Latest California Healthline Stories
Other States Observing Implementation of California Stem Cell Initiative
California’s “experiment” in approving Proposition 71 to fund stem cell research “is being watched closely by other states” considering public funding for such research, the Washington Post reports.
San Joaquin General Hospital in Stockton could collect an additional $350,000 annually by referring eligible patients to Medi-Cal, Medicare or similar programs, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers report commissioned by the county, the San Joaquin News Service/Lodi News-Sentinel reports.
Canada Removes Extended Release Formulation of ADHD Medication Adderall From Market
The Canadian regulatory agency Health Canada on Wednesday suspended sales of Shire Pharmaceuticals Group’s Adderall in its extended release form, citing data — previously reviewed by FDA — indicating that the treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder “may cause sudden deaths,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Pfizer and Microsoft have separately filed lawsuits against the operators of two Web sites that send spam e-mails with offers for allegedly illegal generic versions of the erectile dysfunction medication Viagra, officials for the companies announced on Thursday, the New York Times reports.
Senate Approves Class-Action Lawsuit Reform Bill; House Likely To Pass Legislation Next Week
The Senate on Thursday voted 72-26 to pass a class-action lawsuit reform bill (S 5), with approval from the House and President Bush likely as early as next week, the New York Times reports.
CDC Director Julie Gerberding Tells Lawmakers Flu Vaccine Shortage Continues Despite Some Reports
CDC Director Julie Gerberding on Thursday told the House Committee on Government Reform that despite reports from some states about surpluses of flu vaccine, there is still a national shortage, and states should exercise “common sense” in distributing the vaccine, the AP/Las Vegas Sun reports.
Legislation Would Move Sales of Some Cold Medicines Behind the Counter
Sen. Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo) on Monday introduced a bill (SB 152) that would require over-the-counter decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, an ingredient used to make methamphetamine, to be sold behind the counter, the Modesto Bee reports.
Senate Committee Passes Legislation To Prohibit Genetic Discrimination Among Employers, Insurers
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday by voice vote approved a bill (S 306) that would establish protections against genetic discrimination, CQ HealthBeat reports.
The California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and the Institute on Aging are seeking class-action status for a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court that targets “living-trust mills,” in which firms selling living trusts to retirees also persuade them to purchase “expensive” tax-deferred annuities, sometimes as part of an effort to transfer assets to qualify for Medi-Cal, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Nation, Richman Announce Legislation To Mandate Health Insurance Coverage
Assembly members Joe Nation (D-San Rafael) and Keith Richman (R-Northridge) on Thursday announced a proposal for legislation that would require California residents to maintain health care coverage, the Sacramento Bee reports.