Latest California Healthline Stories
CIRM To Award $40M for Stem-Cell Genomic Research
On Wednesday, directors of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine will announce how the agency will allocate about $40 million in funding for stem-cell genomic research. Documents posted on CIRM’s website indicate that a group from Stanford University likely will receive a $33 million grant. AP/Modern Healthcare, Sacramento Bee.
3M Individuals Have Enrolled in Private Coverage Through Exchanges
New HHS data show that nearly 1.2 million U.S. residents enrolled in private coverage through HealthCare.gov between Oct. 1, 2013, and Dec. 28, 2013, while 956,000 signed up for coverage through the state-run exchanges. In addition, at least 800,000 residents have enrolled in coverage through the exchanges during the first three weeks of January. USA Today et al.
CMS Approves S.F. General Hospital’s Reform Plan After Patient Death
A corrective action plan developed by San Francisco General Hospital has been approved by federal regulators. The plan — which includes equipping stairwell doors with alarms — comes in response to a missing patient who later was found dead in a hospital stairwell. AP/Modern Healthcare.
Covered Calif. To Require Pediatric Dental Coverage Starting in 2015
Beginning in 2015, all children’s health plans sold through Covered California will be required to include pediatric dental coverage as an essential health benefit. The exchange board made the change after determining that only 27% of children enrolled in Covered California plans had dental coverage. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
Calif. Health Officials Confirm 95 Flu-Related Deaths
On Friday, state health officials announced that 95 individuals statewide have died after contracting influenza — an increase of more than 50 deaths since the previous week. In addition, 51 other deaths are being investigated for possible links to the flu. KPCC’s “KPCC News” et al.
Judge Strikes Down Ballot Measure That Would Have Created Separate L.A. City Health Department
On Friday, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Linfield preemptively struck down a June ballot measure that would have created a separate Los Angeles city public health department. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has been pushing the measure, arguing that the county health department is poorly run. However, both the city and county oppose the initiative, saying it would violate state public health laws. Linchfield ruled that the measure would conflict with state law and “impermissibly interfere with essential government functions.” Los Angeles Times.
Utah Gov. Herbert Agrees To Expand Medicaid Under ACA
On Thursday, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced that he will expand Medicaid in his state under the Affordable Care Act. He is expected to consider two Legislature-endorsed alternative plans that would use either federal Medicaid dollars or tax subsidies to help residents purchase private coverage. Herbert did not indicate which plan he will pursue. Salt Lake Tribune et al.
Social Media Users Would Share Health Data if Privacy Is Protected, IOM Report Says
Ninety-four percent of social media users with health conditions said they would be willing to share their medical data to improve overall health care, provided that their privacy is protected, according to a discussion paper from the Institute of Medicine. However, the paper also found that 76% of respondents said they believed information from their personal health record potentially could be used without their knowledge. Modern Healthcare.
UCSF Medical School Dean Named Interim Chancellor
On Thursday, Sam Hawgood, dean of the UC-San Francisco School of Medicine, was appointed interim chancellor of the university. On April 1, Hawgood will replace current chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann, who is leaving the position to become CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
One-Third of Calif. Residents Live in Areas With High Smog, Soot
At the California Air Resources Board meeting yesterday, state officials reported that about 33% of Californians live in areas that do not meet federal health standards for smog and soot levels. However, the report noted that smog levels in urban areas have dropped by 15% to 20% in the past decade. Los Angeles Times.