Postmortem analysis of health care bill - Capitol Weekly

Postmortem analysis of health care bill - Capitol Weekly: "Who killed health care and why? That was the question circulating around the Capitol this week in the wake of the Senate Health Committee’s vote killing the compromise bill brokered by Speaker Fabian Núñez and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger."

Democrats Question FDA Proposed Rule On Drug and Device Labels

Democrats Question FDA Proposed Rule On Drug and Device Labels - CQ.com: "A group of House and Senate Democrats say a proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation is intended to shield drug and medical device makers from liability for injuries consumers receive from unsafe products."

Office of Inspector General Issues Two Gainsharing Opinions

Office of Inspector General Issues Two Gainsharing Opinions: "The Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Department of Health and Human Services posted two new gainsharing advisory opinions on January 14, 2008 concerning arrangements to reduce costs during designated cardiac surgery procedures. One opinion addresses an arrangement between a hospital and a group of cardiac surgeons; the other addresses a similar arrangement between a hospital and a group of anesthesiologists. The OIG stated that it would not impose sanctions in connection with these arrangements."

Report: Calif. Biotech Up but Uncertain - Forbes.com

Report: Calif. Biotech Up but Uncertain - Forbes.com: "California's biotechnology industry is growing steadily, but the looming possibility of increased government oversight could stifle new drug development, according to an industry-supported report set for release Thursday. The California Healthcare Institute reported that biotech businesses and research generated $73 billion in revenue in 2006 in California, up nearly 20 percent from 2005. Including medical device and diagnostics firms, California biotech companies brought in just over 40 percent of the $7.4 billion in biotech venture capital - about three times as much as Massachusetts, the state's nearest competitor. And the National Institutes of Health bestowed $3.3 billion in grants on California researchers, significantly more than any other state, the report found."

New device may help heart - Deseret Morning News

Deseret Morning News New device may help heart - A device designed to treat mitral valve regurgitation is being tested in a Phase II clinical trial at a hospital in Utah. Evalve's MitraClip is inserted through a patient's groin to fasten together the valve's leaflets and reduce backflow of blood toward the lungs.

Critics troubled by ads pitching medical devices- NJ.com

Critics troubled by ads pitching medical devices- NJ.com: "Direct-to-consumer ads for surgically implantable devices, such as artificial hips and artery stents, have stirred up debate among different parties, including some physicians and patient and consumer organizations. Critics contend that such ads provide little information about the possible risks associated with the products and often lead patients to inquire about specific brands of devices. But a principal at one health care advertising agency said that medical-device ads create awareness and encourage patients to communicate with their doctors about treatment options. "

Clinton's state lead stays solid - sacbee.com

Clinton's state lead stays solid - sacbee.com: "Two weeks from the California vote, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is hanging on to a double-digit lead in the Democratic presidential primary and benefiting from the added urgency of the economy as a campaign issue, according to the latest Field Poll."