Latest California Healthline Stories
Small Drugstores Face Competition From Chains
Small independent drugstores in Southern California are facing stiff competition from large, drugstore chains. The number of independent drugstores has steadily declined, and those that are still in business are taking a variety of steps, such as expanding their merchandise, to compete. Los Angeles Times.
Editorial Urges Support for Hospital Bond Measure
An editorial urges Californians to vote to approve Proposition 3, which seeks authorization of nearly $1 billion in bonds to expand and upgrade children’s hospitals. The editorial states, “Proposition 3 will be money wisely spent.” San Jose Mercury News.
California To Get $5.6M in Settlement With Eli Lilly
On Tuesday, California Attorney General Jerry Brown announced that Eli Lilly will pay California $5.6 million as part of a record $62 million settlement. Brown and 31 other state attorneys general alleged that the drugmaker improperly marketed an anti-psychotic drug for unapproved uses. Sacramento Bee.
Analysis Links Kids’ Health to Parents’ Income, Education
New research by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation indicated that higher-income parents are more likely to describe their children’s health as “excellent,” while infant mortality rates were 50% higher when mothers did not complete high school. The study looked at data for all 50 states. Cleveland Plain Dealer et al.
New California Laws Up the Ante on Medical Privacy Efforts
Gov. Schwarzenegger has approved two new laws that will let the state fine health care organizations that do not adopt protections aimed at protecting patient privacy. A consultant said that the laws use federal privacy and security rules as a base level. Computerworld.
Fresno County Approves Round of Health Care Cuts, Work Continues
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved cuts focused on public health testing, laboratory services and administration but rejected calls to eliminate night shifts for nurses at the county jail and juvenile justice camp. Health department officials still are looking for other cuts. Fresno Bee.
Yolo County Reworks Health Care Safety Net Program
Last week, Yolo County supervisors approved changes to the Yolo Health Alliances that aim to expand the program to include more health care providers and bring down costs. The public-private partnership caters to uninsured county residents. Sacramento Business Journal.
Fresno County Supervisors Mull Health Department Cuts
Today, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors will vote on Fresno County Health Director Edward Moreno’s plan to cut $1.6 million from the health department budget. His proposal includes ending clinical testing at the county’s public health laboratory. Fresno Bee.
First 5 Efforts Help Boost Kids’ Health Coverage in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County has the second highest number of children with health care coverage in California in part because of efforts by the county’s First 5 Commission to enroll children in health insurance programs. The rate has risen to 98% from 93% in 2001. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Eli Lilly Reaches Deal on Improper Marketing Charges for Zyprexa
California is one of 33 states that will share $62 million to settle allegations that Eli Lilly improperly marketed the antipsychotic Zyprexa. Attorneys general for the states argued that Eli Lilly’s marketing practices violated state consumer protection laws. New York Times et al.