The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Wednesday began hearing arguments in a case appealing a Texas federal court ruling that ordered FDA to withdraw its authorization of the abortion drug mifepristone, and judges on the court appeared skeptical of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) arguments defending the drug's approval, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from Louisiana, Texas, and Virginia.

• Louisiana: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Wednesday began hearing arguments in a case appealing a Texas federal court ruling that ordered FDA to withdraw its authorization of the abortion drug mifepristone, and judges on the court appeared skeptical of DOJ's arguments defending the drug's approval. DOJ argued the plaintiffs in the case lacked standing because they are not directly regulated by FDA and any damages they claim they'll suffer are speculative. But the judges on the court questioned that reasoning, siding with the plaintiffs who argued that providers have been forced to provide abortions and care for patients who have had complications from the procedure. DOJ noted the rate of complications from mifepristone is less than 1% and that FDA's approval doesn't force a provider to provide an abortion. (Ollstein/Gerstein, Politico, 5/17; VanSickle/Belluck, New York Times, 5/17; González, Axios, 5/17)
• Texas: The Texas state Senate on Wednesday voted 19-12 in favor of a bill that would ban transgender children from accessing surgeries, puberty blockers, and hormone therapies, sending the bill to Gov. Greg Abbott's (R) desk. According to the bill, transgender children already receiving treatment for gender-affirming care will have to be "weaned off" in a "medically appropriate" manner. If Abbott signs the bill, it will take effect on Sept. 1. (Falconer, Axios, 5/18)
• Virginia: Carilion Clinic on Tuesday announced that Steve Arner has been named president and COO of the health system. Arner currently oversees the day-to-day management of Carilion's seven hospitals and has helped spearhead improvements to the health system, including an addition to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Arner previously served as SVP with responsibility for cardiovascular care, operating rooms, engineering, and environmental services. He was also previously president and CEO of Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital. (Frolo, WSET, 5/17)