Latest news with #Berman
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California Assembly Advances Bill to Expose Patients to Doctor Substance Abuse, Says Consumer Watchdog
SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A bill that will put patients at risk from doctors who continue practicing while abusing drugs or alcohol passed off the floor of the California State Assembly yesterday and moves on to the Senate. AB 408 by Assemblymember Berman and sponsored by the Medical Board of California, would create a secret drug and alcohol "diversion program" where the Board would send doctors who have substance abuse problems, instead of taking disciplinary action. AB 408 does not require disclosure to Medical Board enforcement staff, or consequences, for a doctor in the program that fails a drug test, skips a drug test, or otherwise violates the program. This silence about relapse by doctors who are actively treating patients is not limited to doctors who choose treatment voluntarily, as proponents claim. It applies to doctors sent to the program by the Board who would otherwise have faced discipline, including those found using substances at work, said Consumer Watchdog. "With AB 408 Assemblymembers and the Medical Board prioritize doctors' interests over keeping their patients safe. The bill would eliminate the Medical Board's responsibility to investigate and act if it refers a doctor to treatment and that doctor fails a drug test. That means patients will be harmed by doctors who relapse, just as they were in the last program that was shut down for putting patients at risk," said Consumer Watchdog executive director Carmen Balber. The Medical Board's prior diversion program was abolished after failing five state audits because doctors who entered the program could relapse with no consequences and patients were harmed. To prevent this from happening again, the Legislature passed oversight rules called the "Uniform Standards" and applied them to doctors in diversion programs. AB 408 exempts doctors from the law, eliminating oversight and accountability from the program. Consumer Watchdog has urged preserving those patient protections. Tina Minasian, an advocate for patient rights in California, suffers lifelong injuries inflicted by a substance-abusing surgeon who was a participant in the former confidential physician diversion program. She played a pivotal role in advocating for the closure of the prior failed Diversion Program, and enacting the Uniform Standards so any future program would better protect patients. "I can't believe that eighteen years later I have to take on this fight again on behalf of all Californians," stated Minasian. "We gained too many protections in the past fifteen years to give them up. I lost everything when I was harmed and cannot allow another Californian to endure what I did." The bill would allow doctors to seek treatment to avoid discipline even if they were impaired on the job. For example: A San Francisco doctor suspected of stealing drugs from her hospital was recently arrested after she was found passed out in an operating room shortly after she was scheduled to participate in a toddler's surgery. Under AB 408 the Board could send that doctor into diversion instead of the disciplinary investigation, treatment oversight and consequences for relapse that are all mandatory under current law. The bill does not require reporting of a positive drug test to the Board, so the doctor could continue treating patients while keeping diversion program violations secret and place patients in harm's way. Read Consumer Watchdog's opposition letters on AB 408 here and here. The History of the Medical Board and Physician Diversion The former confidential physician diversion program was subjected to a critical sunset review in 2007 after five failed audits by the state and a critical report from an Enforcement Monitor revealed significant failures in drug testing and oversight. In response, patients stepped forward to share their harrowing stories of harm and loss due to the negligence of doctors in the program. The Medical Board of California recognized the severity of these revelations and terminated the program in 2008. That same year, a pivotal hearing on the diversion program was convened at the state Capitol. The chair of the joint committee announced SB 1441, legislation designed to establish Uniform Standards for Substance-Abusing Health Care Professionals in California. Passed into law in 2008, SB 1441 was a vital step toward rectifying the failures of the previous diversion program. It empowered the Medical Board with essential tools to monitor substance-abusing licensees and enforce meaningful consequences for offending physicians, prioritizing the protection of patients and fostering a culture of accountability among healthcare providers. In 2016, SB 1177 was enacted, which allowed the Medical Board of California to recreate a new physician diversion program that adhered to the Uniform Standards. AB 408 discards those consumer protections and reconfigures any future program in the image of the failed diversion program. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumer Watchdog Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Hagens Berman: Law Firm Behind Many of the Largest Auto Class Actions Sues GM for Engine Failure Defect in Over 800,000 SUVs and Pickup Trucks
DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A class-action lawsuit aimed at General Motors accuses the automaker of bungling one of the largest engine recalls in its history, according to Hagens Berman, and abandoning consumers who own or lease one of more than 877,000 vehicles affected by a defect that causes sudden, catastrophic engine failure. 'GM markets itself as an automaker that advocates for the safety of its customers and their families,' Berman added. 'Now would be a great time for GM to fulfill that promise.' According to the lawsuit filed May 19, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the defect occurs with no warning in vehicles equipped with L87 6.2L V8 engines with as little as a thousand miles of use, occurring more often at high speeds. According to the class action, GM has known about the defect for several years but failed to disclose it to affected owners prior to the purchase of their vehicles. If you own a GM-branded vehicle equipped with L87 6.2L V8 engines contact Hagens Berman to find out more about this issue and your consumer rights against GM. Affected model years include 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500, 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban, 2021-2024 GMC Yukon, 2021-2024 GMC Yukon XL, 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV. 