Latest California Healthline Stories
California Nurse Diversion Program Draws Scrutiny
An investigation by the Los Angeles Times and the not-for-profit news organization ProPublica found that since 1985 more than 80 nurses who have entered California’s nurse diversion program have left the program and been labeled “public safety threats.” The investigation identified cases in which the California Board of Registered Nursing did not take action against such nurses for several years. Los Angeles Times.
House Negotiations Heat Up, but Lawmakers Pledge To Soldier On
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Henry Waxman and Rep. Mike Ross, a lead negotiator for the Blue Dog Coalition, had a tense exchange Friday but pledged to continue markups this week. Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office offered new numbers on the House reform plan. Roll Call.
Kaiser Permanente Security Guards OK Union Contract
On Saturday, security guards at Kaiser Permanente facilities voted to approve their first union contract. The Service Employees International Union said the contract would increase pay slightly and expand health care benefits. San Francisco Business Times.
Riverside County Report Sees Risk of Teen Pregnancy, STIs
A recent study by the Riverside County Public Health Department indicated that teenagers in low-income areas in the county faced a greater risk of becoming pregnant or contracting sexually transmitted infections. A county official said the report would shape efforts to target the most at-risk communities. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Schwarzenegger Plans To Sign Budget Agreement Tomorrow
The California Senate and Assembly signed off on a package of budget bills Friday after marathon sessions. The budget plan will cut state funding for health care programs by about $2 billion, including a $1.3 billion hit to Medi-Cal. Gov. Schwarzenegger will use his line-item veto authority to impose additional cuts after the Assembly rejected two measures. Sacramento Bee et al.
Cal Chamber Chief Argues Against New Hospital Fee
In a letter to the editor, California Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg asserts that legislation (AB 1383) to assess a new fee on hospitals would lead to higher hospital charges for patients with private insurance coverage and those who pay out-of-pocket. Zaremberg called upon the Legislature to reject the bill. Los Angeles Times.
Medicare Would Cover Adult Day Health Care Under Bill
Rep. Linda Sanchez has introduced a bill (HR 3043) that would require Medicare to cover adult day health care services. She hopes to include the proposal as part of a larger health care reform package. Pasadena Star-News.
CBO Report Says Plan for Medicare Panel Won’t Have Big Effect on Costs
The Congressional Budget Office released a report Saturday indicating that the Obama administration’s proposal to create an independent advisory council to set Medicare payment rates would not yield major cost savings. Washington Post, New York Times.
Support Building for Plan To Tax High-Value Health Benefits Packages
The White House and members of Congress are indicating support for a proposal to cover the cost of health care reform partly by taxing insurers that offer high-value benefits plans. The proposal has been the subject of a series of meetings in the Senate Finance Committee. Wall Street Journal et al.
Baucus Welcomes Delay in Senate Vote on Health Care Reform Legislation
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus said efforts to craft health care reform legislation could benefit from a decision to postpone a floor vote until after the August recess. Some senators are voicing support for Baucus’ efforts while others are pushing for a bigger role in negotiations. Roll Call et al.