Coca-Cola sued by groups who say that the company makes false health claims about VitaminWater
“The idea that you can improve your immunity by drinking one of these VitaminWater drinks is nonsense,” said a senior nutritionist with one of the nonprofit groups involved in the lawsuit.
National healthcare reform group has opened a Northeast PA chapter
A new local chapter of a grass-roots health care reform group outlined its goals Monday for lawmakers to immediately begin fulfilling campaign promises to give all Americans quality health insurance, reports the Times-Tribune.
Medicare rule change aims to cut drug prices
The federal agency that manages Medicare says it has finalized a rule meant to curb an industry practice that has inflated drug costs for some patients with Medicare drug coverage, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Disappointment abounds with Bush admin’s last-minute regulation limiting patient care
Healthcare organizations,rulemakers, and citizens across the country are voicing their opposition to the Bush administration’s new healthcare regulation.
New York Times: Cancer patients often not told that they can receive better care elsewhere
In a column published today in the New York Times, writer Denise Grady tells the story of a relative who survived rectal cancer to illustrate the fact that the quality of cancer care can vary widely from one hospital to the next. In the process, she discusses the ethics of doctors telling patients the truth about the type of care they are able to receive.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editors welcome controversial new nursing home ratings system
The new ratings systems for nursing homes recently instituted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is drawing criticism from both the nursing home industry and other medical professional groups. But while the system does have its problems, say the editors of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it is a giant step in the right direction.
Phila. Daily News: Bush threatening unconscionable health regulations
Today the Philadelphia Daily News editorializes on the “provider conscience regulations” that the Bush administration is trying to push through at the last minute.
Del. Co. Daily Times: We need to fix funding for mental health advocacy groups
Yesterday, the Delaware County Daily Times featured an editorial stressing the need for a fix for state advocacy groups that benefit mentally and physically disabled children.
PA disturbingly behind in laws protecting disabled adults
Pennsylvania is one of only 5 states that does not have any laws protecting disabled adults, meaning many of them fall victim to abuse by caretakers and relatives.
Opposition against center for troubled youth in Norristown taking action
In Norristown, a group of residents has banned together in opposition to a proposal by a group called Vision Quest to use a section of the Norristown State Hospital as an emergency/crisis diagnostic services center for 12-to-18-year-old youth.
“The intended use is clearly a permitted use and also a necessary function that is critical to the delivery of services required by the (state Department of Public Welfare) DPW,” said Joanne Phillips, the real estate director. “The Department of General Services is advising Vision Quest that they have fully complied with their lease agreement with the Commonwealth and we are authorizing Vision Quest to initiate occupancy of Building 12 at Norristown State Hospital.”
A 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, meeting at Hancock Fire Co., 820 W. Airy St., Norristown with Ward 1 and Ward 2 residents will include a discussion of the Vision Quest proposal.
Visit the Times-Herald for more details.