Your Weekly Dose of Health August 28, 2015

Assembly member Thomas Abinanti introduced legislation to combat Legionnaires ’ disease.  The bill would set requirements for inspecting cooling towers and heating systems in New York State.

There were two new cases of Legionnaires’ disease this week in New York City, according to city health officials.

The New York City Council will propose legislation aimed at ridding the city of dangerous synthetic marijuana.  Under the proposal, store owners caught selling synthetic marijuana could lose their tobacco licenses or be compelled to temporarily shut down.

City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced a million dollar initiative to reduce veteran homelessness and provide legal and mental health services.

Medical marijuana is due to be available in New York State by January, but some advocates and family question whether that’s a realistic timeline.

In Riverhead New York, the town board is considering a one year moratorium on local medical marijuana facilities.  Town officials want time to study the potential impacts first.

Kaiser Health News looks into the healthcare implications of an aging prison population.

Nonprofits and healthcare providers are teaming up to keep New Yorkers out of hospitals, according to Crain’s New York.

Step therapy, or “fail first,” bases treatment decisions on cost rather than medical necessity and ignores the safety and efficacy of certain medications for patients. Click here to learn more about step therapy.