"A major impetus behind this proposed rule is to improve coordination of care, in part by addressing disconnects between Part 2 and [HIPAA]. However, this initiative is counterbalanced by changes intended to strengthen confidentiality protections of SUD records ... If finalized as drafted, the proposed rule also expands breach notification requirements and enforcement teeth."  MORE >>

"An updated ... analysis shows the United States experienced a second year of decline in life expectancy in 2021 while other comparably large, wealthy countries saw a rebound in life expectancy since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.... In 2021, the U.S. spent over $4,000 more per capita on health care than the next highest spending country."  MORE >>

"PFL access leads to a 7.0 percentage point decline in the likelihood that the (healthy) wives of individuals with medical conditions or limitations who experience a hospitalization or surgery report 'leaving a job to care for home or family' in the post-health-shock rounds.... [I]mprovements in job continuity are concentrated among caregivers with 12 or fewer years of education, suggesting that government-provided PFL might reduce disparities in leave access."  MORE >>

"As You Sow writes that the board's analysis might include any effects on employee hiring, retention and productivity and decisions about closing or expanding the company's operations in states proposing or enacting restrictive laws and strategies, 'such as any public policy advocacy by the company, related political contribution policies and human resources or educational strategies.' "  MORE >>