Latest California Healthline Stories
Bush Administration Calls for Labeling Trans Fat
The Bush administration is asking the FDA to “quickly finalize” proposed rules calling for the labeling of foods containing “artery-clogging” trans fat, the AP/Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Forbes Profiles Gallo’s HIV Vaccine Efforts
Robert Gallo, one of the men responsible for the discovery of HIV and director of the Institute of Human Virology, is heading a team of vaccine researchers who hope to use high-speed Internet connections to stimulate research on a new HIV vaccine, Forbes magazine reports.
Kern County Water Suppliers Raise Costs Concerns with New Arsenic Level Standards
Water providers in Kern County are concerned about the costs of lowering the federal standards for the amount of arsenic allowed in drinking water, the Bakersfield Californian reports.
A nursing home bill (AB 1075) that would “radically change the way California pays for long term care through Medi-Cal” passed the state Legislature last week but has received criticism from various senior groups and nursing home advocates, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Attacks Highlight Nursing Shortage
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon will likely highlight “underlying problems” in the U.S. health system, including a national nursing shortage, National Journal reports.
Computer-Equipped Brace Allows Patients, Doctors to Monitor At-Home Physical Therapy
Houston orthopedic specialists have tested braces “equipped with computer components” that offer feedback for patients and doctors about at-home physical therapy programs, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Many Medicare+Choice Plans to Raise Premiums in 2002
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had set a Sept. 17 deadline for HMOs that participate in Medicare+Choice to announce whether they will cover beneficiaries in certain markets next year and submit for approval rate modifications, benefit structures and marketing materials for 2002.
Over-the-Counter Emergency Contraception Could Save Insurers Money
Allowing women to access emergency contraception without a prescription could save private insurance companies more than $100 and government providers nearly $50 per enrollee, according to a study published in the September issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
Northern California Doctors Attend End-of-Life Care Seminar in Sacramento
More than 50 Northern California doctors attended a two-day seminar on end-of-life care last weekend in Sacramento, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Rx Drug Benefit, Patients’ Rights in Jeopardy
Despite last week’s terrorist attacks, several lawmakers have indicated that Congress intends to press on with domestic issues, including health care, the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin reports.