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State Health Notes
February 2003 Issues
Volume 24, Number 390: February 24, 2003
COVER STORY
Oral diseases are a major public health problem, and kids are not immune. Lack of insurance, low Medicaid payments and a potential shortage of dentists and faculty confound the search for solutions.
PRIMARY CARE NEWS
Two recent studies focus on physicians: one examines the impact of GME on practice location, one at career satisfaction.
HIGHLIGHTS
Medicaid reform plan… NCSL budget analysis… Medicaid cuts in NY, KY… SCHIP update… Small group coverage, tax credit studies …HI universal coverage bill…AAP statement on pediatric care… GA weight challenge... UT secondhand smoke ads… Geographic ADHD variations… OH treatment $$s
TRACKING TRENDS
Seeking to cope with the nurse shortage, some states are looking to standardize “acuity systems” for determining staffing requirements.
FYI
To help patients with complex medical or administrative needs, Minneapolis-based HealthPartners has added “Nurse Navigators” to its staff of call center representatives.
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Volume 24, Number 389: February 10, 2003
Cover Story - State of the States: Sickly Budgets Force Govs to Focus on Health Costs
Even with state budgets bleeding red ink, the nation’s governors are striving to avoid cuts in vital health and social services—even if doing so means raising taxes. This year’s crop of State of the State speeches reflects concerns over costs and a host of other health-related issues.
Focus On - Body Art Regulation
“Body art”—tattoos and piercing —is all the rage, and in response, worried policymakers and parents are advocating for safety controls.
Highlights
ME reform plan… DHHS Healthier Lifestyles initiative… Dallas smoking ban… LA smokers’ day in court… Ruling in McDonald’s obesity suit… Study on “supersizing”… More $$$ for children’s vaccination program
Tracking Trends - States Work to Stop Elder Abuse
Abuse of the elderly takes many forms and remains all too common. A look at which states are actively legislating to make things better.
FYI - Active Living by Design: “Couch Potato” Challenge
America is facing an obesity epidemic and the lack of physical activity is a key factor in the trend. An initiative called “Active Living by Design” could shake things up.
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