Latest California Healthline Stories
Opposing Views on Bill To Let FDA Regulate Tobacco
An editorial commends lawmakers for pushing legislation that would give FDA the authority to regulate tobacco. However, in an opposing opinion piece, Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) argues, “Unfortunately, if improved public health is the goal, this bill misses the mark. In fact it could do more harm than good.” USA Today.
Counties Lose Fight Against Medical Marijuana ID Cards
Yesterday, the 4th District Court of Appeal ruled that San Diego and San Bernardino counties do not have the legal authority to resist a state law requiring counties to issue government identification to qualified medical marijuana patients. The counties had argued that the measure violates federal drug laws. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Bush Expands Global Program To Combat HIV/AIDS
Yesterday, President Bush signed into a law a measure to expand and extend a global program aimed at fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in the developing world. The legislation authorizes $48 billion over five years for the program, a significant increase over the $15 billion spent over the previous five years. Washington Post.
Supporters of Paid Sick Leave Release Report To Stump for Legislation
Business groups argue that mandating paid sick leave would prompt employers to eliminate jobs or reduce hours, but supporters of the measure say that the public health benefits outweigh the costs. San Francisco Chronicle, American Public Media’s “Marketplace Morning Report.”
House Approves Measure To Give FDA Regulatory Authority Over Tobacco
The Bush administration voiced opposition to the bill, arguing that it would overburden FDA. The legislation passed with a veto-proof majority in the House, but a similar effort in the Senate could face obstacles. California Rep. Henry Waxman introduced the bill. New York Times et al.
Latino Cancer Summit Set To Kick Off in San Francisco
The National Latino Cancer Summit, organized by television broadcaster Ysabel Duron, aims to raise cancer awareness in the Latino community. American Cancer Society President Elmer Huerta said Latinos have a lower cancer survival rate than whites and blacks because they often are diagnosed at an advanced stage. San Jose Mercury News.
Children’s Health Bill To Return to Congress This Fall
The stalled State Children’s Health Insurance Program legislation likely will return to Congress this fall, according to an editorial. It predicts, “Unless the political winds shift, Democrats are going to get their SCHIP bill into law.” The Hill.
California Court Rejects Bid To Halt Medi-Cal Payment Cuts
A superior court judge in Los Angeles rejected a request from groups representing physicians, hospitals, dentists and other health care providers to bar 10% reductions to Medi-Cal payments that took effect on July 1. Meanwhile, hospitals and clinics are weighing options to maintain operations while Medi-Cal payments are on hold because of the budget deadlock. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
White House Threatens To Veto Bill To Fund VA, Military Construction
White House officials said President Bush will veto the measure to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs if lawmakers do not reduce other appropriations bills by almost $3 billion. The House is set to debate the bill today and likely will consider changes that add funds for health care. CQ Today et al.