Latest California Healthline Stories
Doctors Must Notify Patients of Possible Unapproved IUDs
State health officials instructed eight doctors to notify hundreds of patients that implantable contraceptive devices they received were possibly obtained from unapproved sources outside the U.S. Los Angeles Times.
Rural Hospitals Face Physician Shortages
Health care providers in rural communities said incentives, such as increased Medi-Cal reimbursements and grant programs, are needed to encourage physicians to practice in rural areas. Fresno Bee.
Red Cross Fined for Blood Safety Violations
FDA fined the American Red Cross $4.2 million for failure to properly screen and store blood based on a 2003 consent agreement. Baltimore Sun et al.
Study: Health Insurance Improves Children’s Quality of Life
Children scored eight points higher on a quality-of-life scale and said they felt better physically after being enrolled in a government-sponsored health insurance program for two years. Researchers hope to cite the study next year when Congress considers reauthorizing the program. Fresno Bee.
Radiology Bills Cross Governor’s Desk
Lawmakers are asking Gov. Schwarzenegger to approve legislation banning the sale of ultrasound machines to people who are not licensed medical professionals, while the governor acted on two other bills involving radiation technology. San Francisco Chronicle, et al.