Latest California Healthline Stories
Measures Help California Increase Regulation of Hospital Medical Errors
Three related laws that took effect in 2007 require hospitals to promptly report serious medical errors to the state health department, require the health department to investigate those reports within 48 hours and significantly increase state fines for hospital errors. San Francisco Chronicle.
Opinion: Gov’s Budget Vetoes May Be Against the Law
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s line-item vetoes to cut $489 billion from the California budget, including $50 million from Healthy Families, “may have overstepped the law,” an editorial argues. However, it concludes, “The governor and Legislature must do all they can to avoid a contentious, costly and time-consuming lawsuit to the controversy on how to achieve a balanced budget.” Contra Costa Times.
Obama Defends Health Care Reform Proposals in Weekly Address
In his weekly address, President Obama stumped for health reform and responded to recent criticism. In the GOP’s response, Bob McDonnell — the party’s nominee for governor of Virginia — continued to criticize Obama’s proposals. AP/Miami Herald et al.
State Budget Cuts Threaten To Close Community Clinics
Community clinics in California are at risk of closing after state officials cut the Medi-Cal dental benefit and eliminated community clinic grants. Capital Public Radio.
Recession, Budget Cuts Make Long-Term Care Difficult
The economic recession and resulting state budget cuts have made it difficult for families to continue to provide long-term care for elderly relatives or sick children at home. New America Media.
White House Advisers Brief Senators on Health Care Prior to Recess
Yesterday, White House adviser David Axelrod and Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina spoke with Senate Democrats about how to promote health reform and respond to protesters who are likely to attend events held over the August recess. Politico et al.
Hospital EDs See Increase in Patients Due to Recession
Many hospital emergency departments have experienced an increase in patients during the current recession because patients have lost their jobs and health insurance and can no longer afford primary care, according to a study by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured. AHA News.
Obama Calls for Bipartisanship, Swift Action on Health Reform
Yesterday, President Obama told six Senate Finance Committee members that he would prefer a bipartisan agreement on health care reform but stressed the need to overhaul health care this year. Obama and the senators also discussed several proposals being considered in the Finance Committee. Roll Call et al.
Report Finds ‘Deep Flaws’ in Employer Mandate Proposal
A Senate Finance Committee proposal to require employers to provide health insurance to employees or subsidize their health costs would discourage hiring of low-income, minority, female and disabled workers, according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. HealthLeaders Media.
California Hospital Roundup for the Week of August 7, 2009
SEIU lost a court ruling over charges it illegally prompted workers at California Pacific Medical Center to refuse to work overtime. In other news, Kaiser Permanente opened a new trauma center in Sacramento.