Latest California Healthline Stories
Assembly Health Committee To Consider Bill Requiring HIV Tests for Adult Film Actors
The Assembly Health Committee on Tuesday will consider a bill (AB 2798) sponsored by Assembly member Tim Leslie (R-Roseville) that would require adult film actors to be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases within two weeks before production of a film begins, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Philadelphia Inquirer Examines Price Determinants for Prescription Drugs
The Philadelphia Inquirer on Sunday examined prescription drug prices in the United States, focusing on the “complex and varied paths” medications follow from manufacturers to consumers.
Decrease in Employer Health Benefits for Retirees Examined
The Washington Post on Sunday examined the effects of a decision last month by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that allows employers to limit health benefits for retirees ages 65 and older, the latest in a “long 15-year decline in the availability of medical insurance for retirees.”
Many Drug Discounts Listed on New Medicare Web Site Inaccurate
The new Web site allowing Medicare beneficiaries to compare discounts offered through the new prescription drug card program is “full of inaccurate, erroneous information,” some card sponsors said Friday, the New York Times reports.
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said Thursday that federal officials are “pleased” with the discounts offered under the new Medicare prescription drug discount program, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Washington Times Examines Effect of Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Advertisements
The Washington Times on Friday examined the effect of direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements on physicians and patients.
Studies Find Genetic Mutation Related to Benefits of Lung Cancer Medication Iressa
Two studies released on Friday found that about 15% of the 170,000 U.S. residents who develop lung cancer each year have a genetic mutation in their tumors that makes them more treatable with Iressa, a new cancer medication manufactured by AstraZeneca, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California on Thursday sent a letter to officials of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services criticizing their obtaining of the medical records for more than 50 actors on the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation quarantine list, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Drew University Announces It Will Reduce Board of Trustees by 15 Members
Dr. Carole Jordan-Harris, chair of the board of trustees at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, said Thursday that the university has decided to eliminate 15 positions from its 23-member board “to help reform the troubled institution,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
PacifiCare First-Quarter Profit Declines, Total Revenue Increases
On a conference call with investors Thursday, PacifiCare Health Systems CEO Howard Phansteil attributed a 5% decline in first-quarter profit to increasing hospital, physician and pharmaceutical costs, the Los Angeles Times reports.