Latest California Healthline Stories
Study: Air Pollution Ups Death Risk for State Residents
An Environmental Protection Agency report published in the journal Risk Analysis finds that Southern Californians are among the U.S. residents at the highest risk of death due to air pollution. Researchers studied 2005 air quality levels for the report. California Watch.
CMS Plans To Review Timeline for ICD-10 Implementation
At a conference yesterday, acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner indicated that CMS could delay the transition to the ICD-10 coding system. The American Medical Association has vowed to block the switch to ICD-10 code sets. Modern Healthcare et al.
San Mateo Board OKs Closure of Long-Term Care Center
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 5-0 not to renew a five-year lease for the Burlingame Long-Term Care Center. Board members said the county could not afford to keep the facility open because of $9 million in looming state budget cuts and the aging infrastructure of the nearly 50-year-old facility. Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
Federal Officials Wary of Budget Cuts to Calif. Rx Drug Monitoring System
Federal officials are worried about the future of California’s prescription drug monitoring system. Because of budget cuts to the state Department of Justice, the system now relies on annual grants and staff has been reduced to one individual. KQED’s “The California Report.”
EMSA Says State Law Negates Riverside Ambulance Rule
The state Emergency Medical Services Authority last month said that California law overrules Riverside’s policy requiring non-emergency ambulances to apply for franchise agreements to operate in the city. For 40 years, the city has restricted “retail” ambulances by requiring them to prove there is a need for their services in Riverside. However, Howard Backer — director of EMSA — said, “The justification for ‘need and necessity’ cannot be used by the city of Riverside to limit the provision of ambulance services.” Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Brown Approves Law Reinstating State Registered Nursing Board
Gov. Brown has signed a bill to reinstate California’s Board of Registered Nursing. The board disbanded last month after Brown vetoed a bill to extend the board’s authority because it included excessive pension benefits. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
S&P Upgrades California’s Financial Outlook to ‘Positive’
On Tuesday, rating agency Standard & Poor’s upgraded California’s financial outlook from stable to positive. To avoid a possible cash flow crisis in March, Gov. Brown signed a bill authorizing the state to borrow from various earmarked funds. The state also plans to delay Medi-Cal reimbursements to physicians. Medi-Cal is the state’s Medicaid program. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
SEIU-UHW Says Ballot Initiatives Seek To Stop ‘Hospital Price Gouging’
Service Employees International Union said two ballot initiatives it supports are designed to restrict what hospitals can charge for care. However, the Hospital Association of Southern California said that the initiatives will not curb high health costs. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Column: Brown Has Problems With Competing Tax Plans
Columnist Dan Walters writes that Gov. Brown has “a big problem” as he seeks support for his tax hike proposal amid competition from two rival tax plans. Walters writes, “Brown is openly worried that if all three make the ballot, it would be, in the words of his top political adviser, Steve Glazer, a ‘circular firing squad’ that would confuse voters and imperil all three.” Merced Sun-Star.
First 5, Prison Group Agree To Pay Furlough Back Wages
The First 5 California Commission — which administers funds for early childhood health programs — and the state Prison Industry Authority will pay furlough back wages to all current and former employees. The payments are part of a settlement between five agencies and two labor unions. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”