Latest California Healthline Stories
Proposal Would Give Naming Rights to Donors
A proposal to allow companies that donate funds to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to name conference rooms, grants and related items was approved by an Independent Citizens’ Review Committee board subcommittee. AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Candidates Fail To Address Budget Shortfalls
Neither Gov. Schwarzenegger nor gubernatorial candidate Controller Steve Westly (D) has outlined plans to address the state’s budget deficit, which could affect the funding of hospitals and other public services. Los Angeles Times.
San Francisco New HIV Cases Decline 10%
An increase in the number of men who have sex with men living in San Francisco has offset a decline in new HIV infection rates, according to the public health department. San Francisco Chronicle.
Business Travel Contributes to Regional Spread of Virus
The regional spread of influenza largely is affected by adults’ business travel, according to a study. Scripps Howard/Detroit News, et al.
Senate Democrats Ask Bush To Extend Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Transition Period
Ten Senate Democrats have sent a letter to President Bush to ask him to extend a transitional period under which Medicare prescription drug plans must cover all necessary and current prescriptions for beneficiaries. CQ HealthBeat.
HMO Interpreter Law Could Reduce Costs
Proponents of a law that would require insurance plans to provide translation services say it could lead to better care for limited-English speakers, but critics say the law might be ineffective and costly. San Jose Mercury News.
House GOP Disagreements Raise Doubts About FY 2007 Budget Passage
Disagreements between House Republican moderates and conservatives raise doubts about the passage of the fiscal year 2007 budget resolution. New York Times, et al.
Doctors Criticize Increase of Psychologists at State Hospital
Staff at Atascadero State Hospital agree that changes need to be made to increase staff and improve safety, but physicians have criticized a proposal to hire more psychologists and a shift away from medication-based care. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Health Care Expenditures Contribute to Increase in Federal Spending
The federal government currently spends 20.8 cents of every dollar the economy produces, in part because of Medicare and Medicaid costs. USA Today.
Wall Street Journal Profiles White House Health Care ‘Pitchman’ Allan Hubbard
Allan Hubbard — the assistant to President Bush for economic policy, director of the National Economic Council and the lead spokesperson on Bush health care proposals — is profiled. Wall Street Journal.