The vote doesn't mean a strike in imminent, but the strike authorization means union leaders could call a strike any time without going back to the rank-and-file. However, before walking out the nurses would have to wait out a 10-day notice period.
The U.S. government has doled out at least $2.4 billion in state grants since 2017, specifically targeting the opioid epidemic. Yet drug abuse problems seldom involve only one substance.
Unionized nurses at Children's Minnesota facilities are the first to take a strike authorization vote as the latest round of contract negotiations with six hospital systems is underway.
Rates of mental illness among people in jail or prison are much higher than in the outside world, especially among women prisoners. Women incarcerated in Minnesota say they're not getting the help they need.
Staff departures are squeezing birth center staffing at Mayo Clinic's Albert Lea and Austin, Minn., hospitals, and the health system is evaluating whether to consolidate birth and other services this year instead of 2020.
Having to come up with $1,000 unexpectedly can be a challenge for anyone. NPR's recent poll on rural health found that's especially true for one group: people with disabilities.
Workers in nursing homes, hospital ERs and other health facilities are required by law to notify police whenever they notice likely signs of physical or sexual abuse. But that's often not happening.
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