Latest California Healthline Stories
Democratic Party Support for Propositions 1D, 1E Falls Short
Slightly more than half of delegates at the state Democratic convention this weekend voted to endorse ballot measures that would let the state shift funds from special accounts for mental health services and early childhood health care and education programs, short of the 60% threshold needed for the party to officially endorse the initiatives. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Obama Administration Aims To Boost Physician Supply
The Obama administration is taking steps to address a nationwide shortage of physicians to help meet the needs of an aging population and millions of uninsured people who would receive health insurance under proposals President Obama supports. Ideas under consideration would specifically address a shortage of primary care physicians. New York Times.
Nurse Union’s Ad Campaign Touts Single-Payer System
The California Nurses Association and its affiliates have launched a national ad campaign designed to tout a Medicare-for-all approach to health care reform. So far the ad campaign has cost just under $200,000, according to a CNA official. San Francisco Business Times.
California Medical Board Mulls Change to Signage Rules
At its May 8 meeting, the California Medical Board is scheduled to vote on a proposal that would double the size of the font on signs alerting patients that the board oversees physicians and providing contact information for the board. Officials for the California Medical Association question the value of the proposal. HealthLeaders Media.
Health Care Reform News From Around the Nation for April 27
Arizona and Kansas take steps to qualify for health care funding from the federal economic stimulus package. Meanwhile, the governor of Colorado approved legislation that would tax hospitals to draw down federal matching funds for Medicaid.
Democrats Reach Tentative Deal To Fast-Track Health Reform
Democratic congressional leaders have agreed to use the budget reconciliation process for health care reform if they cannot pass bipartisan legislation. Republicans are criticizing the possibility of using the reconciliation process, which would eliminate the possibility of a filibuster. Washington Post et al.
County Policies on Care for Undocumented Immigrants Spark Worry
At least two California counties have eliminated nonemergency health care services for undocumented immigrants, and a similar proposal is scheduled for a vote next week in a third county. Critics of the policy changes warn that it could shift the patients to hospital emergency departments. Los Angeles Times.
GAO: States Concerned About Tracking Stimulus Funding
States are concerned that they do not have the recourses to properly oversee how their share of federal stimulus funding is being spent, according to a new Government Accountability Office report. States are slated to receive about $49 billion in federal stimulus funding this budget year — mostly for health care, transportation and education programs. McClatchy/Philadelphia Inquirer.
California Hospital Leaders Study Options To Boost Medi-Cal Pay
A plan for a new tax on hospitals didn’t win support among members of the California Hospital Association, pushing CHA leaders to consider other strategies to generate new revenue that the state could use to qualify for more federal Medicaid matching funds. HealthLeaders Media.
Controversial Pharmacy Mailing Bill Gets a Makeover
A bill (SB 238) by Sen. Ron Calderon that would have allowed commercial business to access patients’ prescription drug records and partner with drugmakers to send reminder letters to patients about prescription refills was significantly amended. The bill no longer allows access to patient records, but instead would triple the amount of prescription drugs pharmacies can fill at one time. Los Angeles Daily Journal.