Audits Find Reporting Lapses in California’s Mammogram Program
On Monday, the Legislative Analyst's Office released a report finding that the California Department of Public Health failed to sufficiently report on its Every Woman Counts program, which provides no-cost mammograms and diagnostic services to low-income residents, the AP/San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Another report released Thursday by the Office of State Audits and Evaluations found that DPH failed to develop regulations to increase transparency and public oversight for the program. The audit also found that the department submitted only one report to the Legislature over a 16 year-period, despite requirements for annual reporting (Tayefe Mohajer, AP/San Francisco Chronicle, 6/14).
In addition, the audit found that the state incorrectly claimed it could not use federal funds for direct services. The presumed restrictions led to program cutbacks that might have prevented 41,500 women from receiving screenings, the audit found (Evans, Contra Costa Times, 6/13).
Department Response
On Monday, DPH spokesperson Al Lundeen said the department would provide more reports to the Legislature and develop more regulations for the Every Woman Counts program (AP/San Francisco Chronicle, 6/14).
Previous Cuts, Pending Legislation
As a result of declining revenue for the Every Woman Counts program, state officials in January imposed a six-month enrollment freeze and increased the minimum age for program participants from 40 to 50.
State Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D-Long Beach) has proposed emergency legislation (SB 836) that would restore funding to the program. The bill is before the Senate Appropriations Committee (Contra Costa Times, 6/13).
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