SUMMARY: William Lopez, a former employee of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, recounts a troubling experience from June 2017 involving a request to contact a deceased friend’s spouse for eye donation, which he refused. Over three years, he witnessed numerous issues, including damaged tissue and lack of transparency. Criticism has emerged about the eye bank’s operations, highlighting high employee turnover and inadequate training, leading to errors. Despite its crucial role in restoring sight through cornea transplants, former employees express concerns over oversight and the pressure to fulfill international demands at the expense of quality. Stricter regulation of tissue donation practices is called for.

Read the full article

The post Ex-Eye Bank Workers Say Pressure, Lax Oversight Led to Errors appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Indiana residents and officials are opposing a proposed merger between two rival hospitals in Terre Haute, which would create a healthcare monopoly. Union Health, a nonprofit, aims to acquire the for-profit Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Critics, including the FTC, warn that this merger will lead to higher prices, reduced care options, and negative impacts on the local economy. The Indiana Department of Health has received extensive public feedback largely against the deal. Union Health claims the merger will enhance care and efficiency, while experts predict it could worsen public health outcomes and job losses for the community.

Read the full article

The post FTC, Indiana Residents Pressure State To Block Hospital Merger appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: In a trial in Boise, Idaho, physicians and four women are challenging the state’s near-total abortion ban, arguing it endangers women’s health by forcing them to carry fetuses with fatal anomalies or endangering their lives without medical intervention. The case, which aims to introduce medical exceptions into the current law, highlights personal testimonies of severe pregnancy complications. Opposing counsel criticized the plaintiffs’ testimonies, framing abortions negatively. Advocates fear that a loss in this case could limit future challenges to similar bans nationwide. The trial follows previous legal setbacks in Idaho and Texas regarding abortion rights.

Read the full article

The post A Closely Watched Trial Over Idaho’s Near-Total Abortion Ban Continues Tuesday appeared first on kffhealthnews.org