Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser, VA Team Up To Share Electronic Records in San Diego County
A pilot projected slated to launch next month will link the electronic health record systems of Kaiser Permanente and the federal Department of Veterans Affairs for patients in San Diego County. The project could be a model for linking other EHR systems. San Diego Union-Tribune.
CalPERS Likely To Delay Rate Increase for Local Government Employers
Although the recession has hit CalPERS’ investments, local government agencies likely will not need to raise their contributions to the pension fund until 2011. The Schwarzenegger administration has said putting off the rate hike could compound financial strain. Capitol Weekly.
Federal Agency Steps Up With Grants To Expand Health IT Work Force
Yesterday, the chief of the federal Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology announced $80 million in grants aimed at training 50,000 additional health IT workers. The effort will create new training programs at community colleges. Modern Healthcare et al.
Some Question Results of Fresno Health Academy
About 9% of graduates from the Doctors Academy in Fresno have enrolled in or completed health-related college programs in the decade since the academy was founded, sparking concerns from some leaders of the initiative. However, others say that the program should be considered a success because of high graduation and college enrollment rates. Fresno Bee.
San Mateo County To Launch Drug Discount Cards for All Residents
Starting next month, all San Mateo County residents will be able to use special “Coast2Coast” cards to obtain prescription drug discounts at participating local pharmacies. Officials said the program will reduce retail drug prices by an average of 38%. Contra Costa Times.
Registered Nurses at Catholic Healthcare West Ratify New Contract
Nurses working at Catholic Healthcare West facilities will gain a 20% wage increase under new agreements negotiated by the California Nurses Association. The contracts also call for the hospitals to establish task forces to combat H1N1 influenza. Sacramento Business Journal.
Prison Care Inspection Shows Low Adherence to Policies
Preliminary scores for a report on the quality of prison health care in California by the state Inspector General’s office indicate that the 11 prisons inspected so far rate low in several key areas. All the prisons scored below 75 on a 100-point scale for their treatment of chronic illnesses, access to primary care, health assessments of new inmates and inmates’ ability to see a specialist. The IG’s office is scheduled to inspect the remaining prisons in the state and issue a final report by next summer. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
California’s Climbing Debt Ratio Could Spur Deeper Health Cuts
Recent bond approvals and declining state revenue have led California officials to predict that the state’s debt ratio could rise to 10% of its general fund budget over the next several years. Some observers say the state’s grim financial situation could compel lawmakers to impose deeper cuts to health care programs and other state services. Sacramento Bee, KQED’s “Forum.”
PAMF To Get $2M in Grants for Research, New Positions
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute has received more than $2 million in federal stimulus money to fund medical research projects and new research positions. The money will fund research projects on diabetes, primary care for elderly patients, prostate cancer and weight loss. San Francisco Business Times.
Reform Efforts Could Undermine Credit for Hospitals in Urban Areas
A report from Moody’s Investors Service indicates that hospitals in high-cost urban areas could have their credit ratings downgraded if provisions of health care reform proposals that would cut Medicare funding are enacted. The report says stand-alone facilities would be hit hard. Reuters, Modern Healthcare.