http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=126272833 David Levine is a GOVERNING contributor. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-tuberculosis-outbreaks-spark-new-worries.html Recent TB outbreaks among the poor, homeless and immigrant populations of several U.S. communities have officials worried that the once-tamed disease will become more widespread and harder to contain. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-california-tackles-hospital-pricing.html The state’s competitive experiment, being watched by both the public and private sectors, has dropped the cost of health care without sacrificing quality. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-gay-marriage-bans-health-impact.html Gay marriage is more than a social issue -- it’s a public health issue. New research suggests prohibitions on gay unions may take a psychological toll. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-states-cut-hospice-care.html According to recent studies, hospice care saves states millions of dollars every year -- yet some states are cutting the service from their Medicaid benefits. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-nurse-shortage-imperils-primary-care.html The nation may be 260,000 nurses short by 2025, and the proposed solutions to address the future drought don’t look promising. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-medicaid-fraud-fight-value.html As health care for the poor expands, so does the potential for Medicaid abuse. Three states’ experiences with fraud prevention give insight into its value. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-cancer-test-saves-money-lives.html A test that could curb deaths from the leading cancer killer is fighting for approval. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-absent-dental-coverage-reform-communities-fill-gaps.html Rather than wait for lawmakers and insurers to provide adequate coverage, some dentists and public health advocates have taken it upon themselves to try to reduce the number of ER visits for dental problems. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-iran-health-house-model-helps-mississippi-reduce-disparities.html Health-care stakeholders are watching Mississippi's experience with a system created in Iran in the 1980s closely to see if it's worth promoting nationwide. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-who-will-oversee-compounding-pharmacies.html Investigations uncovered a loophole that some compounding pharmacies exploited for financial gain. Now, regulators and policymakers must decide who’s going to close it -- the feds or the states. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-georgia-counties-expand-insurance-to-pets.html Some public employees and residents now get 25 percent off all types of veterinary services. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-prescription-drug-abuse-fight-may-get-easier.html Nearly every state has a program to track prescription drugs, but most lack the technology to keep up. Pilot programs in Indiana and Ohio may change that. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-health-exchange-deadline-looms.html The more than 30 states that are scrambling to set up health insurance exchanges as mandated by the federal health-care law have several options for meeting a Nov. 16 deadline. http://www.governing.com/columns/col-states-tackles-medical-malpractice-reform.html At the root of both Massachusetts' and Oregon's reform efforts is creation of open and honest dialogue -- something missing from most malpractice cases. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-michigan-fights-obesity.html The state is encouraging residents to abide by four healthy behaviors and monitor four health measures. Now all it has to do is convince people to follow the plan.