Latest California Healthline Stories
Governor Backs Medical Prison Facilities
Administration officials indicated support for plans to build new medical facilities for prison inmates, while a representative for the prison health care system’s administrator said inmates would not be involved in clinical trials despite a federal panel’s recommendation. Sacramento Bee et al.
No Change Seen for Medicare Drug Plan Premiums
The projected average monthly premium is about 40% lower than the amount the Bush administration initially estimated for 2007. New York Times et al.
Private Donations Boost Stem Cell Agency
Philanthropists have donated more than $100 million to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, but critics are concerned private contributions have the potential to create conflicts of interest. Wall Street Journal.
Chemotherapy Side Effects Greater Than Thought
Women with breast cancer experience three to four times more serious side effects from chemotherapy than previously thought, a study finds. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
Specialist Shortage Affects Care in San Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley has about half the number of medical specialists compared to the state average, leading to long wait times for appointments and compromised care, a survey of area clinics found. Fresno Bee.
Bloomberg To Fund Anti-Smoking Campaign
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that he will donate $125 million over two years for a worldwide anti-smoking campaign that will encourage laws to tax tobacco products, protect employees from secondhand smoke and prevent smuggling of tobacco products. USA Today et al.
Lawmakers: Increased Organ Transplant Oversight Needed
Members of the Assembly Health Committee at a hearing said organ transplant programs in California need tougher regulations and better agency communication to prevent serious deficiencies that have led to the closure of three transplant programs in the last year. Los Angeles Times.
Hearing Addresses Effects of Immigration on Health Care
Georgia state lawmakers, government specialists on Medicaid, doctors and hospital administrators testified about the impact of illegal immigration on the state Medicaid program at a House subcommittee field hearing. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AP/Macon Telegraph.
Small Businesses Consider Dropping Health Benefits
More than half of small businesses currently offer health insurance to employees, but 11% say cost might lead them to drop benefits next year. Wall Street Journal.
Bill Would Limit Smoking in Cars
The Senate is considering a bill to ban smoking cigarettes in vehicles when small children are present, but opponents characterize the measure as intrusive. Sacramento Bee.