Latest California Healthline Stories
McConnell Anticipates Support for GOP Plan That Includes ‘Doc Fix’
Yesterday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he expects a number of Democrats to support a GOP tax break extension plan that includes a two-year “doc fix” to block scheduled cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement rates. Washington Post‘s “2chambers” et al.
Study: Fast-Food Toy Ban Did Not Lead to Healthier Food Options
A Stanford University study concludes that a Santa Clara County ordinance banning fast-food restaurants from giving out toys with meals that did not meet nutritional rules helped reduce marketing of the meals but did not increase healthful food options. Time‘s “Healthland” et al.
Officials Prepare for Possibility of Trigger Cuts Under State Budget
California lawmakers and interest groups are preparing for possible deeper spending cuts triggered through the state’s budget plan. The decision on whether to implement the cuts will be affected by a fiscal outlook to be released by finance officials this week. Wall Street Journal et al.
Reform Law Program for Early Retirees To Close Earlier Than Expected
According to CMS, the health reform law’s Early Retiree Reinsurance Program will close at the end of the year because it is nearly out of funding. ERRP aimed to help cover health costs for retirees older than age 55 who do not yet qualify for Medicare. Wall Street Journal et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of December 9, 2011
This week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit alleging that UC-San Diego Medical Center discriminated against immigrant employees and job seekers. Meanwhile, Kaiser Permanente has selected a 19.5-acre property in Kearny Mesa as the site for its new hospital.
Chiang: Nov. State Revenues, Spending Exceed Projections
On Thursday, state Controller John Chiang reported that California exceeded revenue projections for November by 8.9%, or $497.7 million. Through the first five months of the fiscal year, the state now is $1 billion short of revenue predictions, down from the $1.5 billion revenue shortfall Chiang reported in November. However, Chiang also noted that California spent $1.95 billion more than projected through November. Chiang said, “Regardless of whether midyear cuts are enacted next week, the Legislature faces a tremendous fiscal challenge when it returns to session next month.” Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
FDA To Issue Final Decision on BPA Safety Next Year
FDA will have to issue a final decision by March 31 on whether to ban the use of the chemical additive bisphenol-A, according to a settlement with the Natural Resources Defense Council. In 2008, the council petitioned FDA to ban the chemical and later sued the agency after it failed to promptly respond. The settlement — which comes amid growing evidence that BPA is linked to a variety of health problems — was approved by a U.S. district court judge in New York, who noted that FDA must issue a final assessment on the use of BPA, not a “tentative response.” Washington Post.
Brown Warns of Additional Cuts if Voters Reject Tax Plan
Gov. Brown has warned that he will propose additional spending cuts that would be triggered if voters reject his proposed November 2012 state ballot measure to temporarily raise income and sales tax rates. In a Twitter message on Thursday, Brown spokesperson Gil Duran reiterated the governor’s warning. The ballot measure would generate $7 billion annually in an effort to narrow an estimated $13 billion budget deficit. Brown said his budget proposal for the next fiscal year would include projected revenue from his proposed tax increase, noting that if his ballot measure is rejected, automatic cuts would be required to eliminate the shortfall. Also on Thursday, Brown issued an executive order directing state Finance Director Ana Matosantos to work with state agency secretaries and department directors to develop a plan within 90 days to incorporate cost savings and efficiencies into the budgeting process. Bloomberg, AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Supreme Court Lays Out Schedule for Filing Briefs in Health Reform Case
Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court set a schedule for briefs to be filed ahead of oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging the federal health reform law. Meanwhile, three advocacy groups have petitioned the court for permission to be included as parties in the case. Reuters et al.
Public Health Department Fines 14 Hospitals for Patient Safety Errors
On Thursday, the California Department of Public Health levied $850,000 in fines against 14 hospitals. The fines were imposed for medical errors such as leaving foreign objects inside patients after surgery. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.