Latest California Healthline Stories
New Law on Disposal of Syringes Set To Take Effect
Beginning on Sept. 1, a new California law bars people from disposing of hypodermic needles in their residential garbage, including recycling. A news release from Waste Management indicates that the needles must be disposed of at specialized facilities or using mail-in programs. Sacramento Bee.
Stanford Tightens Rules on Coursework for Doctors
Last week, Stanford University Medical School announced new rules that bar pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers from exercising control over continuing medical education courses that they fund at the medical school. UC-Davis and four other medical schools nationwide have similar policies. San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle.
Hospital Visits Increased During 2006 Heat Wave
Research from the National Resources Defense Council found that California hospitals saw 16,000 more emergency department visits and 1,200 more admissions during the 2006 heat wave, compared with non-heat wave days. Orange County Register.
Nursing Home Hit With Fine After Recent Patient Death
The California Department of Public Health issued an AA citation and a $100,000 fine to Hemet Valley Healthcare Center for circumstances surrounding a resident’s death in 2007. A DPH spokesperson said the facility has submitted a correction plan. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Data Show High Rates of ED Deaths in Sacramento County
A Sacramento Bee analysis of data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development found that 27 out of every 10,000 Sacramento County emergency department patients died during the last three years, compared with a statewide average of 17 patients. However, area doctors say the state’s data cannot be used to compare hospitals fairly because some hospitals track deaths differently, fail to report mortalities or see healthier patients. Sacramento Bee.
Santa Clara County Gets OK for Drug Firm Challenge
Last week, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated a class action lawsuit filed by Santa Clara County against a number of major drug companies, including Bayer, Pfizer and Glaxo-Smith Kline, for allegedly overcharging for drugs at public hospitals and clinics. Two years ago, a San Francisco federal judge dismissed the case, ruling that federal law prohibited the county from pursuing its claims, but the federal appeals court ruled otherwise. San Jose Mercury News.
Receiver Presents Case for New Prison Health Facilities
In an opinion piece, California prison health care receiver J. Clark Kelso argues that his plan to build new prison medical facilities is needed to address public health concerns and constitutional questions about the adequacy of health care services for inmates. San Francisco Chronicle.
Health Care Bills Clear California Legislature as Session Wraps Up
California lawmakers once again approved legislation that would create a state-run, single-payer health care system in California, and once again, Gov. Schwarzenegger has pledged to veto it. Legislators also approved new curbs on health insurance policy rescissions and requirements for hospitals to protect patients’ medical data. Sacramento Bee et al.
McCain, Obama Plans To Tackle Health Care Costs Draw Scrutiny
Presumptive presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama both have offered proposals aimed at reining in health care costs, but some experts warn that medical cost increases will be greater than projected savings from the plans. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”