Latest California Healthline Stories
Several Groups Seek To End Glaucoma Treatment Law
Efforts to suspend a law that would allow optometrists to treat patients with glaucoma heated up this week. The California Medical Association, the California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the American Glaucoma Society have asked the state to block enactment of the law, written by state Sen. Lou Correa, which is set to take effect in January. The groups claim that the law is based on recommendations from Tony Carnevali, an optometrist and past president of the board of trustees for the California Optometric Association, which they say is a conflict of interest. Orange County Register‘s “OC Watchdog.”
Governor’s Plan To Reduce Prison Population Rejected
A panel of three federal judges rejected Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal to reduce the state prison population and asked the administration to submit another proposal in 21 days. The judges said they would consider other proposals if the state does not provide an acceptable plan to reduce overcrowding. Judges have ruled that prisons fall short of constitutional requirements for medical and mental health care because of overcrowding. Los Angeles Times et al.
Bill To Rework Medicare Payments for Physicians Falls Short in Senate
Thirteen Democrats joined Republicans in opposing a procedural move that would have allowed a vote on legislation to change the way Medicare determines reimbursement rates for doctors. Opponents of the bill say the cost of making the change would have been added to the national debt. CQ Today et al.
Ryan White Extension Lacks Provision To Lock In S.F. HIV/AIDS Funds
Yesterday, the House voted 408-9 to reauthorize federal HIV/AIDS funding through the Ryan White CARE Act. The bill does not include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s provision to permanently ensure stable HIV/AIDS funds for San Francisco. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Hospital Admissions Up for Calif. Nursing Home Residents, Report Finds
A recent Commonwealth Fund study suggests that more California long-term care residents are being admitted to hospitals compared with a decade ago. Researchers say the findings indicate that nursing homes are serving residents with more serious health issues. Payers & Providers.
House Panel OKs Bill To Repeal Insurers’ Antitrust Exemption
California’s Dan Lungren and two other Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee crossed party lines to back a bill that would repeal some exemptions for insurers to federal antitrust laws. The proposal likely will be folded into the House’s health care reform legislation, and the Senate is expected to include a similar measure in its overhaul bill. McClatchy/Sacramento Bee.
VA Denies San Joaquin Co. Sites; Private Firms Step In
After the Department of Veterans Affairs rejected three sites owned by San Joaquin County for a new VA medical facility, two private development firms have proposed sites for the 120-bed facility. Grupe Commercial has suggested an about 20-acre site in downtown Stockton, while Arnaiz Development proposed a 56-acre lot in French Camp. VA awarded San Joaquin County the new facility in May as a means of relieving VA’s Livermore nursing home and providing services to the county’s 42,000 veterans. Stockton Record.
Blue Shield of California Reworks Incentive Program
Blue Shield of California has updated the criteria for its pay-for-performance program, shifting a greater share of its incentive payments to physicians who score better on program criteria. As part of the effort, Blue Shield also will provide training sessions to help physicians improve their performances. Payers & Providers.
Study: Citizenship Check Burdens States, Eligible Applicants for Medi-Cal
A new report suggests that federal citizenship verification rules have prevented some eligible Medi-Cal applicants from accessing health services. The study also found that the rules have increased workloads at county agencies. Los Angeles Times, United Press International.
Stockton Chosen for Prison Health Care Facility
On Tuesday, California corrections officials announced that they have chosen Stockton to be the home of a new prison hospital. Construction, which will cost $1.1 billion, is set to begin in 2010 and is expected to last two years. The facility will house 1,734 adult inmates. Stockton Record.