Latest California Healthline Stories
CIRM Rolls Out Online Stem Cell Curriculum for Students
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine recently rolled out a Web-based stem cell curriculum for high school students. The project stems from a 2009 state law requiring CIRM to collaborate with the Department of Education on career development programs for biotechnology and stem cell science. San Francisco Business Times.
Lawmakers From Both Parties Speak Out Against Rescission
Although many aspects of health care reform have divided members of Congress along party lines, opposition to rescissions has drawn bipartisan support. As such, policy analysts say Congress likely will approve legislation strengthening rules against the practice, which retroactively cancels health insurance policies bought on the individual market. NPR’s “Weekend Edition Sunday.”
Santa Clara County Files Suit Over Avandia Marketing
On Friday, Santa Clara County officials filed a lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline, alleging that the drugmaker falsely advertised the benefits and concealed the risks of its diabetes medication Avandia. A county official says the lawsuit is the first to be filed by a government body over Avandia. GSK officials could not be reached to comment on the suit. San Jose Mercury News.
Report: Without Reform, Thousands of Uninsured People Could Die Early
A new report from Families USA suggests that premature deaths among uninsured California residents could increase to 34,600 over the next 10 years unless lawmakers approve health care reform legislation that expands coverage. Modesto Bee, New York Times’ “Prescriptions.”
State Taps Stimulus Funds To Build Health Data Exchange
The California Health and Human Services Agency recently announced plans to use $38.8 million in federal economic stimulus funding to establish a statewide health information exchange. The funding is part of the $100 million California will receive for health care from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Healthcare IT News.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for February 2010
CalPERS’ Board of Administration has re-elected Rob Feckner to his sixth term as board president. Meanwhile, the California Regional Extension Center announced that former consultant and clinic director Speranza Avram will serve as the organization’s executive director.
Medi-Cal Officials Tied To Trips Funded by Rx Industry Groups
A new California Watch investigation found that three officials with the Department of Health Care Services failed to report trips paid for by not-for-profit groups that receive funding from drug industry executives. The Department of Health Care Services plans to correct the omissions for trips that should have been reported as gifts. California Watch/San Francisco Chronicle.
Funding Crunches Hit County Medical Services Programs
California’s County Medical Services Programs are experiencing significant increases in enrollment at the same time that funding from vehicle license fees and county sales taxes are decreasing. The state requires CMSPs to provide services to low-income, indigent Californians who are not eligible for Medi-Cal or other programs. New America Media.
Judge Halts State Move To Reduce Eligibility for Adult Day Health Care
On Wednesday, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking California’s plan to restrict eligibility in its adult day health care program. The program changes originally were scheduled to take effect beginning on Monday. San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee.
Proposal Would Give Californians Final Say on Health Care Reform
Sen. Tony Strickland is pushing a measure that would bar certain elements of national health care reform efforts from taking effect in California unless voters approved them in a referendum. Similar efforts are underway in other states. Ventura County Star, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”