February 13, 2002 -
February 13, 2002 - There's been a shortage of nurses across the country for years, and there's no sign the problem will end. In fact, the number of students entering nursing programs has been shrinking. Many hospitals have lists of nursing jobs that they can't fill, but small town hospitals have particular problems with the nurse shortage. In response, they're trying to make it easier for people who already live in their towns to become nurses. Chris Julin has this Mainstreet Radio report.
February 13, 2002 - Allina Hospitals and Clinics lost more than $70 million dollars last year. 2001 was a time of investigations and major changes for the health care provider. Allina split with its health insurance partner "Medica" in response to a Minnesota Attorney General's office probe into corporate expenses. There were also millions of dollars in costs associated with alledged Medicare fraud. Allina says much of last year's losses amount to one time charges which have now been written off its books. The non profit's new CEO is projecting much better performance this year. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark reports...
February 14, 2002 - A key House Committee approved a measure today (thursday) that would forbid the state from issuing family planning grants to groups that are connected in any way to abortion services. Supporters of the measure say abortion providers can continue to do business but wouldn't be allowed to receive any state money. Opponents say the provision would impact low income women and say they'll challenge the bill's constitutionality if it becomes law. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
February 15, 2002 - Complaints against nursing homes in Minnesota increased 35 percent last year. The = office of the Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans says the agency settled 24-hundred complaints in 2001. The Ombudsman program was started under federal law in 1978 to be an advocate for nursing-home residents. Ombudsman Sharon Zoesch says most complaints involve residents' rights and quality of care:
February 18, 2002 - Government researchers say tests using diluted smallpox vaccine were "very successful." In a study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 650 volunteers were given varying doses of the 1970's era vaccine. Researchers say participants displayed an imune response even though some of the doses had been diluted as much as 10-fold. Currently there are only 15 million doses of smallpox vaccine on hand in the U.S., and it could take up to a year to get the 288 million new doses the government has ordered from a British company. Michael Osterholm is the Director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. He's also an advisor to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. Osterholm says even though the U.S. vaccine stockpile is at least 30 years old, it's very potent.
February 25, 2002 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone has revealed he has a mild form of Multiple Sclerosis. He says the persistent pain in his lower right leg that he and his doctors have attributed to sports injuries was diagnosed a month ago as "primary progressive multiple sclerosis." Despite the illness, Wellstone says he will continue with his re-election campaign for a third term in the U.S. Senate.
February 25, 2002 - Joining us now is Joel Ulland (YOU land), the public Public Coordinator of the Minnesota chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
March 5, 2002 -
March 6, 2002 - Medica health plan is reportedly considering capping premiums for almost all of its health plan members. The StarTribune reports the company had a good financial year and wants to pass the good fortune on to consumers. A Medica spokesperson declined to discuss what options the company is considering. Medica and Attorney General Mike Hatch will hold a press conference tomorrow to discuss the company's finances. Last year, Medica split from Allina Hospitals and Clinics, after Hatch began investigating lavish company expenses. Medica officials told the paper they've instituted aggressive cost cuts. The company could be reaching the point where it has more in reserves than the non-profit is allowed under state law. Healthcare consultant Allan Baumgarten says he's not surprised Medica is so profitable: