Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

Doctor-Assisted Suicide Bill Revisited by Legislature

The proposal seeking to legalize physician-assisted suicide has a poor track record among lawmakers and voters, and Gov. Schwarzenegger maintains that the issue should not be decided by the Legislature. However, with support for this year’s proposal from the Assembly leader and the public, the bill finally might win approval. San Jose Mercury News.

Chiropractic Board Fires Leader, Taps Interim Chief

Acknowledging “gross errors in judgment,” board Chair Richard Tyler said Friday’s meeting was held “to begin the process of correcting the errors that were made in the past.” The board fired its executive director again and appointed an interim leader. Sacramento Bee.

Senate Approves Budget Resolution With SCHIP Funds

The Senate approves a $2.9 trillion fiscal year 2008 budget resolution that includes funds for an expansion of SCHIP, as well as billions of dollars in additional funds for health care for veterans and other domestic programs. New York Times et al.

Humboldt County To Sign Up Children for Insurance Online

The county will use a grant to develop an online application system for families trying to enroll their children in insurance programs. The funds will go toward the children’s health initiative, a program that aims to insure every child in the county. Eureka Times-Standard.

Proposed Smoking Bans Aim To Curb Secondhand Smoke

California may join two other states and Puerto Rico in adopting a law penalizing drivers for smoking in a car that contains children. Los Angeles may expand its smoking ban on city beaches to include city parks. San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.

State TB Cases Fall to Lowest Rate in Recent History

The number of cases has fallen by about 50% since 1992, although 20 counties reported modest increases that could be attributed to population growth, immigration and normal variations in disease transmission. Los Angeles Times.

Drug-Resistant Staph on the Rise in Santa Clara County

The general population in the county is seeing steeper increases in the number of antibiotic-resistant staph infections than is being tracked among jail inmates, reflecting improved treatment and hygiene techniques in county jails. San Jose Mercury News.