Latest California Healthline Stories
Stem Cell Oversight Committee Member Named
Gov. Schwarzenegger appointed to the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee a physician who serves as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, as well as vice-chair of ob-gyn for the University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center. Office of the Governor.
Older Children Allowed on Parents’ Health Plans
About half of all states have considered passing laws to extend parents’ coverage to young adults as fewer jobs provide full health benefits. New York Times.
Hearing Will Address Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rates
An advisory group called on Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi to recommended lower premium rates for workers’ compensation insurance but cautioned that rates might increase if the governor signs a measure that the Legislature approved. Sacramento Bee.
Drug Delays, Prevents Type 2 Diabetes
Researchers say use of the drug could reduce the risk of developing diabetes by about two-thirds. Los Angeles Times et al.
Accelerated Nursing Program Challenging Students
Fewer than half of the students enrolled in an accelerated nursing program at Fresno City College remain on the course’s original track because of the program’s intense pace, according to the dean of instruction of the Health Sciences Division. Fresno Bee.
Frist Plans Vote on Association Health Plans
Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) this month hopes to hold a floor vote on a revised version of a bill that would allow association health plans. CongressDaily.
Legislation Would Permit Condoms in Federal Prisons
Rep. Barbara Lee announced the measure at a community meeting in Oakland to help address the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Gov. Schwarzenegger is considering similar legislation for California prisons. San Francisco Chronicle.
Most CDC Bonuses Go To Non-Science Employees
CDC employees who worked in the office of agency Director Julie Gerberding and members of the Senior Executive Service received the most awards. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, New York Times.
Blue Cross Illegally Canceled Policies, Agency Finds
The Department of Managed Health Care could take action against Blue Cross of California as early as this week after an investigation found the insurer improperly canceled coverage for some policyholders with costly medical bills. Los Angeles Times.
Plan To Address Drug Benefit Payment Errors Questioned
Some Senators say low-income Medicare beneficiaries could be negatively affected by a plan by CMS and the Social Security Administration to collect erroneous payments to beneficiaries enrolled in the drug benefit. The Hill.