By David Lightman and William Douglas McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON The biggest overhaul of the nation's health care system in more than four decades appeared certain for passage Sunday as House Democrats picked up the last crucial votes they needed to pass it.

The patient in Sentara Bayside Hospital's critical care unit suffered from septic shock and needed a catheter near her heart. Knowing that such central lines can cause serious bloodstream infections, Dr. Nadeem Inayet proceeded with caution. He confirmed the patient's name and announced the planned procedure. He noted that consent had been given and sterile equipment was available.

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As the House prepares to vote Sunday on a final version of health care overhaul legislation, U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye said Friday he has “serious concerns” that must be overcome for him to support the bill.

Dr. Darrell G. Kirch, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges, will deliver the commencement address for Eastern Virginia Medical School's 2010 graduating class on May 15. The ceremony will take place at Norfolk's Scope.

BOISE, Idaho Idaho took the lead in a growing, nationwide fight against health care overhaul Wednesday when its governor became the first to sign a measure requiring the state attorney general to sue the federal government if residents are forced to buy health insurance.

A new report says counties and municipalities in northern Virginia are healthier than their counterparts in the southern part of the state.  The report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin researchers compiles rankings by health factors such as obesity, and health outcomes, like life expectancy.

NORFOLK
A cancer doctor who practiced for 35 years was sentenced Monday to more than five years in federal prison for bilking government-run health insurance programs out of $1.3 million.

PASQUOTANK COUNTY, N.C.  Pasquotank County paramedic Jack Boyce slipped a manufactured tourniquet on his arm, pulled the strap tight and twisted the plastic crank until blood vessels bulged from his wrist. The demonstration was done in seconds. Shunned in the past, the mechanical tourniquets proved to be life savers with few side effects after the Sept. 11 attacks and in the Iraq war.