Latest California Healthline Stories
Study: Healthy Kids Program Improves Preventive Care
Children enrolled in Santa Clara County’s Healthy Kids program were more likely to visit a physician while in good health and less likely to make multiple physician visits because of an illness, according to a new study. San Jose Mercury News.
‘Sicko’ Pressures Democratic Candidates for President
Democratic activists could use Michael Moore’s new documentary on the health care industry to pressure candidates to consider a government-run universal health care system. However, that position “could be political poison with the larger electorate.” Los Angeles Times et al.
House Committee OKs Bills To Boost Rx Drug Safety
The unanimously approved legislation would reauthorize the Prescription Drug User Fee Act and give FDA authority to take action against drug manufacturers when necessary. The full House is expected to vote on the legislation next month. Dow Jones et al.
California Regulators Move To Pull License of L.A. County Hospital
King-Harbor Hospital has until the end of June to demonstrate that it is meeting state and federal standards. If not, the hospital will lose federal funding and possibly its state license, a move that would force it to close its doors. Los Angeles Times, AP/Ventura County Star.
Legislative Democrats Merge Health Care Reform Proposals
California’s Democratic legislative leaders have joined forces behind a single bill that has some provisions in common with Gov. Schwarzenegger’s own proposal, but at a much higher cost to employers. Republican lawmakers and business groups are lining up in opposition to the measure. Sacramento Bee et al.
California Congressman Touts Comparison of Medicare Rx Plans
Pete Stark might push a measure that would make it easier for consumers to compare Medicare prescription drug plans, but the California representative did not indicate if he would do this by introducing legislation. CQ HealthBeat, CongressDaily.