'What started as a recall has ballooned into what appears to be the need for full engine replacement for at least 870,000 vehicles,' said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman and attorney representing affected owners. 'This defect is serious because it involves sudden catastrophic engine failure with no warning and is more common at high speeds. This spells danger for anyone in or near the car.' 'GM markets itself as an automaker that advocates for the safety of its customers and their families,' Berman added. 'Now would be a great time for GM to fulfill that promise.' According to the lawsuit, GM's L87 6.2L V8 engine connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and catastrophic engine failure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states in its summary of the defect, '…complainants report a bearing failure that may result in either engine seizure or breaching of the engine block by the connecting rod.' GM dealerships have reportedly informed consumers that there is no guidance for them to fix the defect at the root of the recall, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit seeks compensation for those who purchased the affected vehicles under California and Washington state consumer protection laws including false advertising law, unfair competition law and the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, as well as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Attorneys say the affected vehicles have significantly suffered in value: 'In addition to rendering the Class Vehicles unsafe to drive, the Bearing Defect significantly reduces the value of the Class Vehicles. And, if GM had disclosed the truth about the Bearing Defect, Plaintiffs would not have purchased their vehicles or would have paid less.' Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm with a tenacious drive for achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. Since its founding in 1993, the firm's determination has earned it numerous national accolades, awards and titles of 'Most Feared Plaintiff's Firm,' MVPs and Trailblazers of class-action law. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.
San Francisco Chronicle
18-05-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
‘We all played for her': Bay FC, Angel City honor Savy King during match
Before Bay FC's match against Angel City on Saturday, players from both teams walked side by side onto the pitch, not in their game kits, but wearing matching black T-shirts bearing the message: 'SK3.' The shirts were a tribute to Savy King, the 20-year-old Angel City defender who collapsed during a match against Utah last Friday. King, a former Bay FC player who wears No. 3, was rushed to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a heart condition and underwent surgery. King was a member of Bay FC's inaugural roster last season, and many on their current squad were her teammates. In their 2-0 win over Angel City on Saturday, the emotional weight of King's condition was felt on both sidelines. 'When I first saw what happened it was very sad, and it was just very scary too, because we know Savy, and that was our teammate,' said forward Penelope Hocking. 'If that were to happen to anyone in the league, it's scary, so this is just a way for us to come together, it's just bigger than soccer at that point.' Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya said both clubs coordinated earlier in the week to find a meaningful way to honor King after the incident 'took a toll' on players. 'I'd like to believe that we all played for her there, both teams,' he said. 'So just very thankful that she's getting better, and when we hope to see her on the field soon.' In the immediate aftermath of King's collapse, controversy emerged over the league's handling of the situation. Utah head coach Jimmy Coenraets said the match never should have continued. The NWSL Players Association quickly issued a statement demanding changes to the league's emergency protocols. U.S. women's national team star Trinity Rodman echoed the frustration on Instagram, writing, 'In no world should that game have continued.' On Tuesday, Angel City confirmed that King had undergone a successful surgery and called her prognosis 'excellent.' Emergency personnel had to perform chest compressions on the field as part of life-saving measures before she was transported to the hospital. Following the conclusion of last Friday's match, Utah midfielder and former Bay FC teammate Alex Loera led a prayer at midfield in King's honor. After initially defending its protocols, the NWSL reversed course later in the week and acknowledged that the game should not have continued. Commissioner Jessica Berman reiterated that stance on Saturday during halftime of the Bay FC–Angel City match. 'It is ultimately the league's responsibility to manage whether a game plays or doesn't play,' Berman told reporters. 'That is the basis of our decision this week: The game will not continue in the future if anything like that should happen again.' Berman declined to detail why the initial decision to continue play was made. 'I don't think it's constructive to recount who did what and when,' she said. 'Our focus really has been on ensuring that all of our medical procedures were followed, and that on a go forward basis, the game would not continue and it won't in the future.' King, a standout center back out of North Carolina, was the No. 2 overall pick in last year's NWSL draft by Bay FC. She missed part of her rookie season to represent the U.S. U-20 women's national team and is widely regarded as one of the top young defenders in the country. She was traded to Angel City during the offseason. Fans at Saturday's match showed their support with handmade signs, many in heart shapes, adorned with her No. 3. Angel City players held up her jersey during their pregame photo. The incident has been another learning moment for a league that has had plenty of them. The players, though, were just glad to know King was recovering safely. 'We wish her nothing but the best,' said forward Caroline Conti, who was a rookie with King and noted that she texted her after she went to the hospital. 'We hope she has a safe and healthy recovery, because, most importantly, you're a person first.' Briefly: Hocking scored in the 22nd minute and Conti in the 27th on a penalty kick.
