Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Groups Big Donors to Governor’s Ballot Measure Account
The California Hospital Association, the California Dental Association and Anthem Blue Cross have all given at least $100,000 to an account Gov. Schwarzenegger controls to campaign for ballot measures. The donations entitle the groups to invitations to events hosted by the governor. Sacramento Bee.
Sebelius Nomination Passes Out of Senate Finance Panel
The Senate Finance Committee voted 15-8 to send Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ nomination for HHS secretary to the full Senate. Tomorrow’s California Healthline will feature full details. AP/Washington Post.
Campaign Opposing Health-Related Measures Maintains United Front
Opponents of propositions 1E and 1D are launching a united campaign against the measures, which would let the state shift funds from special accounts for mental health services and early childhood health care and education programs. San Francisco Chronicle.
Autism Resource Center To Open in Orange County
A new center, called the Family Autism Network, will open in Orange County on Thursday to provide guidance and information about autism. The network is a joint effort between The Grandparents Autism Network, For OC Kids and Help Me Grow. Orange County Register.
Drugstore Industry Strong Despite Economic Recession
The drugstore industry has been less affected by the recession than other retailers, with several new stores slated to open in the Sacramento area. Analysts predict that the industry’s growth will be slowed by the economic recession but not enough to halt several grand openings. Sacramento Bee.
New Federal Health IT Chief Gears Up for Work on Electronic Records
David Blumenthal took over as director of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology at HHS this week. He will be charged with overseeing billions of dollars from the federal stimulus package aimed at boosting adoption of electronic health records. Wall Street Journal.
Yolo County May Cut Care for Undocumented Immigrants
Yolo County officials are considering proposals to address an estimated $24 million spending gap in the next fiscal year. One proposed plan would exclude undocumented immigrants from eligibility in a county health care reimbursement program for low-income residents, which would save $1.5 million next fiscal year. Sacramento Bee.
Nurse Union Efforts To Change Labor Laws Hit Snag
Nurses unions had been hoping the Democratic president and Congress would overhaul U.S. labor laws to make union organization easier, but the unions do not have the votes of 60 senators needed to block a filibuster against the Employee Free Choice Act. New York Times.
Report Critical of Physician Oversight in Calif., Florida
On Monday, Public Citizen released a report asserting that state boards that license physicians issued fewer citations in 2008 than in previous years. Although Florida and California fared better than other states in the report, Public Citizen said it singled out the states because they have large numbers of doctors and should have issued more citations. HealthLeaders Media.
Cancer Emerges as Leading Cause of Death in San Diego County
The number of cancer deaths rose by 4% from 2006 to 2007, while the number of deaths from heart disease — formerly the leading cause of death in the county — dropped. A county official said data likely will show that cancer was the leading cause of death in 2008. San Diego Union-Tribune.