Insights

Like a growing number of Medicaid programs around the country, Rhode Island’s Medicaid program has quietly posted its first guidelines for coverage of an expensive new drug for hepatitis C. The new drug, called Sovaldi, is a big deal, whether you have hepatitis C or not.

In California and many other states, skilled nursing facilities do not have to secure a signed consent from a resident or family member to administer antipsychotic drugs. Does that result in unnecessary use of potentially dangerous drugs?

Press coverage and outrage has followed news of new research in Wisconsin that involves separating newborn monkeys from their mothers a day after they’re born, frightening them, and then regularly scanning their brains to compare them with the brains of baby monkeys not subject to such traumas.

In California, nursing home stakeholders are wrestling over what kind of guidelines to put in place for the prescription of antipsychotic drugs. A key question: What level of consent is appropriate and who should give it?

A recent policy brief found that public health programs must expand their reach if they're to increase the number of people who receive preventive care. But reaching those who don't routinely seek care means meeting people where they are — culturally, linguistically and geographically.

Ever consider sharing your health care knowledge? The California State University is looking for a professional to lecture in their Department of Public Health.

Complex pediatric heart surgeries can be scary and hard to understand for families. But a former print journalist is spearheading new interactive visualizations inspired by video games to educate patients and take some of the mystery and fear out of the surgical ordeal.

During Suicide Prevention Week advocates are conducting suicide awareness campaigns. But there is not evidence that awareness reduces suicide. More effective suicide prevention approaches are being ignored.

Industry groups have argued for a drug form that does not require a patient or family member signature. That possibility has raised deep concerns among some patient advocates, who point out the drugs' potential dangers.