The Latest

A new class of synthetic opioids known as orphines is emerging in the U.S., raising concerns for public health officials and clinicians, The New York Times reported May 5.  Orphines began appearing in the U.S. drug supply in the fall,…

Tewksbury (Mass.) Hospital has partially reversed a recent ban on security tools, after a series of violent incidents and backlash from staff, unions and local authorities, The Boston Globe reported May 4.  Under the updated policy, pepper spray, handcuffs and…

Cincinnati-based Good Samaritan Hospital must pay $10 million after a jury on May 1 ruled against the hospital in the death of 69-year-old Terri Price. The jury found the hospital liable after Ms. Price was admitted to a psychiatric unit…

HHS outlined an action plan May 4 to “curb psychiatric overprescribing” when clinically indicated, especially for children.  HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., detailed the initiative at a MAHA Institute summit, focusing on evaluating prescription patterns, assessing benefits and harms,…

The United States is facing a severe behavioral health crisis driven by provider shortages, rising demand, and increasing patient acuity. Emergency department utilization for mental health has surged, particularly among youth. Suicide rates among individuals ages 15 to 24 increased…