Latest California Healthline Stories
State Officials Fine 12 Hospitals for Major Patient Safety Issues
On Friday, the Department of Public Health announced that 12 hospitals have received fines totaling $575,000 for serious patient safety lapses. State regulators require all penalized facilities to submit plans to correct the problems. Los Angeles Times et al.
Judge: State Failed To Properly Evaluate Rates for Medi-Cal Payments
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge recently ruled that the California Department of Health Care Services did not sufficiently review Medi-Cal reimbursement rates to determine whether they were high enough for physicians to participate in the program. American Medical News.
Editorial Disapproves of S.F. Health Services Master Plan
A proposal by San Francisco Supervisor David Campos to establish a citywide health services master plan is a “flawed suggestion” that would “regulate where new offices, services and hospital beds could locate,” a San Francisco Chronicle editorial argues. The Chronicle writes that the proposal, “with its suggestion of limits and control, flies in the face of economic trends putting the city at the forefront of biotech, medical innovation and specialty treatment.” San Francisco Chronicle.
Concerns Raised Over Plan To Reward Nursing Homes for Care Quality
State officials are developing a plan to provide financial incentives to nursing homes that meet certain care quality standards. However, eldercare advocates have expressed concern about whether the incentives would help improve conditions for seniors. Ventura County Star.
Various Groups Seek To File Briefs in Lawsuit Against Health Reform
Several interest groups and lawmakers have filed requests for amicus briefs to join a multistate lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the federal health reform law. Both opponents and supporters of the reform law are involved. National Journal Daily et al.
Report Examines Hospitals’ Charges to Health Insurers
The federal health reform law does not contain any regulations limiting rates hospitals can charge insurance companies for health care. Large hospital chains in California have more clout to negotiate prices. Kaiser Health News/KQED’s “The California Report.”
CIRM Joins With Maryland Group on Stem Cell Program
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine is partnering with the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund to promote research of stem cell therapies. Interested groups have until Jan. 13, 2011, to apply for the pilot program. Baltimore Business Journal.
More Governors Seek To Join Multistate Lawsuit Against Reform Law
The outgoing Republican governors of Minnesota and Wisconsin have filed briefs to join the multistate lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the health reform law. The governors have concerns about the effects of a planned Medicaid expansion. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Anthem Agrees To Pay $1.62M to Hospitals for Owed Stop-Loss Claims
Anthem Blue Cross of California has reached an agreement with the Department of Managed Health Care to pay hospitals $1.62 million in owed payments for inpatient care, penalties and interest. Anthem admitted no wrongdoing in the agreement. Payers & Providers.
GOP Texas Lawmakers Call for Opting State Out of Medicaid Program
Last week, Republicans in the Texas Legislature suggested a plan to opt out of Medicaid because of concerns that the program is bankrupting the state. Health experts differ on how the move could affect Texas’ financial situation. Kaiser Health News/New York Times.