Latest California Healthline Stories
Chiropractic Board Approves New Patient Safety Rules
The California Board of Chiropractic Examiners has adopted new regulations aimed at boosting patient safety while chiropractors perform a procedure called manipulation under anesthesia. The regulations will take effect March 18. Sacramento Business Journal.
White House Health Care Reform Proposal Draws Lukewarm Response
President Obama’s recently released proposal for health reform legislation faced a tepid reception from congressional lawmakers, who noted that the plan included few details on cost and coverage. CBO said it would need more information to score the proposal. Congress Daily et al.
Compromise Sought in Cuts to Adult Day Health Care
On Thursday, Assembly member Bonnie Lowenthal introduced compromise legislation that would reduce eligibility for adult day health care services but by less than Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed as part of his budget plan. Operators of adult day health care centers are supporting Lowenthal’s bill. Fresno Bee.
FDA Reports Underscore Concern Over Diabetes Drug
Internal FDA reports show that GlaxoSmithKline’s diabetes medication Avandia was linked to 304 deaths in the third quarter of 2009, making it the leading prescribed drug linked to serious, disabling or fatal problems in that quarter. The release of the reports and a two-year Senate inquiry into the medication have renewed concerns about its safety, GSK’s actions regarding the medication and FDA’s response to safety concerns. New York Times.
Data Show Teen Births Fall to Record Low in California
On Monday, the California Department of Public Health released data showing that about 35 births per 1,000 teen females were reported in 2008, a drop of more than half since 1991. California’s teen birth rate is lower than the national average, which has been increasing in recent years. Los Angeles Times et al.
DMHC Cracks Down on Companies That Offer Discount Health Cards
The Department of Managed Health Care has accused the discount health card company Healthcare One of falsely claiming that it provides health insurance benefits. The action marks a push by the department to license and oversee such firms. San Francisco Chronicle, Contra Costa Times.
Schwarzenegger Blasts GOP for ‘Bogus Talk’ on Health Care Reform
Republicans calling for a clean slate on health care reform are engaging in partisan talk, Gov. Schwarzenegger said on Monday. Schwarzenegger also met with President Obama and endorsed moving forward with bipartisan health reform discussions. Sacramento Bee et al.
Individual Policyholders See Few Coverage Alternatives
Across the country, people with individual health insurance policies are facing rising premium costs and few coverage alternatives. Some consumers are opting for higher deductibles or forgoing medical care in an effort to reduce their financial obligations. Observers say increased federal regulation of insurers could offer relief for such policyholders. Los Angeles Times.
Concerns Growing Over Cuts to Family Planning Services, Teen Clinics
One California budget proposal would scale back Medi-Cal reimbursement rates for family planning services to 2007 levels. In addition, Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating the state’s Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment program. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Republican Thinkers Weigh In on Health Reform Efforts
Five Republican thinkers — including former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich — offered their insights on how Republican members of Congress should proceed on health care reform at Thursday’s bipartisan summit. Proposals range from reworking the health care payment system to pursuing more medical research and innovation. New York Times.