Latest California Healthline Stories
Funds for Hospitals Influence State Bond Negotiations
A two-house committee indicates that a compromise on the governor’s public works spending plan will be difficult to reach in part because some lawmakers want to include funds to help hospitals comply with state seismic safety rules. March 10 is the deadline for placing a bond proposal on the June 6 ballot. AP/Contra Costa Times.
FDA Official Overrode Objections on Device, Senate Panel Says
FDA staffers unanimously opposed the approval of a nerve stimulator to treat depression, a Senate committee report says. The device currently is approved to treat epilepsy in some patients. New York Times.
Issue of Emergency Contraception Raised at House Hearing
Acting FDA Commissioner Andrew Von Eschenbach says at a House hearing that science, not politics, will be used to decide on over-the-counter sales of Plan B. AP/San Jose Mercury News, CQ HealthBeat.
Feckner Re-elected as CalPERS President
CalPERS President Rob Feckner will remain head of the state employee retirement fund. Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times.
Governor Names Three to State Dental Board
Senate confirmation is not required for the new appointees — a general dentist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a dental hygienist. Office of the Governor.
Bill Encourages Savings for Long-Term Care Insurance
Sen. Rick Santorum proposes legislation that would create tax-free accounts — similar to health savings accounts — to help individuals obtain long-term care insurance. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Lawmakers Seek Answers About Seized Drug Shipments
Two House members ask FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to explain increased seizures of reimported prescription drugs from Canada. Los Angeles Times.
States Face Political Risks in Cutting Medicaid Costs
States are considering strategies to reduce Medicaid costs, but governors remain conscious of the political ramifications of changes to Medicaid programs. Wall Street Journal.
Hearings Seek Comment on Medical Interpreter Regulations
HMOs will have to provide medical interpreters to members under regulations on which the Department of Managed Health Care is seeking comment. HMOs will have until 2007 to comply. San Jose Mercury News.
President Bush says that expanded use of HSAs would reduce health care costs and discusses other aspects of his HSA proposal. Akron Beacon-Journal, et al.