Latest California Healthline Stories
Lawmakers To Launch Probe Into Investigations of Patient Abuse
Lawmakers plan to investigate why most cases involving deaths and injuries of patients with developmental disabilities at state institutions are not being seen through to prosecution. California Watch, KQED’s “California Report.”
Bill Would Ban Sugary Sports Drinks at Middle, High Schools
California Assembly member Das Williams has introduced a bill that would prohibit the sale of sugary sports drinks — also known as “electrolyte replacement beverages” — in middle and high schools during regular hours of operation. The California Medical Association is co-sponsoring the bill. The drinks already are banned at elementary schools. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Democrats Offer Pension Plan for Private-Sector Employees
On Thursday, Sen. Kevin de León introduced a bill that would require businesses with five or more workers to enroll employees in a “Personal Pension” defined benefit program or offer an employer-sponsored pension plan. The introduction of the bill comes one day after California Republicans unveiled legislation that closely matches Gov. Brown’s pension reform plan. Sacramento Bee.
Health Costs for PCIP Enrollees To Be Twice as High as Predicted
A report from the Obama administration estimates that health care costs for enrollees in the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will be about twice as high as predicted. About 50,000 U.S. residents currently are enrolled in PCIP. Washington Post, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Most Residents Support Plans To Raise Taxes on Wealthy, Poll Finds
A poll finds that 58% of residents support tax hikes for high-income individuals as presented in Gov. Brown’s tax ballot proposal, while 63% support a tax increase on millionaires in a rival plan. Supporters of a third tax plan launched a petition drive yesterday. Sacramento Bee et al.
Prime Healthcare Announces Resignation of CEO Lex Reddy
On Thursday, California-based hospital chain Prime Healthcare Services announced that Lex Reddy has resigned from his post as Prime’s president and CEO and that Prem Reddy, Prime’s owner and board chair, will serve as interim CEO. The notice comes as the FBI and state legislators are investigating the company’s billing practices. California Watch.
DHCS Chief Promises Changes to Children’s Dental Program
In a letter to Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, Department of Health Care Services Director Toby Douglas promised to help ensure that low-income Sacramento County children with Medi-Cal coverage have access to “high quality and timely” dental care. Douglas was responding to a letter from Steinberg calling for a review of the county’s dental program. Sacramento Bee.
Officials Release Stage 2 Rule for Electronic Health Record Program
Yesterday, federal officials released Stage 2 requirements for health care providers seeking to demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health records. Officials plan to soon release the Stage 2 proposed rule on EHR certification. Health Data Management et al.
Report: Calif. Should Halt Plans To Build Prison Medical Facilities
A Legislative Analyst’s Office report recommends that California halt plans to build new prison health care facilities. It says state efforts to shift some inmates to county jails could make the projects unnecessary. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal” et al.
CDC Advisers: All Adults Need Whooping Cough Vaccination
On Wednesday, a CDC advisory panel recommended that all U.S. residents ages 19 and older receive vaccination against pertussis, or whooping cough. In 2010, an outbreak of the infectious bacterial disease sickened more than 9,100 Californians and caused 10 infant deaths in the state. HealthDay, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.