Latest California Healthline Stories
Opinion: ‘Root Cause’ of Doctor Shortage Merits Action
Luther Cobb, chair of the department of surgery at Mad River Community Hospital and a member of the California Medical Association executive committee, argues against SB 726, which would permit hospitals to directly hire physicians in some circumstances. Cobb asserts that opening new medical schools and increasing Medi-Cal reimbursements would more effectively increase the doctor supply. Sacramento Bee.
Obama Argues Case for Health Care Reform in Weekend Road Trip
In Minneapolis Saturday, President Obama restated arguments from his speech to Congress last week, asserting that more Americans will lose coverage and health care premiums will continue to rise faster than wages if health care reform doesn’t pass this year. Roll Call et al.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for August 2009
Bertram Lubin accepted a post as interim president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Oakland, replacing former head Frank Tiedemann. Meanwhile, Valley Health System tapped Joel Bergenfeld to serve as interim CEO following the departure of Fred Harder.
Judge Halts Cuts to California’s Adult Day Health Care Services
Last week, U.S. District Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong ruled that reducing services in the state’s adult day health care program could cause “irreparable and imminent” harm to participants. The state was scheduled to cut the program’s services from five days per week to three. The suit is one of numerous legal challenges to recent state budget cuts. San Francisco Chronicle, Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Analysts Say Healthy S.F. Offers Lessons for Reform
Early data show that San Francisco’s effort to ensure universal access to health care services has resulted in fewer hospital stays and shorter lengths of stay at hospitals. Researchers say Healthy San Francisco offers an example for health care reform, but others caution against applying lessons from the program too broadly. KQED’s “The California Report.”
L.A. County Pushes for More Oversight of Workers’ Comp
Last week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal to require the county chief executive to investigate the increase in disability discrimination lawsuits and review county efforts to help injured workers return to work. The move came as the board approved a workers’ compensation settlement with a county worker. Los Angeles Times.
Columnist Touts Greater Use of Electronic Enrollment Tools
Greater use of One Electronic Application, or One-e-App, would streamline the process of applying for Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and other public assistance programs, according to columnist Byron Williams. He maintains that greater use of the Web-based tool also would translate to cost savings for agencies that administer the programs. Tri-Valley Herald.
Tenet Hospital Employees Paid $85 Million Settlement
About 23,000 current and former employees of Tenet-owned hospitals were awarded $85 million in back wages last week in a settlement of a class-action lawsuit. The original lawsuit was filed by respiratory therapist Don Pagaduan, who claimed his paychecks had not increased in accordance with a 2000 law that required overtime pay for employees working 12-hour shifts. Orange County Register.
Feinstein Questioning Elements of Democratic Health Reform Proposals
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) remains skeptical of health care reform proposals that would raise the state’s share of Medicaid funding. Feinstein said she would support proposals that increase regulation of insurance companies. San Francisco Chronicle, AP/Sacramento Bee.
Senate Finance Panel To Release Health Care Reform Plan This Week
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus said the proposal could be released as soon as tomorrow. Committee members are scheduled to meet with several governors today to discuss the cost of expanding Medicaid eligibility. A key senator said the federal government would cover most of the cost. Politico et al.