Latest California Healthline Stories
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 8, 2011
California health officials have decided to re-inspect the new Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta, further delaying the official opening of the hospital. Meanwhile, Contra Costa County supervisors have agreed to advance a $10 million loan to Doctors Medical Center.
Legislature Passes Seismic Safety Deadline Legislation
On Thursday, the California Assembly voted 64-3 to pass legislation that would allow hospitals to apply for a seven-year extension of the deadline to comply with seismic safety rules. The current deadline for many facilities is 2013. The measure — which also includes a provision to draw down federal matching funds for hospitals — now heads to Gov. Brown. AP/Ventura County Star, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Stanislaus County To Charge More for Indigent Health Care
This week, Stanislaus County supervisors approved a plan to require low-income residents to pay more for coverage under a county-sponsored indigent health care program. Under the changes, about 1,200 county residents would pay a combined total of about $105,000 more annually for coverage. The changes are slated to take effect on May 1. Modesto Bee.
California Might Not Achieve Savings From Health Cuts
Many spending cuts passed by the Legislature and Gov. Brown last month might not actually hit their targeted reduction amounts, according to a State Budget Watch analysis. For example, physicians might adjust Medi-Cal billing to account for verifying that recipients of in-home care do require those services. Lawmakers also placed a “soft cap” on annual physician visits for Medi-Cal beneficiaries, but doctors can certify that a patient needs more than the number of permitted visits because of medical reasons. In addition, removing Medi-Cal coverage for over-the-counter medications could lead some patients to use more prescription medication, thereby increasing costs related to doctor and pharmacy visits. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Hospital Errors 10 Times Higher Than Previously Estimated, Study Finds
Adverse events in hospitals occur up to 10 times more often than has previously been reported, according to a Health Affairs study. Researchers say a newer, more extensive tool identified more adverse events compared with two more commonly used tools. Modern Healthcare et al.
Spending Deal Remains Elusive; House To Vote on Stopgap Bill Today
A second meeting between President Obama and top congressional leaders has failed to result in a federal budget agreement. Today, House Speaker John Boehner plans to hold a House floor vote on a new stopgap continuing resolution proposal. AP/Boston Globe et al.
Kaiser Permanente Part of Health Data Sharing Project
Five large health care systems — Geisinger Health System, Group Health Cooperative, Intermountain Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente and Mayo Clinic — have launched a nationwide project to share patient data in an effort to improve patient care. The Care Connectivity Consortium also aims to ensure the privacy and security of patients’ information and use national standards in the exchange of medical data. The groups expect some data sharing to begin within a year. San Francisco Business Times et al.
Republicans’ FY 2012 Budget Plan Advances Through House Panel
On Wednesday, the House Budget Committee passed on a party-line vote the GOP’s fiscal year 2012 budget proposal and advanced it to the full chamber. Democrats criticized provisions of the plan that would overhaul Medicare and Medicaid. The Hill‘s “On the Money,” National Journal.
Brown Still Seeking GOP Support for Taxes, Mulling Deeper Cuts
Gov. Brown still hopes to persuade Republicans to support a tax measure designed to close California’s deficit. The governor is preparing a revised budget plan that could include deeper spending cuts if his tax measure fails. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Editorials Take Aim at GOP’s Medicare, Medicaid Proposals
House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan’s fiscal year 2012 budget plan contains Medicare and Medicaid proposals that “are mostly an effort to shift the burden to beneficiaries and the states,” according to a New York Times editorial. Meanwhile, a Los Angeles Times editorial states that Ryan’s plan aims to reduce federal spending “by punting the cost problems in Medicaid to the states and in Medicare to the elderly.” New York Times, Los Angeles Times.