News and notes from the day in MedCity, Ohio:
The Ohio Third Frontier program plans to award $17 million next year to companies developing biomedical and medical imaging technologies, according to Business First of Columbus. Ohio officials said Monday that Third Frontier would conduct a bidder’s conference Jan. 5 in Columbus. Letters of intent are due to the state Department of Development by Jan. 25. Formal proposals will be accepted until March 1, with program awards scheduled to be made in May.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are adding Ohio State University to a network of researchers studying ways to prevent disease, starting with helping parents prevent obesity in preschool children, according to the Columbus Dispatch. A $300,000 start-up grant in 2010, with about $1.7 million more likely over the next four years, will help the university start a prevention research center that could attract millions more in funding for work on tobacco, AIDS and diabetes and other health risks.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Deaconess Hospital in Cincinnati will eliminate 105 jobs beginning Jan. 31, according to a filing (pdf) with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Business Courier of Cincinnati reported. The layoffs will be completed Feb. 14, according to the filing. On Dec. 10, the Business Courier reported that the hospital would close its emergency department in January. It had laid off 50 people in June when it closed its Surgical Weight Loss Center. The 121-year-old hospital has 273 licensed beds.
The Ohio House of Representatives has approved a proposal requiring most health insurance policies to cover expenses for diabetes testing equipment and education, according to WKSU-FM. The debate lasted more than an hour and strong opposition by minority Republicans signaled that the measure could face a tough time getting approved in the Republican-dominated Senate.
Gallipolis, Ohio-based Holzer Health Systems and Holzer Clinic will merge, according to a report by the Gallipolis Daily Tribune. The groups have formed six committees, which will include employees from both the health system and the clinic, to help guide the transition. The merger is intended to integrate care in the community. Once the merger is complete, the system will include nine Holzer Clinic locations, two hospitals, two medical office buildings, a dental care facility and multiple long-term care facilities.
After all the demand for H1N1 vaccine, the hours-long lines and the griping about priority groups, health officials now are concerned they could end up with more shots and nasal vaccine than people want, the Columbus Dispatch reported. This week, eligibility for vaccine opens to everyone at least 6 months old. Retailers will get their long-awaited shipments of vaccine and start running in-store clinics.
