Latest California Healthline Stories
AP/Riverside Press-Enterprise Examines Advertisement Addressing Prescription Drug Ballot Measures
The AP/Riverside Press-Enterprise on Friday published an analysis of a television advertisement paid for by pharmaceutical companies recommending that state residents vote in favor of Proposition 78 and against Proposition 79 on the Nov. 8 statewide ballot.
Experts Advise MedPAC on Incentives Under Medicare Pay for Performance
If Medicare adopts a pay-for-performance reimbursement system, officials should not lower payments to providers that do not meet the quality standards, a group of quality measurement specialists advised the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission on Friday, CQ HealthBeat reports.
CMS Announces Medicaid Plans for Hurricane Katrina Evacuees
CMS Administrator Mark McClellan on Friday announced plans to make it easier for Hurricane Katrina evacuees to enroll in state Medicaid programs, CongressDaily reports.
Stem Cell Oversight Committee Awards First Research Grants; Hall Named Permanent CIRM President
The Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee on Friday in Sacramento awarded 16 medical school and research institutions in California with a total of $38.9 million in grants related to stem cell research to be given out over the next three years, the Sacramento Bee reports.
President Bush Approves $51.8B Aid Package for Hurricane Katrina Survivors
President Bush on Thursday signed a $51.8 billion aid package in response to Hurricane Katrina, after Congress “rapidly and overwhelmingly” voted in favor of the bill, and the president pledged to help survivors obtain public health and other benefits, the AP/Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Legislature Approves Biomonitoring, Cosmetic Manufacturing Bills
The Legislature on Thursday approved a bill (SB 600) by Sens. Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento) and Don Perata (D-Oakland) that would establish the nation’s first statewide biomonitoring program to test state residents for potentially toxic chemicals, the Oakland Tribune reports.
Outbreaks of Some Diseases Among Hurricane Katrina Survivors Unlikely, CDC Says
No disease epidemics have materialized thus far at shelters for Hurricane Katrina evacuees, and CDC officials say an outbreak of diseases such as cholera or typhoid is highly unlikely, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Many Special Needs Children Lacked Health Insurance in 2003, Study Finds
About 650,000 children with special health care needs did not have health insurance in 2003, although many were eligible for public health insurance programs, according to a new study by the Center for Studying Health System Change, CQ HealthBeat reports.
Seismic Safety Experts Address Status of Hospital Retrofitting
After damage to the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina, state seismologists and other officials are reassessing the vulnerability of California hospitals and infrastructure to a major earthquake, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Childhood Obesity Rates Increase in California, Study Finds
The number of overweight California children since 2001 has increased by 6% to 28%, according to a study by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, the Los Angeles Times reports.