ALSO NOTED: Texas Childrens won't persue St. Luke's;Exec. director at Bellevue fired; and much more...

> The FDA held meetings with Guidant executives to discuss problems with one of the company's defibrillator lines. The company's stock held steady as investors kept their chins up. Story

> Chutes & Ladders: The executive director of New York City's Bellevue Hospital was let go after allegations he accepted an improper loan. Story

> Officials at Texas Children's Hospital said they will not persue a possible merger with St. Luke's Episcopal. Story

> The Texas legislature will consider a bill which would let residents obtain low-cost prescriptions from Canada. Story

> A potentially worrisome lawsuit challenges protections shielding non-profit hospitals from lawsuits. Story

> Authorities trace an outbreak of a rodent-borne disease to a pet store in Rhode Island. Story

> In Europe, a push for telemedicine standards. Story

And Finally... In the UK, calls for a "Big Mac tax" to fight cancer. Story