Latest California Healthline Stories
Los Angeles County Names Public Health Director
The Board of Supervisors opted to forego a nationwide search to head the new county public health department and appointed county Health Officer Jonathan Fielding to the position. Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times.
Stem Cell Study Raises Questions About Federal Funding
The White House says ethical questions remain about the use of embryonic stem cells in research after the publication of a study saying stem cell lines could be developed without destroying a human embryo. Washington Post et al.
Drug Discount Proposal Moves Forward
Gov. Schwarzenegger said he expects to receive legislation establishing a drug discount program in a few days, as newspapers work to interpret the political significance of the compromise between the governor and legislators and as groups for and against the program voice their opinions. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Checks Mistakenly Sent to Medicare Beneficiaries
CMS erroneously sent checks to 230,000 Medicare beneficiaries to reimburse them for almost $50 million in prescription drug benefit premiums. AP/Wichita Eagle.
Executive Order Requires Providers To Disclose Prices
President Bush on Tuesday signed an executive order that requires four federal agencies to collect more information about the quality and cost of health care they provide. Washington Post et al.
Moderately Overweight Adults Have Increased Death Risk
Risk for premature death increases by 20% to 40% for people who are moderately overweight at age 50, according to a National Cancer Institute study. Boston Globe et al.
Psychiatric Technicians Approve Contract Agreement
The proposed two-year agreement calls for increases to health benefits and wages. Sacramento Bee.
State Leaders Near Agreement on Drug Discounts
Gov. Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislative leaders are finalizing terms of an agreement that would provide discounts on medications for as many as five million California residents. The Legislature is expected to approve the plan by the end of the month. Los Angeles Times, Contra Costa Times.
USC Moves To Push Hospital Sale
The University of Southern California filed a lawsuit seeking to end lease and management agreements with Tenet Healthcare for USC University Hospital. Bloomberg/New York Times et al.
WellPoint To Expand Consumer-Driven Health Plans
The company in 2007 will offer consumer-driven health plans to individuals and companies of all sizes. Indianapolis Star.