State GovernmentLegislative Survivor: Which big California bills were shelved in ‘suspense file?’May 18, 2023In their twice-a-year exercise, legislators killed dozens of California bills in the process known as the suspense file.
Health CareCalifornia has tried to cut the cost of insulin for years. Why it might finally succeedMay 18, 2023To fight the skyrocketing cost of insulin, California is using multiple tactics, including making its own generic versions.
Health CareFDA relaxes blood donation eligibility for gay, bisexual men. Experts say they’re ‘delighted’May 17, 2023 | Vicki GonzalezLast week the FDA eased restrictions for gay and bisexual men who want to donate blood. CapRadio’s Vicki Gonzalez spoke with blood donation non-profit Vitalant, which contributed research that helped the department come to this decision. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareMillions of people have long COVID brain fog — and there's a shortage of answersMay 15, 2023Psychologist James Jackson says people with long COVID experience impaired brain function and mental health issues. He offers some practical advice and support in his new book, Clearing the Fog.
Health CareCalifornia debates extending PTSD coverage to more first respondersMay 14, 2023A state Senate bill would extend workers’ compensation coverage of post-traumatic stress injuries for firefighters and police officers. But a separate bill to cover paramedics and EMTs is unlikely to be heard.
State GovernmentHow Gavin Newsom wants to close California’s $31.5 billion budget shortfall May 12, 2023 | Chris Nichols | Nicole Nixon | Manola Secaira | Kate WolffeThough the budget deficit has grown to nearly $32 billion, Newsom said he does not plan to dip into the state’s rainy day fund, instead proposing a mix of funding delays, cuts and renewing a tax on health insurers.
Health CareAdvisers to the FDA back first over-the-counter birth control pillMay 11, 2023In a unanimous vote, 17-0, a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration recommended that the agency approve the first over-the-counter birth control pill.
Health CareCalifornia’s health care provider pipeline needs major boost to ward off shortage, workers sayMay 10, 2023 | Kate WolffeHundreds of unionized health care workers rallied at California’s Capitol to call on the state to invest more in education for nurses, and compel hospitals to help in the fight. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareRochelle Walensky, who led the CDC during the pandemic, resignsMay 6, 2023The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced her exit on the same day the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 is no longer a global public health emergency.
Health CareAbortion rights groups say California lawmakers must stay ‘nimble’ ahead of anticipated challengesMay 4, 2023 | Kate WolffeThe national director of an abortion rights organization says policy makers are working in uncharted territory with “backdoor bans” and an adversarial climate in the U.S.
