over-1-million-cancer-screenings-risk-recent-medicaid-2026a10001jg

Contract Nursing 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in Nursing School Jodi Helmer January 16, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/contract-nursing-101-what-they-didnt-teach-you-nursing-2026a10001iv

Health System Sued Over AI Scribe Technology, Patient Consent Steph Weber January 16, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/health-system-sued-over-ai-scribe-technology-patient-consent-2026a10001k7

FDLI Webinar: Ensuring Effective Responses to FDA 483s and Warning Letters

FDLI Webinar: Ensuring Effective Responses to FDA 483s and Warning Letters Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. Director Kalie E. Richardson will be moderating a Food and Drug Law Institute webinar this coming Wednesday on Ensuring Effective Responses to FDA 483s and Warning Letters. This webinar will cover fundamental considerations for responding to FDA 483s and Warning Letters, discussion of real-world case studies, and actionable strategies to help life sciences companies avoid regulatory escalation. Time will also be reserved for participant questions. The webinar is on Wednesday, January 21 at 12 PM ET and will also be recorded. Registration information is available here: Got Observations?: Ensuring Effective Responses to FDA 483s and Warning Letters. https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/01/fdli-webinar-ensuring-effective-responses-to-fda-483s-and-warning-letters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fdli-webinar-ensuring-effective-responses-to-fda-483s-and-warning-letters Got Observations?: Ensuring Effective Responses to FDA 483s and Warning Letters January 21, 2026 | Live Webinar https://portal.fdli.org/s/lt-event?id=a1URn00000310dlMAA https://www.fdli.org/

On Day 4 of JPM, a chat with Regeneron’s George Yancopoulos, an IPO forecast, and all eyes on J&J Plus: Makary touts new FDA voucher program, despite criticism

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/jpm-2026-day-4-top-stories-regeneron-fda-ipos-jnj/ By Allison DeAngelis, Matthew Herper, Adam Feuerstein, and Elaine ChenJan. 15, 2026

Breaking down JPM 2026: the mood, the big interviews — and all the AI billboards So what were the vibes like this year?

Breaking down JPM 2026: the mood, the big interviews — and all the AI billboards So what were the vibes like this year? https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/jpm-2026-takeaways-status-report-hosted-by-alex-hogan/ By Alex HoganJan. 15, 2026 Senior Multimedia Producer

JPM Week 2026 is over. It was fantastic. Here’s why There’s a lot to be excited about in biotech right now

JPM Week 2026 is over. It was fantastic. Here’s why There’s a lot to be excited about in biotech right now https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/16/jpm-week-biotech-analysis/ By Adam FeuersteinJan. 16, 2026 Senior Writer, Biotech

CMS’ new MAHA ELEVATE innovation model has a fundamental flaw It’s unclear what counts as ‘medicine’

CMS’ new MAHA ELEVATE innovation model has a fundamental flaw It’s unclear what counts as ‘medicine’ https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/16/cms-maha-elevate-innovation-model-concerns/ By Vishal KhetpalJan. 16, 2026 Khetpal is a fellow in cardiovascular disease.

Trump releases health care plan amid pressure over affordability

Trump releases health care plan amid pressure over affordability President’s plan is light on details, but could shape debate in Congress https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/trump-great-healthcare-plan-potential-stumbling-blocks/ By Daniel Payne, Bob Herman, and John WilkersonJan. 15, 2026

MAHA says its new food pyramid is affordable and healthy. We asked experts

MAHA says its new food pyramid is affordable and healthy. We asked experts Whole foods are cheaper than ultra-processed foods, but eating more meat will cost you https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/16/affordability-new-food-pyramid-dietary-guidelines-tested-by-economists/ By Sarah ToddJan. 16, 2026 Reporter, Commercial Determinants of Health

Medicaid Coverage of and Spending on GLP-1s ++++

Medicaid Coverage of and Spending on GLP-1s Jan 16, 2026 Issue Brief https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-coverage-of-and-spending-on-glp-1s/ This brief discusses the current landscape of Medicaid GLP-1 coverage and examines recent trends in Medicaid prescriptions and gross spending on GLP-1s. The ‘Great Healthcare Plan’ Leaves Open Questions for People with Pre-existing Conditions Jan 16, 2026 https://www.kff.org/quick-take/the-great-healthcare-plan-leaves-open-questions-for-people-with-pre-existing-conditions/ President Trump announced a health care framework that leaves open key questions, including those about out-of-pocket costs, premiums, federal spending, and health coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. President Trump Proposes Codifying MFN Drug Pricing Deals But Key Details Are Missing Jan 15, 2026 https://www.kff.org/quick-take/president-trump-proposes-codifying-mfn-drug-pricing-deals-but-key-details-are-missing/ While codifying most-favored-nation drug pricing could be helpful for bringing more transparency to these arrangements and guaranteeing that drug companies will deliver on what they’ve promised, policymakers would need substantially more information to turn these backroom voluntary deals into law. Senators’ Questions About Mifepristone Could Further Spread Confusion About the Abortion Pill’s Safety Record Jan 15, 2026 https://www.kff.org/quick-take/senators-questions-about-mifepristone-could-further-spread-confusion-about-the-abortion-pills-safety-record/ By suggesting mifepristone poses a danger to women who use it, anti-abortion senators are likely to create more confusion that could further erode the public's confidence in the abortion pill despite its decades-long safety record.