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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

It's All About the Patients: Health Care Bills Get Hearing Today

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Tuesday, June 14, 2011   

BOSTON - Reducing medical errors, empowering the patient, and increasing patient safety are the goals of four bills taking center stage at the Massachusetts State House today. The statewide advocacy group Health Care for All (HCFA) is behind legislation that aims to improve the way health care is delivered in Massachusetts.

HCFA health quality manager Deb Wachenheim says that, with national attention focused on possibly dangerous levels of radiation from CT or "CAT" scans, one bill would bring back a commission to look more closely at their safety.

"You know, we're certainly not saying that people shouldn't have CT scans; there are obviously times when they are warranted. But there isn't a lot of regulation of that piece of health care, and so, we should be looking at where there could maybe be more regulation to make sure there aren't mistakes that could cause pretty horrific consequences."

Other bills to be introduced today require hospitals to use checklists to reduce surgical errors, offer ways to reduce medication errors and over-utilization of medical care, and encourage transparency and openness following unanticipated medical outcomes.

Lisa Nash is a breast cancer survivor who will testify today in favor of a shared decision-making bill, to ensure that patients are informed about all treatment options by their doctors. When Nash had a lumpectomy, she says her surgeon left titanium clips in her chest, a procedure that helps radiologists, but left her with a severe allergic reaction.

"Nobody has the right to place something in me, because they chose to do it, without asking my permission first. How dare they?"

Nash said the allergic reaction and subsequent treatments could have been avoided if the doctor had discussed the procedure with her first, as she already knew she was allergic to titanium.

The hearing is from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in Hearing Room A-1 at the Massachusetts State House. The bills are HB 613 and SB 1150, HB 1495, SB 1078, HB 597.




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