The mental health workforce shortage is more acute in rural areas, adding to rising patient loads in hospital ERs.
Health care
In-depth reporting on public health, healthcare policy, hospitals, and wellness issues shaping communities across Texas, from The Texas Tribune.
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We the Texans
Legalized marijuana supporters hope voters in this Texas city will send a message to state lawmakers
There is no process in Texas for a voter-driven statewide referendum. So, supporters are going city by city to build statewide momentum.
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Health care
Amarillo council may reconsider abortion travel ban after residents gather 10,000 signatures
Supporters began the petition drive after the City Council punted on the proposed policy. Voters may have the final say.
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Marijuana in Texas
Is marijuana legal in Texas? What you need to know about the state’s pot laws.
A proposed change in how the federal government classifies the drug won’t change state laws.
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Health care
State’s premature release of bid proposal info touches off new battle over $116 billion in Medicaid contracts
The early release of documents meant a single competitor got an early look at the other bidders’ playbooks before final winners were announced.
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Texas Abortion Restrictions
New reporting requirements for life-saving abortions worry some doctors
The proposed guidance from the Texas Medical Board would require doctors to document whether there was time to transfer a patient “by any means available” to avoid performing an abortion.
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Health care
Seattle Children’s Hospital won’t have to provide trans patient records to Texas under new settlement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton suspected the hospital was helping Texas kids access puberty blockers or hormone treatments that are outlawed for juveniles.
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Health care
Texas is struggling to diversify its mental health workforce as the state becomes less white
More than 40% of the state’s population is Hispanic, but its mental health provider population is more than 80% white.
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Health care
Texas families could lose at-home nursing under stricter Medicaid rule
Some children who receive private duty nursing, a more continuous type of medical care in their homes, could lose their ability to live at home if an HHSC rule change goes into effect.
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Health care
Proposed changes to state Medicaid plans could shake up health coverage for 1.8 million low-income Texans
The move, which has not been finalized, would drop three large health plans run for two decades by nonprofit children’s hospitals.