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State Health Notes
July 2003 Issues
Volume 24, Number 399: June 30
COVER STORY
State medical boards are in a key position to monitor medical errors by upholding standards of practice and disciplining doctors who fail to meet them. An examination of what two states are doing to strengthen the boards’ authority to track and regulate physician practices.
HIGHLIGHTS
ME universal coverage law... NY Medicaid reform task force… “Caring Commonwealth” plan in MA... OK tort reform law crisis
FYI
Cardiovascular disease—heart disease and stroke—is largely a preventable condition. The Bush Administration has a plan to educate the public and improve treatment.
PUBLIC HEALTH NEWS FEATURE STORY
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of kids under the age of 14. To reverse the trend, states are strengthening car seat laws—booster seats are the newest tool—and addressing the issues of bike, pedestrian and school bus safety.
HEALTH TALK
Tami Levitas, a highway traffic specialist with a federal agency, explains the ins and outs of safety for children riding in motor vehicles.
VITAL SIGNS
Fast facts on childhood injuries: bikes, motor vehicles, school buses.
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Volume 24, Number 398: June 16, 2003
COVER STORY
The Institute of Medicine’s 1999 report on medical errors flagged the issue as serious. As one response, a growing numbers of states have put in place hospital reporting programs. Now, there’s a new generation of initiatives aimed at making the system less error-prone, and technology is a key ingredient.
STATESPEAK
Sen. Charles Scott, chairman of the Wyoming Labor, Health and Social Services Committee and of NCSL’s Health Committee, discusses some potential solutions to rising costs.
HIGHLIGHTS
CO small business reforms… FL drug list ruling… Medicaid reports… CT medical errors reporting… NV cancer cluster law… IL AIDS needle purchase law… Diabetes campaign in UT …NJ, NY, PA campaign on osteoporosis… NC homeless policy specialist… HI alcohol & drug laws... TN nursing home reforms… Long-term care worker shortage
TRACKING TRENDS
With a shortage of cash and prison cells, states are exploring alternatives for nonviolent drug offenders.
FYI
The HIV infection rate in the U.S. has changed little in the 10 years. In response, CDC has developed a new four-point prevention strategy.
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Volume 24, Number 397: June 2, 2003
COVER STORY
Dormant since the demise of the Clinton single-payer plan, the topic of universal insurance coverage is back in the news. Maine’s governor is backing a major reform initiative, and in California, several universal coverage bills are getting a look.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEWS
Medicaid offers states a golden opportunity to screen children for mental disorders and substance abuse problems, but a new report says that they’re dropping the ball.
HIGHLIGHTS
Supreme Court ruling on ME Rx… Count of the uninsured in U.S., MT… WA insurance reform task force… Internet health info… Patient care time… IL ephedra ban … NH asthma laws… IA ruling on local smoking ban … Smallpox $$ ... Report on DC women, girls… EPA long-term care agenda… OR Death with Dignity challenge
TRACKING TRENDS
An April U.S. Supreme Court decision puts any willing provider laws back in play. Is there interest?
FYI
The 2001 terrorist attacks highlight the need for better communication among emergency providers. A look at Missouri’s web-based medical coordination system.
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