Latest California Healthline Stories
Steroids Do Not Slow Progression of Asthma Symptoms
Inhaled steroids control symptoms of asthma in toddlers but do not prevent progression of the disease, according to a New England Journal of Medicine study. Wall Street Journal et al.
County Nurses Approve Strike Measure
Acute care facilities, mental health offices, jails and other health centers could be affected by a strike. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Senate Democrats maintain that an association health plan bill could limit access to contraceptives and lead to more abortions. Washington Times.
Specialty Hospitals Have Limited Effect on Competitors
Specialty hospitals neither make general hospitals more efficient nor prompt them to provide additional clinical services to offset lost revenue from competition, GAO finds. CQ HealthBeat.
Senate Invokes Cloture on AHP Bill
The Senate invoked cloture on a motion to proceed to formal consideration of the association health plan legislation offered by Sen. Michael Enzi. CQ Today et al.
Kaiser, State To Announce Kidney Program Reforms
Kaiser Permanente patients in Northern California awaiting kidney transplant will be able to receive care at outside facilities as part of an agreement with the Department of Managed Health Care. Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
A recent study that graded California’s per capita nurse staffing gave the state a D overall, while five metropolitan regions received an F grade. Monterey County Herald et al.
Westly Role in CalPERS Investments Questioned
Individuals associated with a pharmaceutical company that Controller Steve Westly helped win investments from CalPERS have contributed thousands of dollars to Westly’s campaign for governor. Los Angeles Times.
Living Near Busy Roads Increases Asthma Risk
Asthma risk increases by half for Southern California children living near major roads but decreases to average rates for children living more than 600 feet from roads, a study found. New York Times.
FDA over the next year plans to consider reforms to the operations of agency advisory committees that make recommendations on drugs. Wall Street Journal.