Latest California Healthline Stories
Assembly Leader Adds Support to Doctor-Assisted Suicide Bill
Lawmakers reintroduced a bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide in hopes that it stands a better chance this session with the backing of Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez. Similar legislation was offered the past two years. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Kaiser Divisions Report Upswing in Profit, Membership
Kaiser Permanente CEO George Halvorson said that new products have contributed to an increase in overall membership and that the HMO is making progress in reducing overall costs. San Francisco Business Times, Sacramento Business Journal.
FDA Regulation of Tobacco Could Be on the Horizon
Members of Congress have pushed efforts to give FDA regulatory authority over tobacco products in past legislative sessions, but some say chances for the effort are better than ever in the current Congress. Los Angeles Times et al.
Children’s Insurance Funds Could Be Added to Iraq Appropriation
Many lawmakers say President Bush’s request for a $5 billion funding increase for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is inadequate, but the chair of the Senate Finance Committee said renewing the program is a priority. CongressDaily, AP/Richmond Times Dispatch.
Kaiser Kicks Off Large-Scale Genetic Research Project
Surveys have gone out to two million members in Northern California asking them to participate in a research effort that could last for decades and investigate genetic risk factors for cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and other diseases. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Challenge to Stem Cell Research Agency Hits Appeals Court
Appellate court judges appeared skeptical of plaintiffs’ claims that California’s stem cell agency was unconstitutional, guilty of conflicts of interest and not in compliance with the state’s “single subject” law for ballot initiatives. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Social Services Directory Targeted for Expansion
First launched 10 years ago, the 211 hot line links callers to mental health care, emergency food and shelter, substance abuse treatment and other social services. Contra Costa Times.
CalPERS Health Benefits Program Gets New Leader
Gregory Franklin will negotiate health plan rates and benefits for 1.2 million public workers, retirees and dependents. Franklin previously helped prepare Medi-Cal’s managed care plan. Sacramento Bee.