Latest California Healthline Stories
State Instructs Modesto Clinic To Cease and Desist Operation
The California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs said a cease-and-desist order has been delivered to The Living Center clinic for drug and alcohol treatment in Modesto, which has operated for three months without a license. The clinic lost its license because state rules do not allow such facilities to continue operating if the building is sold to a different owner. The Living Center building was sold in December 2011. According to ADP, the clinic also is being investigated for complaints regarding patient treatment. Modesto Bee.
Former Students, Employees Sue Closed Medical Institute
At least three former students and employees have sued the Institute of Medical Education in Santa Clara County after it was closed Feb. 15 by federal regulators. The latest lawsuit alleges that students were misled by the for-profit school’s owners. Last year, the school’s accreditor ended its relationship with the federal government, which made students ineligible for financial aid and unable to take certain state licensing exams. Contra Costa Times.
Proponents of State Spending Cap Likely Will Halt Proposal
Advocates of a constitutional cap on state spending said on Tuesday that they likely will wait until 2014 to try to place a proposal on the ballot. Jon Coupal of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association said proponents of the cap are worried that a proposal would be overshadowed on this November’s ballot by three competing tax initiatives and a plan to limit union dues collection. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Health IT Chief Slams Study Connecting EHRs to More Imaging Tests
Yesterday, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Farzad Mostashari criticized aspects of a Health Affairs study suggesting that the use of electronic health records could encourage physicians to order imaging tests more frequently. Healthcare Informatics et al.
Regional HIE Will Launch Pilot Programs in April
Inland Empire Health Information Exchange in April will launch pilot programs using exchange software developed by Orion Health. The exchange serves 4.1 million residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The first phase of the programs will include clinical data exchange, secure messaging and real-time alerts of patient updates. Health Data Management.
Hollywood Union Contract Talks To Focus on Health Costs
Because of rising medical costs, health and pension benefits are expected to dominate contract negotiations between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The groups began contract negotiations on Wednesday and have set aside four weeks for the discussions. Los Angeles Times.
Donations Go to Committee Supporting Brown’s Tax Plan
Gov. Brown has reported $631,000 in contributions to a committee supporting his tax hike proposal. More than 50% of the donations came from pipe trade and plumbers unions. Brown also recently reported $45,000 in contributions to his 2014 re-election committee. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Alameda County Begins Examining Effect of Federal Health Reform
An Alameda County health official says the county is assessing the effect of the federal health reform law. He said the state must prepare to provide primary care to residents who will be newly eligible for insurance under the law. Hayward Daily Review/Oakland Tribune.
Poll Finds Slim Majority of Voters Support Gov. Brown’s Tax Plan
A new poll finds that support among likely voters for Gov. Brown’s tax plan has decreased to 52%. Some say rival plans could be having a negative effect on support for Brown’s plan. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Study Links Health-e-App to Spike in Healthy Families Enrollment
A new study credits Health-e-App, an online application tool, with boosting enrollment in California’s Healthy Families program. Use of the online tool was associated with a 14% increase in total Healthy Families applications from 2010 to 2011. Sacramento Business Journal.