The Pennsylvania Senate has voted to extend a malpractice insurance subsidy for doctors and hospitals through 2008, but has rejected an effort to divert a surplus from a malpractice reserve fund to pay for adult health insurance.
The Washington, DC, City Council has givem initial approval to legislation that would make the District the first jurisdiction in the country to license pharmaceutical sales representatives. The move is a blow to the prescription drug industry, and could have national implications if states follow the Washington, DC's lead.
Holtz Children's Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center have marked the completion and dedication of part of its newly renovated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The new section is now named the Project: New Born Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and better allows the facility to deliver patient care and provide a more comforting environment for patients and families, according to officials.
Registered nurses set to strike at 13 Sutter Health hospitals in California should be prepared to be out of work longer than the planned two-day walkout, officials from the medical centers said. Most of the hospitals, with the exceptions of at least California Pacific Medical Center and St. Luke's hospital, plan to hire replacement workers for longer than just two days and lock out participating nurses for the remaining time.
As fewer medical students enter family practice and more professionals in it seek early retirement, 36 practices around the country are experimenting with ways to deliver and improve care. Some of the experiemental approaches include providing same-day access to the physician, no phone trees when calls are made to the office, e-mail consultations and electronic records, and group visits.