Latest California Healthline Stories
Senate Holds Vote on First Amendments to Health Care Bill
Yesterday, the Senate voted on party lines to reject an amendment that would have removed more than $400 billion in proposed Medicare cuts from the bill. In another vote, the Senate approved an amendment that aims to improve coverage and access to women’s preventive health services without a copayment. Politico et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of December 4, 2009
Kaiser Permanente announced that it won’t renew its contract for surgical services with Alameda Hospital, and San Joaquin General Hospital announced a larger-than-expected loss for the first quarter of its fiscal year. Meanwhile, Sutter Roseville workers ratified a new three-year contract.
California Medical Association Won’t Support Senate Reform Bill
On Wednesday, the California Medical Association announced that it opposes the Senate health care reform bill because the legislation does little to improve the state’s Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates. CMA said the group backs some provisions of the House bill and continues to support health care reform in general. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now,” United Press International.
House Call Program Provides Care to Santa Cruz Residents
Student nurses in San Jose State University’s Nurse Managed Centers for six years have made house calls to uninsured or underinsured residents of the Beach Flats Community Center in Santa Cruz. About 10 nurses visit once weekly for about six hours, providing health services. The program in August also was extended to provide 11 nurses to the Sycamore Street apartments. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
NIH Clears First Group of Stem Cell Lines for Federal Research Funds
NIH has authorized the first 13 lines of human embryonic stem cells for research under a shift in policy that President Obama announced in March. A spokesperson for California’s stem cell research institute said NIH’s move will help advance work under way in California. Washington Post et al.
Opinion: Get Involved Locally To Help Pass Health Reform
“If you believe access to health care is a moral issue and should be a right and not a privilege,” you should create or participate in a local group advocating for health reform legislation, argues Joan Parnas Sublett, the retired director of Alcohol and Drug Programs and deputy director of Mental Health Services for Yolo County. Parnas Sublett concludes that “doing nothing just doesn’t seem to me to be a morally acceptable option.” Sacramento Bee.
Ruling Would Permit Union Vote for Kaiser Staff in Southern Calif.
A regional National Labor Relations Board concluded that the contract in place for Kaiser workers in Southern California permits a vote that would let them change union representation. SEIU, the current union, plans to appeal the ruling. Sacramento Business Journal, San Francisco Business Times.
H1N1 Influenza Has Peaked in L.A. County, Officials Say
On Tuesday, Los Angeles County health officials said the H1N1 influenza likely has peaked in the county. The most recent public health records available — for the week ending Nov. 21 — revealed fewer positive H1N1 flu tests and fewer emergency department visits as a result of the illness. However, there could be another H1N1 flu outbreak as a result of visitors to the area during the holidays and the Rose Bowl football game, according to Pasadena Public Health Director Takashi Wada. Los Angeles Times.
Physicians Account for Many of UC’s Highest-Paid Staff Members
New figures from the University of California show that nine in 10 UC employees earning more than $200,000 per year are physicians. UC doctors earn a base salary from the state and additional funds from grants, hospital payments and other sources. Orange County Register.
Low-Vision Californians Losing Safety Net Care Following Medi-Cal Cuts
Earlier this year, state lawmakers eliminated vision care and other services from Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. As a result of the cuts, many enrollees with limited vision are facing difficulty accessing optometry and other optical care services. San Jose Mercury News.