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State Lawmakers to Investigate Workers’ Comp Opt Out
In response to a ProPublica and NPR investigation, the National Conference of Insurance Legislators said it will look into an effort by some of the biggest names in corporate America to opt out of workers’ comp.
Alabama Considers a Step Back From Prosecuting Pregnant Drug Users
A task force studying ways to fix the state’s broken health care system takes aim at a law that criminalizes prenatal drug use.
Own a Vizio Smart TV? It’s Watching You
Vizio, one of the most popular brands on the market, is offering advertisers “highly specific viewing behavior data on a massive scale.”
California Backs off Group Homes, Looks to Lean on Foster Families
As California dismantles its beleaguered system of youth group homes, state lawmakers bet big on expanding foster care.
U.S. Lawmakers Call for More Oversight of Workers’ Comp
In response to a ProPublica and NPR investigation, members of Congress are urging the labor secretary to come up with a plan to protect injured workers and taxpayers.
Dealmakers Drop a Plan to Divert Millions from the Health Insurance of Retired Coal Miners
A bankruptcy plan for Patriot Coal Corp. would have thrown into question the medical coverage of 208 miners, wives and widows.
Troubled California Group Home to Close
Management’s decision to close a home in Long Beach ends one crisis, but the state is still seeking answers for dealing with its most troubled children.
‘American Red Cross Sunshine Act’ Would Open Charity to Outside Scrutiny
A House bill is being released today along with a government report citing a lack of oversight about how the charity spends the millions of dollars donated by Americans.
First Library to Support Anonymous Internet Browsing Effort Stops After DHS Email
A library in a small New Hampshire town started to help Internet users around the world surf anonymously using Tor. Until the Department of Homeland Security raised a red flag.
Congressional Leaders Ask FDA About Coumadin Safety
The move follows a ProPublica analysis showing mistakes involving the drug resulted in injuries and deaths of nursing home residents.
Company That Sued Soldiers Closes Its Stores
After a ProPublica investigation of USA Discounters’ lending practices last summer, a barrage of lawsuits, regulatory inquiries and changes to Defense Department policies followed.
New York City Hospitals to End Filming Without Consent
After a reality television show filmed the death of a man without getting his family’s approval, New York City hospitals have decided to put an end to filming patients without consent.
After Years of Study, the FDA Endorses Safety Device for Liquid Children’s Medications
Flow restrictors can help prevent children from taking too much acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, which can cause liver damage if taken in high doses.
Sen. Grassley Demands Red Cross Disclose Haiti Spending — And Gives Them a Deadline
The “disappointed” Judiciary Committee chairman wants a detailed breakdown of spending on projects, overhead and other issues.
Cuomo Reverses Email Purge Policy
Following outcry, aides to the New York governor announced that emails will no longer be automatically deleted after 90 days.
Alabama Bill Would Increase Workers' Comp Benefits for Amputees
A proposal to nearly triple the maximum compensation for workers who lose a limb follows a ProPublica/NPR story that showed Alabama to have the lowest permanent partial disability benefits in the country.
California to Insurers: Don’t Use Workers’ Comp Law to Deny Approved Care
Concern over possible misuse of a 2012 workers’ comp law has led to warnings from state labor officials. A state senate committee will hold a hearing on the law Wednesday.
Washington Legislature Moves to Limit Schools Pinning Down and Isolating Kids
It’s the latest in a national trend to reduce restraints of school kids.
New York Legislation Would Make It a Felony to Film Patients Without Prior Consent
The bill was filed after a ProPublica story about a man whose death was recorded by the real-life medical series “NY Med” without permission. His widow recognized her husband while watching the show on TV.
Virginia Passes Bill to Rein in Restraints of School Kids
Many schools in the state still have no policies or rules around pinning kids down.
