Articles tagged with Legislation
New research found that tobacco companies continued to sell and promote menthol products despite a four-year phasing-in period for the UK's menthol cigarette ban. The study reveals that industry experts developed new products to circumvent the ban, including menthol filters and flavour cards.
A new study found that a 'soft opt-out' system for organ donation increased consent rates by 2.1 times compared to England, with the impact taking several years to be fully realized. The Welsh system allowed organs to be donated without explicit consent from patients or their families.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that 72% of patients with private insurance could face surprise bills for out-of-network air ambulance services, with average total costs up to $20,000. Ground ambulances also pose a significant risk, with 79% of patients facing surprise bills for non-emergency rides.
The new dataset, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed 15,506 instances of social scientists' testimony and found that economists testified more than four times as often as political scientists and over 10 times as often as sociologists. Economists also represented think tanks, while anthropologists had the lowest rate of testimony.
Over 100 medical and scientific organisations pledge to end weight stigma, citing evidence that stigma causes physical and psychological harm. The group calls for policies to prevent weight-based discrimination in healthcare, education, and the workplace.
A study by University of Leeds researchers found high levels of non-disclosure due to refusal, partial refusal, or non-response to FOI requests. The current FOI Act is deemed unfit for purpose, with only 24% of requests resulting in full disclosure, and many authorities failing to respond within the statutory 20-day period.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has found substantial variations in the legal and funding framework of 43 European countries regarding assisted reproduction. Access to treatment, third-party donation, fertility preservation, and public funding vary significantly among countries.
A new study suggests that users should have more control over what happens to their emails after they die, with the law failing to recognize this right. The current contractual provisions allow email providers like Google and Microsoft to regulate post-mortem transmissions without user consent.
A Drexel study reveals that increasing vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) outbreaks lead to an uptick in state-level legislation restricting exemptions from childhood vaccinations. Researchers found that pro-vaccine bills are more likely to become law, suggesting increased awareness and advocacy following media coverage.
Researchers found that strict labor laws lead to higher levels of temporary and informal employment, resulting in reduced happiness and life satisfaction among these workers. Women tend to feel the impact at a deeper level.
A meta-analysis of 44,993 African men who have sex with men found that severe anti-LGBT legislation is associated with lower HIV testing rates and reduced awareness of the disease. The study suggests that countries with more protective and progressive legislation have higher testing rates.
A study by the University of Bath found that tobacco companies have made attempts to circumvent UK plain packaging legislation, including product name changes and innovations in filter products.
A study suggests that the current UK legislation favoring cancer patients for early release on compassionate grounds may be discriminatory. The data analysis found that only 48 out of 845 recorded deaths from natural causes in prison were successful, with all six prisoners having cancer.
A new study found that child deaths fell by 5.2% and 3.4% after Brazil's 2014 comprehensive smoke-free legislation, reducing infant mortality rates and health inequalities. The research suggests strengthening smoke-free laws can help protect children's lives, particularly in middle-income countries.
A study of US senators and representatives found that liberal politicians invest more in socially responsible companies. Environment, employee relations, and diversity are key factors driving these investments.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that the city's Clean Air Taxi regulations led to significant reductions in air pollution emissions, with overall fuel efficiency of medallion taxis doubling between 2009 and 2015. The emission reductions were associated with decreases in concentrations of pollutants in the city's air.
The UK's pesticide regulation is under threat after a change in EU powers led to the removal of a blanket ban on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). The new legislation gives UK ministers more power to amend and revoke laws, weakening enforcement arrangements and the requirement for scientific advice.
A study by Florida State University found Airbnb's exponential growth is devoureding hotel revenues and driving down room prices and occupancy rates. The company's listings have grown over 100% a year, significantly affecting hotels' room prices and revenues.
A new study by McGill University researchers found that state legislation played a significant role in reducing anti-gay bias in the US. By analyzing data from over 1 million respondents, the team discovered that laws supporting same-sex marriage led to a sharp decline in biases, with the effect being roughly double the previous rate.
A study found that state-level legalization of gay marriage led to a significant decrease in implicit and explicit anti-gay bias across the US. The effects were consistent across models, suggesting that legislation locality may moderate local biases.
