Latest California Healthline Stories
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.
Obesity, Diabetes Still Major Problems in Tulare County
This week, the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency presented data to the county Board of Supervisors showing that Tulare County continues to exceed state averages for rates of obesity and diabetes. The health agency also launched several initiatives to promote nutrition and physical fitness as part of the county’s Public Health Awareness Month. Porterville Recorder.
Proposed Bill Would Help Increase State Oversight of Disability Insurers
Assembly member Dave Jones has introduced a bill that would invalidate clauses in disability insurance policies that make insurers the sole authority on whether an individual is disabled. The bill aims to help residents appeal disability benefit denials. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
CDC: States Not Putting Cigarette Tax Funds Into Efforts To Curb Smoking
A new CDC report finds that several states increased cigarette taxes in 2009 but did not invest the revenue in smoking cessation or prevention programs. A proposed ballot initiative in California would increase cigarette taxes to raise revenue for cancer research. Reuters et al.
Kaiser Leads Calif. Health Plans in Member Satisfaction Survey
A new survey from J.D. Power & Associates found that most California health plans received consumer satisfaction scores that were lower than national averages. For the third consecutive year, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan received the highest score for member satisfaction among California health plans. Payers & Providers, Stockton Record.
UCSF Received $463M in NIH Research Awards in 2009
UC-San Francisco’s schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy received a combined $463 million in funding from NIH last year, the most awarded to a public institution. The schools used the funding for research, training and fellowships in 2009. The total does not include NIH research contracts or funding awarded through the federal stimulus package. San Francisco Business Times.
Los Angeles Group Nabs Stimulus Grant To Set Up Regional Health IT Hub
Local Initiative Health Authority, which operates L.A. Care Health Plan, has received $15.6 million in stimulus funding to establish a regional extension center to help health care providers adopt electronic health records. Payers & Providers, Office of the Governor release.
Survey: Hospitals Still Stressing Patient Safety Despite Budget Strain
A new consulting group survey found that many hospitals continued to support their patient safety budgets in 2009, despite budget cuts and spending freezes in other areas. Many hospitals said they expect to increase patient safety spending in the future. HealthLeaders Media.
Reform Law To Establish New Center for Medicare, Medicaid Innovation
The new health reform law includes a provision that would create a new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation under CMS. The center might launch pilot programs aimed at testing remote monitoring tools, state-run single-payer schemes and other initiatives. CQ Weekly.
Medicare Payment Cuts Pose Obstacles for San Joaquin Valley Doctors
A planned 21.2% cut to Medicare physician reimbursements took effect this month, prompting many physicians in San Joaquin Valley to consider dropping out of the program. Some doctors are waiting to see whether Congress will take action to restore payment levels. Fresno Bee.