Latest California Healthline Stories
Fewer Infants Exposed to TB at Calif. Hospitals, Investigators Say
Health officials have lowered their estimate of newborns exposed to tuberculosis at two California hospitals from 35 to 25 infants. The facilities also are testing their workers for the infection. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News,” AP/Sacramento Bee.
Reform Law Expected To Restrict Undocumented Residents’ Care Access
The federal health reform law’s planned expansion of health coverage is likely to strain the U.S. health care system and hinder access to care for undocumented residents. Some communities, like Los Angeles, are testing ways to extend care to undocumented residents. Politico.
Calif. School Boards Endorse Two Rival Tax Hike Plans
In a statement released this week, the California School Boards Association endorsed two competing tax hike initiatives — the compromise tax hike proposal by Gov. Brown and supporters of the “Millionaires Tax,” and the tax hike proposal by Los Angeles civil rights attorney Molly Munger. CSBA Executive Director Vernon Billy said that while “each initiative presents a different funding scenario for our schools, the bottom line is that both will generate billions of dollars in much-needed revenue for public education.” Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Infants in Sacramento, Solano County Hospitals Exposed to Tuberculosis
Sacramento and Solano county and hospital officials have warned the parents of 35 newborns that their infants were exposed to tuberculosis. Officials say that an individual with TB visited neonatal intensive care units at two area hospitals in March and April. Sacramento Bee, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Brown’s Reorganization Plan Approved by Little Hoover Commission
The Little Hoover Commission has endorsed Gov. Brown’s plan to reorganize the state government. The plan would reduce the number of state agencies from 12 to 10 by consolidating some departments and eliminating others. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker,” Imperial Valley News.
Bill on Vaccine Counseling for Parents Moves to Senate
In the next few weeks, the California Senate Health Committee will begin debating a bill that would require parents to talk to a licensed health professional before opting out of immunizations for their children. The Assembly approved the bill on a party-line vote. KQED’s “The California Report.”
Reid Calls for Lawmakers To Reach Agreement on FDA User Fee Legislation
Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urged lawmakers to reach a deal on amendments to a bill to reauthorize FDA’s prescription drug and medical device user fee programs. If a deal is not reached, Reid said he will move on to other legislation. The Hill‘s “Floor Action Blog” et al.
Experts: Reform Law’s Changes Will Continue To Affect Health System
During a forum yesterday, a senator and an Obama administration official said that several delivery system changes stemming from the health reform law are likely to remain even if the Supreme Court strikes down the overhaul. New York Times, Government Executive.
Opinion Piece Stumps for Bill To Boost Birth Control Access
A Sacramento Bee opinion piece by Kathy Kneer — president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California — and Julie Rabinovitz — president and CEO of California Family Health Council — argues that California lawmakers should approve a bill, by Assembly member Holly Mitchell, that would “authorize registered nurses in community clinics to dispense birth control under a standardized procedure.” They conclude, “By passing this common-sense law, California will continue to be a leader in preventing unintended pregnancy and can remind the rest of the nation that the war on women stops here.” Sacramento Bee.
Brown Urges Business Leaders To Support Budget, Tax Plan
During an address to the California Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Gov. Brown urged business leaders to support his revised fiscal year 2012-2013 budget plan and tax hike measure. He warned that if the tax hike measure is not approved, more cuts to services will be necessary. San Jose Mercury News et al.