Latest California Healthline Stories
L.A. Facility Makes List of Top U.S. Children’s Hospitals
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles was named to the “Honor Roll” in a ranking of the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report. For the rankings, U.S. News surveyed nearly 180 children’s hospitals and large multispecialty pediatric departments and ranked the top 50 facilities for each of 10 specialties. Eleven facilities received an “Honor Roll” distinction, which recognizes children’s hospitals that ranked at or near the top of rankings across at least four specialties. U.S. News & World Report.
Fact Sheets Analyze How Previous Cuts Have Hit Health, Social Services
Before Gov. Brown released his May budget revise, the California Budget Project published fact sheets showing how recent spending cuts have affected health and social service programs such as CalWORKS and Healthy Families. California Watch, Redlands Daily Facts.
Judge Hears Case on Former Hospital CEO’s Financial Acts
On Monday, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Kent Kelligrew heard arguments in a lawsuit claiming that Michael Bakst — former CEO of Community Memorial Hospital — carried out numerous improper financial activities while he was CEO and that an accounting firm colluded with a former hospital lawyer to conceal the information. Randall Dean — an attorney representing the accounting firm — argued that the information in question was available to the hospital in a number of ways. Kelligrew could issue a ruling within a few days. Ventura County Star.
Brown Releases Updated Budget Plan With Major Health Changes
Yesterday, Gov. Brown unveiled the May revision of his plan to balance California’s budget. The plan calls for the state to shift Healthy Families beneficiaries to Medi-Cal and eliminate the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board. Los Angeles Times et al.
Ryan Defends Medicare Reform Plan, Responds to Gingrich Criticism
On Monday, House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan stood up for his plan to revamp Medicare following a critique from GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi says the plan remains a non-starter. Washington Post et al.
Officials Discuss Cuts to Kids’ Program in Riverside County
On Monday, Riverside County public health officials and supervisors hosted a meeting to discuss a proposal that would remove $1.3 million from the California Children’s Services program. The state- and county-administered program manages treatment for children with medical conditions that require high levels of care. Officials are considering making the cuts as part an effort to address a county budget gap projected as high as $100 million for fiscal year 2011-2012. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Governor Seeking To Restructure Oversight of Mental Health Facilities
Gov. Brown’s updated budget proposal calls for several changes that would affect state-run mental health hospitals. The plan would phase out the Department of Mental Health and create a new Department of State Hospitals to oversee the facilities. Los Angeles Times.
Inmate Medical Parole Plan Progressing Slowly in State
On Jan. 1, a new state law took effect that allows a state prison medical director to recommend for parole permanently medically incapacitated inmates. Advocates of the law argue that paroled inmates would save the state money because they likely would qualify for programs such as Social Security or Medi-Cal, which are funded in part by the federal government. Opponents of the law contend that such inmates should not be permitted to evade their sentences, no matter the cost savings. San Francisco Chronicle.
WellPoint To Adjust Hospital Payment Policy To Reflect Care Quality
WellPoint has announced that it will revamp its system that provides payments to about 1,500 hospitals by tying such payments to 51 quality of care standards. Some hospitals say the policy could hurt facilities that primarily treat sicker patients. Wall Street Journal.
AHA: Cost of Creating ACOs Will Vastly Exceed Estimates
Accountable care organizations’ start-up and first-year expenses will cost six to 14 times more than federal officials originally estimated, according to a recent study by the American Hospital Association. According to AHA’s findings, implementing successful ACOs will cost between $11.6 million and $26.1 million, depending on the size of the hospital or hospital system taking part in the organization. In comparison, CMS estimated a cost of $1.8 million in its proposed ACO rule. Modern Healthcare.