Latest California Healthline Stories
Facing Allegations in Calif., Prime Healthcare Expands Into Texas
Prime Healthcare Services has acquired two hospitals in Texas while it faces allegations of engaging in improper billing practices at certain California facilities. A Prime spokesperson said that the allegations have prompted the health system to seek expansion outside of California. Texas Tribune.
Reports: Tobacco Tax Hike Ballot Initiative Narrowly Defeated
According to reports, a ballot initiative to increase tobacco taxes by $1 per pack has been narrowly defeated. The measure would have raised funds for cancer research and smoking cessation programs. San Francisco Chronicle, Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Conservatives Criticize Romney for Tapping Reform Law Supporter
GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has selected former HHS Secretary and Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt to lead his transition planning. Conservatives have criticized the choice, saying Leavitt supports aspects of the federal health reform law. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Growing EHR Adoption Prompts More Concerns About Patient Privacy
Health experts have raised concerns about the security of patients’ health information as more health care providers adopt electronic health records. Some experts say federal officials cannot completely eliminate EHR-associated privacy risks. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Calif. Community Clinics Face Delayed Payments, Potential Budget Cuts
Safety-net health clinic officials have expressed concerns about proposed state cuts to certain health programs and delayed payments to community health facilities. State officials say the delayed payments are the result of shifting fiscal intermediaries. Contra Costa Times.
Advocates Say ‘Observation Stays’ Hinder Medicare Beneficiaries
Hospitals increasingly are classifying Medicare beneficiaries treated for several days as outpatients on “observation stays,” which patient advocates say could hinder coverage. Nearly 55,000 California beneficiaries received the classification in 2009. California Watch.
Planned Parenthood Offering No-Cost Services at L.A. School
The Los Angeles Unified School District and Planned Parenthood are collaborating to lower the rate of unplanned teenage pregnancies at Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights. The initiative will allow Roosevelt students to visit an on-campus clinic to obtain no-cost pregnancy tests, birth control, sexually transmitted infection screenings and counseling. Los Angeles Times.
Fate of Exchange Not Tied to Court Ruling, Official Says
Peter Lee — executive director of the California Health Benefit Exchange — said the exchange will significantly expand health insurance coverage in the state, even if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the federal health reform law’s individual mandate. Lee said the exchange “is going to have, we project, over two million people in it after a few years,” which has “very little to do with the mandate.” He said the exchange will aid residents because it is “a place where people can get subsidies for care, and can make informed choices.” Capitol Public Radio’s “KXJX News.”
Agency Identifies Unsanitary Conditions in Area of L.A.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has found that the city is violating a health code for hazardous health conditions in the city’s Skid Row neighborhood. The department ordered the city to address the unsanitary conditions along the 10-block area by the end of this week. AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Entitlement Spending, Insufficient Revenue To Drive Up Debt, CBO Says
A report by the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the national debt will be nearly twice the size of the entire U.S. economy by 2037. CBO said the debt increase will be fueled by increased entitlement spending and insufficient revenue. The Hill‘s “On the Money,” CBO report.