Latest California Healthline Stories
California Healthline Rounds Up Editorials on Several Health Issues
Newspapers and columnists nationwide have recently expressed opinions on several current health care issues, including patients’ rights, a Medicare prescription drug benefit and the uninsured.
Nursing Shortage Contributes to Medical Errors and Patient Deaths, JCAHO Says
The nation’s current nursing shortage contributes to “tens of thousands” of deaths from hospital errors, such as patient falls and hospital-acquired infections, each year, according to a new report to be released today by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
The Christian Science Monitor yesterday examined proposals in 23 states, including California, to “dramatically” expand paid leave to allow employees to care for a family member with an illness or to spend time with a newborn.
Democrats Propose Increase in State’s Cigarette Tax To Cover Budget Deficit
As part of the Legislature’s continuing efforts to pass a budget plan for the fiscal year that began July 1, Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson (D-Culver City) yesterday outlined a proposal that would increase the state’s tax on cigarettes to $3 per pack, the Los Angeles Times reports.
American Medical Security Group to End Practice of Reunderwriting
Officials at Wisconsin-based American Medical Security Group Inc. said yesterday that the insurer will end the practice of annually reunderwriting individual health insurance policies in 20 states on Jan. 1, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Health Policymaker Focus on Bioterrorism Comes at Expense of ‘More Mundane’ Public Health Concerns
Bioterrorism has drawn the attention of health policymakers since Sept. 11 and the anthrax incidents last fall, putting some “more mundane” public health concerns on “the sidelines,” officials said this week at the National Academy for State Health Policy annual conference.
Bush Signs Trade Legislation that Includes Displaced-Worker Benefits
President Bush yesterday signed into law trade legislation that includes provisions to help American workers displaced by international trade purchase health insurance, the New York Times reports.
Dentists Shortage in Rural America Reaching ‘Crisis Proportions,’ N.Y. Times reports
Although there are more dentists in practice today — 166,383 in 2000, compared with 150,762 in 1991 — than ever before, some rural areas of the United States face a provider shortage that is reaching “crisis proportions,” the New York Times reports.
CDC To Investigate San Francisco Stop AIDS Project for Alleged Violations of Federal Law
A team of CDC representatives next week plans to investigate allegations that the San Francisco Stop AIDS Project violated federal law by “promoting sexual activity” with federal funds, the Washington Times reports.
Los Angeles Times Profiles Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Examines Plan To Close the Facility
The Los Angeles Times today profiles Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, one of two large public hospitals that Los Angeles County officials have proposed to close as part of a plan to reduce the county Department of Health Services’ budget shortfall.