Latest California Healthline Stories
Senate Budget Proposal Excludes Medicare, Medicaid Cuts
About $65 billion in proposed savings from entitlement programs was not included in the Senate Budget Committee’s budget resolution. The committee is expected to approve the resolution. CQ Today, et al.
County Bioterror Spending To Be Audited
Supervisors ordered an audit of the Los Angeles County health department’s spending of federal bioterrorism preparedness grants, after a review questioned about $2 million in expenditures. Los Angeles County received more than $100 million for bioterrorism preparations since 2004. Los Angeles Times.
Some critics argued that the organization — which administers proceeds of a state tax to fund children’s health care and education programs — improperly used funds for an advertising campaign to promote a ballot measure to fund universal preschool. Sacramento Bee, et al.
Lawmakers Order Stem Cell Institute Audit
An audit of the state stem-cell institute and its oversight board will consider potential conflicts of interest, as well as general compliance with state law. In related news, four San Diego groups are considering banding together to pursue funds for embryonic stem cell research. San Francisco Chronicle, et al.
Senate Committee Postpones Vote on Health Plan Bill
A Senate committee vote on legislation to allow small businesses to form association health plans will be delayed until March 15. CongressDaily, et al.
Customs Agents Seized 13,000 Prescription Drug Packages
The packages of prescription drugs en route from Canadian pharmacies to U.S. residents have been confiscated since Nov. 17, when U.S. Customs began increasing enforcement of federal reimportation laws. Los Angeles Times.
Former Bush Administration Official Outlines Health Care Proposal
Former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill said Congress should require U.S. residents who earn more than $30,000 to purchase catastrophic health insurance. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Proposed HSA Expansion Unlikely in 2006
Sen. Chuck Grassley says that a proposal by President Bush to expand health savings accounts likely will not pass in the Senate this year. USA Today, et al.
Ambulance Diversions Increase in Los Angeles County
Policy changes aim to prevent hospitals in Los Angeles County from diverting ambulances from their emergency departments. Ambulance diversions increased by 8% between 2004 and 2005. Los Angeles Times.
House Passes Food Labeling Bill
The House approved a bill that would allow FDA to develop national standards for food-safety warnings. The bill could nullify state laws, including Proposition 65 in California. Copley News/San Diego Union-Tribune, et al.