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Former U.S. Open host Chris Berman signs extension with ESPN, will reach 50 years
Former U.S. Open host Chris Berman signs extension with ESPN, will reach 50 years Longtime ESPN anchor Chris Berman has agreed to a multiyear contract extension that will keep him with the network through 2029, when he will become ESPN's first 50-year employee. Berman, 70, will have a prominent role in the network's first Super Bowl broadcast in 2027 and continue to host the signature "NFL PrimeTime" show on ESPN+, according to a network press release announcing the extension. A major golf fan, Berman was the host of the network's U.S. Open nightly show from 1986–2014, as well as the network's U.S. Open anchor from 2003–2014. 'I came to ESPN at 24 years young for my first full-time TV job. I had a full head of hair, was wet behind the ears, and my assignment was to host the wrap-up SportsCenter at 2:30 a.m. ESPN had been on the air for less than a month and we had fewer than 100 employees," Berman said. 'Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined turning 70 and still being here at our network, which long ago became an icon of sports broadcasting. We're closing in on our very first Super Bowl, and now I will be able to be part of that, too." A six-time national sportscaster of the year, Berman was hired just after ESPN launched on Sept. 7, 1979. He quickly became known for the creative nicknames he gave to sports figures, and he became an icon as the primary voice of "NFL PrimeTime," the Sunday night highlight show on ESPN that ran from 1987 to 2005 on ESPN and since 2006 on ESPN+. Berman has covered 43 Super Bowls for ESPN, as well as 30 World Series and 31 MLB All-Star Games. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ESPN Legend Chris Berman Makes Decision on His Future
ESPN's status as the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" came after years of hard work and perseverance. The network began in a small Connecticut town, and has grown into a global empire with a presence on nearly every corner of the Earth. ESPN is synonymous with sports, and Chris Berman is synonymous with ESPN. The legendary sportscaster has been with the network since its inaugural year in 1979, appearing as a familiar face to several generations of viewers. Advertisement From his weekly look into the NFL to the iconic calls at the Home Run Derby, few names have been attached to sports media history like Berman's has to ESPN. On Monday, ESPN announced that Berman would be back with the network on a new contract, signing a deal to become the first ESPN employee to celebrate their 50th anniversary. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter shared a video with several photos of Berman throughout the years, celebrating his upcoming anniversary with the network. "Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined turning 70 and still being here at our network, which long ago became an icon of sports broadcasting," Berman said in a statement released through ESPN. Advertisement "We're closing in on our very first Super Bowl, and now I will be able to be part of that, too." Berman's extension will carry through 2029, and ESPN will broadcast the Super Bowl for the first time on February 14, 2027. It will mark the 45th Super Bowl Berman has worked in some capacity for ESPN, including hosting three pregame shows for ABC's coverage in the early to mid-2000s. "For a remarkable half-century, Chris has embodied ESPN with his smart and entertaining style," said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro. "ESPN has been so fortunate to have Chris making us better for decades and I am delighted that will continue beyond our 50th anniversary. And no studio broadcaster has meant more to NFL coverage than Chris and to have his presence on our first Super Bowl presentation is both apropos and significant." Advertisement The 70-year-old Berman has hosted "NFL Primetime" on ESPN for decades, and he's also been the on-site host for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's annual enshrinement ceremony since 1979. Fans can also see Berman in the upcoming "Happy Gilmore 2," which will be released on Netflix during the summer.
