Latest California Healthline Stories
Poll: Voters Support Tobacco Tax Increase
A recent Field Poll finds that likely voters support a tobacco tax measure on the November ballot that would fund children’s health insurance and other programs but are about evenly split on a measure to require parental notification before performing an abortion on a minor. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Treasury Secretary Considering Changes to Medicare, Medicaid
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said restructuring federal entitlement programs — such as Medicare and Medicaid — would be his priority for the remaining 29 months that President Bush is in office. McClatchy/San Diego Union-Tribune.
Web Site Offers Mental Health Information, Resources
A Ventura County Web site provides information about mental health services, legislation and other resources to people with mental illnesses, their families and counselors. Ventura County Star.
Complaints Increase for San Joaquin County EMS
Complaints from the Stockton Fire Department account for most of the 4,000% increase in complaints after the county launched a new 911 dispatching system that the fire department says uses less experienced paramedics who are not familiar with the area. Stockton Record.
Extension Sought on Specialty Hospital Moratorium
Two Senators cited alleged problems with information in a recent survey in a request for CMS to extend the moratorium through October. CQ HealthBeat.
Avian Flu Pandemic Might Be Less Likely
It might be more difficult for the H5N1 avian flu virus to spark a human pandemic than originally feared, according to a CDC study. Wall Street Journal et al.
FDA Calls for Meeting on Emergency Contraception
FDA and Barr Laboratories have agreed to meet to discuss an application for nonprescription sales of the emergency contraceptive Plan B. Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
Schwarzenegger Announces Appointments
Gov. Schwarzenegger announced an appointment to the Health and Human Services Agency and to the California Medical Board, among others. Office of the Governor.
Kerry Proposes Universal Health Care System
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) renewed his call for many aspects of his 2004 presidential campaign health care proposal, urging that Medicaid be expanded to cover all children. AP/Boston Herald et al.
Proof-of-Citizenship Law Concerns Health Leaders
Community health leaders said they are concerned about a federal law that requires Medi-Cal beneficiaries to provide proof of U.S. citizenship because some beneficiaries might not be able to secure documentation. Oakland Tribune.