Latest California Healthline Stories
Senior Groups Upset Over Senate Consideration of Medicare Provider Giveback Bill
Consumer advocates are “furious” with senators for considering legislation that would increase Medicare provider reimbursement rates after the Senate in July rejected several Medicare prescription drug benefit proposals, the New York Times reports.
More Recent Nursing Graduates Leaving Profession Early, New Study Finds
More recently graduated nurses are leaving the profession earlier than a decade ago, contributing to the country’s nursing shortage, according to a new study in the journal Health Affairs, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Rep. Tauzin ‘Committed’ To Passing Health Legislation in Coming Months
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Billy Tauzin (R-La.) said in an interview he is “committed to using the next few months to explore” remaining health care issues, including access to generic drugs, drug reimportation and medical technology reform, CongressDaily/AM reports.
Half of Nurses at Eden Medical Center Refuse To Wear Electronic Locator Devices
About half of the nurses required to wear electronic badges as part of a nurse location system at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley refused to wear them this week, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Davis Signs Reproductive Health-Related Bills
Gov. Gray Davis (D) yesterday signed into law a bill (AB 1860) that requires California hospitals to offer emergency contraception to rape survivors, the AP/Contra Costa Times reports.
Employers Experienced 12.7% Increase in Health Insurance Costs in 2002, Survey Says
Employers experienced a 12.7% increase in health insurance costs this year — the highest one-year increase since 1990 — and employees are contributing more in premiums and copayments for their health coverage, according to a survey released yesterday.
IOM Releases New Diet and Exercise Guidelines for U.S. Adults and Children
U.S. adults and children should exercise at least an hour per day — twice the past recommendation — to control their weight, according to a report released yesterday by the Institute of Medicine, USA Today reports.
Illicit Drug Use by Americans Increased in 2001, Federal Survey Finds
Almost two million more Americans used illicit drugs in 2001 than in 2000, according to a new study released yesterday by HHS.
Orange County Register Profiles Head of New Hispanic Outreach Campaign at PacifiCare Health Systems
The Orange County Register today profiles Russell Bennett, the head of a new PacifiCare Health Systems campaign to increase health access and service in the Hispanic community.
Davis Signs $99 Billion Budget Plan, Eliminates Funds for Healthy Families Expansion to Parents
Gov. Gray Davis (D) yesterday signed a $99 billion budget plan for fiscal year 2002-2003 that includes a number of reductions to cover the state’s estimated $24 billion deficit but “largely protects” funds for health care and does not increase taxes, the Los Angeles Times reports.