New Abortion Restrictions Could Trigger Medical Malpractice Suits, MO Responds to Cancer Drug Shortage & More

Abortion-Related Medical Malpractice Suits Ahead?

Doctors in states with new abortion restrictions who refuse to end the pregnancies of women whose health is at risk, out of fear of criminal prosecution, could soon be facing a different legal risk: being sued for medical malpractice for failing to provide proper care.

“We will absolutely see medical malpractice cases emerge,” said Diana Nordlund, an emergency physician and former malpractice attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Refusing to provide treatment that’s considered to be the standard of care because of new abortion restrictions is “perceived as substandard care and there is increased civil liability.” (KFF HEALTH NEWS)

FTC Proposes Changes to Merger Review Process

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed changes to federal pre-merger notification requirements that could make it easier for the agency to block mergers it deems anti-competitive. The changes to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Form, which would apply to the healthcare sector as well as other U.S. regulated industries, would provide more information for regulators to review during the initial waiting period for mergers. (FIERCE HEALTHCARE)

MO Addresses Cancer Drug Shortage

The Missouri Board of Pharmacy has issued an emergency rule giving pharmacies more leeway to combine drugs required for chemotherapy. The rule, which takes effect on July 6 and will remain active until the end of the year, comes in response to reports of hospitals rationing cancer care in response to a nationwide shortage of some common cancer treatment drugs. (ST LOUIS POST-DISPATCH)

First Fully Generative AI Drug Enters Human Clinical Trials

Insilico Medicine INS018_055 has become the first fully generative AI drug to reach the human clinical trial phase. The Hong Kong-based biotech startup created the drug to treat the chronic lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. (CNBC)

Healthcare Worker Assault Law Takes Effect in GA

A new law (HB 383) took effect in Georgia on July 1 that increases the penalties for assaults on healthcare workers. The law is similar to one passed in Florida this year, but Georgia’s, enacted in May, imposes tougher penalties—prison sentences of three to 20 years—and also allows hospitals to set up their own police forces. (INSURANCE JOURNAL, STATE NET)

IL Authorizes Own Health Insurance Exchange

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed HB 579, allowing the state to run its own health insurance marketplace. Illinois is the 19th state to take that action under the Affordable Care Act. (PLURIBUS NEWS, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, STATE NET)

—Compiled by SNCJ Managing Editor KOREY CLARK

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