Author: Al Cross
-
Judge issues permanent injunction barring Medi-Share, a Christian health-coverage plan, from operating in Kentucky
After a legal battle that lasted almost nine years, the Christian health-coverage plan Medi-Share will be prohibited from operating in Kentucky, Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate decided today. The state...
-
Board for nursing-home administrators wants a law to let it issue secret admonitions; bill is in jeopardy
A bill that was introduced late and got a fast start, but has hit speed bumps and maybe a roadblock, would allow the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Nursing Home...
-
Kentucky politicians of both parties object to Florida governor’s plan to stop pill-monitoring program before it starts
The new Florida governor’s plan to scuttle a yet-to-start program to monitor painkiller prescriptions “has sparked an uproar in Appalachian states that say they are deluged with illegally bought pills...
-
Optometrists, ophthalmologists debate bill on TV after its passage
The bill to let optometrists perform some procedures now done legally only by ophthalmologists has passed both houses and is on the governor’s desk, but members of both professions are...
-
As meds-for-meth bill languishes, some seek compromise, but bill’s sponsor says proposals would render it ineffective
By Al Cross and Tara Kaprowy Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues As the bill to require prescriptions for three widely used decongestants remains short of votes to pass...
-
Senate quickly passes bill to allow optometrists to perform minor surgical procedures; ophthalmologists say that would be risky
“The Senate approved a bill Friday to allow optometrists to perform some surgical procedures on the eye and eyelid, brushing aside warnings from medical doctors who said optometrists are not...
-
State’s Tobacco Quit Line is now available to users aged 15-17
The state Tobacco Quit Line will now offer counseling services to Kentuckians aged 15 to 17 to help them give up cigarettes or other tobacco products. The line had been...
-
Beshear backs bills to protect seniors from abuse but doesn’t endorse minimum staffing for nursing homes
Gov. Steve Beshear today endorsed a package of previously introduced bills that he said would give the elderly and other adults more protection against abuse and exploitation, but it did...
-
Foundation matches Social Innovation Fund money to create grants for improving health services in seven Kentucky counties
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky today announced four equal Social Innovation Fund grants totaling $1 million to improve access to health services, reduce health risks and disparities, and promote health equity...
-
Governor undecided on meds-for-meth bill, says time hasn’t come for state smoking ban, but may back nursing-home legislation
By Al CrossInstitute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues Gov. Steve Beshear says he hasn’t made up his mind about the bill that would require prescriptions for decongestants used to...