Latest California Healthline Stories
Report Ranks Calif. 44th in Nation for Delivering Health Care to Children
A new report released by the Commonwealth Fund ranks California 44th out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia for delivering health care to children. According to the report, 11.1% of California children lacked health insurance coverage in 2009. San Francisco Chronicle.
States Split on How To Move Forward on Health Reform Implementation
After a court ruling on Monday invalidated the entire health reform law, some states have stopped efforts to implement the law, while other states are continuing to move forward with provisions of the law under the assumption that the ruling will be appealed. Washington Post et al.
Business Group Ranks State 12th in U.S. in Health Costs
A Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council report states that California is the 12th most expensive state based on public policies that influence the cost of health care. According to the council, the rankings are based on seven public policies that increase or rein in health care costs. Orange County Register.
Editorial: States Should Be Able To Ban Sale of Rx Data
The Supreme Court this month will hear a case over whether states can restrict the release of data on individual doctors’ prescriptions, a Los Angeles Times editorial states. Market research firms and drug manufacturers argue that the sale of such information is “a form of ‘speech’ that the states could regulate only if there was a compelling state interest and only if they used the least restrictive means to do so,” according to the editorial. However, the editorial concludes, “Drug makers should be able to market their products, but their 1st Amendment rights shouldn’t guarantee them access to sensitive data that wouldn’t exist but for the government’s requirement that doctors and patients disclose it.” Los Angeles Times.
State Public Health Dept. Clarifies Guidelines on Nursing Home Staffing
Officials have released clarifications to a state law requiring nursing homes to provide 3.2 nursing hours per patient daily. Under the clarified guidelines, workers in non-nurse positions can contribute to nursing hours if certain requirements are met. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Judge Voids Health Reform Law on Basis of Individual Mandate
On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson ruled that the health reform law is invalid because the individual mandate is unconstitutional and is not able to be removed from the law. Vinson did not grant an injunction on the law’s implementation. Washington Post et al.
States Continue To Roll Out Health Reform Law Despite Judge’s Ruling
Notwithstanding a judge’s ruling that the health reform law is unconstitutional, most states are continuing to implement provisions of the overhaul. GOP lawmakers say they are laying groundwork for the law to avoid possible federal intervention. Politico, CQ Today.
Editorial: Realignment Could Benefit Mental Health Care
A Sacramento Bee editorial states that the mental health realignment proposal included in Gov. Brown’s budget plan offers “real opportunity” because it would provide California counties with significant flexibility in determining how to administer funds for mental health services. The editorial continues that the realignment plan could help counties meet a goal of providing “effective treatments, prevention and interventions that keep people from falling into crises.” Sacramento Bee.
Assembly Member Proposes Private Management of IHSS
Assembly member Brian Nestande said he is developing a proposal to have private agencies employ caregivers in the In-Home Supportive Services program. Nestande said he might introduce the proposal in committee or present it directly to Gov. Brown. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Brown Stumps for Tax Extension Initiative in State of State Address
During his State of the State speech, Gov. Brown urged lawmakers to put a tax extension measure on a June ballot. Brown said voters should have the power to decide whether to approve tax extensions to prevent deeper cuts to state spending. San Francisco Chronicle et al.