Latest California Healthline Stories
ACT UP/SF Members Given Preliminary Injunction
A San Francisco judge issued a preliminary injunction last week barring five members of the “dissident group” ACT UP/San Francisco from coming within 100 yards of the offices or employees of the AIDS organization Project Inform, San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Uncompensated Care Linked to Hospital Profit Status Changes
A new study in the November/December issue of Health Affairs reveals that uncompensated care levels decline when not-for-profit and public hospitals convert to for-profit facilities.
Improving Veterans’ Health Care Requires More Funds
Gov. Gray Davis’ (D) Blue Ribbon Task Force on Veterans’ Homes issued a report on Friday recommending increased funding and additional staff to improve health care for veterans, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports (Lee, Riverside Press-Enterprise, 11/13).
Congress Enters Lame-Duck Session, Legislation Pending
Congress returns today for a lame-duck session to finalize a federal budget for next year, but the “muddled election outcome” may make many lawmakers “uncertain” as to what legislation to craft, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
OSHA Issues New Ergonomics Rules Opposed by Business
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is “expected” to issue a final ergonomics ruling today “to protect workers from the repetitive strains and pain of the workplace,” the Washington Post reports.
Buyers’ Club Membership Brings Discount Health Care
Many Americans are turning to health “buyers clubs” to get discounts on services and prescription drugs “not typically paid for by health insurance,” the U.S. News and World Report explains.
Anthrax Vaccine Manufacturer Hires Packaging Contractor
Anthrax vaccine manufacturer BioPort Corp. recently announced it will use an outside contractor to bottle and package its vaccine — an effort the company hopes will boost its chances of winning FDA approval — and satiate the Pentagon which is eager to deliver the drug to the U.S. military, the AP/Detroit News reports.
HIAA Survey Finds Health Care Not ‘Determining’ Issue in Election
Health care issues were not the determining factors during Tuesday’s election, according to a “bipartisan” post-election survey released yesterday by the Health Insurance Association of America.
Maine Appeals Ruling on Rx Drug Pricing Law
Maine officials yesterday appealed a preliminary injunction against the state’s new drug pricing law, which would control prescription drug prices for uninsured and underinsured residents, the AP/Los Angeles Times reports.
San Francisco Considers Banning Future Tobacconists
San Francisco is considering an ordinance that would ban new tobacco retail outlets in the city, the Christian Science Monitor reports.