Latest California Healthline Stories
Drug Makers Voluntarily Pull Infant Cough, Cold Medications Off Market
Fourteen over-the-counter cough and cold medications for infants have been voluntarily recalled by leading manufacturers amid a recent report that found at least 54 children taking decongestants and 69 taking antihistamines died from 1969 to 2006. Washington Post et al.
Hospital News Roundup for October 13, 2007
San Carlos City Council approves Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s construction plans; St. Joseph Hospital completes new patient care center
California Nurses End Strike; Some Face Lockouts by Hospitals
The hospitals locking out nurses have signed contracts with replacement staff, prompting the California Nurses Association to file a complaint with state officials alleging the hospitals did not independently verify the competence of the replacement workers. Contra Costa Times et al.
Kids’ Health Debate Could Shape Republicans’ Image
The debate over the State Children’s Health Insurance Program highlights the Republican party’s challenges in appealing to Independent voters. Some Republican lawmakers want to extend their reach to Independent voters who supported Democrats in the last election. Wall Street Journal, Mobile Press-Register.
Clinton’s Health Care Plan Elicits Divided Reaction
A New York Congresswoman argues that presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s health care plan is the best solution to reforming the U.S. health care system, while the head of the Pacific Research Institute maintains that Clinton’s plan would create a new bureaucracy and fail to control spending. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Obama Discusses Health Care Positions in Interview
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) defended his proposal to expand health insurance coverage and questioned whether other Democratic candidates’ proposals aiming for universal coverage are realistic. Nashua Telegraph.
Medicare Updates Rx Drug Plan Comparison Web Site
Medicare officials say the newly designed Web site will be easier to navigate than the previous site. The site allows beneficiaries to sort through available private prescription drug plans by various factors, such as annual costs or amount of premiums. Palm Beach Post, Minneapolis Star Tribune.