The D.C. Council has passed the Breast Density Screening and Notification Act, requiring women with dense breast tissue to be informed and receive additional screenings. This legislation aims to reduce deaths from breast cancer by promoting early detection among high-risk groups.
A study published in Sex Education found that LGBT+ teachers who taught during the era of Section 28 were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and self-censorship due to their sexuality. In contrast, post-2003 teachers reported higher levels of openness and inclusivity in their professional lives.
Researchers catalogued every pollinator protection policy enacted by US states between 2000-2017, finding 109 innovative solutions and just four federal bills
A University of Arizona researcher found that India's strong freedom-of-information law, enacted in 2005, created a culture demanding government transparency. The study highlights the importance of collaboration between journalists, social activists, and civil society organizations to create a right-to-information agenda.
A new study by Drexel University researchers found that while anti-vaccine bills increased nationwide between 2011 and 2017, pro-vaccine bills were more likely to be enacted into law. The majority of proposed legislation aimed to expand vaccine exemptions, but limited exemption laws were overwhelmingly passed.
Two studies found that fewer than 25% of California retail pharmacies dispense naloxone without a physician's prescription, and 69% of Texas chain pharmacies reported having the medication in stock. The studies aimed to assess naloxone accessibility after legislation allowed pharmacists to provide the antidote without a prescription.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found a strong correlation between state-level gun legislation and pediatric firearm mortality rates. States with stricter gun laws had significantly lower firearm-related fatalities among children, even after adjusting for poverty, unemployment, and education rates.
A systematic review of indoor tanning legislation found poor compliance with risk-reducing measures, including parental consent restrictions, protective eyewear, and warning labels. The study suggests that increased enforcement and better communication are needed to protect public health.
A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that Massachusetts' ICU nurse staffing regulations were not associated with improved patient outcomes. Despite modest increases in nurse staffing ratios, patient mortality and complication rates remained stable after the law's implementation.
A new analysis reveals that lobbyists spent over $2 billion on influencing climate-related legislation in the US Congress between 2000 and 2016. The electrical utilities sector and fossil fuel companies dominated climate lobbying efforts, with spending peaking at $362 million in 2009.
A new study found that Finnish forest management guidelines do not adequately protect old growth forests where flying squirrels live. The guidelines were compared to the recently amended Forest Act and resulted in an extremely low occurrence of female flying squirrels, highlighting a large gap between science and policy.
A Finnish-Canadian study found that law firms' professional ethos discourages men from taking parental leave, perpetuating gender inequality. The study suggests organisational solutions and male law firm partners' encouragement are needed to promote a more family-friendly culture.
Researchers found that 7.4% of NYC legislation between 1998 and 2017 could impact cardiovascular health, with enacted bills reducing air pollution, promoting physical activity, healthy diets, and tobacco cessation. These policies led to a 35% decline in adult smoking prevalence.
New research from the University of Portsmouth suggests that regulatory reforms in developing countries have failed to create a 'level playing field'. The study proposes stronger industry legislation to address business monopolies and reduce government interventions.
A recent survey by NORC at the University of Chicago found that Democrats and Republicans are in agreement on how Congress should operate. Americans overwhelmingly believe that lawmakers should prioritize the general public's opinions over those of wealthy donors, political party leaders, or the president. Key findings include a majori...
A recent study found that plastic pellets in marine environments have been leaking for decades, with continuous leakage leading to massive releases. Researchers calculated that 3-36 million pellets are spread every year from the Stenungsund production site.
A new study by ZSL and Utah State University argues that rewilding is a crucial approach to address global biodiversity loss. The research calls for revised legislation to facilitate the inclusion of rewilding in conservation efforts, with a focus on monitoring progress and understanding social impacts.
The 30th Annual Legislative Update reports that over 20 states have enacted laws increasing access to healthcare provided by APRNs, with full practice authority now granted in 25 states. This expansion aims to improve access to high-quality, cost-effective healthcare nationwide.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a model to calculate the impact of synergistic chemicals on environmental damage, which can aid in EU environmental legislation. The model can predict the effects of certain synergistic antifungal agents and gain insight into how synergy arises.
A study by researchers posing as minors found that 37 percent of tanning facilities in the US were out of compliance with state laws restricting indoor tanning for minors. Most noncompliant facilities were located in rural areas, the South, or had multiple tanning regulations.
