Latest California Healthline Stories
Opponents of Food Labeling Ballot Initiative Spend $25M
Opponents of Proposition 37 — a November ballot measure that would set new labeling requirements for genetically engineered foods — have raised nine times as much as the initiative’s supporters, according to the latest campaign finance records filed with the Secretary of State’s office. The records show that the bulk of the $25 million raised to defeat the measure has come from chemical, seed and processed-food companies, while most of the $2.8 million raised in support of the initiative has come from large natural food companies and organic food advocates. San Jose Mercury News.
Ventura County Medi-Cal Commission OKs New Budget
On Monday, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission approved a new fiscal year budget that estimates $309.59 million in total federal and state funding in 2013. Under the budget plan, $289.87 million would be spent on health care and administrative costs, leaving a net income of about $6 million. Ventura County Star.
Appeals Court Strikes Down Graphic Warnings for Cigarette Packages
Last week, a federal appeals court ruled that FDA cannot require tobacco companies to display graphic warning labels on cigarette packs. The decision affirmed a lower court ruling that such warnings infringe on tobacco companies’ free speech rights. Wall Street Journal et al.
Senate OKs Workers’ Comp Bill for Police, Fire Deaths
Last week, the Senate voted 21-7 to approve a bill that would make it easier for survivors of police officers and firefighters to collect workers’ compensation benefits. The measure is supported by politically influential police and fire unions, but critics say it will cost state and local governments millions of dollars. The bill now goes back to the Assembly for a final vote. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Counties Implement New Tattoo Shop Inspection Rules
California counties are working to implement legislation, by Assembly member Fiona Ma, that established new inspection and registration protocols for tattoo and piercing shops. The new law, which took effect in July, aims to protect residents from exposure to hepatitis C and other blood-borne pathogens. However, some tattoo artists say it is the unlicensed practitioners who work out of their home who pose the biggest risk to residents. Sacramento Bee.
Columnist: Legislature Takes Up ‘Scope-of-Practice’ Again
In a Sacramento Bee opinion piece, columnist Dan Walters writes, “No session of the California Legislature would be complete without at least one ‘scope-of-practice’ bill.” He notes, “This year’s version is a renewed effort by physical therapists to treat patients without a diagnosis from a physician.” Walters asks, “So would allowing therapists to treat patients without a physician’s diagnosis be a benefit or threat to the public welfare?,” adding, “That quite pertinent question rarely arises in the superheated, high-dollar politics of medical care.” Sacramento Bee.
Pacific Health Settles Medicare, Medi-Cal Fraud Case for $16.5M
Pacific Health Corporation has agreed to pay $16.5 million to settle allegations that some of its hospitals recruited homeless patients and provided them with unnecessary services to defraud Medicare and Medi-Cal. Los Angeles Times et al.
Summit Tackles Santa Clara County’s Health Care Industry
At the second in a series of three economic summits held by Santa Clara County to facilitate jobs, a panel of hospital executives said the emergence of various technologies and the need to fill numerous and diverse health care jobs will shape health care in the county. One hospital executive said that maintaining the county’s health care safety net and encouraging preventive care will be key to overcoming the numerous obstacles facing the health care system. San Jose Mercury News.
State Seeks Improved Reporting of Hospital Central-Line Infections
State officials have found that 38% of hospital central-line infections were not counted in 2011 and are asking hospitals to correct their reporting practices. The reporting data are included in the same database that is used to rate California hospitals. San Bernardino County Sun.
Obama, Romney Focus on Health Care as Key Issue for 2012 Election
Over the weekend, President Obama reiterated his pledge to strengthen and preserve Medicare. Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney touted his 2006 Massachusetts health reform law and his record on women’s health care issues. Reuters et al.