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A new CDC report found that tuberculosis cases in the United States reached their highest number in a decade in 2023, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from Florida, Georgia, and Idaho.
- Florida: The Florida Supreme Court on Monday ruled 6–1 to uphold the state's law banning most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a decision that now allows a separate six-week ban to go into effect. In 2022, the state passed a 15-week ban on abortion, which has been enforced amid ongoing legal challenges. In 2023, the state legislature also passed a six-week ban, but it could not go into effect until the original 15-week ban was upheld. The six-week ban is set to go into effect 30 days after the court's ruling. However, in a separate 4-3 ruling, the state Supreme Court allowed a ballot measure that would amend the state constitution and enshrine the right to abortion. The amendment, in part, reads that "no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider." At least 60% of voters will need to approve the amendment for it to pass. (Farrington, Associated Press, 4/1; Ellenbogen, Tampa Bay Times, 4/1)
- Georgia: According to a new CDC report, there were over 9,600 cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States in 2023 — a 16% increase from 2022 and the highest number since 2013. Although TB cases declined significantly at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have since begun to rise again. Overall, 40 U.S. states reported an increase in TB, and rates grew among all age groups between 2022 and 2023. According to health experts, the increase in TB cases in 2023 was due in part to a surge of TB cases internationally. In 2022, the World Health Organization said that TB was the second most common infectious fatal disease globally behind COVID-19. However, despite the increase in cases in the United States, the number and rate of TB cases each year is still lower than it was in the past. Philip LoBue, director of the CDC's Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, noted that "[i]t's too early to tell" what will happen with TB trends over the next few years. (Associated Press/MedPage Today, 3/29)
- Idaho: Intermountain Health has closed its physician group, Saltzer Health, after failing to find a buyer. Saltzer had 10 locations in southwestern Idaho and provided primary care, urgent care, sleep treatment, and ophthalmology. In January, the organization said that it would close on March 29 if it did not have a buyer. Currently, Saltzer said it is still in discussions with organizations about acquiring some of its health services. "We have been in constant communication with patients to ensure they can continue their care with as little disruption as possible," Saltzer said in a statement. "Caregivers and patients will be informed about those changes once they are finalized." (DeSilva, Modern Healthcare, 4/1)
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