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Join us in congratulating STAT’s Lev Facher, who was honored with a Loeb Award last night for his impactful series, The War on Recovery! If you’ve yet to delve into these powerful narratives about the denial of essential medications for those grappling with opioid addiction, here’s the first piece.
Trump administration intensifies actions against AI coalition advocating for stricter guidelines
A tech-driven organization aimed at influencing the integration of AI in health care is facing dwindling support and key departures, alongside growing opposition from the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers.
Amazon, among the founding members of the Coalition for Health AI, has opted not to renew its membership, while Microsoft is currently reevaluating its involvement. Neither entity has linked these choices to the Trump administration’s recent criticisms.
The Coalition for Health AI comprises over 3,000 members, including prominent entities in health care and technology like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Mayo Clinic. This coalition is pivotal in advocating for enhanced regulation and transparency in AI tool testing. However, officials from the Trump administration have increasingly contended that industry groups should not function as a “regulatory cartel.”
What prompted the administration to label CHAI a cartel? Why is there a push to dismantle this regulatory body? Read STAT’s Mario Aguilar’s report.
Key Democrat urges Medicare Advantage insurers to enhance AI transparency
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is pressing the largest Medicare Advantage insurers to disclose more about their utilization of artificial intelligence tools, as detailed in a letter sent to UnitedHealth Group that has been obtained by STAT.
This initiative follows a report from a Senate subcommittee indicating that payment rejections for critically ill patients surged after UnitedHealth and other major Medicare Advantage insurers began employing AI and predictive analytics to inform coverage decisions. Similar inquiries were directed at leaders from Humana and CVS Health, which owns Aetna.
Curious about what Blumenthal is asking these firms to clarify? Check out STAT’s Casey Ross’ exclusive.
Jay Shetty has cemented his status as a health influencer, yet his scientific credentials remain vague.
Jay Shetty wields significant influence; his podcast, “On Purpose,” features discussions with an array of doctors, mental health professionals, and top celebrities regarding their health practices. He boasts nearly 4.5 million YouTube subscribers. His public engagements and relationships have established him as an emblem of health and spirituality in today’s fast-paced society.
However, what insights has Shetty shared through his platform? Much of his health advice tends to lack context, appears aimed at supporting his personal ventures, or is simply not backed by scientific evidence. His content has included ambiguous statements on how to “cancer-proof” oneself and has made misleading assertions regarding inflammation and COVID-19 mortality rates in the U.S.
STAT’s Alexa Lee conducts an in-depth examination of Shetty, assessing why he captivates millions and what his rise indicates about the erosion of trust in American health systems. Discover more here.
Ultra-processed food receives its inaugural legal definition
Many Americans are concerned about the health impacts of ultra-processed food, yet there remains ambiguity surrounding its exact definition, complicating discussions about what falls into this category—from canned beans to candy. A groundbreaking law in California focused on improving school lunch nutrition notably provides a formal definition. (STAT previously reported on the bill’s initial proposal in March.)
Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, the legislation categorizes ultra-processed foods as those featuring high levels of sodium, added sugars, or saturated fats, along with additives like stabilizers, emulsifiers, and artificial flavors. California’s health department will further refine the term “ultra-processed foods of concern” based on empirical scientific data and existing state, federal, and international guidelines, leading schools to eliminate products that meet the latter criteria over the next decade.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also unveiled intentions this summer to formulate a national definition of ultra-processed foods, although a rollout timeline has yet to be announced. — Sarah Todd
Circumcision does not lead to autism
During Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, Kennedy made a controversial assertion: “Children circumcised in infancy exhibit twice the rates of autism.” He further claimed that it’s “highly probable” this data is linked to Tylenol usage, concluding with “none of this is positive.”
The origins of the Secretary’s claim remain unclear. There are two studies that investigate the relationship between autism and circumcision, neither of which establishes a significant connection, let alone a causal link that would double the occurrence rate of autism.
Additionally, Kennedy remarked about viewing a TikTok video featuring a pregnant woman “consuming Tylenol excessively” while expressing discontent towards Trump. He asserted that all research connecting prenatal acetaminophen use to autism showed “significant neurological and behavioral implications.” However, the scientific community does not support the Secretary’s statements, as laid out by STAT’s Matt Herper.
The Trump administration frequently propagates unsubstantiated claims on health issues, particularly concerning autism. While it’s impractical to fact-check every assertion here, it appears that Kennedy’s efforts to reform American health care have lost favor with the public. As noted by Theresa yesterday, 62% of Americans disapprove of his management of vaccine policies, according to a recent poll by KFF.
What we’re reading
- She departed the conventional medical field and emerged as RFK Jr.’s chosen surgeon general, Washington Post
- The hand-wringing surrounding antidepressant use during pregnancy is detrimental to women, Scientific American
- Blue Cross of Massachusetts offers severance to numerous employees amidst financial difficulties, STAT
- Silence from the scientific community is deafening, Can We Still Govern?
- Sugar: What’s the real impact?, Science Vs
