Latest California Healthline Stories
California Not Among States Participating in Anti-Infection Program
A program aimed at reducing hospital-acquired infections has spread to at least 44 states. However, the California Hospital Association has declined to participate in the program, saying the state’s hospitals would implement their own infection control efforts. Sacramento Bee.
Debt-Limit Bill Fails in House; GOP Lawmakers To Meet With President
The House has rejected a bill to increase the federal debt ceiling. GOP leaders say the vote was designed to draw attention to the need to make cuts to programs like Medicare. House Republicans will meet today with President Obama to discuss economic issues. Politico et al.
Justice Department Says State Should Let School Staff Administer Insulin
In a filing with the California Supreme Court, the U.S. Department of Justice urged the state to allow school employees to administer insulin to students with diabetes. Nurses say letting non-nursing staff give insulin shots could put children at risk. San Francisco Chronicle.
House To Vote on Debt Ceiling; Medicare Cuts Hurdle for Budget Talks
On Tuesday, the House is expected to vote on a bill extending the federal debt ceiling. Observers say it likely will not pass as discussions continue on whether to make cuts to entitlement programs to address the federal budget deficit. Washington Post et al.
Questions Raised Over State’s Efforts To Curb Infections in Hospitals
Some patient advocates are criticizing the state Department of Public Health for falling short in its campaign to combat hospital-acquired infections. DPH says its efforts have been hindered by recent budget cuts and funding delays. Sacramento Bee, KQED’s “California Report.”
Republican Presidential Candidates Discuss GOP Medicare Overhaul Plan
During campaign stops in Iowa, Republican presidential candidates Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney discussed a GOP budget proposal that would reform Medicare. Pawlenty also laid out new details regarding his Medicare overhaul plan. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Give Insurance Regulators More Power, Editorial Says
Opponents of legislation that would “allow state regulators to reject unreasonable increases in health insurance premiums” contend that “it would push premiums even higher and make health care less available,” a Los Angeles Times editorial states. “These arguments are a smokescreen,” the editorial adds, concluding, “As of 2014, the health care reform law will require all adult Americans to obtain health coverage. Regulators ought to have the power to stop insurers from gouging that captive market.” Los Angeles Times.
Sacramento County Mental Health Report Draws Praise
A new report outlining a plan to overhaul the mental health care system in Sacramento County is receiving support from both county officials and plaintiffs of lawsuits challenging cuts to the system. The report was produced by Davis-based consultant Nancy Callahan as part of a U.S. District Court lawsuit filed by patient advocacy groups. A similar lawsuit was filed by mental health care providers in Sacramento Superior Court. The report recommends that the county place more funding in community-based programs than into inpatient programs. Sacramento Bee.
Obama Administration Files Brief on Challenges to Medicaid Cuts
In a brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, the Department of Justice argues that federal law does not allow health care providers or patients to sue states over cuts to Medicaid payments. The case originated in California. New York Times.
Nurses Ratify Labor Contract With University of California
Last week, registered nurses represented by the California Nurses Association officially ratified a new contract with the University of California system. Under the contract, nurses will receive pay increases averaging at least 11% over the next 26 months. The agreement affects RNs at five UC medical centers and at student health centers on UC campuses. San Francisco Business Times.