Orange County Weighs Cuts to Emergency Medical Care
The Orange County Board of Supervisors next month will vote on a proposal to cut funding for hospital services and other programs from the county's budget for fiscal year 2007-2008, according to county documents, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The funding cuts were proposed in the wake of revenue projections, including:
- Less than 3% growth in property tax revenue, which provides the bulk of the county's general fund;
- A 2.5% growth in sales tax revenue; and
- A 1.6% decline in vehicle license fees.
As a result, county supervisors will vote on several cuts, including $3.5 million in annual supplemental funding for emergency medical services. The funding helps offset the cost of pediatric and adult trauma care, payments to physicians who provide emergency care and other medical services. Supervisors had agreed to provide the funding in December 2006.
Despite the cuts, the county might increase spending for other programs, including $1.12 million to add 15 positions for mental crisis-care nurses who serve female inmates.
County supervisors on June 26 are expected to adopt a final budget (Berthelsen, Los Angeles Times, 5/22). 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.