Jessica Karins

Falls Church

FDA Reporter at Inside Health Policy

FDA reporter at @InHealthPolicy. Send tips to [email protected]

Articles

Pivotal Week Begins For Senate To Meet July 4th Reconciliation Deadline

5 days ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Dorothy Mills-Gregg |Jessica Karins

This week could make or break the prospect of a Senate reconciliation vote before July 4 -- the self-imposed deadline that seems in jeopardy as Republican senators tussle over the scope of potential Medicaid cuts and also await word from the parliamentarian on which provisions may have to be removed under the upper chamber’s Byrd Rule test for extraneous matter in reconciliation bills.
SFC Reconciliation Language On Deck, Cassidy Plugs His MA Bill, ACIP Panel Removed

2 weeks ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Amy Lotven |Jessica Karins |Sigi Ris

The Senate Finance Committee could have its reconciliation language out as early as this week, according to reports that indicate key Senate Republicans are breaking into smaller groups to hash out language on Medicaid, including whether to keep or change the House -- passed provisions that freeze states’ ability to charge new provider taxes or raise existing ones and that cap state-directed payments.
MAHA Report Accuses AMA Of Silencing Dissent As Lobby Takes Up Misinfo Resolutions Targeting RFK Jr.

3 weeks ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Maaisha Osman |Jessica Karins

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s inaugural “Make America Healthy Again” blasts the American Medical Association over its policies to stem so-called “disinformation” from doctors, saying moves like a 2022 AMA resolution calling on state licensing boards to take action against doctors who spread false or misleading health information -- especially related to COVID-19 and vaccines -- create a climate of fear that discourages legitimate medical inquiry.
House FDA Panel Advances Approps Bill In Line With Trump Ask

3 weeks ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Jessica Karins

The House Appropriations subcommittee for FDA and the Department of Agriculture advanced its fiscal 2026 funding bill by a partisan vote Thursday (June 5), with funding levels for FDA in line with those in the White House’s budget proposal.
Senate Confirms Tech-Connected O’Neill As Deputy HHS Secretary

3 weeks ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Jessica Karins

Former Silicon Valley executive Jim O’Neill will be the new deputy secretary of HHS, with the Senate voting to confirm him 52-43 Thursday (June 5).
Infant Formula Experts Call On FDA To Line Up With WHO Standards

3 weeks ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Jessica Karins

Infant formula nutrition experts Wednesday (June 4) weighed in FDA’s plans to reevaluate ingredients, with many calling for the agency to align its recommendations more closely with European Union and the World Health Organization standards.
Vaccine Experts Say They’re Preparing To Act As Alternative To ACIP

3 weeks ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Jessica Karins

An independent organization of vaccine experts is condemning the lack of transparency around HHS’ updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination, saying the department circumvented the long-established process that makes recommendations understandable to providers and the public.
Trump Asks Congress To Rescind HIV/AIDS, Global Health Funding

3 weeks ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Jessica Karins

The White House sent Congress its first set of proposals to rescind federal funding Tuesday (June 3), aiming to formalize cuts to global health funding it has stopped spending, including for HIV/AIDS programs. The request also describes reproductive health programs supported by foreign aid funding are “antithetical to American interests.”
FDA To Reexamine Mifepristone, CMS Scraps Biden-Era EMTALA Stance

3 weeks ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Jessica Karins

CMS has officially scrapped Biden-era guidance interpreting the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) as protecting patients’ ability to get an emergency abortion, while the FDA commissioner simultaneously indicates the agency will conduct a formal review of the abortion drug mifepristone; both moves could make abortion even less accessible in states with restrictive laws.
FDA AI Rollout Gets Cautiously Optimistic Reception

3 weeks ago | insidehealthpolicy.com | Jessica Karins

Stakeholders are striking a measured tone on FDA’s announcement that it will swiftly role out the use of artificial intelligence-assisted reviews across the whole agency, saying there are reasons for concern but it’s necessary to take innovative steps to speed up medical product reviews.