Latest California Healthline Stories
GOP Seeks Answers on Medicare Advantage Bonus Payments, CCIIO
Two GOP lawmakers are asking for more data about a program that provides bonus payments to Medicare Advantage plans. Three other Republicans are seeking an audit of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” CQ Today.
Hospital Central-Line Infection Rates Down by 10%, State Says
A state report finds that hospital central-line infections fell by 10% last year. However, a separate review finds facilities failed to report one-third of the infections that they should have under state law. Riverside Press-Enterprise, California Watch.
Panel Disbands Mt. Diablo Health Care District’s Board
On Wednesday, Contra Costa’s Local Agency Formation Commission unanimously agreed to disband Mt. Diablo Health Care District’s five-member elected board. The panel also scaled back the district’s territory and assigned its governance and about $200,000 in annual property tax funds to the Concord City Council. Contra Costa Times.
Adults Walking More, But Not Enough To Boost Health
More than 60% of U.S. adults say they walk at least 10 minutes daily as part of efforts to keep fit, compared with 56% in 2005, according to the latest CDC Vital Signs report. However, health experts say the increase in activity is not enough to make a significant improvement in adults’ health. The Hill, USA Today.
Calif. Supreme Court: Nurses Can Be Disciplined for Off-Job Actions
The California Supreme Court denied review of an appellate court ruling that the California Board of Registered Nursing has the authority to discipline nurses for certain actions unrelated to their work or job qualifications. San Francisco Chronicle.
Labor Unions Stump for Last-Minute Workers’ Compensation Bill
With less than a month left in the legislative session, California labor unions are working to introduce an end-of-session bill that would increase workers’ compensation payments for permanently injured workers and limit claims processing fees. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Speaker Pérez Names New Leaders for Assembly Posts
On Wednesday, California Assembly Speaker John Pérez announced changes in leadership positions ahead of the next legislative session. Among other changes, Pérez named Assembly member Mike Gatto as chair of the Appropriations Committee and Assembly member Richard Pan as chair of the Health Committee. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Obama, Romney Tout Their Experience on Health Care Reforms
While campaigning yesterday, President Obama highlighted the Affordable Care Act’s benefits for women. At a GOP campaign event, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney touted his experience with health reform in Massachusetts. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Obama Signs Bill Extending Veterans’ Health Benefits
On Monday, President Obama signed into law a bill that will extend health care benefits to thousands of U.S. Marine veterans and their families who became sick after being exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The new law covers 15 health conditions, boosts veterans’ health care programs and provides assistance to homeless veterans. Kansas City Star, USA Today‘s “The Oval.”
Opinion: Court Decision Could Give Calif. Coverage Freedom
The U.S. Supreme Court decision that states cannot “be coerced into paying for” a Medicaid expansion under the federal health reform law could give California some flexibility in developing coverage policies for residents who typically would be covered under Medi-Cal, Tom Campbell — dean of the law school at Chapman University and former California Director of Finance — writes in a Los Angeles Times opinion piece. He writes that a “reasonable interpretation” of the decision might conclude that states are able to decide “what it means to be covered by health insurance.” Los Angeles Times.