A study of insurance claims data found that state laws governing opioid prescribing had a negligible effect on opioid prescribing trends. The authors suggest that shifting clinical guidelines, professional norms, or other factors may be driving the decline in opioid prescribing. In contrast, a post-hoc analysis of an ASPREE trial found...
Economists Ed Timmons and Conor Norris suggest reforms such as shorter medical school pathways, expanded physician assistant and nurse practitioner independence, and federal regulation of telemedicine to alleviate the healthcare industry's stress in light of COVID-19. These proposals aim to address staffing shortages, improve access to...
This study evaluates the relationship between 'Stand Your Ground' laws and homicide rates in the US. The analysis found that states with more restrictive laws had lower rates of firearm homicides, highlighting a possible link between self-defense laws and gun violence.
A growing number of US states have passed laws requiring employers to provide paid sick leave, with 27.6% of jobs covered as of 2019. However, some states block local governments from creating their own regulations, exacerbating health disparities and leaving low-wage workers without access to benefits.
A study of drivers with past-year alcohol and cannabis use found that two in five reported driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or both. Simultaneous use was associated with a higher risk of DUI, particularly among young adolescents.
Physicians in Colorado are more willing than expected to provide medical aid in dying, with 81% open to discussing the topic and 88% willing to make referrals. However, 46% were unwilling to serve as consultants, highlighting the need for better understanding of the challenges physicians face in this practice.
The pandemic has led to significant progress in increasing practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) across the US. Several states have made emergency changes permanent, expanding full practice authority for APRNs in Delaware and Massachusetts.
A LSU Health New Orleans study reports a nearly 70% decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per discharge opioid prescriptions for patients who underwent common lower extremity surgical procedures. The study also found a significant decline in new opioid prescriptions, from 50% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2018.
States allowing minors to consent to HPV vaccination without parental involvement showed higher vaccine series initiation rates from 2015 to 2018, according to a JAMA Pediatrics analysis of nearly 82,000 adolescents. The study found increased vaccine uptake in these states compared to those with parental consent requirements.
A survey study found that US state cannabis laws differ significantly, leading to varying dispensary staff recommendations. The study highlights the need for standardized guidelines to ensure patients receive accurate information about cannabis use.
A national study compares three state laws aimed at increasing hospital nurse staffing: mandated staffing ratios, staffing committees, and public reporting. The study found that staffing mandates lead to a significant increase in RN staffing, while alternative approaches have little impact on hospital nursing levels.
Prices paid to in and out-of-network anesthesiologists decreased after surprise billing legislation was introduced, with California and Florida seeing significant drops. In-network prices also decreased in these states, suggesting a direct impact on provider-payer negotiating dynamics.
Researchers investigated the link between state opioid prescription duration limits and changes in opioid prescribing. The study found that limiting initial opioid prescriptions may lead to a decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths, but also increase unnecessary hospitalizations.
Researchers found that state medical and recreational cannabis laws were associated with lower rates of self-harm and assault injuries. The study suggests that these laws may have contributed to a decrease in violent behavior, potentially due to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that strong state gun laws are associated with lower rates of firearm homicides within the state and across state lines. Weaker laws in one state contribute to higher homicide rates in neighboring states, particularly when guns can flow undetected into areas with already weak laws.
A recent University of Washington study found that age restrictions on handgun purchases have little effect on the rate of homicides involving guns by people in this age group. The central issue is high informal access to firearms, making it difficult to address with age limits. Firearms are a leading cause of death among American youth.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that weaker gun laws in neighboring states are associated with increased gun deaths in adjoining states. The researchers analyzed 578,022 firearm deaths over a 17-year period and found that stronger state gun policies were linked to decreased firearm deaths.
A RAND Corporation study found that states with the most-restrictive combination of common policies associated with a 11% reduction in firearm deaths. Child access prevention laws were found to demonstrate the strongest association with subsequent changes in firearms death rates.
A study found that child access prevention (CAP) laws, but not right-to-carry (RTC) or stand your ground (SYG) laws, are associated with reduced firearm-related deaths. States with more restrictive policies had 11% fewer firearm deaths, corresponding to an estimated 4,475 fewer deaths per year.
