California nurses and hospitals are locked in a precedent-setting fight over injury compensation that could benefit nurses but cost hospitals hundreds of millions annually. Proposed legislation would declare that various infectious diseases or back and neck injuries suffered by nurses stemmed from their job and are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits unless hospitals can prove otherwise. “This is a huge deal. This is a game-changer in terms of allowing presumptions into the private sector,” said Thomas Vu of the California Chamber of Commerce, which opposes the measure. Read More. (The Sacramento Bee 05/04/10)