Latest California Healthline Stories
Washington Post Examines ‘Graphic’ Images on Cigarette Packs in Canada
The Washington Post on Sunday examined the warning images that began appearing on packs of cigarettes in Canada 20 months ago.
AMA, AAFP Urge Caution on Mass Voluntary Smallpox Vaccination Policy
Several medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians, are expressing concern about the use of the smallpox vaccine after federal health officials last week announced that they favor providing the vaccine to the general public.
HHS Awards $22 Million in Grants for Substance Abuse/HIV Prevention Programs
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson yesterday awarded approximately $21.85 million in grants for substance abuse prevention services that are “integrated with HIV prevention services” and target youth and other “at-risk populations” within minority communities.
Sonoma County physicians spend 46% of their time providing uncompensated care and care to patients enrolled in Medi-Cal and other government programs, according to a new Sonoma County Medical Association study.
Budget Deficits Force Many States To Reduce Health Services, Spend Tobacco Settlement Payments
The Wall Street Journal today examines the increased number of states that have reduced health services and spent their shares of the national tobacco settlement to cover budget deficits.
Federal Health Officials Announce Support for Pre-Attack Smallpox Vaccinations
In a “profound shift in thinking” from previous recommendations, CDC, HHS and NIH officials on Friday said they support making the smallpox vaccine available to everyone in the United States once it is licensed by the FDA, the Washington Post reports.
Los Angeles Jury Orders Philip Morris To Pay $28 Billion to California Smoker
A Los Angeles jury on Friday ordered Philip Morris to pay $28 billion in punitive damages to a California smoker diagnosed with lung cancer after she smoked the tobacco company’s cigarettes for decades, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Fresno Bee Examines Debate over Wage Increases for Fresno County Home Health Care Workers
The Fresno Bee today examines the debate over salary increases for home health care workers in Fresno County who participate in the In-Home Supportive Services program.
Nickles Blocks Senate Floor Vote on Medicare Provider ‘Giveback’ Legislation
Senate Democrats on Friday failed to obtain unanimous consent to move a $43 billion Medicare provider “giveback” bill to the floor after Senate Minority Whip Don Nickles (R-Okla.) objected to the motion, CongressDaily reports.
Nursing Shortage Solutions Good But Not Enough, San Diego Union-Tribune Says
Until “overextended” and “exhausted” nurses in California receive “better pay and working conditions,” the state’s “nursing crisis” will continue, a San Diego Union-Tribune editorial says.