Latest California Healthline Stories
To help millions of visually impaired and elderly patients read the small print on medication labels, En-Vision America Inc. is developing a device that translates prescription labels into speech, the AP/Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports.
San Francisco to Outline Plan to Cover Uninsured Children
San Francisco officials today will unveil the city Public Health Department’s plan to provide medical coverage to about 5,000 of the city’s uninsured children, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Panel Recommends FDA Oversight of Tobacco
A federal panel, commissioned by former President Bill Clinton, has released a preliminary report recommending that the FDA be allowed to regulate tobacco for “health reasons,” the AP/New York Times reports.
Los Angeles County Budget Dilemma Pits Health Services Against Sheriff’s Office
The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday on the budget debate between the Los Angeles County health department — which faces an estimated $500 million dollar budget shortfall that forced the elimination of 153 jobs in December and could close some public health centers by April — and Sheriff Lee Baca, who is “pushing” for a $50 million renovation of the abandoned Hall of Justice.
Myhealthbank Extends Services Across Oregon
Myhealthbank, an Internet company that allows employees to select health plans for coverage by their employers, will offer its services across Oregon, the Eugene Register-Guard reports.
‘Real Battle’ Ahead for Bush’s Rx Drug Plan
President Bush “can expect a real battle” over his Medicare prescription drug benefit plan, which he intends to introduce to Congress today, the Washington Post reports.
Bush Administration Could Reverse Mifepristone Approval
Because mifepristone, the so-called “abortion drug,” was approved under the FDA’s “fast-track” approval rules, Bush administration officials “will find that the drug can be pulled more easily than most medications,” should they wish to revoke it, the Washington Post reports.
Zingale, DMHC Receive Praise in Early Going
Having served as head of the Department of Managed Health Care since its inception last July, Daniel Zingale has drawn generally favorable reviews for his department’s oversight of HMOs, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Kahn, Pollack Discuss Plan for the Uninsured
In an interview published in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times, Ronald Pollack, executive director of Families USA, and Chip Kahn, president of the Health Insurance Association of America, outlined their joint proposal to reduce the number of uninsured, which has created a “framework for bipartisan cooperation on health reform.”
New Director of San Diego HHS Department Receives ‘Mixed Reviews’
Rodger Lum, the newly appointed director of San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency, has received “mixed reviews” for his performance during his tenure as head of Alameda County’s Social Services Agency, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.