While the adult-use cannabis market captures headlines, Joseph Lustberg, CEO of Upwise Capital, emphasizes the critical role medical marijuana continues to play in the cannabis industry. He argues for its inclusion in policy discussions, highlighting its therapeutic benefits and potential to bridge cannabis with the health and wellness sector.
New Brunswick’s latest attempt to expand primary care access involves collaborative care clinics, a model that has faced challenges in the past. Collaborative care clinics group physicians, nurses, and other allied health practitioners under one system with central administration support. The idea is to tailor patient visits to their specific needs, freeing up doctors and nurse practitioners to handle more acute cases. Despite past successes, funding issues have caused setbacks. The government has now earmarked $20 million for collaborative care practices, hoping that administrative support will attract physicians. While healthcare professionals have expressed a desire for collaborative settings, the message may not have reached policymakers. The success of this latest attempt remains to be seen, but the potential benefits of improved access and reduced wait times are significant.
Novo Nordisk’s decision to discontinue Levemir insulin has sparked concerns among Democratic senators. Despite initial praise for Novo’s acquisition of up to 75% of the insulin market, the discontinuation has led to supply disruptions and insurance cutoffs, leaving patients with limited options.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker temporarily relaxed a requirement that physician assistants (PAs) work under the supervision of a physician. This move aimed to address staff shortages and ensure continuity of care. Now, a proposed bill before the Legislature seeks to permanently remove this requirement, allowing PAs to practice independently. Proponents argue that this will improve access to healthcare and remove barriers to care.
