Latest California Healthline Stories
Schwarzenegger Cancels Campaign Event
Concerns about a conflict of interest between the governor and the California Society of Facial Plastic Surgeons led to the cancellation of a fundraising event. Sacramento Bee.
Inmate Participation in Clinical Trials Recommended
An Institute of Medicine report recommends that the government ease restrictions that limit prison inmate participation in clinical trials. New York Times.
Schwarzenegger, Angelides Use Ballot To Advance Campaigns
Gov. Schwarzenegger and Phil Angelides, the Democratic candidate for governor, are highlighting their differences on November’s ballot measures, including the tobacco tax initiative and the parental notification measure. MediaNews/San Jose Mercury News.
Intestinal Microorganisms Might Contribute to Obesity
Intestinal microorganisms help remove calories from food store those calories in fat cells, a role that helps determine whether people will be overweight. New York Times Magazine.
States Oppose Proposed Medicaid Rules
Gov. Schwarzenegger is among the state officials voicing opposition to proposed rules that would reduce from 6% to 3% the allowable rate that states can tax hospitals and nursing homes. New York Times.
States Restrict Tanning Bed Use by Minors
California and 18 other states that have enacted laws restricting minors’ use of tanning beds as skin cancer rates increase in adults. New York Times
Program Targets Frequent ED Users
Care Connection helps patients who regularly seek care in emergency departments to access nonemergency medical care and other social services. Sacramento Bee.
Small Business Insurance Pool To Close
PacAdvantage officials said they will shutter the small business health insurance purchasing pool because the program is no longer financially viable for businesses or insurers. Contra Costa Times et al.
Drug Companies, Consumer Groups Debate Promotions
Pharmaceutical firms and advocacy groups disagree about the effects of manufacturer promotions for prescription drugs as more than 20 consumer groups have partnered to seek an FDA ban on such promotions. Reuters/Boston Globe.
Health IT Bill Spurs Privacy Concerns
Supporters of the federal bill say it would help control health care cost increases and improve patient care, but critics say it does not include adequate privacy protections. Los Angeles Times.