Latest California Healthline Stories
Cleanup Begins Of Toxic Waste Created By Redding ‘Firenado’
The state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control starts the rebuilding efforts by removing obvious hazardous materials like melted car batteries. The Redding fire destroyed more than 1,000 homes last month.
Measles Cases In California Already Outnumber 2017 Total
There have been 18 cases reported in the state as of Aug. 10.
California Counties Hold $1.6B In Reserve While Advocates Say Mental Illness Treatment Lags Behind
“It is shocking to see these large reserves when we have a funding stream to address the crisis that Los Angeles and other jurisdictions are facing,” said Catherine Blakemore, executive director of Disability Rights California. Meanwhile, other news outlets report on efforts to tackle California’s problems with homelessness.
Highland Hospital’s emergency department is one of a few across the nation that provides patients with withdrawal medication. Also in news on the opioid crisis: synthetic pot is emerging as a public health risk; chronic pain patients say their need for painkillers often leaves them feeling like criminals; treating babies born dependent on drugs; and home pot delivery.
A selection of opinions on health care developments from around the state.
‘Queen Of Soul’s’ Death Highlights Viciousness Of Pancreatic Cancers
Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, following lung and colorectal cancers. In other public health news: kidney donations; Chipotle to retrain employees, again; and heavy metals found in baby food.
HHS Faces Criticism From Senate Investigation For Not Ensuring The Safety Of Unaccompanied Minors
During Senate testimony, though, one agency official asked members of a Senate subcommittee to not make the Department of Health and Human Services a “law enforcement agency.” In other administration news: senators challenge HHS Secretary Alex Azar’s assertion that PMBs are preventing drugmakers from lowering prescription prices.
First Generic Version Of EpiPen Injector Approved By FDA And Could Lower Cost Of Drug
Teva gets approval from the Food and Drug Administration to sell its version of the epinephrine auto-injector, but hasn’t yet revealed its pricing. Mylan, the manufacturer of the brand-name EpiPen, has faced public criticism and congressional investigations for raising the price of its lifesaving drug 450 percent since 2004.
Trump Wants To Take Opioid Manufacturers To Court
President Donald Trump signals his desire to join the litigation scrum by asking Attorney General Jeff Sessions to file a federal lawsuit against certain pharmaceutical companies involved in the supply and manufacture of opioids. Trump says he prefers pursuing a federal lawsuit rather than joining existing actions filed by states. Meanwhile, Oxycontin-maker Purdue hires a financial firm for restructuring advice, and its marketing practices are back in the news.
State Audit Will Look At OptumRx’s Medi-Cal Reimbursements To Pharmacists
The review was called for by state lawmakers after complaints about Optum’s payments as pharmacy benefit manager for the Medi-Cal Gold Coast plan.