Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Officials React to New National HIV/AIDS Strategy
On Tuesday, the Obama administration outlined a new nationwide plan to combat HIV/AIDS that aims to cut infection rates by 25% by reducing stigma among high-risk groups, increasing access to care and allocating funding to areas most in need. While some California health officials see promise in shifting funding to areas with high HIV rates, others are concerned that new funding is required to meet the initiative’s goals. San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle.
Judge Upholds $29M Verdict in Nursing Home Death Case
On Tuesday, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Roland Candee upheld a $29 million verdict against Rocklin-based Horizon West Healthcare when he rejected the nursing home company’s request for a new trial or reduced penalties in a case involving the 2005 death of an elderly patient. Horizon still could appeal or seek a settlement in the case. Sacramento Bee.
Oakland Health Foundation Receives Dental Care Grant
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–>First 5 San Bernardino has provided a three-year, $1.2 million grant to Oakland-based Dental Health Foundation to provide care for young children and pregnant women. The funding will be used to supply no-cost treatment and education to an estimated 4,000 individuals in San Bernardino County. Contra Costa Times.
Federal Officials Unveil Final ‘Meaningful Use’ Rule, EHR Standards
Yesterday, federal officials released the final rule defining how health care providers can receive incentive payments for the “meaningful use” of electronic health records. Officials also released the final rule on EHR certification criteria and standards. Reuters et al.
Judge Says Sacramento County Must Provide for Indigent Care Services
A judge sided with UC-Davis Health System in a ruling that declared Sacramento County legally obligated to cover the cost of care for indigent residents. UC-Davis filed a lawsuit claiming that the county owed as much as $125 million to the health system. Sacramento Bee.
Survey: Many Physicians Do Not Call Out Unfit Colleagues
Although 17% of surveyed physicians know a colleague who misuses drugs or alcohol or is incompetent, many doctors do not report their colleagues to authorities, citing fear of retribution, thinking someone else will do it or that nothing will change, according to a new Journal of the American Medical Association study. The researchers wrote that there should be more protection for physicians who file reports, as well as more education on how to report a co-worker. AP/San Jose Mercury News.
State High Court Allows Lawsuit To Proceed on Alleged Drug Price-Fixing
The California Supreme Court has reinstated a lawsuit filed by pharmacies against a group of drugmakers for alleged price-fixing. The court allowed the suit on the basis that retailers either must absorb losses or raise prices when facing higher drug costs. Bloomberg et al.
Chiang Files Papers To Support Lawsuit Over Minimum Wage Order
Yesterday, Controller John Chiang filed papers to support his lawsuit seeking to block Gov. Schwarzenegger’s order to cut hourly state workers’ pay to the federal minimum wage during the ongoing budget impasse. Sacramento Business Journal, Central Valley Business Times.
Some Calif. Hospitals Trying Online ED Appointment Tool
Two California hospitals — Loma Linda University Medical Center and San Antonio Community Hospital — are deploying InQuickER, an online platform that lets patients schedule emergency department appointments to avoid long waits at the hospital. The program aims to assist patients who do not have time-sensitive conditions. Contra Costa Times.
Ballot Measure Would Adjust S.F. Employees’ Health Fees
Jeff Adachi, San Francisco public defender, is trying to place a measure on the November ballot that would increase pension and health plan contributions for city employees. Specifically, the proposal would require city workers to pay 9% to 10% of their income to pensions and pay 50% of the cost of health coverage for dependents. The Department of Elections has about 30 days to determine whether the initiative qualifies for the ballot. San Francisco Business Times.