Latest California Healthline Stories
Alcohol Consumption ‘Main Risk Factor’ for Breast Cancer in Marin County Residents, Study Finds
Alcohol consumption is the “main risk factor” for breast cancer among women living in Marin County, where rates are among the nation’s highest, according to a study by researchers at the University of California-San Francisco, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Attorneys General Ask Congress To Reject Legislation To Authorize Association Health Plans
Attorneys general of 36 states have sent a letter to Congress that asks lawmakers to reject legislation to authorize association health plans, the Tennessean reports.
California Healthline Rounds Up Editorials, Op-Eds on Workers’ Compensation
California Healthline today rounds up recent newspaper editorials and opinion pieces on California’s workers’ compensation system, in response to Gov. Gray Davis’ (D) announcement of support for legislative proposals that he said would lower by at least $1.5 billion the estimated $15 billion to $20 billion annual cost of the system.
Senate Finance Committee Approves Tax Cut Bill That May Include Medicaid Funds for States
The Senate Finance Committee yesterday voted 12-9 to approve a 10-year, $350 billion tax cut bill that may include funds for state Medicaid programs, the New York Times reports.
Economist Considers Factors Contributing to Health Care Information Technology Adoption
With threats of bioterrorism looming, increased consumer pressure and a shortage of health care professionals, the health care industry is looking for solutions in information technology applications, the Economist reports.
San Francisco Health Officials, Residents Discuss Crystal Meth Use, HIV Risk
San Francisco officials and residents on Wednesday attended a City Hall forum to discuss the growing crystal methamphetamine problem that has led to high-risk behavior among men who have sex with men, which some officials say could lead to increased HIV incidence, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Report Finds Employee Fraud at Veterans Affairs Health Care Facilities
A review of 46 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers found “rampant mismanagement of funds and overpayment of both physicians and beneficiaries,” VA Inspector General Richard Griffin yesterday told the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Judge Issues Injunction Barring Bed Cuts at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center
U.S. District Court Judge Florence-Marie Cooper yesterday issued a tentative ruling barring a 100-bed cutback at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, part of the county’s “strategy for shoring up its ailing health system,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
Presidential Candidate Rep. Gephardt Near-Universal Health Care Plan Receives Mixed Response
While presidential candidate Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) “deserves applause” for introducing his near-universal health care plan, the plan would be more viable “if it didn’t represent some old fashioned thinking on [Gephardt’s] part, and if it didn’t arrive with a political sting in its tail,” according to a Washington Post editorial.
House Republicans, President Bush Consider Malpractice Damage Award Cap in Medicare Reform Bill
The Bush administration appears to be siding with House Republicans who oppose including a scheduled Medicare provider payment cut in upcoming Medicare reform legislation, but to “placate physicians” House Republicans are “seriously considering” including a malpractice damage award cap in the Medicare reform bill instead, CongressDaily/AM reports.