Latest California Healthline Stories
Nurses To Launch One-Day Strike at 7 Sutter Hospitals
On Thursday, the California Nurses Association will launch a one-day strike at seven Sutter Health hospitals in the East San Francisco Bay region. The nurses are protesting proposed takeaways related to sick leave and other issues. The hospitals will remain open during the strike and use replacement nurses. Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
Court Sides With State in Lawsuit Over Campaign Donor Information
Siding with California’s Fair Political Practices Commission, a judge tentatively ruled that an Arizona not-for-profit must disclose the source of its $11 million donation to an organization that opposes Proposition 30. A hearing on the case is scheduled for this afternoon. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Study: Obesity Rates Among U.S. Adults Increasing
Obesity rates have increased among U.S. adults in nearly every age group over the last four years, according to a new Gallup report. The survey found that the U.S. adult obesity rate increased from 25.5% in 2008 to 26.1% in 2012. United Press International.
Calif. To Look Into HealthCare Partners’ Licensing
On Monday, the California Department of Managed Health Care announced that it is “reviewing the allegations that HealthCare Partners is operating as a health plan without a license.” Last month, a patient sued HealthCare Partners, alleging that it violated state law by managing patient care without the government license required under the Knox-Keene Act. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.”
Group Defends Rights in Lawsuit Over Identities of Campaign Donors
Americans for Responsible Leadership, a not-for-profit, has filed a brief defending its constitutional rights in a lawsuit alleging that it illegally concealed the identity of donors who gave money to a group opposing Proposition 30. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Sacramento County’s Rate of Flu Shots Slower Than in 2011
The pace of influenza immunizations in Sacramento County is slower than in 2011, according to experts. The slowed pace likely is the result of mild October weather and fading concern stemming from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Experts say that immunizations in the area are reflective of national trends and likely will peak around the end of the month. Sacramento Bee.
Community Clinics Face Challenges Under ACA’s Insurance Expansion
Federally funded clinics like Los Angeles’ To Help Everyone Clinic are bracing for new challenges as more residents gain insurance under the health reform law. Experts say they must attract physicians and motivate patients to change unhealthy behaviors. Los Angeles Times.
CalPERS Sues Compton Over $2.7M in Missed Payments
CalPERS says that Compton owes the pension fund $2.7 million in unpaid bills, including health insurance payments. Although Compton submitted a payment plan, CalPERS sued the city after it missed September payments. Sacramento Bee.
Concerns Raised Over Cuts to Federal Medical Research
A recent report by Research! America found that federal spending on medical research and development decreased by 14%, or more than $6 billion, between fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Meanwhile, if Congress does not act to prevent the sequester, budgets at federal health agencies will be cut by $3.8 billion in 2013, including $2.53 billion from NIH, according to the report. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Palm Desert City Council Delays Vote on Benefit Cuts
Last week, Palm Desert City Council members delayed a vote on whether to cap their health care benefits at $7,500 and stop providing such benefits to dependents. A committee of Palm Desert residents recommended the reductions, as well as a 50% pay cut for council members. The council plans to reconvene the committee to review an alternate plan developed by the city manager, which would continue offering health and dental benefits to dependents. Palm Springs Desert Sun.