Latest California Healthline Stories
Doctors, Pharmacists Sue State, Seek Data on Effects of Medi-Cal Cuts
The California Medical Association and the California Pharmacists Association have sued the Department of Health Care Services over the state’s refusal to release data on how planned Medi-Cal cuts could affect beneficiaries. Sacramento Bee, CPhA release.
Justices Hear Oral Arguments in Calif. Case Over Medicaid Cuts
Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a California case over whether Medicaid beneficiaries can sue states that cut provider rates. A majority view from the justices was not clear following the arguments. NPR’s “All Things Considered” et al.
Opinion: Needle Exchanges Should Not Be Political Issue
In a Capitol Weekly opinion piece, Assembly member Nancy Skinner argues that Gov. Brown should sign a bill she introduced that would allow for the creation of needle-exchange programs in communities where “conditions exist for the rapid spread of HIV, viral hepatitis or other infections spread through the use of shared syringes.” Skinner writes, “Well-regulated [syringe exchange programs] are supported by every major health organization as a proven way to reduce infections,” She adds, “Syringe exchanges shouldn’t be about politics. They are about the science of public health. … AB 604 represents a real, science-based reform that takes politics out of the equation.” Capitol Weekly.
San Bernardino County OKs Health Services Consolidation
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors recently approved a plan to consolidate several public health and behavioral health services in a single building in Rialto. The facility currently serves as the county Behavioral Health Department’s resource center. Under the new plan, the facility also will offer clinic services from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s Westside Family Health Center and services from the county Public Health Department’s Rialto Women, Infants and Children program. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Fresno County Weighs New Proposal for Indigent Care
Last week, Community Medical Centers submitted to Fresno County supervisors a proposal that would dissolve the hospital system’s current contract with the county for indigent health care services and establish the federally sponsored Low Income Health Program. Under the proposal, Fresno County would assume control of indigent and jail inmate care and use funding under its contract with CMC to secure matching federal dollars. In addition, CMC would offer clinic and hospital services to LIHP patients at Medi-Cal rates. CalViva Health System, a Medi-Cal managed care plan, would operate the program. Fresno Bee.
Measures on Maternity Coverage Provisions Await Brown’s Decision
Several measures that are before Gov. Brown would mandate that health plans in the individual market cover maternity care, require employers to continue covering women on maternity leave and prohibit the shackling of pregnant prisoners. Los Angeles Times, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Supreme Court To Start Session With California Medicaid Case
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will start its new term by hearing a California case about whether states can be sued over Medicaid payment cuts. The court also is expected to rule on the federal health reform law this session. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
S.D. Researchers To Assist in CDC Childhood Obesity Study
Last week, CDC announced a four-year, $25 million research project that aims to identify strategies for preventing childhood obesity in children between ages two and 12 who are enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The project will award individual grants of $6.2 million to researchers at San Diego State University, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the University of Texas Health Science Center. CDC also will provide a $4.2 million grant to the University of Houston to determine which of the three institutions’ strategies work best and share their findings. MedPage Today.
Net Income, Revenue Up at Catholic Healthcare West
On Friday, Catholic Healthcare West reported a net income of $917 million for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, up by nearly 90% from the previous year’s total net income of $485 million. The hospital system also reported total revenue of $10.6 billion for FY 2011, up by almost 13% from the previous year’s total revenue of $9.4 billion. San Francisco Business Times, Sacramento Business Journal.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for September 2011
Kevin Tabb, CMO at Stanford Hospital & Clinics, has been named president and CEO of Boston-based Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Meanwhile, Eric Frykman recently resigned from his post as Riverside County Community Health Agency’s director and public health officer.