Latest California Healthline Stories
Healthy Kids Funds Removed From Budget
Democratic and Republican lawmakers announced an agreement on a 2006-2007 spending plan after a proposal to increase funding for children’s health insurance programs was removed. The Legislature could approve a budget as early as Tuesday. Sacramento Bee et al.
San Mateo County To Study Health Access Proposal
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted to study the feasibility of creating a health care access program in the county similar to a plan by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Oakland Tribune.
Debate Continues on Employer Contribution Mandate
San Francisco supervisors held a hearing on a proposed measure that would require employers to contribute to workers’ health care access. Supervisor Tom Ammiano said he would consider amending the proposal to phase in payments for some businesses. San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner.
Online Resources Aid Caregivers
New resources are available for the almost 34 million U.S. residents who care for chronically ill patients age 50 and older. Wall Street Journal.
Medical Board President Focuses on Public Awareness
The new president of the California Medical Board, Steve Alexander, is working to reform the board by increasing awareness of its consumer watchdog role and implementing new laws related to investigation procedures. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Report: FDA Taking Fewer Enforcement Actions
A report requested by Calif. Rep Henry Waxman found that the number of warning letters FDA issued to drug companies, medical device manufacturers and others declined by 54% from 2000 to 2005. New York Times et al.
Fewer Improvement on Children’s Health Measures Found
A new report finds that the U.S. improved in four of 10 children’s health measures, declined in three and had no change in three measures since last year. AP/USA Today.
Officials Discuss Emergency Preparedness Efforts
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger touted his plan to provide $400 million to bolster emergency preparedness efforts in the state, while separately, a hospital-group official said the federal government needs to do more to improve preparedness. Los Angeles Daily News, San Luis Obispo Tribune.
U.S. Residents’ Doctor Visits Increase
The number of physician visits made by U.S. residents increased by 31% from 1994 to 2004, according to a CDC study. AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune, Washington Post.
Group Challenges Maryland Health Care Law
A retail association filed a lawsuit over allegations that a Maryland law illegally requires Wal-Mart to increase health care spending. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer.