Latest California Healthline Stories
San Francisco Health Officials Launch Web Site To Combat Rise in Number of Syphilis Cases
San Francisco health officials have launched a new Web site to combat an increase in new syphilis cases, AP/USA Today reports.
CDC Panel Advises Against Expanding Smallpox Vaccination Program
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices yesterday advised against expanding the federal smallpox vaccination program to millions of emergency response workers, citing concerns about the safety of the vaccine, the Washington Post reports.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Approves Medicare Reform Bill
The House Energy and Commerce Committee yesterday voted 29-20 to approve a Medicare reform bill, the Washington Post reports.
Silicon Valley-Area Medical Group, Insurer Verbally Agree to Contract
The Santa Clara County Individual Practice Association, Silicon Valley’s largest medical group, and insurer PacifiCare have reached an oral agreement to extend their contract through 2005 and will likely formalize the deal next week, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
House Passes Bill To Allow Association Health Plans
The House on Thursday voted 262-162 to approve a bill (HR 660) that would let small businesses join together across state lines to form association health plans, CongressDaily/AM reports
Los Angeles County Launches Electronic Health Screening Program for the Homeless
Los Angeles County officials yesterday introduced computerized health screening stations for homeless people in the area, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Federal Smallpox Vaccination Programs at Near ‘Halt’
Federal officials attending an immunization policy conference yesterday said the military and civilian smallpox vaccination programs launched by the Bush administration have “virtually come to a halt” — the military has vaccinated nearly all eligible recipients, while the civilian program has seen dwindling numbers of volunteers, the New York Times reports.
CIO Looks at IT Breakdowns in Health Care Organizations
An article in the current issue of CIO magazine looks at several major information technology breakdowns in the health care industry in the last year, including incidents at several California health care organizations.
Mountain View Hospital Workers Protest Contract Proposal
More than 250 workers from Mountain View’s El Camino Hospital on Tuesday protested the hospital’s proposed changes to health care benefits in a union contract currently under negotiation, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Full Board of CalPERS Approves Health Insurance Premium Increases for 2004
As expected, the full board of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System yesterday approved an increase in health insurance premiums of 16.7% to 18.4% for those enrolled in HMO and preferred provider organization plans, the Contra Costa Times reports.