Latest California Healthline Stories
Sutter Health, UC-Davis Team Up To Share E-Health Records
Sutter Health and UC-Davis Health Systems have announced a new partnership in which doctors will be able to share electronic health records across both systems. Physicians will have read-only privileges for EHRs maintained by the other health care system. Sundeep Desai — a Sutter Health internist and chief medical information officer for Sutter’s Sacramento Sierra region — called the new partnership “a stepping stone” for future collaboration between the two systems, as well as other facilities. Sacramento Bee.
GOP Proposals on State Budget Could Come This Week, Governor Says
Gov. Brown expects Republican legislators to make budget proposals this week. A GOP spokesperson said Republicans, who have opposed Brown’s call for tax extensions, are considering additional spending caps and public pension system changes. Sacramento Bee.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 11, 2011
The Temecula City Council recently approved Universal Health Services’ proposed changes to a construction project for Temecula Regional Hospital. Meanwhile, Children’s Hospital Central California announced that it has received a $5 million gift from the Lincy Foundation.
Brown Seeks Business Leaders’ Support for Budget Proposals
In a speech to the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Gov. Brown promoted the tax extension proposals included in his budget plan. Approval of the tax measures could help stave off further cuts to health and human services programs. Sacramento Bee et al.
House Committee Grills CMS Chief on Rationing, British Health System
On Thursday, CMS Administrator Donald Berwick told the House Ways and Means Committee that the health reform law is helping U.S. residents. Berwick also responded to questions about his views on medical rationing and on the British National Health Service. Politico et al.
Kaiser Permanente Doled Out $89M in Funding Last Year
This week, Kaiser Permanente announced that it awarded $89 million in community grants and donations during 2010, including $54 million awarded during the fourth quarter of last year. A Kaiser official said the funds went toward programs that promote healthy communities. San Francisco Business Times.
Humboldt State University To Terminate Nursing Program
On Wednesday, Humboldt State University President Rollin Richmond announced plans to discontinue the school’s nursing program. University officials said the decision stemmed from financial concerns and challenges in attracting and retaining nursing faculty. Richmond said currently enrolled students could continue in the nursing program through graduation. Eureka Times-Standard.
Fresno Medical Help Center Anticipates Cuts to Budget
The Fresno Health Consumer Center — which helps low-income residents sign up for insurance coverage, navigate the health system and obtain assistance with medical issues — expects its budget to be reduced by more than 50% when most grant money runs dry in three months. The center is a member of the statewide Health Consumer Alliance, which serves about 12,000 individuals in 13 counties annually. Fresno Bee.
S.F. Paid Sick Leave Policy Works Well, Report Finds
San Francisco’s paid sick leave policy — the first in the nation when it was enacted in 2007 — has not been abused by workers and has support from business, according to an Institute for Women’s Policy Research report. Under the law, large businesses must provide up to nine paid sick leave days annually, and small businesses with fewer than 10 employees must offer up to five paid sick days annually. Sacramento Business Journal.
Nurses Approve New Three-Year Contract With Kaiser Permanente
A new labor agreement covers 17,000 nurses at 61 Kaiser Permanente facilities across Northern California. The three-year pact includes 5% annual pay raises and protections for nurses’ existing health benefits, retirement health benefits and pensions. Sacramento Bee et al.