Latest California Healthline Stories
Proposed Bond Measure Will Not Include Funds for Hospitals
Gov. Schwarzenegger and lawmakers continue to negotiate the terms of a bond measure to improve the state’s public works infrastructure but have agreed that funds for hospitals will not be included. Friday is the deadline for placing a measure on the June ballot. San Jose Mercury News, et al.
Experts Question Efficacy of HHS Public Health Efforts
HHS’ funding system is more focused on specific public health threats than on developing a general public health infrastructure, some experts say. CQ HealthBeat.
House Committee Discusses Medicare Drug Benefit Launch
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt appeared before a House committee to discuss President Bush’s 2007 budget proposal, but much of the discussion involved the Medicare drug benefit. CQ HealthBeat, et al.
Recommendations Sought for Riverside Medical School
A board of national experts will advise University of California-Riverside on its proposal to create a new medical school, including how to distinguish itself and cater to underserved populations. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Fewer Medicare Plans Expected in 2007
Market forces have helped reduce prices and will reduce the number of plans under the Medicare prescription drug benefit, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt says. CQ HealthBeat, et al.
House Expected To Pass Food Labeling Bill
The House of Representatives is expected to pass food labeling legislation that would pre-empt Proposition 65, a California law that requires warning labels for products containing chemicals that cause cancer or birth defects. Sacramento Bee.
Judge Orders UC To Refund Fee Increases
Medical, nursing, dentistry and pharmacy students will be eligible for refunds under a recent ruling. Los Angeles Times, et al.
Senate Committee Leaders Seek Review of Specialty Hospitals
Leaders of the Senate Finance Committee say the review will help determine the effect that specialty hospitals have on patients, community hospitals, Medicare and Medicaid. CQ HealthBeat.
Tobacco Companies Seek To Reduce Settlement Payments
State governments are concerned that they might have to reduce health care and other programs if tobacco companies reduce payments to the states under the national tobacco settlement. Companies say that they can reduce payments by $1.2 billion this year. Wall Street Journal.
Lawsuits Affect California Stem Cell Research Program
Some observers say the delay in awarding stem cell research funds under Proposition 71 is helping other states catch up with California’s stem cell research. Christian Science Monitor, et al.