Issues

State legislators’ support for public television is strengthening after nearly a decade of deep spending cuts and sharp ideological opposition from some lawmakers to the very idea of taxpayer-supported TV. In winning the additional money, boosters have successfully argued that public television is about more than NOVA and Downton Abbey. more »

The Pew Trusts has commented on this issue as part of new regulations governing the EHR Incentive Program, asking Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure that doctors are aware of patients' advance care plans and can easily locate them. Pew also endorsed the recently introduced Personalize Your Care Act 2.0, which includes a provision requiring the secretary of HHS to establish standards for advance care planning documentation in EHRs. Although EHRs have been widely adopted — thanks in large part to financial incentives from the federal government — there is no common place for medical staff to note patients' end-of-life wishes.   Although electronic health records have been widely adopted, there is no common place for medical staff to note patients’ end-of-life wishes. Electronic health records (EHRs) have the potential to dramatically increase physi… more »

Researchers at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) recently identified compounds that potentially can be used to inhibit Zika virus replication and reduce its ability to kill brain cells. These compounds now can be studied by the broader research community to help combat the Zika public health crisis. more »

Nearly one century ago, with boundless courage and relentless commitment, dedicated women who had marched, advocated, and organized for the right to cast a vote finally saw their efforts rewarded on August 26, 1920, when the 19th Amendment was certified and the right to vote was secured. more »