State legislatures use various tactics to pass laws limiting local control, such as passing bills quickly, concealing preemption, and repealing existing laws. These strategies concentrate power at state capitals, reducing local governments' ability to protect residents from public health harms.
New study finds Paid Sick Leave mandates increase worker absences by 4.5 percentage points, particularly among women and low-wage industries
A new BU School of Public Health study scores states on alcohol policy, finding even Utah has room for improvement. The research found that laws to reduce excessive drinking also have an independent effect on reducing impaired driving.
A study examining state laws on abortion conscience rights found that these laws may compromise patient safety. The laws grant individuals and institutions immunity from liability for refusing abortion services based on their beliefs.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that many high schools struggle to implement and enforce state concussion laws due to inadequate education materials, lack of buy-in from parents and coaches, and ineffective communication systems. The barriers can lead to athletes not reporting symptoms or being removed from play too late.
A cross-sectional study published in Pediatrics found that states with stricter firearms laws had a 35% lower firearm-related death rate among children. The study also showed that universal background checks for firearm purchases were associated with lower mortality rates.
A new Boston University study reveals that states with universal background check laws for all gun sales had 15% lower homicide rates compared to those without such laws. The study also found that laws limiting the sale of guns to people convicted of violent misdemeanors were associated with a more dramatic reduction in homicide rates.
Research found that adopting stricter state gun laws is associated with reduced rates of weapon carrying and perceived threats among students. This study highlights the need for stronger gun control policies to improve school safety.
A new study found that states with more permissive gun laws and greater gun ownership have higher rates of mass shootings. On average, more permissive states and states with higher gun ownership rates appeared to have more mass shootings.
The USPSTF finds limited or inconsistent evidence on the benefits of primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment. Children with signs or symptoms suggesting maltreatment should be assessed or reported according to applicable state laws.
A new study reveals wide variations in voting ease among US states, impacting democracy and potentially affecting voter turnout. States like Oregon and Colorado rank high for ease of voting, while others like Mississippi face significant inconveniences.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that US state laws permitting the denial of services to same-sex couples due to religious or moral beliefs harm the mental health of sexual minority adults. The research, which analyzed BRFSS data from 2014-2016, showed a significant increase in mental distress among gay, l...
A study of 109,089 adults in nine states and three that passed laws permitting service denial found an increase in mental distress among sexual minority adults. Mental health was defined as poor mental health on 14 or more days past 30.
A new study found that stronger firearm laws are associated with fewer crime guns originating from neighboring states. The researchers analyzed data from 2006-2016 and found that states with more lax gun laws had a higher percentage of traced in-state crime guns.
Two studies investigate the correlation between state-legal cannabis use and opioid prescription rates among Medicaid enrollees and Medicare Part D recipients. The findings suggest that implementing medical cannabis laws may lead to a decrease in opioid prescribing rates and spending.
This observational study found that strong state firearm laws are associated with lower rates of firearm homicide, suicide, and overall suicide rates. States with strict gun regulations had significantly lower firearm homicide rates when neighboring states also had strict laws.
A new study found that medical marijuana dispensaries are associated with lower rates of opioid overdose deaths, but only in states with loosely regulated dispensary systems. The association declined sharply after 2010 as state laws became more tightly regulated and the opioid crisis shifted to heroin and fentanyl.
Booster seats reduce minor injuries specifically among children aged 8 to 12, while car seats and seat belts appear equally effective at saving lives. However, booster seats may not be the best option for younger children due to concerns over premature graduation to adult seat belts.
Daily marijuana use and past month rates rose for men and women aged 26 and older in states with medical marijuana laws. Daily use was generally higher among individuals aged 18-25 compared to those ages 12-17 and 26 or older, regardless of state laws.
A study found that 43% of online cannabidiol products had more and 26% had less than the indicated amount on their labels. The findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and testing standards to ensure these products are used for medicinal purposes.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that gun-related deaths and injuries in neighboring California spiked by nearly 70 percent after gun shows were held in Nevada. The findings suggest that lack of federal gun legislation reduces the impact of state laws intended to protect citizens from firearm injury and death.
