Latest California Healthline Stories
‘California Connected’ to Examine Impact of Proposed State Budget Reductions on Health Care
“California Connected,” a weekly, hour-long newsmagazine produced by PBS stations in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco that covers state events and issues, tonight will include a segment on the impact that proposed reductions in the state’s fiscal year 2002-2003 budget will have on health care.
Accreditation Council to Limit Working Hours for Medical Residents to Reduce Errors
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, which accredits the nation’s teaching hospitals, yesterday announced the first national limits on the number of hours that medical residents may work in an effort to reduce the risk of “dangerous errors by sleep-deprived young doctors,” the New York Times reports.
Bush Signs $4.6 Billion Bioterrorism Bill to Strengthen Nation’s Preparedness
President Bush yesterday signed legislation that will provide $4.6 billion to strengthen the nation’s preparedness against a bioterrorist attack, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Federal Government to Begin Development of ‘E-Grants’ Program Next Month
The federal government on July 1 plans to begin to develop an “e-grants” program that will allow state and local governments to apply for grants online, Government E-Business reports.
McKesson, Palm Reach Agreement to Promote Wireless Clinical Information System
San Francisco-based McKesson Corp., a prescription drug wholesaler that markets software to track medical supplies and orders, has reached a two-year agreement with Santa Clara-based Palm Inc., the largest manufacturer of hand-held computers, to provide health care providers and professionals with wireless access to clinical information, the New York Times reports.
Bill to Allow Sale of Needles Without a Prescription Has ‘Huge Flaw,’ Bakersfield Californian Says
A Senate-passed bill (SB 1785) that would allow adults to purchase as many as 30 hypodermic needles at licensed pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription to help reduce the spread of diseases has a “huge flaw” — “it does not mandate an exchange,” according to a Bakersfield Californian editorial.
HHS Plans to Launch New System to Allow Health Care Professionals to Report Medical Errors Online
HHS plans to develop a new system that will allow physicians, pharmacists and other health care professionals to report medical errors and adverse events online, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said Monday.
KQED’s ‘Health Dialogues’ Program to Examine ‘Lifestyle Drugs’
KQED’s “Health Dialogues,” a live monthly call-in program sponsored by the California Endowment to examine health care issues in the state, tonight will address the shift in pharmaceutical industry research from “live-saving therapies” to “more lucrative lifestyle drugs,” such as Viagra and allergy medications.
Investors Reward WellPoint, Tenet After Companies Report Good Financial News
Shares of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. rose sharply yesterday after the company announced on Monday that it is raising its 2002 earnings guidance from $4 to $4.30 a share because of “stronger-than-expected growth” in membership, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Senate Democrats to Announce New Medicare Rx Benefit Plan
Senate Democrats today will unveil legislation to create a Medicare prescription drug benefit expected to cost up to $500 billion over six years, the Boston Globe reports.