Tag: Massachusetts
Did a Spicy Social Media Challenge Kill a Massachusetts Teen?
Did an absurdly spicy chip and a social media challenge kill a Massachusetts teen? His family sure thinks so, and it is possible. But skepticism is appropriate unless further details emerge. Still, these chips aren't for kids.
There is really nothing super about Antibiotic Resistant Gonorrhea
Reports out of Massachusetts are raising concerns of a highly resistant strain of gonorrhea being seen for the first time in the United States. Are we close to living in a reality where there are no more effective treatments for this nasty, and potentially deadly, infection?
Court overturns FDA ban on electric shock device used on special needs students
An FDA ban on using electric shock devices to control behavior in special needs students, a method deemed "torture" in a U.N. report, was overturned in a flawed court decision. The FDA should appeal.
“Quack Protection Acts” proposed in state legislatures
Laws protecting "complementary and alternative" health care providers from state regulation have been proposed in several state legislatures under the rubric of "health freedom". These "Quack Protection Acts" harm consumers.
Bills eliminating school immunizations and other anti-vaccination measures confront state legislatures
Bills eliminating school immunizations and expanding exemptions are pending in state legislatures. Other state bills strengthen immunization requirements by eliminating exemptions, among other measures. An anti-vaccination misinformation campaign is underway to influence legislators' votes.
“Health Freedom” group promotes legislation negating masks, other public health measures
National Health Freedom Action is promoting state legislation that would block enforcement of public health measures (e.g., mask wearing and social distancing) during epidemics and other emergencies. The organization and its allies embrace junk science and have successfully passed laws protecting quacks.
Legislative Alchemy 2019: Acupuncturists score Medicare coverage and scope of practice expansion
Through the magic of legislative alchemy, acupuncture has already scored some big wins in 2020, including Medicare coverage.
Shiva Ayyadurai: Antivaxxer for Senate
Did Shiva Ayyadurai invent e-mail? Should he represent the Republican Party? Read below to find out!
Legislative Alchemy 2018: Acupuncturists seek practice expansion and competition elimination
Acupuncturists want to expand their scope of practice far beyond sticking needles in people. Too many states are allowing them to treat pretty much anything with unproven and potentially dangerous remedies.
Legislative Alchemy 2017: Acupuncture
Acupuncture is nothing more than a theatrical placebo. Yet acupuncturists, defined as primary care practitioners in some states, are succeeding in licensing and practice expansion efforts in state legislatures.