Health

State officials told members of the legislature's Government Oversight Committee Friday that improvements to the child protective system are underway. The panel held a public hearing on the latest report following the abuse deaths of two girls last winter, which details a number of concerns raised by caseworkers. Some lawmakers and citizens say they want more to be done, and soon.

Maine Family Planning has filed a lawsuit to block what opponents call the Trump Administration's 'domestic gag rule' on abortion.

It's the latest legal challenge to the final rule released last month that places restrictions on providers who receive federal Title X funds, which cover family planning services for low income patients.

Abortion services providers in Maine say they are dismayed by a new rule released by the Trump administration Friday.

Saturday, Maine Family Planning announced that it will seek a preliminary injunction to prevent the rule from going into effect.

After nearly half a dozen years, the state's Riverview Psychiatric Center has passed federal inspection to qualify for funds under the Medicare program. Maine Public political correspondent Mal Leary joined Nora Flaherty on Maine Things Considered to look at what this all means for Maine.

Maine had a surge of pertussis, or whooping cough, cases in January, according to a Center for Disease Control surveillance report. Fifty-five cases were reported, which is more than double the five year median of 24.

Members of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services committee are considering a bill that would ban the use of e-cigarettes or vaping on school grounds.