Latest California Healthline Stories
New Union Calls Foul in Struggle To Represent Calif. Health Workers
The National Union of Healthcare Workers has filed charges with the California Public Employment Relations Board alleging that the Service Employees International Union improperly pressured voters during a recent campaign to represent home health care workers. Wall Street Journal.
Univ. of California Launches Global Health Institute
This week, the University of California launched the Global Health Institute to research health problems around the world. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provided $4 million in startup funds. Researchers at UC-Davis will lead two key areas of study, including research on the effect on human health of nutrition, water, animals and the environment. Sacramento Bee.
State’s Stem Cell Initiative Hits Five-Year Milestone
On Wednesday, stem cell researchers gathered in La Jolla to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the approval of the state’s $3 billion stem cell initiative and to discuss upcoming challenges for the program. Larry Goldstein, director of the stem cell program at UC-San Diego, said that there are many promising ideas in the field but that it is unclear which will work and which will require years of testing to improve researchers’ understanding of the science. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Cardoza: House Reform Bill Provides ‘Enormous Benefits’
Although the House health care reform bill “is not perfect,” it “will provide enormous benefits for those I was elected to represent,” argues Rep. Dennis Cardoza. Cardoza writes that in his district, one-quarter of the residents lack health coverage, there is a doctor shortage and hospitals are losing money by providing care to residents who cannot afford it. Cardoza continues that the House reform bill “will provide significant improvements to the Valley and meets 90% of what I sought in health care reform.” Merced Sun-Star.
Health Care Reform Stakeholders To Stay Active During Recess
Both proponents and opponents of health care reform plan to keep the issue in the spotlight during Congress’ Veterans Day recess. The groups plan to air radio and television advertisements in certain states and are organizing “welcome home” parties for House members who voted for the reform bill. Wall Street Journal, CongressDaily.
Congressional Leaders Aim To Complete Health Care Reform This Year
Yesterday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer released a revised House schedule aimed at completing health care reform by the end of the year. The move comes a day after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid filed a motion to begin Senate debate on health care legislation next week. The Hill et al.
Reid Mulls Hike in Payroll Tax To Help Pay for Health Care Reform
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reportedly is considering a plan to pay for health care reform by increasing the Medicare payroll tax for individuals who earn more than $250,000 annually. Currently, the payroll tax is set at 1.45% of an individual’s income and is matched by employers. It is unclear how high Reid’s plan would raise the tax or if the increase would apply to employers’ portions. AP/Washington Post.
Central Valley Lawmakers Divided on Abortion Provision
Rep. Doris Matsui is one of at least 40 House Democrats who plans to oppose health care reform legislation if an amendment to limit federal funding for abortion services is included in the final bill. Meanwhile, Reps. Jim Cost and Dennis Cardoza, who represent conservative-leaning districts, supported the final House health reform package. Rep. Dan Lungren supported the House abortion amendment but opposed the broader health care reform bill. Sacramento Bee.
Medical Schools Launch New Curricula To Prepare Students
Medical schools across the country are revamping their curricula to take a “patient-centric” approach to health care and address changes expected to occur in the field in coming decades. A growing number of medical schools are offering courses such as doctor-patient communication; cultural issues in health care; socio-economic factors that contribute to disease; and the political side of health care in an attempt to prepare their students for a “dramatically changing medical landscape.” Washington Post.
Reid Takes Step To Move Forward With Debate of Health Care Reform Bill
Late yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid laid the groundwork to move forward with health care reform by filing a motion to place the House health reform bill on the official Senate calendar. The Senate’s debate of the bill could come as early as next Tuesday. Roll Call et al.