Latest California Healthline Stories
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 9, 2008
Low outpatient surgery volume is prompting Doctors Medical Center to close a Modesto location after 23 years. Meanwhile, security officers at 23 Kaiser Permanente medical facilities began a three-day strike over what they allege are unfair labor practices.
Bush Administration Proposes New Marketing Rules for Medicare Plans
In response to criticism of the way health insurers have marketed private Medicare plans, the Bush administration announced a series of proposals that would bar some controversial practices. The rules would not permit more state oversight of the plans. Wall Street Journal et al.
California Nurses Association Chief Talks Health Reform
PBS’ “Bill Moyers Journal” on Friday is scheduled to include a report on the California Nurses Association’s proposal for a single-payer health care system. The segment will include a discussion with Rose Ann DeMoro, executive director of CNA. PBS’ “Bill Moyers Journal.”
Pharmaceutical Industry Leaders Defend Direct-to-Consumer Advertising
Democratic House leaders questioned drug industry leaders over three discontinued advertising campaigns that the lawmakers said were intended to mislead consumers. Democrats have tried to bar direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical ads in the past. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
Safeway CEO Pitches Need for Health Care Reform
Addressing the United Fresh Produce Association, Safeway CEO Steve Burd said that market-oriented health care reform could reduce health care costs in the U.S. by 40%. Burd was a leading backer of health care reform efforts in California last year. East Bay Business Times.