Latest California Healthline Stories
Analysis Of Skyrocketing Mental Competency Cases Leaves More Questions Than Answers
A working group has been looking into why the number of cases referred to Los Angeles County’s mental health court to determine defendants’ competency swelled from 944 in 2010 to 3,528 in 2015. They’ve released a preliminary report but the authors say they need to do more research.
Group Files Suit To Save San Clemente Hospital From Closure
The hospital has the only emergency room in a nearly 40-mile area from Mission Viejo across Camp Pendleton to Oceanside.
Qualcomm, Medtronic To Develop Inexpensive, Easy To Use Glucose Monitors
But one competitor may have a head start on the next generation technology.
Beginning Days Of Walgreens-Theranos Partnership In The Spotlight
The Wall Street Journal reports that Walgreens never fully validated Theranos’ technology before striking up their partnership even though some executives and outside advisers had doubts.
Justice Department Joins Lawsuit Accusing Calif. Hospital Chain Of Improper Medicare Billing
The federal agency is joining a whistleblower in alleging that Prime Healthcare Services overbilled Medicare by improperly admitting patients.
Bipartisan Fears Lurk Beneath Surface Of Zika Funding Debate
Politics are adding a layer of complexity to efforts to battle the outbreak. Among other issues, Republicans are worried about the perception of supporting abortion or contraception, while Democrats are concerned about the environmental impact of pesticides. However, public officials say, mosquitoes don’t pay attention to party lines.
House Easily Passes Bill To Protect Americans From Harmful Chemicals
The bill is the first significant update to chemical safety laws since the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act. Both the Senate and President Barack Obama are expected to approve the sweeping regulations.
Average Family’s Health Care Costs Surpass $25,000, Report Finds
The costs are triple what a family paid in 2001.
Depression Medication Too Often Being Used As ‘Do Something’ Drug To Treat Other Conditions
A new study finds that doctors are treating a range of conditions such as migraines, menopausal symptoms, attention deficit disorders and digestive system disorders with antidepressants.
Ahead Of Picket, Bakersfield Memorial Says It ‘Prides Itself’ On Its Nurse Staffing Levels
The California Nurses Association says it is also picketing because it wants the hospital to address unsafe working conditions.