Latest California Healthline Stories
California Healthline Highlights Recent Hospital News
Sutter Roseville Medical Center and the Service Employees International Union, United Healthcare Workers-West reach a contract agreement that includes across-the-board wage increases of 13% over two-and-a-half years; Blue Cross of California and Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside have agree to reopen contract negotiations two weeks after their previous agreement expired
First 5 California Plans $20M Expansion of Disabilities Screening Program
First 5 California officials on Thursday announced a $20 million initiative to expand the program’s Special Needs Project, which provides disability screening, diagnoses and referrals for children younger than age five in 10 counties, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
California Healthline Highlights Mental Health News in Three Counties
Fresno, Los Angeles and Sacramento counties this week have considered several mental health care-related issues.
Wyden Vows To Block Any Attempt To Overturn Oregon’s Physician-Assisted Suicide Law
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) on Wednesday said he would place a “blanket hold” for the year on any legislation that might try to overturn an Oregon law allowing physician-assisted suicide, CQ HealthBeat reports.
Modesto Bee Looks at Efforts To Enroll Low-Income Patients in Discount Drug Programs
The Modesto Bee on Tuesday examined efforts by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance to enroll low-income patients in “little-known” discount programs and make it easier for patients to apply.
State Health Officials Release Draft Flu Pandemic Preparedness Plan
State health officials on Wednesday released a draft preparedness plan for an influenza pandemic that estimates as much as 35% of the state population could become infected and as many as 35,000 residents could die, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
A bipartisan group of at least five senators plans to sponsor legislation that would reimburse states that are covering the costs of drugs for Medicare beneficiaries who have had difficulty obtaining medications under the new Medicare drug benefit, AP/Long Island Newsday reports.
Employer Insurance Mandate Could Cost $307M Annually, Analysis Finds
A proposal introduced by Supervisor Tom Ammiano that would require San Francisco businesses with 20 or more employees to provide health benefits to workers could cost employers $307 million annually and force businesses to move from the city, according to an economic analysis by the Bay Area Economic Forum, the San Francisco Examiner reports.
New FDA Rule Will Require Revisions to Prescription Drug Package Inserts
FDA on Wednesday issued a new rule that will require “major changes” to the design of package inserts for prescription drugs “with the hope of reducing errors in medication use,” the Washington Times reports.
Groups To File Lawsuit Against Viacom, Kellogg Over Ads Directed at Children
Two consumer advocacy groups and a group of parents on Wednesday announced plans to file a lawsuit against Viacom, the parent company of Nickelodeon, and the Kellogg Company over advertisements for unhealthful foods targeted at children, the New York Times reports.