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State Health Notes
November 2004 Issues
Volume 25, Number 433: November 29, 2004
Cover Story - Telepsychiatry: Going Where Few Providers Can Go
A growing number of states are using telepsychiatry to serve persons with mental illnesses who live in rural areas. Studies show that telepsychiatry is clinically effective – and it pays for itself.
Primary Care News - States Make Advances in Providing Critical Prenatal Care
States Are Making Advances in Providing Prenatal Care.
Highlights
SCHIP fund reversion. . .Call for reforms in TX. . .WY hospitals. . .Medicare Part D. . .Youth, female drinkers. . .WV drug discount law
Tracking Trends - Hospital Billing Practices and the Uninsured: Emerging Legislative Response
Lawmakers pursue legislation to curb abusive hospital billing practices.
FYI - Nevada Promotes Good Oral Health
Nevada fluoridates the water supply for nearly two-thirds of its residents.
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Volume 25, Number 432: November 15, 2004
Cover Story - Health Care in Indian Country: Obstacles and Opportunities
Disparities in health status between Native Americans and the rest of the U.S. are enormous: for example, tuberculosis rates are four times the national average. While the tribal nations have historically looked to the federal government as a partner and provider of health services, states are starting to play a larger role in working with American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Focus On - Voters Bring Down the Gavel on Health Measures in 8 States
On Nov. 2, voters considered 20 ballot measures on health-related issues.
Highlights
California votes biotechnology boom...Kansas initiative to cover uninsured...Taxing snack foods...Flu vaccine for Illinois, New Mexico, New York City...Breast and cervical cancer treatment.
Tracking Trends - States Move to Safeguard Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
States are passing laws to protect the safety of residents in assisted living facilities.
FYI - Keeping Kids Out of Foster Care by Thinking "Outside the Box"
New York finds that getting substance- abusing parents into treatment helps to keep families together, and avoid foster care for the children.
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Volume 25, Number 431: November 1, 2004
Cover Story - Flu Vaccine Shortage Highlights Gaps in Public Health
When Chiron Corp. announced that it would not be delivering any flu vaccine to the U.S. this year, public health officials began trying to track down available vaccine, in order to deliver it to the highest-risk populations. Some states and localities declared public health emergencies, and others went after price-gougers. The big question that hovers is: what will happen during a pandemic?
Highlights
Adults with dementia...Rising health-care costs...PDAs for Fla. physicians...Slow adoption of information technology..."GraniteCare" in N.H. ...Iowa’s Quitline... Osteoporosis...School grades and obesity...Ex-felons and jobs.
Graphically Speaking - With Thin Purses, States Look For Ways to Fund Medicaid This Year
States seek ways to fund their Medicaid programs, despite the relatively hard fiscal times.
Tracking Trends - Some States Ease Up on Medicaid Restrictions Enacted in Earlier Years
Some states ease up on Medicaid restrictions enacted in earlier years.
FYI - Minimizing Meth: States Take Action
Almost half the states have enacted laws intended to restrict methamphetamine cooks’ ability to produce the drug. But demand remains high.
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