U.S. Senate Judiciary subcommittee held hearing on proposed merger
The U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights held a hearing this afternoon to discuss the proposed merger between Highmark and IBC, titled “Consolidation in The Pennsylvania Health Insurance Industry: The Right Prescription?”
Pennsylvania lacks services for adults with disabilities
Pennsylvania is one of only six states in the country without an adult protective services system, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Smoking bans provide health benefits
According to a new study from Scotland, a smoking ban can provide significant health benefits by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.
Pittsburgh personal care home faces closure
The Department of Public Welfare has notified the Windsor Place personal care home that they would not be renewing the license for the facility, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .
U.S. Congress members push for FDA makeover
According to an article in today’s Wall Street Journal, a group of federal lawmakers are pushing for an overhaul of the Food and Drug Administration that would give the organization powers to hand out fines, recall drugs and restrict drug-industry advertising.
Is Mellow’s seat on Blue Cross board a conflict of interest?
The Times-Tribune reports on the concerns of some advocacy groups about Sen. Mellow’s new position on the board of Blue Cross of Northeastern PA.
Tri-County Mental Health/Mental Retardation requests additional funding
Tri-County Metal Health/Mental Retardation hopes to serve 39 new adult MR clients this year from its “emergency need” waiting list, reports the Pocono Record.
Pharma companies continue to search for antiobesity drugs
Despite the lack of success in past trials, a handful of drug companies are testing new obesity treatments in hopes of finding a safe way to combat the rising number of overweight people in the world.
UPMC ahead of the rest; technology-wise
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s new electronic medical record initiative is now linking the health system’s inpatient and outpatient records with medical offices across the county; allowing patients’ important health histories to be accessed by any medical professional who gives them care.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Hearing on Blues merger gets arcane
In Sunday’s Philadelphia Inquirer, reporter Jane M. Von Bergen gave an animated recap of the hearings on the proposed Independence Blue Cross - Highmark merger.