Latest California Healthline Stories
Study Prompts Calls for ‘Black Box’ Warning for Cancer Drug
A new study found that Avastin, a drug designed to treat cancer, increases patients’ risk of developing serious blood clots. The study’s authors say Avastin should receive a “black box” warning, FDA’s strongest warning. However, a spokesperson for drugmaker Genentech argues that Avastin’s label already includes a warning about blood clot risk. USA Today.
AARP Hires Investigator To Evaluate Sales Practices of Health Plans
The move comes after a Senate inquiry found evidence of deceptive marketing of AARP’s limited-coverage plans. AARP said it would suspend marketing of the plans, which are offered by UnitedHealth Group through AARP. UnitedHealth said the company would cooperate with the investigation. New York Times.
Federal Court Upholds N.H. Prescription Privacy Law
On Tuesday, a federal court upheld a New Hampshire law that prohibits the sale of physician-specific prescription drug data. Two data mining companies — IMS Health and Verispan — filed a lawsuit to block implementation of the New Hampshire law. New York Times.
California Lawmakers Continue Negotiations To Tackle Budget Deficit
Legislative sources are not optimistic that California lawmakers will reach a budget deal by this weekend, in part because Democrats are opposing cuts to health care and other state services and Republicans don’t want taxes to be raised. San Jose Mercury News.
Panel Raises Concerns About Use of Antipsychotics in Kids
On Tuesday, a panel of federal drug experts expressed concern about the increasing use of antipsychotic medicines in children. The panel said that drug label warnings were not enough and urged federal drug regulators to do more to warn physicians about the drugs’ risks. New York Times.
Kennedy Turns to U.S. Senators To Lead Health Reform Work Groups
Sen. Edward Kennedy has asked Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Tom Harkin and Barbara Mikulski to head distinct efforts aimed at writing legislation he has proposed to overhaul the U.S. health care system. The groups will address group coverage, preventive care and quality. Washington Post‘s “The Trail” et al.
Health, Financial Woes Drive Parents To Move in With Kids
A growing number of parents are moving in with their adult children because of health or financial problems. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the number of parents living with their adult children has increased about 70% since 2000. San Antonio Express-News.
San Diego Council Passes Building Defibrillator Law
On Tuesday, the San Diego City Council passed a law requiring large new buildings to have an automated external defibrillator on site. Council member Jim Madaffer said San Diego is the first city in California to pass such a law. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Judges Set To Rule on Cause of Substandard Prison Health Care
A three-judge panel will determine whether overcrowding is the primary cause of poor health care throughout the California prison system. Two class-action lawsuits allege a connection between prison overcrowding and substandard care, but the state rejects the idea. Sacramento Bee.
Riverside County Divided Over Plans To Build New Nursing School
The Riverside Community College District is considering adding a nursing school to its Moreno Valley campus. Moreno Valley city and campus leaders support the proposal, while the nursing faculty at Riverside City College question the need for another school. Riverside Press-Enterprise.