Latest California Healthline Stories
Democratic Candidates Nationwide Look at Health Care
A Democrat-led Congress could take up legislation to permit the federal government to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies for discounts and promote stem cell research, some candidates are saying. New York Times et al.
Addressing Racial Health Disparities Could Prevent Deaths
Former Surgeon General David Satcher addressed health care disparities at a conference focused on boosting the use of Medicare to help reduce disparities. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Laws on Hospital Infections, Seismic Safety Enacted
Gov. Schwarzenegger approved a law that will require hospitals to use the same methods to track infections and another measure that will allow some hospitals to delay compliance with state seismic safety rules. Chico Enterprise-Record, San Francisco Business Times.
McClellan Discusses Future of U.S. Health Care
CMS Administrator Mark McClellan said “the best thing we can do” for the health care system is work to improve efficiency. Christian Science Monitor.
Supporters Say Tobacco Tax Increase Would Benefit State
Proponents of the measure say it would deter teenagers from smoking, decrease smoking related deaths and reduce state health care costs. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Health Care an Issue in Elections for State Offices
Candidates for insurance commissioner, lieutenant governor and controller addressed health care in recent debates and campaign stops. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
FDA Routinely Misses Serious Safety Issues
A group of former FDA committee members recommends that The group recommends that Congress provide the agency with more direct legal authority to pursue safety violations, among other recommendations. Washington Post et al.
Pediatric Trauma Center Designation Suspended
A state spokesperson said the suspension of Children’s Hospital Central California’s pediatric trauma center designation marks the first time in California that such a designation has been suspended because of physician staffing issues. Fresno Bee, Office of the Governor.
Increases Expected for Employees’ Health Care Costs
U.S. workers’ out-of-pocket costs are expected to increase by a greater percentage in 2007 than companies’ health insurance costs. Chicago Tribune.