Spate of lawsuits may finally find chink in tobacco industry's 'impenetrable armor.'

Article Abstract:

Several lawsuits against tobacco companies are meeting with success in the courts, possibly signalling an end to the tobacco industry's undefeated record in the courts. The most damaging suits could be those brought by states seeking to recover state health funds that go to treat tobacco-related illnesses. Four states have filed suit, and others are in the process of doing so. Florida and Louisiana courts have ruled that class actions against tobacco firms are legal. Tobacco companies have historically spent their opponents out of court, but a class action could raise enough funds to match industry spending. The slew of suits has led some companies who have licensed their name for use by tobacco companies or have otherwise become involved with the tobacco industry to back out.

Cases, Tobacco industry

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Opposition to law officers having unfettered access to medical records

Article Abstract:

Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala has proposed that law enforcement officers have access to medical records held by physicians and insurers when required for investigations. Such officials, unlike physicians, have taken no oath to preserve patient confidentiality. Privacy of medical records is presently controlled only by state laws. Mental health practitioners, fearing loss of a patient's trust, favor court permission prior to releasing confidential information to law enforcement officials. Congress is considering several legislative proposals.

Social policy, Medical records, Access control, Confidential communications, Physician-patient privilege, Shalala, Donna E.

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Apgar quartet plays perinatologist's instruments

Article Abstract:

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons has acquired four stringed instruments built by pioneer perinatologist Virginia Apgar. Apgar made the violin, mezzo violin, viola, and cello under the tutelage of a patient who constructed stringed instruments. The instruments are played by the Apgar Memorial String Quartet, which plays at Columbia and various other venues. Apgar is most famous for the Apgar Score, which she developed to alert delivery room personnel to any abnormalities in the newborn infant.

Biography, Personalities, Perinatology, Stringed instrument makers, Apgar, Virginia

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