ALSO NOTED: Medical researcher probe backed by Boston Globe; Rx dispensing loophole to be closed in Calif.; and much more...

> The Boston Globe editorial board seconds Rep. Charles Grassley's (R-Iowa) call for an investigation into Wall Street payoffs for medical researchers. Op-Ed

> HIT: The Los Angeles Times looks at automated drug dispensers, which are starting to appear in some retail pharmacies to replace the "will call" draw. Story

> Drug companies are planning on releasing new versions of their cold medicines after uproar about the use of pseudoephedrine in crystal meth production. Story

> California legislators are trying to close a loophole in the Workers' Comp system that allows doctors to dispense drugs and bill insurers at three-to-10 times the rate that retail pharmacies can charge. Story

> HIT: Kronos has sponsored a survey from IDC that suggests that better use of business intelligence tools can cut hospital labor costs. Release

> In Wisconsin, provider organization ProHealth Care is starting to make some noise about how it provides services significantly cheaper than its rivals, and it wants local employers to know about it. Story

> Triage Wireless, makers of the technology behind a wireless device which measures a patient's blood pressure, raised $3 million in series A funding. Release

> CIMIT, a consortium of hospitals and universities, has developed a cutting edge battlefield medical simulator likely to have numerous civilian applications. Story (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)

> As the political debate over the drug rages in Washington, health officials in California continue to investigate a series of fatal infections linked to Plan B. Story

> The acquisition of Sensant is seen as giving Siemens an edge in new ultrasound technologies. Story

> More uninsured and lower admissions are hitting profits at South Florida hospitals. Story

> Profits at Nevada hospitals are down 35 percent. Story

And Finally... Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee is doing alright; it has $1 billion in the bank. Story

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