Latest California Healthline Stories
Obama Floats Compromise on Health Care Reform at Summit
President Obama said he remained committed to enacting comprehensive health care reform this year but indicated that there was room for compromise on the effort’s details. The summit included five break-out sessions on different challenges for health care reform. New York Times et al.
Kaiser Gets Top Spot in MBA Magazine’s Diversity List
On Thursday, Kaiser Permanente announced that DiversityMBA Magazine has ranked the health care giant first in its fourth annual “50 Out Front for Diversity Leadership” list. The magazine will hit newsstands next month. San Francisco Business Times.
Questions on Speaking Fees Prompt Resignation of State Cabinet Official
Rosario Marín stepped down as head of the California Consumer Services Agency after the Los Angeles Times raised questions about speaking fees she received from drugmakers and other firms that were lobbying agencies she oversaw. A state board is investigating the situation. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Changes OK’d to Ballot Measures on Mental Health Funds, Spending
The title and descriptions of ballot measures dealing with mental health funding and a state spending cap were modified yesterday after critics went to court arguing that the language was inaccurate. The measures were approved for the ballot as part of the state budget deal. Sacramento Bee et al.
New Bill Aims To Boost Oversight of Fertility Clinics in California
The bill would classify fertility clinics as outpatient facilities, giving the California Medical Board and accreditation organizations wider authority over the clinics. At least two other states are considering new rules on fertility clinics after a California woman delivered octuplets. Whittier Daily News.
White House Convenes Summit To Mull Options for Health Care Reform
More than 120 doctors, patients, business owners and health insurance officials will attend a conference at the White House today to discuss possible strategies for reworking the U.S. health care system. President Obama has called for action on health care reform this year. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
L.A. County Could See More Stimulus Funds for Medicaid
Los Angeles County could receive an additional $442 million in federal stimulus funding for Medicaid and foster care between now and next year because of new funding formulas according to Los Angeles County CEO William Fujioka. Los Angeles Times.
UC-Irvine Medical Students Run No-Cost Health Clinic
KPCC’s “News” included a segment on a free weekly health clinic UC-Irvine medical students run. The clinic launched in November, and students hope eventually to expand the service. KPCC’s “News.”
Study: 2006 Heat Wave Sent Thousands to State EDs
The 2006 heat wave in California killed more than 100 people and sent thousands of residents to emergency departments, according to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives. The study found that cooler areas of the state had the biggest spike in ED visits and hospitalizations. Sacramento Bee.
Survey Shows Many Firms Aim To Cut Health Care Spending in 2010
Research by Hewitt Associates found that about two-thirds of U.S. employers are considering ways to cut spending on health care benefits for employees next year and that about 4% of firms will eliminate employee health insurance coverage. Chicago Tribune.