A study of gay and lesbian adopters and foster carers in England and Wales found that many professionals cling to traditional ideas of family, challenging the concept of diverse kinship systems. The research aims to re-examine familial relationships and kinship practices within adoption and fostering.
A new study analyzing national LGBT alumni survey data shows slow but consistent progress in LGBTQ student experiences on college campuses over the past 70 years. However, recent policies by President Donald Trump and anti-LGBTQ state-level proposals may be negatively impacting campus climate for LGBTQ students.
Laws designed to stop terrorism are often too vague, leading to uncertainty in charities' everyday operations. Charities may be forced to change their ways due to unclear legislation, potentially discouraging worthwhile activities.
A new study found that more than 1 in 4 European workers are exposed to secondhand smoke at work, with indoor workplaces seeing an increase in cases. The research, which surveyed over 55,000 people across the EU, highlights the need for stronger enforcement of existing smoke-free laws.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a plan to enforce stricter ozone limits, despite opposition from the chemical industry and some environmental groups. The Clean Air Act allows EPA to review and adjust standards for ozone emissions, which have been linked to smog and respiratory illnesses.
Bystanders can make a difference in acid attacks by removing contaminated clothing and washing off acid with water. Public education and clear guidance for health professionals are also crucial to limit long-term physical and emotional effects.
A UCSB political science professor suggests that public support for renewable energy is strong in the US, with states having abundant resources at the top of the list. However, public opinion can sometimes fail to translate into state legislation, and framing context and local benefits as key factors can increase support. A study found...
The UK's departure from the EU will likely result in a loss of flexibility in implementing European criminal law. The country's previous 'pick-and-choose' approach to EU integration is set to be replaced by a more rigid framework. As a result, fundamental rights may be disproportionately affected.
A new study published in Health Communication suggests that mentioning 'repeal' or 'repeal and replace' in survey questions boosts support for the Affordable Care Act. The research analyzed hundreds of national opinion polls and found that people tend to oppose repeal, leading to increased support for the existing law.
The article discusses the challenges of copyright protection in the era of automated art, particularly with the rise of Deep Neural Networks. While DNN creations can generate original works, the issue of attribution and originality remains complex due to varying national laws and human inputs.
Research by Santa Fe Institute Omidyar Fellow Marion Dumas shows that citizen lawsuits can re-shape how policies are implemented on the ground, forging a more just and representative middle ground. This process weakens polarized lawmakers' bargaining positions, leading to legislative moves towards a middle ground.
A new study by Dartmouth College researchers finds that bipartisan coalitions are more likely to form in Congress when it becomes more polarized, enabling lawmakers to override presidential vetoes. This occurs as party leaders gain control over procedures and presidents use veto power strategically.
The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) will investigate serious risks to patient safety across the healthcare system, publicly reporting findings and issuing recommendations for improvement. The HSIB's independence is crucial to build an authoritative system-wide view of safety issues.
A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reveals that comprehensive smoking bans significantly decrease overall secondhand smoke exposure across all settings. Exposure to secondhand smoke was found to drop from 72% in 2006 to 45% in 2011, even outside workplaces and hospitality areas covered by the legislation.
Dr Geoff Debelle, a child protection expert, expresses concerns about the impact of the Children and Social Work Bill on vulnerable children in the UK. He argues that the clause introducing local authorities' powers could lead to inconsistent practices and erode trust with these children.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) improved health care access and utilization among Latinos, but persistent disparities persist. The study suggests expanding the law to undocumented immigrants could help combat these disparities.
The Vote Leave campaign used the NHS logo in their advertising, despite being warned by the Department of Health not to do so. The NHS logo is a registered trademark and was found to be misleadingly associated with funding for healthcare services.
A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that releasing youth from drinking-age restrictions is associated with a 7.6% increase in commission of any crime among males and a 10.4% increase among females. Violent crimes increased by 7.4% for males and 14.9% for females, while nuisance crimes also saw significant rises.
Journalists face increasing threats globally, with physical violence, kidnapping, and murder being used to suppress news. Citizen journalists in Syria are under immense pressure to continue reporting despite the risks.
A study by Rice University researchers found that 'anti-evolution' education legislation is often introduced to mollify religious constituents, rather than expected success. The study analyzed data from 26 states and found that only 25% of anti-evolution bills made it through state education committees.