Latest California Healthline Stories
Survey: Many Californians Not Ready for Long-Term Care Costs
A new survey finds that a majority of California voters older than age 40 say they are unprepared for the potential costs of long-term care and that only 15% have any form of long-term care insurance. Researchers note that concern over long-term care costs spans party affiliation and income levels. Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots” et al.
Editorial: Lawmakers Must Back Bill on Nurse Oversight
California lawmakers should hold against “pressure” from the California Nurses Association, the Service Employees International Union and other lobby groups on a bill that would increase oversight of nurses and other health professionals, a Sacramento Bee editorial argues. The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development is voting on the bill today, and if it fails because of opposition from the unions, “the losers will be patients of troubled nurses and other health professionals” Sacramento Bee.
State Aims To Revoke License for Southwest Healthcare
This week, the California Department of Public Health said it will seek to revoke Southwest Healthcare System’s license to run two hospitals in Riverside County because of the hospitals’ history of patient safety issues. A Southwest spokesperson said the company plans to appeal DPH’s decision. Last week, CMS announced plans to terminate Southwest Healthcare System’s Medicare reimbursements over similar concerns. Riverside Press-Enterprise, HealthLeaders Media.
Consumers Union Calls for Calif. To Do More To Prevent Medical Errors
Consumers Union has said that California is failing to consistently enforce patient safety laws aimed at reducing medical errors and hospital-acquired infections. State health officials say they are preparing a detailed response to the group’s allegations. Contra Costa Times.
First-Ever Fines Issued for Failure To Report Infections
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has issued fines of $101,485, $31,520 and $2,710 to Alta Bates Sutter Medical Center, the Oakland Police Department and the Oakland Fire Department, respectively, for failing to report a patient with bacterial meningitis and protect staff members. The fines are the first issued under a new state law that requires medical and safety personnel to report infectious airborne diseases. Los Angeles Times et al.
Fading Focus on Health Reform Sparks Concern Among Many Democrats
So far this month, President Obama has not held an event to publicly defend the new health reform law. Some Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern about the need for a coordinated message as they discuss the overhaul law with constituents. Washington Post.
New York Offers Lessons for Enacting Health Care Reform
The health insurance system in New York state could provide key lessons as insurance companies work to comply with the health reform law’s requirement that insurers offer coverage to people regardless of any pre-existing conditions. New York instituted a similar requirement in 1993, but residents have dropped out of health plans and premiums have increased in recent years. The reform law attempts to avoid New York’s experience by requiring everyone to have insurance. New York Times.
Medi-Cal Officials Say Calif. Could Lose Funds Under Rebate Changes
California officials say the state could lose up to $50 million in 2011 because of provisions in the new health reform law that change the way Medicaid drug rebates are allocated. The federal government is expected to provide further details on the change soon. Kaiser Health News.
Proposed CMS Rule Would Decrease Hospital Payments
This week, CMS issued its proposed inpatient prospective payment system rule for fiscal year 2011, which would reduce hospitals’ average inpatient payments by 0.1%, or $142 million. CMS officials said the proposed rule is an attempt to recoup payments from the hospital industry for coding practices that did not accurately reflect “increases in patients’ severity of illness.” Modern Healthcare, HealthLeaders Media.
Database Shows Staffing, Pay Levels at Nursing Homes
As part of its investigation into staffing at California’s nursing homes, California Watch has set up an online database showing which facilities cut staff or lowered wages. The investigation showed that despite a 2004 state law that gave nursing homes $880 million to hire more staff members and increase pay, 232 facilities reduced staffing, paid lower wages or allowed staffing levels to dip below the mandated minimum. Contra Costa Times.