Apparently it’s “controversial health legislation” week in Augusta. While bills related to Mainers’ health spark plenty of debate throughout the legislative session — see “Medicaid expansion” — lawmakers tackled a spate of proposals this week that could affect your physical well-being.
First out of the gate was a bill to ban the use of electronic cigarettes, or “vaping,” in public spaces where we already prohibit smoking.
A bill sponsored by the Senate majority leader would require health insurers to cover infertility treatments — as long as the patient is married and is not infertile because of a sexually transmitted disease.
Next up, a proposal to encourage alternative treatment for Lyme disease hit a roadblock.
Rounding out the week were supporters of a less contentious bill seeking tougher lead poisoning standards, who aired their reasoning before lawmakers.
Other top health stories
Emails of 1,200 patients at Brewer medical practice mistakenly disclosed
The messages contained no personal health or financial information, according to EMHS.
Prep to begin for high-profile kidney donation while attorneys review fundraising
Maine Medical Center officials described the situation as uncharted territory.
From our bloggers
Kenneth Capron, A Journey Through Dementia
Should dementia affect sexual consent laws?
Is there an age or a circumstance that could determine when someone is no longer able to give informed consent – for sex or anything else?
Scott Gagnon, Smart Approaches to Public Health
What tobacco and emerging marijuana industries have in common
The heads of the marijuana industry are trying to fool the public that their products are benign and not addictive.
From the source
The documentary “Rx: The Quiet Revolution” details the cross-country travels of David Grubin, who sought to highlight the work of primary care clinicians. Watch the film in full online to see appearances by Maine Drs. David Loxterkamp and Christine Kramer, who both practice in the Belfast area.
Compiled by BDN Health Editor Jackie Farwell
