Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial Backs Medical Parole for Incapacitated Inmates
“California should not waste millions of dollars annually guarding prisoners whose declining health makes them no threat to society,” a Riverside Press-Enterprise editorial states. It continues that a recent audit of California’s prison health expenditures provides new justification for a bill by Sen. Mark Leno that would create an early release program for incapacitated, comatose or terminally ill inmates. The editorial concludes, “Medical parole is a smarter way to approach criminal justice, by protecting taxpayers as well as public safety.” Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Los Angeles County To Set Up EHRs for Detained Youths
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved spending $17 million to create an electronic health record system for youths who are detained by the county in juvenile camps and halls. The county Probation Department has been under fire from the U.S. Justice Department for poor medical record keeping for detained youths. The system will be operational within 15 to 18 months, Probation Department Chief Information Officer Fred Nazarbegian said. Los Angeles Times.
Bill Would Require California To Record Radiation Doses
A bill by Sen. Alex Padilla would require medical facilities to record radiation doses in patients’ medical files and on scanned radiology images. Padilla says the measure aims to help physicians ensure that patients do not undergo excess doses of radiation, which can increase the risk of certain cancers. Last week, the Senate voted 24-5 to approve the measure and send it to the Assembly. AP/San Jose Mercury News.
‘Extenders’ Bill Passes House; Medicare Cuts To Take Effect Today
On Friday, the House approved a bill that would extend unemployment benefits and avert a 21% cut to Medicare physician payments. However, the Senate left for a weeklong recess, meaning that the reimbursement cuts will take effect as scheduled on Tuesday. CQ Today, Roll Call.
Obama Administration Supports Healthy San Francisco in Lawsuit
On Friday, the Obama administration urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject the Golden Gate Restaurant Association’s lawsuit challenging Healthy San Francisco’s requirement that all employers must contribute to workers’ health coverage. The administration also said the federal health reform law will reduce the need for programs similar to San Francisco’s. San Francisco Chronicle.
Paper Backs De La Torre, Villines for Insurance Post
The Contra Costa Times endorses Assembly member Hector De La Torre and former Assembly member Mike Villines in the primary for California insurance comissioner. According to the Times, both De La Torre and Villines are able to act independently of their parties. De La Torre would be less ideological than Democratic challenger Assembly member Dave Jones, the Times says, adding that Villines has more leadership skills and experience than his opponent, Brian Fitzgerald, who has 16 years of experience working in the Department of Insurance. Contra Costa Times.
Sacramento Could Eliminate Nurse Program for Sick Kids
The Sacramento County public health nursing program is slated to be eliminated under proposed budget cuts that will take effect July 1. Through the program, two nurses regularly visit families with medically fragile children and assess development, nutrition and growth. The nurses also can teach parents how to feed their children and administer basic medical care. Sacramento Bee.
‘Doughnut Hole’ Medicare Rx Rebates Headed to Seniors
Last week, the Obama administration announced that seniors who reach the so-called “doughnut hole” in Medicare prescription drug coverage will begin receiving $250 checks on June 10, under a provision in the new health reform law. The announcement continues efforts by the Obama administration to produce tangible benefits of the law in order to shape public opinion of the overhaul. Los Angeles Times.
Kaiser Secures Tentative Labor Agreement With Coalition of 32 Unions
On Friday, Kaiser Permanente and a coalition of unions reached a tentative, two-year collective bargaining agreement that would provide two annual 3% across-the-board wage increases, maintain current benefits and increase sick leave cash-out incentives. Sacramento Bee et al.
Thousands of California Nurses To Strike Over Low Staffing Levels
On June 10, about 13,000 California nurses plan to hold a walkout at all UC hospitals and other California medical centers. The nurses said the strike plans stem from concerns about inadequate enforcement of state-mandated nurse-to-patient ratios. AP/Los Angeles Times et al.