Latest California Healthline Stories
Assembly Hears Bills To Ban Trans Fats
The California Restaurant Association is opposing the bills and is calling for an education campaign on trans fats rather than a ban. AP/Los Angeles Daily News.
State Backs Off Fee Hike for Marijuana ID Cards
Several counties considering instituting local card systems rather than joining the state ID card system pushed the Department of Health Services to adopt a smaller rate increase than initially planned. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Hospital Trustees Taking a Look at Patient Safety
Physicians say hospitals could benefit from board members taking on greater roles in policies and procedures that lead to infections, prescription mistakes and other medical errors. Boston Globe.
FDA Efforts To Track Drug Safety Fall Short, Report Finds
A consultant’s report obtained by the Wall Street Journal criticizes as inefficient the computer system FDA uses to track reported medication errors, and an updated replacement system will not be in place until at least 2009. FDA officials dispute the report’s findings.
State Error Discloses Identity of AIDS Program Members
The confidentiality breach was discovered after members of California’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program notified state officials that they had received letters in the mail addressed to other HIV/AIDS patients. Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury News.
Expansion of San Francisco Health Plan in the Works
An amendment to San Francisco’s health access program would extend eligibility to nonresident San Francisco workers before the program is even rolled out to city residents. The program is one of the first of its kind in the nation. San Francisco Examiner.
New Leader Named for Army Hospital; Hearings Begin
President Bush pledged to address problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a day after the Pentagon tapped new leadership to head reforms at the hospital. Washington Post et al.
Debate Continues on Funding for Kids’ Insurance Program
Some Democratic legislators are seeking as much as $50 billion over five years for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, but President Bush and other Republican lawmakers are seeking to limit cost increases for the program. Washington Post.
Advocate, Governor’s Aide Square Off on Health Reform
Daniel Zingale and Anthony Wright went toe to toe on the merits of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care overhaul in a series of five point/counterpoint pieces published online. Los Angeles Times.