Latest California Healthline Stories
Federal Judges in California Push Same-Sex Benefits as Issue
President Obama’s administration could have to weigh in on the issue of health insurance benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees if federal appeals court judges in California attempt to enforce orders expanding federal benefits. New York Times.
Editorial Calls Single-Payer Health Care a ‘Mistake’
Legislation that would create a state-run, single-payer health care system in California would create a new government bureaucracy and lead to rationing of care, according to an editorial. It states that a “government-run health care system would be an enormous mistake.” Orange County Register.
Advocate Urges Changes at California Stem Cell Agency
Now that President Obama has eased restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine needs to align itself with NIH and focus more closely on science, according to John Simpson, director of Consumer Watchdog’s Stem Cell Oversight and Accountability Project. California voters approved the creation of CIRM in 2004. Sacramento Bee.
Doctors Protest Contra Costa County’s Planned Health Cuts
On Wednesday, nearly 40 physicians protested in front of Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez over a county proposal that would eliminate basic health services for 5,500 adult undocumented immigrants. County health officials say the move could save the county $6 million annually, but the doctors argue that it could jeopardize people’s health and lead to a spike in emergency department costs. Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
Lawmaker Pushes for Google Maps To Blur Hospitals
Assembly member Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) has introduced a measure that would require Google Maps and Google Earth to blur images of hospitals, schools, places of worship and government buildings. The bill is aimed at preventing terrorists from collecting information about potential attack targets. Healthcare IT News.
Roche Agrees To Purchase Genentech for $47 Billion
Genentech’s board has approved and recommended a deal in which pharmaceutical company Roche will pay $95 per share for the 44% of Genentech that it does not already own. Roche’s initial bid of $89 per share was rejected by Genentech’s board in July 2008. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, New York Times.
Plan Offers Strategy To Reopen Shuttered Hospital in South L.A.
Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital terminated inpatient services in 2007 after it failed a series of federal inspections. A plan to reopen the facility would rely on the University of California to provide physicians and maintain patient care standards. Los Angeles Times.
San Francisco Health Chief Calls Healthy San Francisco the ‘New Way’
San Francisco Public Health Director Mitch Katz said he is committed to the structure of the program, which aims to ensure access to health care services for all San Francisco residents. Katz said the program would continue to expand despite the city’s budget deficit, but some advocates say spending cuts are affecting access to care. San Francisco Chronicle.
Push for Single-Payer Health Care in California Returns to State Senate
Sen. Mark Leno put forward the latest incarnation of legislation to create a state-run, single-payer health care system in California. Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed versions of the legislation in 2006 and 2008 citing concerns about its cost. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Public, Lawmakers Torn About Health Care-Related Ballot Measures
Advocacy groups and lawmakers are expressing mixed feelings about measures on the May 19 special election ballot that would tap into special accounts for mental health and early childhood health care and education services. Santa Cruz Sentinel, Capitol Weekly.