Latest California Healthline Stories
Rodham Clinton Calls for More Funds for Sept. 11 First Responders
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said funding could run out by this summer for Sept. 11 first responders and area residents who have medical conditions related to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. New York Daily News.
Former Medco Systems Administrator Indicted on Fraud Charges Related to ‘Logic Bomb’ Program
A federal grand jury indicts a former systems administrator for pharmacy benefit manager Medco Health Solutions on fraud charges over allegations that he installed on company servers a “logic bomb.” New York Times.
U.S. Has Made Progress in Flu Pandemic Preparedness Efforts, Federal Adviser Says
The federal government has made “significant progress” in preparations for a potential flu pandemic but must increase coordination with local, state and foreign governments, according to a federal adviser. Chicago Tribune.
Drug Companies Less Innovative, Spend More Money, GAO Finds
Pharmaceutical companies are submitting fewer drug applications to FDA while spending more money to develop new drugs, according to a GAO report. Washington Post.
Bush Signs Health Care-Related Bills
President Bush has signed bills to improve disaster preparedness, provide funds for autism research and reauthorize a law that funds HIV/AIDS programs. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Nurses Petition To Cancel Union Contract
Nurses signing the petition cited disagreements with the California Nurses Association’s registration tactics and contract. North County Times.
Private Funding Aids Stem Cell Agency
The state agency next year will use a state loan and private donations to award $24 million in training grants for stem cell scientists and $80 million in research grants. Washington Post.
Editorial: More Mental Health Funding Needed
New sources of annual revenue from a tax on residents with annual incomes that exceed $1 million might compensate for a lack of state funding for mental health services in San Luis Obispo County, yet the editorial notes that the county cannot solely depend on revenue from the tax and must continue to press officials for more funds. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
CalKids Surpasses Enrollment Goal
CalKids aims to enroll uninsured children in Mendocino County who are not eligible for Medi-Cal or Healthy Families. Ukiah Daily Journal.
Articles, Editorial Address Issues Related to Employer Health Care Costs
Two newspapers publish articles and an editorial related to employer health care costs. Houston Chronicle et. al.