Health Headlines for Friday, March 18
Zucker issues exemptions to e-prescribing mandate
Capital New York
State health commissioner Howard Zucker issued a blanket waiver for the state’s new e-prescribing law, allaying some concerns that the software wasn’t up to the task.
Supreme Court to Consider Compromise to Health-Law’s Contraception Rules
Wall Street Journal
A four-year-old fight between the Catholic Church and the Obama administration reaches the Supreme Court on Wednesday, in a bishop’s challenge to the health-care law’s contraception requirements that could alter the boundaries of religious freedom.
Here’s Why Valeant Shares Plummeted Again
Fortune
Shares of Valeant Pharmaceuticals fell another 11.5% Thursday, dropping to prices not seen since January 2011. The fresh losses were trigged by more bad news for the company, including comments from Valeant’s lenders and actions by activist investor Bill Ackman.
When the tourist has an appointment, not a camera
Buffalo Business First
Buffalo-area hospitals are taking a global approach in ways to market medical specialties.
Cuomo and Zucker announce 6-point Zika preparedness plan
Albany Times Union/Blog
With weather warming up and the threat of mosquitoes looming, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker announced a six-point plan Thursday to monitor and respond to the potential spread of the mosquito-born Zika virus in New York.
Accuracy Concerns on Testing Device for Blood-Thinning Drug
New York Times
Dr. Gary Goldstein, a Florida internist, knew something was wrong with a blood-testing device in his office when, all of a sudden, it began giving out odd results.
Catholic Health completes sale on 2 adult homes
Buffalo Business First
Catholic Health has finalized the sale of two more adult homes in the region, completing a three-home deal with a group of Long Island nursing home investors.
Gilead strategy to develop cancer drugs in doubt after setbacks
Stat News
Ever since Gilead Sciences grew flush with cash from selling hepatitis C treatments, the company signaled that cancer may be its next big bet. But there are fresh doubts now, thanks to a huge setback with a cancer drug and the departure of a key executive.