Latest California Healthline Stories
Stem Cell Research Faces Uncertain Future in Missouri
Missouri voters last November approved a constitutional amendment in favor of embryonic stem cell research, but relentless efforts by state lawmakers to block the research suggest that another ballot initiative is forthcoming. New York Times.
New York Times Questions Quality of U.S. Health Care
The editorial says that the U.S. trails other industrialized countries in several health care areas. It adds, “The world’s most powerful economy should be able to provide a health care system that really is the best.” New York Times.
Hospital News Roundup for August 10
California Hospital Association speaks out against physician-owned hospital in San Jose; St. John’s Regional Medical Center moves forward with fumigation plan
Schools Should Fund Retiree Health Benefits Annually
School districts should not only continue to fund retiree health care benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis rather than switch to prefunding, but also should seek to “control and reduce health care costs,” according to the president of the California Federation of Teachers. San Francisco Chronicle.
FDA To Investigate Cardiac Risks Associated With Heartburn Drugs
Two studies indicate increased risk of heart attacks and heart failure for patients taking two popular heartburn drugs. FDA recommends that patients and doctors continue to use and prescribe the drugs while the agency conducts its three-month investigation. New York Times et al.
Boxer Seeks Tougher Pollution Standards, Cites Public Health Concerns
Citing increased asthma rates and premature deaths in Southern California, Sen. Barbara Boxer is pressing the case for lower sulfur levels in ship fuel, a major cause of air pollution in the area. Boxer is working with Sen. Diane Feinstein on the legislation. Los Angeles Times.
Report Links Tobacco Tax Hikes To Declining Smoking Rates
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that smoking rates decrease by 2.5% to 5% for every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes, leading an economist to predict that a legislation to increase the federal tobacco tax by 61 cents per pack would drop cigarette consumption by 6%. USA Today.
Biotech Industry Readies for Possible Generic Competition
As patents for biotech products begin to expire, the industry could face competition from generic versions of biotech drugs. The biotech industry has asked Congress to extend the no-competition period for biotech drugs to 14 years. San Francisco Chronicle, NPR’s “All Things Considered.”