Latest California Healthline Stories
Opinion Piece Stumps for Bills To Halt Gender Rating
In an opinion piece, Philip Diamond — vice chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District IX — argues in favor of two bills in the Assembly and Senate that would halt gender rating among health insurers. He writes, “Gender rating hurts women and can put affordable coverage completely out of their grasp,” adding, “Besides harming women and their families, gender rating hurts society as a whole.” Sacramento Bee.
Sacramento Mental Health Center Closed to New Patients
The steady increase of mental health patients and Sacramento County’s budget problems forced the Mental Health Treatment Center, the county’s main psychiatric hospital, to stop admitting new patients on Friday. The center remained closed to new patients through Tuesday and could stay closed for several more days until its caseload declines, according to officials. Advocates and officials say the situation indicates that the state is nearing a mental health catastrophe. Sacramento Bee.
Unions Push for Federal Law on Nurse-to-Patient Ratios
Earlier this month, an alliance of nurses unions rallied in Washington, D.C., to push for new workplace regulations in hospitals. Bills by Sen. Barbara Boxer and Rep. Jan Schakowsky would set minimum nurse-to-patient ratios similar to those in effect in California since 2004. Modern Healthcare.
President Restates Commitment to Health Care Reform in 2009
President Obama said that he is intent on overhauling the health care system this year, noting that businesses are more supportive of reform efforts today than they were during the Clinton administration. Los Angeles Times et al.
California Could Be First State To Limit Patient Wait Times
Proposed regulations in California would set a maximum number of hours health plan enrollees could wait before seeing a physician. Under the proposed rules, patients needing an “urgent” appointment for a service not requiring prior authorization must be seen within 48 hours, while patients needing urgent appointments requiring prior authorization must be seen within 96 hours. Health plans and physicians oppose the proposal. HealthLeaders Media.
Few Retail Clinics in Lower-Income Areas, Study Finds
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that retail clinics tend to be clustered in areas with lower poverty rates, lower populations of black residents and higher median incomes than areas without retail clinics. The study’s author said the findings suggest that financial incentives may be needed to lure retail clinics to low-income areas. Reuters, AP/Washington Times.
Proposals To Cut Health Spending in California Face Opposition
Health care advocates are among those set to voice concerns about Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposals to cut state spending to balance the state budget deficit. The Legislature will continue public hearings on the proposals this week. State officials told lawmakers the state won’t be able to make some payments by the end of the summer if a budget is not passed quickly. Los Angeles Times et al.
California Community Colleges, Universities Snag $60M for Nursing
Stakeholders in the health and education sectors will match the state’s $30 million commitment over five years to help fund nursing education programs at community colleges and universities throughout California. Sacramento Bee.
Recession Boosts Demand at California Women’s Clinics
The economic recession has led to an increase in demand at women’s clinics in California. Planned Parenthood Los Angeles President and CEO Mary-Jane Wagle discussed the trend. KPCC’ “News.”
San Diego County Looks to First 5 Funding To Deal With Budget Deficit
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is considering a proposal that would push the county’s First 5 commission to help fund a county clinic initiative that is slated to close next month. Supervisors are debating the size of the commission’s budget reserves. San Diego Union-Tribune.