Latest California Healthline Stories
Assembly Member To Pull Bill That Would Test New Nursing Care Model
Assembly member Nathan Fletcher said he will temporarily withdraw a bill that would create a pilot program for a new nursing model at Palomar Pomerado Health. The “adaptable care” model aims to cut back on the transfer of patients between hospital units. North County Times.
Jury Sides With SEIU in Lawsuit Against Rival Breakaway Union
On Friday, a U.S. District Court jury awarded $1.5 million in damages to the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West in a case that accused leaders of a breakaway union — the National Union of Healthcare Workers — of trying to undermine SEIU-UHW. The two groups have fought to represent health workers in California. San Francisco Business Times et al.
Senate To Hold Cloture Vote on Jobs Bill That Averts Medicare Cuts
Today, the Senate is set to hold a cloture vote that would limit debate on a jobs bill that includes provisions to temporarily extend COBRA subsidies and impose a 30-day freeze on scheduled Medicare reimbursement cuts for physicians. CQ Today et al.
CMA Continues Efforts To Keep Retail Clinics Away From California
The California Medical Association has said it opposes retail clinics because they could diminish health care quality and disrupt continuity of care. CMA said two state laws could prevent such clinics from gaining traction in California. HealthLeaders Media.
Rep. Speier Emphasizes Local Benefits of Health Reform Law
This week, Rep. Jackie Speier met with health care leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area to discuss how the new national health care reform law could benefit the region. Speier said the law will help improve health care coverage for more than 470,000 residents in the 12th Congressional District. She also said the law will provide funding for local community health centers and reduce hospital costs for uncompensated care. San Mateo County Times.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 9, 2010
The Ventura County Health Care Agency has opened a new 38,000-square-foot medical clinic in Simi Valley. Meanwhile, orthopedist Kali Chaudhuri has bought the debt of four Orange County hospitals and gained control of their parent group, Integrated Healthcare Holdings.
CalPERS’ Demonstration Project Tests ‘Virtual Integrated Model’
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System recently launched a pilot program designed to reduce costs and improve health care for state retirees in the Sacramento area. Officials say the program has met some goals but still faces certain challenges. HealthLeaders Media.
New High-Risk Pools Thought To Be Less Costly, More Open
The high-risk health insurance pools called for under the new health reform law likely will be more affordable and easier to join than existing risk pools, according to insurance experts. Medical charges for those in the pools could be lower by about one-third, while applicants will no longer have to prove they were denied for private insurance before receiving coverage. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Consumer Group Calls for More Regulation of Insurance Rates
Consumer Watchdog has sent a letter urging President Obama and Congress to address 10 potential loopholes in the new health reform law. The group said the law does not go far enough to limit how much insurers can charge for coverage. Los Angeles Times’ “Money & Company,” KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Humboldt State Officials Mull Eliminating Nursing Program
The Humboldt State University Academic Senate on Tuesday voted to recommend the school’s nursing program be eliminated, noting that the program costs $867,000 annually and has had a high turnover of tenure-track faculty members. Local and national officials and care providers have objected to the proposal, saying that the program’s elimination could affect the state’s nursing shortage. University President Rollin Richmond has the final say on what programs will be eliminated. Eureka Times-Standard.