Latest California Healthline Stories
Opinion: San Francisco Must Enact Mental Health Law
In 2002, the state Legislature passed Laura’s Law, which is designed to treat individuals with mental illness. Counties are responsible for choosing whether to adopt the legislation. San Francisco supervisors should enact Laura’s Law to offer “many more people hope for proper treatment — and for freedom from the ravages of chronic mental illness,” according to Stephen Cummings, Cameron Quanbeck and John Rouse, members of the California Psychiatric Association. Laura’s Law “is cost-effective and preventive medicine, plain and simple,” they conclude. San Francisco Chronicle.
GE, Intel Telehealth Venture To Aid Chronic Disease Care
On Monday, General Electric and Intel announced the creation of a joint venture to focus on the use of telemedicine in managing chronic diseases and promoting independent living. The company — which does not yet have a name — will be headquartered in Sacramento and will seek to assist elderly patients through remote monitoring technology. It is not known how much the two firms will invest into the business. Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News.
Election To Decide Union Representation of Kaiser Workers Slated for Sept.
The National Labor Relations Board set Sept. 13 as the date when Kaiser Permanente workers can begin mailing in ballots. The election will determine which union will represent 43,000 workers and have access to $42 million in dues. San Francisco Business Times, Sacramento Bee.
Report Identifies Health Needs, Challenges in San Fernando Valley Region
Many residents of the San Fernando Valley lack access to affordable mental health services and struggle to manage chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes, according to a report by a consortium of hospitals and community organizations. Los Angeles Daily News.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for July 2010
The advocacy group Californians for Patient Care has named Carmella Gutierrez, former public affairs director at Catholic Healthcare West, as its new president. Meanwhile, Southwest Healthcare System has appointed Larry Boggeln chair of its board of governors.
State Senate Candidates Offer Ideas To Address Budget Gap
In opinion pieces in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, two state Senate candidates — incumbent Sen. Sam Blakeslee and his opponent John Laird — discuss ways the state can fix its ongoing budget crisis. Among other recommendations, Blakeslee advocates for reforming the tax code to attract more jobs; for reducing spending on health care for prison inmates; and for improving social welfare programs. Meanwhile, Laird calls for implementing revenue-generating mechanisms into new legislation and for removing the two-thirds legislative requirement on budget approval to avoid cutting programs for children’s health care and other social services. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Device Aims To Improve Self-Monitoring for Diabetes Care
Researchers at California-based medical device company GlySens and UC-San Diego have developed an implantable wireless sensor designed to help diabetes patients monitor their blood glucose levels. The device — which is implanted just under the skin — uses a sensor to measure blood glucose levels every two minutes and transmits the data to a portable receiver. San Diego Union-Tribune, Reuters.
Boxer Focuses on Abortion Issues in Calif. Senate Race
Although the economy and jobs have been the dominant issues in California’s Senate race, Sen. Barbara Boxer is highlighting her support for abortion rights in an effort to distinguish her views from those of her Republican opponent, Carly Fiorina, who opposes abortion except in cases or rape, incest or to save a woman’s life. According to a Field Poll released earlier this month, about seven out of 10 California voters support abortion rights. San Jose Mercury News.
Senate Poised To Vote on Bill To Extend State Medicaid Funding
Today, the Senate might hold a procedural vote on legislation to extend Medicaid funding to states through June 2011. The funds would be provided on a sliding scale and would supply about $16 billion to states in the first half of 2011. Politico et al.
Hospitals Roll Out Plans To Reduce ED Wait Times
California hospitals are developing strategies to address long wait times at their emergency departments. For example, San Diego-area facilities are renovating buildings to increase space while adding staff. Scripps Mercy Hospital uses a “quick-stop lobby” in the waiting room where non-emergency patients are placed on the “gold side” and emergency patients on the “blue side.” In addition, Tri-City Medical Center has set up a referral system where patients who do not have a primary care physician can receive follow-up care at community clinics after an ED visit. San Diego Union-Tribune.