Latest California Healthline Stories
California Health Providers Eye Stimulus Funding
California hospitals, clinics and doctors hope to receive new funding under the federal stimulus package. The package includes $17 billion in incentive payments for hospitals and doctors who demonstrate meaningful use of health IT, $2 billion for IT infrastructure projects and research, and $2 billion for community clinic renovation, construction and other related needs. San Francisco Business Times.
Date Set for Sebelius’ Confirmation Hearing
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus announced that his committee will hold a confirmation hearing on April 2 for President Obama’s nominee for HHS secretary, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. New York Times‘ “The Caucus.”
Senate GOP Leader Says Health Care-Related Ballot Measures Will Fail
Senate Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth predicted that five of the six ballot measures up for vote in the May special election, including two tied to health care funding, will not pass. Approval of the measures is necessary to complete the state budget. Sacramento Bee.
State To Modify Medi-Cal Rules To Pave Way for Stimulus Funding
Yesterday, the California Legislature approved a bill that would modify the state’s Medi-Cal eligibility rules to qualify for more than $10 billion in additional federal funding for the program through the economic stimulus package. Gov. Schwarzenegger is expected to sign the bill today. Sacramento Bee et al.
Roche Completes Acquisition of San Francisco’s Genentech
On Thursday, Swiss drugmaker Roche announced that it has completed its acquisition of San Francisco biotechnology firm Genentech. Roche owned about 56% of Genentech prior to launching a takeover bid last year. Roche said it now owns 93% of Genentech’s shares, following the completion of its $93-a-share tender offer. San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News.
Podcast Discusses Poll on Budget Ballot Measures
In a new podcast, Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and KQED’s John Myers discuss a new Public Policy Institute of California poll that found that five May 19 ballot measures, including two on health care funding, do not have enough support for approval. Capitol Weekly.
GlaxoSmithKline To Donate Patents for Medical Research
On Tuesday, GlaxoSmithKline announced it will donate 800 of its patents to a pool open to all researchers trying to develop medications for neglected diseases as a way to do more for developing nations. The drugmaker said it hopes other companies also will donate intellectual property to the pool. Wall Street Journal.
California Representatives Push Paid Family Leave Bill
Reps. Pete Stark, George Miller, Lynn Woolsey and Carolyn Maloney introduced a bill that would allow employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to deal with family health emergencies, a new child or military deployment. The bill builds on the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act. Oakland Tribune.
California Medical Association, Others File Suit Against WellPoint
The California Medical Association, along with the American Medical Association and several other state medical groups, has filed a class-action lawsuit, alleging that WellPoint participated in an industry-wide effort to under pay physicians for out-of-network care. Los Angeles Times et al.
Few Hospitals Use Electronic Health Records, Study Finds
A study, funded by HHS and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that just 1.5% of U.S. hospitals have comprehensive electronic health record systems in place, while another 8% to 11% have implemented basic EHR systems. Most Sacramento area hospitals appear to be ahead of the curve in terms of EHR adoption. Sutter Health, the one major exception, might delay the rollout of its EHR system because of the economic downturn. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee.