Latest California Healthline Stories
Top FDA Officials Knew About Email Surveillance Program
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg and other agency officials knew about the monitoring of emails from scientists who warned congressional staffers that FDA-approved medical devices might pose risks to patients, according to FDA officials and a letter the agency sent to Senate investigators. Wall Street Journal.
‘Millionaires Tax’ Backers Launch Campaign for Brown’s Tax Plan
Supporters of the “Millionaires Tax” initiative plan to launch a $1 million campaign in support of Gov. Brown’s compromise tax hike plan. The campaign will target minorities and infrequent voters. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Judge Says Stockton Can Cut Retirees’ Health Care Benefits
On Monday, federal Judge Christopher Klein ruled that bankruptcy law allows Stockton to stop paying for health care benefits for its retired workers. Stockton filed for bankruptcy in June, and ending contributions to retirees’ health care benefits is a significant part of its plan to restructure its finances. Klein urged city retirees to negotiate with the city on its final Chapter 9 plan. Stockton Record.
Study Finds Minorities Most Affected by ED Overcrowding
A new study finds that minority populations are disproportionately affected by emergency department overcrowding and ambulance diversion. According to the study, ambulance diversions can lead to poorer health outcomes. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Workers’ Compensation Insurers Might Have To Increase 2013 Rates
The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California soon will advise the insurance commissioner on rates for next year. Data indicate that workers’ compensation insurers might have to increase rates to account for rising costs. Sacramento Business Journal.
Gov. Brown Mulls Bill To Require Concussion Training
On Monday, the California Assembly voted 65-0 to approve a bill by Assembly member Mary Hayashi that would require high school coaches to receive biennial training on how to identify and respond to concussions. Gov. Brown has 12 days to decide whether to sign or veto the measure, which would take effect in January 2013. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Large Employers Expect Health Costs To Rise Next Year, Survey Finds
A National Business Group on Health survey finds that large employers expect health care costs to rise by about 7% next year. NBGH did not link the increase to the Affordable Care Act but said that many employers are making changes to comply with the law. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog” et al.
State, Local Officials Consider Cutting Gov’t Retiree Health Care
State leaders and local officials are looking to scale back government retiree health care benefits. Gov. Brown has proposed making state retirees pay more for health care, while cities are cutting health care spending for local government retirees. Capitol Weekly.
Firm Wants To End Stanislaus Inmate Care Contract Early
On Tuesday, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors is expected to consider a request by California Correct Care Solutions to end its contract to provide health care services to county inmates. The company’s CEO said the firm is losing money on the contract, which began in 2009, because of leadership problems and changes in state law on inmate care. Modesto Bee.
Stanford Notifying Patients of Possible Health Data Breach
On Friday, Stanford School of Medicine officials said they are alerting 2,500 patients about the recent theft of a password-protected computer that might have contained patient names, health records and some Social Security numbers. University officials said tracking software installed on the computer does not indicate that the patient information has been accessed. San Jose Mercury News.