Latest California Healthline Stories
Democrats Rebuff Idea for Standalone Bill To Delay Medicare Pay Cuts
Democratic leaders say they are not interested in a standalone measure to put off scheduled Medicare doctor reimbursement cuts. They are urging the House to pass a two-month extension of a payroll tax break package that includes a delay to the Medicare cuts. The Hill et al.
Medical Home Model Could Curb Kids’ Trips to Doctor’s Office, ED
A new study published in Pediatrics finds that children who received coordinated care through a medical home had fewer visits to a physician office or emergency department for injury or illness, and were more likely to practice healthy behaviors than other children. Reuters.
Nurses Assessing Residents for Scaled-Down ADHC Program
Nurses across the state are conducting evaluations to determine which residents will qualify for a scaled-down version of the adult day health care program. Although California initially planned to eliminate the program to reduce state spending, a recent legal settlement means that the state will continue offering certain ADHC services. KQED’s “The California Report.”
Democrats’ Medicare Claims Named 2011 ‘Lie of the Year’
The fact-checking website PolitiFact has conferred its annual “Lie of the Year” for 2011 to Democrats for suggesting that a House GOP Medicare reform proposal would “end” the program. The proposal — which House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan unveiled in April and the House approved as part of the GOP fiscal year 2012 budget resolution — would have altered Medicare from a fee-for-service program to one that would have beneficiaries purchase coverage on the private market. According to PolitiFact, Democrats’ claim that the Ryan plan would “end Medicare” overlooks the fact that the proposed changes would not affect current beneficiaries or seniors ages 55 and older who would enter the program in the next decade. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
New California Laws Will Affect Maternity Leave, Public Health
Of the new state laws that take effect next year, some affect how employers offer health insurance to women on maternity leave and change how officials address public health issues. San Francisco Chronicle, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
One-Day Nursing Strikes Loom at Several Calif. Hospitals This Week
Strikes involving up to 6,000 nurses could affect several California hospitals on Thursday. The strikes stem from ongoing contract negotiations involving sick leave, medical benefit and patient care issues. Hospitals have taken steps to prepare for the strikes. Oakland Tribune et al.
Government Panel Asks Journals To Omit Details of Avian Flu Research
A government advisory panel has asked two scientific journals to withhold details of two avian flu studies because of concerns that the data could be used for bioterrorism. The move marks the first time an advisory panel has issued such a recommendation. New York Times et al.
Editorial Calls for State To Revise Mental Health Laws
A Sacramento Bee editorial states that Laura’s Law — a 2002 state law allowing counties to be more assertive in treating people with mental illness — is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2013, and California’s legislative leaders “ought to seize the opportunity to strengthen the law.” The editorial argues that California’s mental health care regulations have several shortcomings, including restrictions on the types of mental health care services that can be funded through Proposition 63. According to the editorial, state lawmakers “should undertake a longer-term review” of the state’s mental health care laws and “leave their mark by helping people who, through no fault of their own, cannot help themselves.” Sacramento Bee.
L.A. County Supervisors Seek Stronger Oversight of Outpatient Clinics
On Tuesday, Los Angeles County supervisors approved an initiative to seek increased regulation of outpatient surgery centers after FDA reproached eight California surgical centers and a marketing firm about misleading advertising for weight-loss surgery. Los Angeles Times et al.
Reps. Push for Building of VA Health Centers in S.J. County
Last week, three House lawmakers representing the San Joaquin Valley region — Reps. Dennis Cardoza, Jeff Denham and Jerry McNerney — sent a letter to President Obama calling for the federal government to fast track a planned project to build a new nursing home and expand an outpatient clinic for veterans in San Joaquin County. The three lawmakers said the new medical facilities, which will be located in French Camp, will improve access to care for thousands of veterans and create hundreds of new jobs in the region. Stockton Record.