Researchers found that 80% of handgun owners who carried their guns had a concealed-carry permit and 66% always carried them concealed. State laws on handgun carrying have become less restrictive over the last 30 years, leading to an increase in concealed-carry permit holders
A new review of child-related auto fatalities found that the South had the highest number of fatalities and the Northeast the lowest, with a national mortality rate of 16%. Improper restraints and crashes on rural roads were common causes of deaths.
A comprehensive national database of state firearms laws has been developed to gauge the impact of laws intended to reduce firearm-related violence. The study found a significant increase in enacted state firearm provisions nationwide, but also identified disparities and inconsistencies between states.
A new analysis system developed by Carnegie Mellon University found that nearly half of popular free apps lack a privacy policy, despite processing personally identifiable information. The system also identified inconsistencies in the policies of those that do exist.
A new study found that state laws restricting prescription opioids had no measurable effect on opioid use among disabled Medicare beneficiaries. The analysis revealed no significant association between state laws and hazardous prescribing patterns.
Despite a significant increase in telemedicine visits, only 0.7% of rural Medicare beneficiaries received a telemedicine visit in 2013, according to a study published in JAMA. The majority of visits were for mental health conditions, and rural beneficiaries who received telemedicine were more likely to be younger or have disabilities.
Research reveals that nine expanded underage drinking laws have significantly reduced fatal crashes involving underage drivers, saving over 1,100 lives each year. The most effective laws include those related to possession, purchase, and zero-tolerance policies.
A new study by University of Washington and Dartmouth College found that restrictive laws in US states deterred internal Latino migration. During the 2008-2010 period, when hostile state policies were in effect, the migration redistribution for both U.S.-born and naturalized Latinos fell dramatically.
A Penn study finds that states with mandatory ignition interlock laws for DUI offenders reduce alcohol-related crash deaths by 15%, comparable to airbag laws. These devices prevent intoxicated drivers from starting their vehicles, directly preventing drunk driving and saving lives.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that three state laws - requiring firearm identification, ammunition background checks, and universal background checks - can substantially reduce gun deaths. Implementing these laws nationwide could project a national mortality rate of 0.16 per 100,000 people.
A new University of Michigan study finds that voting restrictions are actually increasing voter turnout among Democrats, who become angrier about the laws' impact on minority voters. The study reveals that media frames about voter ID laws trigger powerful emotions in Democrats, leading to increased participation.
A new study by MIT researchers found that constituency statutes in 34 US states increase patenting rates by at least 6.4% and citation counts per patent by 6.3%. This allows firms to take a longer view on innovation, prioritizing stakeholders' interests over short-term profits.
A study suggests that two Florida laws, enacted to combat prescription drug abuse, led to a small but significant decrease in opioid prescriptions. The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and 'pill mill' law measures reduced the volume of opioids prescribed by 2.5% and the dosage strength by 5.6%, equivalent to 750,000 pills per month.
A new study found that states adopting their first drunk driving laws were more likely to have large populations of young people and neighboring states with similar laws, contradicting expectations that political makeup or traffic fatality rates would be predictors.
A recent Connecticut study found a marked increase in the number of teenagers receiving medical treatment for sports-related concussions after laws were passed in 2010. The study suggests that extending concussion laws to include summer camps, travel teams, and all-star teams could improve safety and education for all young athletes.
A study by the University of North Carolina found that 93.7% of online e-cigarette vendors failed to properly verify customers' ages, allowing minors to easily purchase electronic cigarettes online. This lack of age verification is concerning, especially given the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teenagers.
A North Carolina-based study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researchers found that local enforcement of federal immigration laws can have an adverse impact on the use of health care services among immigrant Hispanics. Rates of late and inadequate prenatal care increased significantly among Hispanic mothers compared to non-Hispan...
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that changes to B.C.'s impaired driving laws reduced fatal crashes by 21%, hospital admissions by 8% and ambulance calls by 7.2%. The study attributes these reductions to stricter penalties for impaired driving.
According to a 2010 CDC survey, an estimated 1.4 million women in Texas experience stalking during their lifetimes, with nearly half reporting weekly unwanted contacts. The report emphasizes the need for increased data collection and reporting on stalking to improve laws and support services.
Researchers found that states adopting more alcohol and traffic laws had a 14.5% decrease in traffic fatality rates compared to those adopting fewer laws. The study suggests policymakers should focus on bringing weaker protection states up to speed, as lagging behind leads to more deaths.