Latest California Healthline Stories
Regional Collaboration Boosts Infection Control at Hospitals, Study Finds
According to a new Health Affairs study, hospitals are more successful in their infection control efforts when they collaborate with other facilities in the region to implement similar prevention procedures. The study used data from 29 Orange County hospitals. HealthDay et al.
Dignity Health Reports More Than 86% Drop in Earnings
Last week, hospital operator Dignity Health announced that it earned $132.5 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, a more than 86% drop from $961 million in earnings the previous year. The company — formerly known as Catholic Healthcare West — attributed the drop to a weak economy and investment market, lower patient volume and continued underpayments from government health plans. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.
Romney Gains Ground on Health Care Issues After Debate, Poll Finds
A Pew Research Center poll finds that President Obama’s lead over GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney shrank significantly after last week’s debate. According to the poll, 47% of respondents support Obama on health care, while 44% back Romney. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Study: Calif. Children’s Health, Well-Being Varies Based on Location
A study finds that the health and well-being of California children varies based on factors such as where they live. The study measures the status of kids across 28 quality-of-life indicators, such as healthy weight and access to health insurance. Contra Costa Times et al.
Legal Group Files Suit Against Conversion Therapy Law
On Thursday, the Christian legal group Liberty Counsel filed a civil rights lawsuit that seeks to overturn a new California law banning sexual orientation conversion treatment for teens. The lawsuit names as plaintiffs two Southern California boys, ages 14 and 15, who have received the treatment, their parents, therapists, the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. It was the second lawsuit filed against SB 1172. AP/San Jose Mercury News.
State-Run Retirement Plan Gaining National Attention, Some Say
Supporters of a new law requiring some businesses that do not offer retirement plans to join a state-run retirement program are saying that the initiative is gaining national attention. They say several states and the AFL-CIO have expressed interest in the law. Los Angeles Times.
Editorial Urges ‘No’ Votes on Prop. 30, Prop. 38 Tax Hikes
A Contra Costa Times editorial argues that two tax hike measures, Proposition 30 and Proposition 38, are “the most critical items” on the November ballot. It states, “Last Sunday, we recommended voting against Proposition 38 [by attorney Molly Munger], which we see as a dangerous ballot box budgeting scheme.” The editorial adds, “This week, we also must recommend that voters reject Proposition 30,” by Gov. Brown and supporters of the Millionaires Tax, which is a “cynical political calculation” that seeks to create only “short-term relief” for the state’s fiscal problems. Contra Costa Times.
Weber Shandwick Awarded $3.1M To Promote Exchanges
CMS has awarded a $3.1 million contract to public relations firm Weber Shandwick to promote the federally run health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. The contract stipulates that Weber Shandwick will be responsible for raising awareness of the federally run exchanges, educating U.S. residents and conducting outreach efforts. The contract runs through April 2013 — months before the federal exchanges will be operational — with an option for an additional year. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Care Concerns Raised Over Prison Realignment Effort
Facing a federal court mandate to reduce its prison population, the state last year launched a prison realignment initiative that shifts thousands of state prisoners to county jails. However, a federal lawsuit argues that some budget-strapped counties are unable to provide adequate medical care to prisoners with disabilities. California Watch.
Rise in Heat Linked to Increase in ED Visits, California Study Finds
A study finds that emergency department visits for certain conditions, such as low blood pressure, increase slightly as temperature and humidity rise. It also finds that ED visits for some conditions decline during hotter weather. Reuters.