In The Trib
Yesterday’s Chicago Tribune carried at least three unrelated stories about public policies on healthcare compliance. Although none of these three are, literally, front page news, that all three happened to be featured the same day does emphasize the frequently overlooked fact that governmental or institutional enforcement of adherence is common in our society.
1. Immunization Laws
Are Lenient Laws Linked To Pertussis Outbreak? By Lindsey Tanner
This article summarizes a study pointing out that those states with more liberal immunization exemptions had about 50 percent more whooping cough cases.
2. State Restrictions On Snacks Sold At School
Tougher Junk Food Rule OKd By Crystal Yednak
New rules were approved in Illinois that prohibit the purchase of snacks with high fat, sugar or calorie content before and during the school day by students in elementary and middle school. Henceforth, juice drinks sold in schools must contain 50 percent or more juice, no sweetened or carbonated drinks can be sold, and snacks must be under 200 calories and meet specifications re fat and sugar content.
3. Government Imposed Quarantine
Halloween Guard Set For Woman With TB By Jeff Long
By judge’s order, “… a community service officer will steer trick-or-treaters away from the home of a Lake in the Hills woman who McHenry County health officials say has tuberculosis … .” There is a dispute whether the woman, a 67-year-old great-grandmother, is contagious, her doctor claiming she is not while county officials maintain that tests performed last summer indicate she is contagious. In a compromise, the woman agreed to continue taking medication that both sides agree should either “prevent her TB from becoming active or cure the disease if it is already active.” A court order prohibits contact with anyone other than family members living in the same home.
