Latest California Healthline Stories
State To Hold First Hearing of Inmate Up for Medical Parole
Next Tuesday, the state Board of Parole Hearings will begin a hearing involving a 42-year-old quadriplegic Corcoran State Prison inmate. The hearing will determine whether the individual qualifies for a new state law that offers parole to medically incapacitated inmates. According to the inmate’s attorney, California taxpayers could pay up to $10 million to provide medical services for the inmate over the next 20 years. Sacramento Bee.
Hill Physicians Medical Group Reports Uptick in Net Income
On Tuesday, Hill Physicians Medical Group released a financial report showing that its net income increased by 16% last year, from $4.67 million in 2009 to $5.4 million in 2010 The report also shows that Hill Physicians’ revenue increased by 8.5% last year, from $419.5 million in 2009 to $455 million in 2010. San Francisco Business Times.
Brown Approves Labor Deals for 60,000 State Employees
On Monday, Gov. Brown signed a bill to enact labor contracts affecting about 60,000 state workers, including prison guards, engineers, scientists and administrative law judges. The contracts — which will reduce state spending by about $110 million annually — require workers to contribute more to their pensions and take 12 mandatory furlough days per year. Republicans have criticized the deals for not adequately addressing the state’s unfunded liability for retiree health care. Sacramento Bee et al.
Editorials Respond to Brown’s Adjusted Tax Extension Plans
“An extra $6.6 billion in tax revenue is a nice problem for California to have,” a San Jose Mercury News editorial states, referring to Gov. Brown’s May revision of his budget plan. While the governor “did make some adjustments in the revised budget, … he is holding firm on the rest of his plan to extend taxes, as he should,” the Mercury News continues. Brown still faces challenges on this and other budget issues, according to a Santa Cruz Sentinel editorial, which adds that “Republicans can plausibly argue there’s no overriding reason to compromise and violate their tenets of no new taxes.” Meanwhile, an Orange County Register argues that “Mr. Brown should look for more ways to hold down spending, not new ways to spend more.” San Jose Mercury News et al.
CMS Unveils New Accountable Care Program Initiatives
Three new CMS initiatives aim to encourage health care providers to participate in accountable care organizations. The projects target groups that have made progress in accountable care; would let others receive upfront payments; and offer training sessions. Modern Healthcare et al.
Study Finds Flame-Retardant Chemicals in Kids’ Products
About 80% of tested children’s products — such as car seats, portable cribs and strollers — contain flame-retardant chemicals, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. California was one of the states that offered products for the study. One chemical found in many of the products, chlorinated tris, is one that meets a California furniture flammability standard adopted in 1975. Flame-retardant chemicals have been linked to heightened risks for reproductive and thyroid problems, cancer and other health issues. San Francisco Chronicle.
GOP Speaks Out Against Reform Waivers Granted to Pelosi’s S.F. District
Republicans are criticizing the Obama administration and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi following reports that 19% of new health reform law waivers went to businesses in Pelosi’s San Francisco-area district. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” San Francisco Business Times‘ “BizTalk.”
Brown Seeking GOP Support for Budget Revision, Tax Measures
Gov. Brown is working to drum up Republican support for his May budget revision, which includes certain tax measures. The governor hopes to pass the taxes through the Legislature and then put them before voters for ratification. Contra Costa Times et al.
Number of Emergency Departments Decreasing in U.S., Study Concludes
The number of emergency departments has decreased significantly across the last 20 years despite an overall rise in the number of patient visits to EDs, according to a new study. Researchers cite market-based forces as a reason for the decline in EDs. New York Times et al.
HHS To Award Grants Aimed at Reducing Chronic Disease
HHS recently announced plans to award $100 million in community-transformation grants under the federal health reform law for projects seeking to reduce chronic diseases. The five-year grants will focus on areas such as emotional wellness, healthy eating, preventive services, safe environments and tobacco-free living. The money will fund up to 75 grants, and at least 20% of the funds will go to rural and frontier communities. Modern Healthcare.