Health Care
Under ‘Medicaid reform,’ rural Iowans need to learn not to get sick
People who live in the metro areas of Iowa may be unaware, but good citizens who reside in rural Iowa are painfully cognizant local hospitals are in desperate financial condition and losing the fight to remain in operation. The good news, if we can label it as such, is the problem is nationwide. The number […]
Iowa athletic trainer’s license sanctioned after Idaho students allege improprieties
The state of Iowa is allowing an athletic trainer to keep his license after another state sanctioned him over allegations of improprieties with female college students. Idaho state records indicate that in August 2021, Richard Bingham was working as an athletic trainer at the College of Southern Idaho when he was placed on administrative leave. […]
Government shutdown won’t affect health care or most benefits for veterans, VA says
WASHINGTON — Veterans who rely on government health care and other assistance can continue to see their doctors and receive education and pension benefits despite a possible, and likely imminent, partial shutdown that will temporarily cease many federal operations. The Department of Veterans Affairs has released guidance on what functions will continue and not continue […]
Nurse claims care facility wanted her to falsify records, violate state regulations
A nurse who resigned from an Iowa care facility, which has been cited in multiple deaths, testified at a hearing recently that she was instructed to falsify medical records and have unqualified aides administer medications to residents. The testimony of Teressa A. Hansen came during a Sept. 13 hearing on her request for unemployment benefits. […]
Trump opens the door to attacks in Iowa — but will his rivals take advantage?
The Republican nomination fight in Iowa is getting a lot more interesting. Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott are ditching the kid gloves and taking on Donald Trump on the issue of abortion. In an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” program Sunday, Trump called Florida’s 6-week abortion ban a “terrible mistake.” That opened the door to the Florida governor, […]
Chiropractor accused of sexual improprieties faces new charges
A central Iowa chiropractor who has been accused of sexual impropriety with patients on three separate occasions is facing new charges from state regulators. In March 2023, the Iowa Board of Chiropractic charged Stuart Hoven of Winterset with unethical conduct for behavior that includes engaging in a sexual or emotional relationship with a former patient; […]
Restaurant inspection update: Gnats floating in tequila, sauce with ‘moldy fuzz’
State, city and county food inspectors have cited Iowa restaurants and stores for hundreds of food-safety violations during the past four weeks, including moldy food, expired milk and gnats floating in the liquor. One Des Moines eatery agreed to voluntarily close in order repair a cooler that was keeping food at 60 degrees and to […]
State-run Glenwood home for the disabled is cited again for violations
For the seventh time in the past 19 months, a state-run home for the disabled is facing fines for inadequate care. Two of seven violations cited by inspectors have involved the death of residents. According to inspection reports from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, a worker at the Glenwood Resource Center for […]
A new COVID booster is here. Will those at greatest risk get it?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends new COVID-19 booster vaccines for all — but many who need them most won’t get them. About 75% of people in the United States appear to have skipped last year’s bivalent booster, and nothing suggests uptake will be better this time around. “Urging people to get boosters […]
Iowa doctor who fights COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates sues hospital
An Iowa physician who has been critical of mask mandates and the COVID-19 vaccine is now suing a Missouri hospital over its staff-vaccination requirements. Dr. Mollie James of Chariton is suing Mercy ACO Clinical Services, Mercy Health and Mercy Health East Communities in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri. Her lawsuit seeks unspecified […]
While serving time for child porn, Iowa EMT loses his license to practice
The Iowa Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services has revoked the license of an EMT now serving time in federal prison for using his government-provided internet service to access child pornography. In March, Iowa-licensed EMT Justin Mezera, 34, of Cedar Rapids was sentenced to nine years in prison for receipt of child pornography. According […]
Hospital nurses sanctioned for drug irregularities, theft and alcohol abuse
An Iowa-licensed nurse accused of multiple violations related to her work at three hospitals has agreed to surrender her license. According to the Iowa Board of Nursing, Rachel Faith Martinez, formerly of Spencer, was disciplined by the board in 2022 for administering medications to hospital patients at a higher frequency than ordered and for failing […]