Latest California Healthline Stories
Public Health Department Recalls Free Lunch Boxes
Elevated levels of lead were detected in lunch boxes that the Department of Public Health and other state agencies had distributed as part of public outreach campaigns. Consumer advocates maintain that the department should have been aware of the risk. Sacramento Bee et al.
Senate OKs Compromise Rx Drug Safety, FDA Funding Legislation
The compromise bill would reauthorize the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, which expires at the end of this month, and expand FDA’s oversight of prescription drug safety. President Bush is expected to sign the compromise bill, which was passed by the House on Wednesday. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
Poll: Majority of Voters Back Governor’s Health Care Reform Plan
The poll by the Public Policy Institute of California found more support for Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform proposal than for a similar plan by Democratic lawmakers. The poll also found that voters are split on expanding coverage for undocumented children. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Generic Rx Drug Use Curbs Inflation of Rx Drug Costs
Annual inflation in prescription drug costs over the last year totaled 1%, the lowest rate in the past 30 years. Economists are attributing the decrease in annual inflation to increased use of generic medications and the addition of a number of generic versions of common drugs. New York Times.
Patient Lifting Measure on Governor’s Desk for 4th Try
Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata’s measure, vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger the past three years, would require hospitals to purchase lift equipment and train teams in lifting, shifting and transferring patients. The California Hospital Association opposes the provisions. Oakland Tribune.