Latest California Healthline Stories
HIV/AIDS Cases Among Women May Be Increasing in South Valley Counties
The gap between the number of reported cases of men and women infected with HIV/AIDS in South Valley counties might be closing as a result of a law requiring doctors and labs to report to counties new cases of HIV — not just AIDS — the Fresno Bee reports.
Los Angeles Times Examines Davis’ Plan To Transfer Proposition 36 to Counties
A program offering treatment rather than prison to some nonviolent drug offenders could face deeper funding problems in Southern California if Gov. Gray Davis (D) transfers the program to counties’ control, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Barbakow To Leave Tenet Board To Allay Shareholder Concerns; Will Remain CEO
In an effort to address shareholder concerns about the governance and independence of Tenet Healthcare’s board, CEO Jeffrey Barbakow will step down as chair and director of the company — the nation’s second-largest for-profit hospital chain — but will retain his position as CEO, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Bill Would Require Health Insurers To Receive Permission From State Regulators To Change Rates
Sen. Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont) today will introduce a bill (SB 26) that would require health insurers in California to obtain permission from state regulators to raise copayments, coinsurance rates, deductibles or premiums, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Fewer California Residents Report Smoking Tobacco in 2002, Survey Finds
Survey results released Friday show that 16.6% of California adults smoked “every day” or “some days” in 2002, a decrease of almost one percentage point from the previous year, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Modesto Mental Health Agency To Close Because of Budget Cuts
State budget cuts will cause a Modesto mental health clinic serving about 250 people in Stanislaus County to close on June 30, the Modesto Bee reports.
U.S. Military Defers Smallpox Vaccinations for Soldiers With Heart Disease Risk
U.S. military officials last week announced that they will defer smallpox vaccinations for soldiers who have “strong risks” for heart disease, the AP/Las Vegas Sun reports.
Health Care Industry Prepares for New HIPAA Medical Privacy Rule
The health care industry in recent months has undergone a “quiet revolution” to meet requirements of the Federal Health Privacy Rule, which takes effect April 14, the New York Times reports.
Number of Online Health Users Levels Off, Survey Finds
The number of U.S. consumers who consult the Internet for health information has leveled off, following several years during which the number increased, according to a survey from Harris Interactive.
Federal Authorities Seize Property of Ambulance Operators in Connection With Medicare Fraud Case
Federal authorities have seized property belonging to the owners of the Los Angeles-based ambulance company Greybor Medical Transportation in connection with Medicare fraud charges filed last year, the AP/Fresno Bee reports.