Latest California Healthline Stories
U.S. Rule Might Require Patients To Show Photo IDs at Physician Offices
The Federal Trade Commission’s “Red Flags Rule” could require patients to show photo identification at doctor’s offices starting Aug. 1. Physicians are concerned that the rule would reduce access to care for certain populations and increase paperwork. Ventura County Star.
San Joaquin County Health Services Could Still Be Cut
San Joaquin County’s $1.27 billion spending plan, scheduled to be released today, is just slightly smaller than last year’s $1.28 billion budget. However, County Administrator Manuel Lopez said that additional health care cuts are likely because of the state’s $24 billion budget deficit. Stockton Record.
Political Watchdog Calls for Fine Against Former Official
The California Fair Political Practices Commission said it will issue a $5,400 fine against Rosario Marín, a former secretary of the California Consumer Services Agency. Marín resigned after questions were raised about speaking fees she received from businesses, including pharmaceutical companies that were lobbying her agency. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Panel Delivers Revenue Estimates for Plans To Finance Health Reform
The congressional Joint Committee on Taxation concluded that taxing employer-sponsored health benefits would raise more than $400 billion over the next 10 years. A recent study said taxing such benefits would be needed to achieve universal coverage. CQ Today, HealthLeaders Media.
Governor’s Budget Plan Cuts Funding to Poison Call Centers
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget would eliminate $5.9 million in state funding for four poison call centers operated by the California Poison Control System. CPCS officials said the network cuts health care costs by $70 million by reducing emergency department visits. Fresno Bee.
Report: Fewer Open Nursing Jobs in San Francisco Area
The percentage of open nursing positions in the San Francisco area has declined from 3.2% in October 2008 to 2.1% in the six weeks ending April 14, according to a report from Health Workforce Solutions. The trend comes amid nursing shortages in other areas of the country. San Francisco Business Times.
County Taps Stimulus Funds To Offset In-Home Care Cuts
Sacramento County is expected to use federal stimulus funding to offset planned state cuts to wages for in-home health care workers. The In-Home Supportive Services will make the recommendation to the Sacramento Board of Supervisors later today. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.
Obama Administration Touts Benefits of Stimulus Package
On Monday, President Obama and Vice President Biden met with the Cabinet to highlight plans for the next round of spending from the economic stimulus package, including an HHS effort to build or expand more than 1,000 community health centers nationwide. To date, most stimulus funds have gone to states in the form of Medicaid grants. New York Times, Los Angeles Times.
Republican Leaders Heat Up Opposition to Public Health Plan
All but one Republican member of the Senate Finance Committee signed a letter to President Obama voicing opposition to proposals to include a public plan in health care reform efforts. Republican leaders argue that a public plan would undermine private insurers and lead to a government-run health care system. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
Advocates Favor Raising Taxes Instead of Cutting Health Care Programs
Some health care advocates support raising taxes to help California address its estimated $24.3 billion budget deficit without slashing key health services. However, Gov. Schwarzenegger and Republican legislators are likely to resist proposed tax hikes. Sacramento Bee.