Latest California Healthline Stories
California Eye Doctors Face Off Over Rule on Glaucoma Treatment
In the coming weeks, the Department of Consumer Affairs is expected to issue a decision on a regulation that would allow optometrists to treat glaucoma patients. The rule change is fueling tensions between the state’s optometrists and ophthalmologists. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
President Urges Senate Democrats To ‘Finish the Job’ on Health Reform
President Obama continued making the rounds among congressional caucuses yesterday and called on the Senate Democratic caucus to stay committed to enacting health care reform legislation. The president appeared before House Republicans last week. The Hill et al.
Report on Food Insecurity in L.A. County Sparks Concerns
A study released on Tuesday indicates that almost one in 10 Los Angeles County residents received food assistance last year from outlets supplied by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Jonathon Fielding, director of the county Department of Public Health, says the data are worrisome because of implications for health, education and economic productivity. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Cuts Raised at Maldonado’s Confirmation
Sen. Abel Maldonado cleared the first hurdle in the Legislature to be confirmed as lieutenant governor after John Garamendi resigned from the position to take a seat in Congress. At a hearing of the Senate Rules Committee yesterday, Maldonado was asked about proposed cuts to health and human services programs. Contra Costa Times.
Insurers Gave $56K to Dem Voting ‘No’ on Single-Payer
A report from MAPLight.org indicates that Sen. Lou Correa received $56,000 in campaign contributions from health insurers and HMOs in the 2006-2008 election cycle. Correa was the lone Democrat to break party ranks and vote against SB 810, which would lay the groundwork for a single-payer health care system in California. California Watch Blog.
Central-Line Infection Rates at Calif. Hospitals Vary Widely, Data Show
A new Consumers Union report finds that 47 of 70 California hospitals surveyed reported no central-line infections or infection rates below national averages. The group produced the report using 2008 data from the Leapfrog Group. Payers & Providers, San Francisco Business Times.
Health Care Spending Rose by Record Level in 2008, CMS Says
A CMS report published in the journal Health Affairs yesterday indicates that health care spending increased by 5.7% in 2009, pushing health care spending up to $2.5 trillion. The report found that spending on H1N1 influenza and increased Medicaid costs because of rising unemployment helped drive up the nation’s health care tab last year. Washington Post et al.
Maternal Mortality Rates on the Rise in California, According to State Data
An unreleased state report suggests that California’s pregnancy-related death rate has nearly tripled during the past 10 years. The increase could stem from reporting changes, population changes and a rise in caesarean sections. Sacramento Bee, KQED’s “California Report.”
Funding for Community Health Centers Drives Expanded Services, Jobs
A new Health Affairs study points to an expansion of health care services and more jobs as a result of increased funding for community health centers. Researchers said the facilities offer a relatively low-cost way to provide health care services. Reuters.
Research Looks at Role of Communities in Autism Cases
A number of recent studies are taking a closer look at data on autism cases in California in hopes of clarifying what role, if any, socioeconomic and other factors are playing in the increase in the number of autism diagnoses. Wall Street Journal.