Latest California Healthline Stories
Facing Down Growing Obesity Rates, Kern County Hires Full-Time Nutritionist
Kern County ranks second-highest among all California counties for obesity, public health officials said.
Blood Test For Concussions Approved By FDA For First Time
Currently, most patients with suspected traumatic brain injury are evaluated using a neurological exam, followed by a CT scan. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said that the blood test could save the health care system money by preventing unnecessary scans.
Californians Who Rely On Food Assistance Worried About Trump’s Proposed ‘Blue Apron’ Approach
In his budget plan, President Donald Trump proposed swapping out the debit-style benefits people receive now for a pre-packaged box of food, containing mostly canned meals.
Workers At 32 Kaiser Permanente Hospitals Across State To Protest In Anticipation Of Wage Cuts
Kaiser plans to outsource 280 pharmacy warehouse jobs, layoff 700 employees at three call centers in Los Angeles and move some jobs to other areas of the state where workers will earn $2 per hour less, the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West said.
Calif. Lawmaker Introduces Bill Targeting Hospitals’ ‘Patient Dumping’ Practices
The legislation is aimed at curbing the practice of hospitals discharging homeless patients who have nowhere to go.
Facing Millions In Penalties, Companies Push Back On IRS Decision To Enforce ACA Employer Mandate
The health law imposes a penalty on employers with more than 50 workers who don’t provide qualifying coverage to employees, but the fines weren’t initially enforced.
Industry Leaders Trying To Stop Flood Of Pot Businesses Into Sacramento’s Warehouse District
Half of the companies that have been approved by the city to grow and manufacture marijuana are eyeing a certain district for their business location.
San Diego’s Sharp Health Plan Nabs ‘Excellent’ Rating From Quality Assurance Nonprofit
Sharp received top marks in the categories of access, consumer experience and helping people stay healthy.
Advocates Want Doctors, Nurses To Play Bigger Role In Combating Sex Trafficking
Most victims of sex trafficking have to see a doctor at some point, and advocates say that moment of contact can often make more of a difference than if the victims had access to talk to cops.
‘Patient Dumping’ A Startlingly Frequent Practice For Sacramento’s Hospitals, Survey Shows
“Patient dumping” is when poor people are discharged from hospitals and other health care providers to shelters or the streets without advance planning. In a recent poll of agencies that serve the poor in the Sacramento area, one facility reported the practice occurring two or three times a week, and three facilities said it happens about once a week.