Vacaville skilled nursing owner to pay nearly $46M for alleged kickbacks
A Vacaville-based skilled nursing facility management company, its owner and six facilities have agreed to pay nearly $46 million to resolve allegations that they submitted false claims to Medicare by paying kickbacks to doctors, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Central California announced this month.
Native American Heritage Month: Health leader Martin Waukazoo retires
On the grand staircase at San Francisco City Hall, Martin Waukazoo stood with three other community leaders to receive awards at the 2023 Native American Heritage Month celebration in November.
Lawsuit alleges San Ramon hospital deal would cost patients
The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit Friday to block John Muir Health's $142.5 million deal to purchase San Ramon Regional Medical Center.
In potential cancer breakthrough, newly found ‘kill switch’ triggers death of cancer cells: ‘One-two punch'
The receptor, called CD95, could improve the effectiveness of immune-based therapies.
Sharp surge in syphilis cases among US newborns sparks urgent call for testing and treatment
More than 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis in 2022 — 10 times more than a decade ago and a 32% increase from 2021.
Eleven tuberculosis cases linked to California Grand Casino in Pacheco
Contra Costa County public health officials say 11 confirmed tuberculosis cases have been linked to staff and customers who spent time inside the California Grand Casino in Pacheco between 2018 - 2023.
Convicted Oakland doctor facing 30 years in prison for health care fraud, kickback schemes
A doctor in Oakland is facing up to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of accepting kickbacks for patient referrals, health care fraud, and false statements relating to health care, federal prosecutors said.
FDA issues warning over several eyedrop products due to infection risk
Consumers should stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products over the potential risk of eye infections that could lead to vision loss, the FDA said.
CVS and Walgreens employees planning a walkout to protest working conditions
Over 2,000 pharmacy staff members have allegedly agreed to walk out this week to protest working conditions at pharmacies around the U.S.
Bay Area nurse crushed in MRI accident highlighting safety concerns
A nurse suffered crushing injuries after she became pinned between a hospital bed and an MRI machine at Kaiser Permanente's Redwood City hospital.
AI used in healthcare could amplify racial bias in medicine, new study says
A study released on Friday shows that though AI may bring some technological advantages to the table for healthcare, it could also perpetuate racist beliefs.
Rite Aid files for bankruptcy
Rite Aid, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the country, has filed for bankruptcy.
Mobile health clinic offers free medical, dental, hearing and eye care to South Bay community
Hundreds of people without health insurance were able to get medical and dental services for free on Sunday, through a mobile health clinic at Sacred Heart Community Service.
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes bill to make free condoms available for high school students, citing cost
California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected a bill on Sunday that would have made free condoms available all public high school students, arguing it was too expensive for a state with a budget deficit of more than $30 billion.
Newsom signs bill advancing universal health care, vetoes insulin price cap
On Saturday Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the approval of Senate Bill 770, introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). The legislation advances tangible steps toward securing universal health coverage in California. It would direct the California Health and Human Services Agency (HHS) to work with the federal government to outline the requirements of a federal waiver application.
Popular weight loss drugs linked to severe stomach problems: 'Critical information for patients'
"It is concerning that, in some cases, people can simply go online and order these kinds of medications," researchers said.
Dialysis caregivers in San Jose, Brentwood and Gilroy to strike
More than 500 dialysis caregivers will strike Monday and Tuesday over what they call unfair labor practices at nearly two dozen Satellite Healthcare and Fresenius Kidney Care clinics across California, including ones in Gilroy, San Jose, and Brentwood.
UCSF nurses' union says increased workplace violence linked to hiring freeze
Registered nurses at the University of California, San Francisco say they have seen an increase in workplace violence since the medical center imposed a hiring freeze four months ago.
Union workers authorize strike if deal not reached with Kaiser Permanente
After months of picketing and labor negotiations, the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) announced Thursday that they have authorized a strike to take place at the end of the month if they do not reach a deal with Kaiser Permanente.
Clearblue launches first at-home menopause test: 'Personal knowledge'
The Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator allows women to identify their likely stage of menopause: premenopause, early perimenopause, late perimenopause or postmenopause.