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Harkin moves to Health Committee chair after Dodd opts against it

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., wrestled hard with the question of whether to take the Senate Health Committee chair once held by his good friend, the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. But when he passed on it, Sen. Tom Harkin got the job in an arrangement that gives the Iowa Democrat a huge say in government health policy.

10 Sep 2009

Baucus readies reform move, with or without Republicans

Sen. Max Baucus is readying his Senate Finance Committee to move a health care reform bill to the full Senate, with or without the support of Republicans negotiating their position.

10 Sep 2009

First edition: September 10, 2009

In response to President Obama's joint address to Congress last night, the headlines are chock full of news, analysis, fact-checkers and inventories of cheers and jeers.

10 Sep 2009

Payments to Medicare’s private plans at risk in Democrats' reform proposals

As part of their effort to find funds for universal health coverage, Democrats have targeted federal subsidies for Medicare's private plans.

10 Sep 2009

Dodd rejects HELP chairmanship, skeptical Dems sound off on reform

The Washington Post: "Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) has decided against succeeding his close friend and mentor, the late Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) as chairman of the Senate's health committee, a senior Senate aide said Tuesday night. ... Dodd's decision leaves the chairmanship of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who follows Dodd in seniority. Multiple sources in the Harkin orbit, requesting anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said that he is certain to take over the HELP committee" (Kane, 8/8).

10 Sep 2009

All Americans should have access to affordable and high quality health care: President of BIO

“BIO shares President Obama's goal of ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable, sustainable, high quality health care. Biotechnology plays an essential role in achieving this goal. Biotechnology expands the boundaries of science by discovering, developing, and delivering innovative and needed medical products to patients.

10 Sep 2009

Health reform proposals under consideration to benefit small business owners and employees most: Report

Small business owners and employees are among those who stand to benefit the most from provisions in some of the current health reform proposals under consideration by Congress according to a Commonwealth Fund report released today.

9 Sep 2009

Safeway raises funds to support neuromuscular disease medical research and therapies

Safeway Inc. announced today it has raised a record $10.2 million to support medical research and services for the millions of people living with neuromuscular diseases. The funds were raised during Safeway’s annual Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) campaign, a five-week endeavor to highlight the need to find cures and treatments for muscular dystrophy and related diseases, and presented during the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon in Las Vegas Labor Day weekend.

9 Sep 2009

OB-GYNs explore common pregnancy myths

In the engaging, humorous, and very informative HANDS OFF MY BELLY!: THE PREGNANT WOMAN'S SURVIVAL GUIDE TO MYTHS, MOTHERS, AND MOODS (Prometheus Books, $18.00), Drs. Shawn A. Tassone and Kathryn M. Landherr-experienced obstetricians and gynecologists, a husband-and-wife team of physicians, and parents of four children-explore superstitions and myths surrounding pregnancy, from the most common to the most obscure.

9 Sep 2009

Baucus sends $900 billion health care proposal to 'gang of six'

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has sent his "gang of six" colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee a health overhaul proposal that would cost under $900 billion.

9 Sep 2009

MHLW to grant regulatory approval for KCI to enter Japan market

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (NYSE: KCI) announced today that it has been informed by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan that in October the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) will grant regulatory approval for KCI to begin market development activities in Japan for its innovative V.A.C.® Therapy product.

9 Sep 2009

Obama hopes to reconquer high-stakes health debate

President Obama is hoping to give a boost to congressional Democrats who are reconvening after a recess beleaguered by harsh criticism, plummeting public opinion, and divisions within the majority party.

9 Sep 2009

Registered nurses to voice their grievances to Senator Feinstein

1,200 registered nurses representing every state in the union will make a house call to Dianne Feinstein this Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to demand she become a cosponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act. The nurse action will come as part of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee national convention.

9 Sep 2009

Union members push hard for health care reform

The Worchester [Massachusetts] Telegram reports: "Two members of the state's congressional delegation appealed to local union members this morning to unite behind President Barack Obama's efforts to reform health care. They said if health care reform does not happen now, it could be years before it comes up for discussion again."

9 Sep 2009

CHW urges Congress and Obama Administration to successfully conclude health care reform

Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) President/CEO Lloyd H. Dean unveiled a multi-faceted campaign today aimed at pushing health care reform in Washington to a successful conclusion. CHW’s “September for Reform” will bring the resources of one of America’s largest hospital systems to bear on the national health care reform debate with a focus on urging members of Congress and the Obama Administration to accomplish reform this fall.

8 Sep 2009

PPJ Enterprise purchases medical billing service

PPJ Enterprise (PPJ) (PINKSHEETS: PPJE), a leader in proprietary automated healthcare multi-specialty provider reimbursement cycle technology and EHR development/information management digital system software for health care providers. PPJ is generating momentum for their strong comeback. The Company's short term strategic goal is to invest into a business that can sustain its everyday operational costs. So PPJ is developing alliances and making acquisitions/mergers in the medical billing service industry to eventually regain their position in the market.

8 Sep 2009

Western Dental Services launches digital X-ray imaging program

CDW Healthcare, part of the public sector subsidiary of CDW Corporation and a leading provider of technology products and services to healthcare organizations, today announced that Western Dental Services, Inc. (“Western Dental”) of Orange, Calif., launched an extensive digital X-ray imaging program powered via technology configured and deployed by CDW Healthcare.

8 Sep 2009

First Edition: September 8, 2009

It's going to be a big week as Congress returns to work and President Obama readies his speech to a joint session. High on everyone's list: health reform.

8 Sep 2009

ADAO reaffirms the need for banning asbestos

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) today reaffirmed the need for an asbestos ban this Labor Day, as America honors the workforce that continues to power the nation, even in the wake of the economic downturn.

7 Sep 2009

Quest Diagnostics selected to be part of DJSI World and DJSI North America

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced that it was again selected to be part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes and North America Indexes (DJSI World and DJSI North America).

From Quest Diagnostics 5 Sep 2009