Health Policy
SB 162 by Sen. Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento) was amended to establish the Office of Change Management within the Department of Health Services to provide planning and guidance in the creation of a state Department of Public Health (Bill text, 8/21). The legislation also was amended to remove certain provisions pertaining to the Office of Women's Health. Under the bill, certain programs would be transferred from DHS to the public health department. The governor would be required to appoint a state health officer, to be confirmed by the Senate, who would oversee the agency. If it is signed into law, the bill would become effective July 1, 2007 (Bill text, 8/24). The Assembly will hear the third reading of the bill (Bill status, 8/24).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.