Latest California Healthline Stories
Questions Surround California’s Share of Federal Stimulus Funds
Gov. Schwarzenegger is expected to call a special legislative session to deal with new laws that might be needed to qualify for federal stimulus funds, but an analysis by the state finance department suggests that California won’t be receiving as much stimulus money as it had hoped. If the lower numbers prove accurate, Medi-Cal could see more cuts. Capitol Weekly, Sacramento Bee.
Sierra Health Foundation Doles Out $1M in Grants
In response to the economic downturn and increase in demand for basic health services, the Sierra Health Foundation has awarded a total of $1 million in grants to 42 public and private groups that serve residents in Northern California. Sacramento Bee.
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Drug Company Liability Argument
Drugmaker Wyeth argued that lawsuits could not proceed in state courts for matters related to drugs FDA approved. Justices rejected the argument in a 6-3 ruling, upholding a $6.7 million award to a patient. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Opinion Piece Faults ‘Closed Door’ State Budget Deal
In a Contra Costa Times opinion piece, Peter Schrag — former editorial page editor of the Sacramento Bee and author of “California: America’s High-Stakes Experiment” — argues that the state budget deal was “a crummy way of doing business.” He writes, “Once again, the budget was concocted with no review, hearings or access for any outsider.” Contra Costa Times.
Mental Health Advocates File Lawsuit Over Ballot Measure
Two mental health advocates have filed a lawsuit alleging that the ballot label on Proposition 1E is “false and misleading.” The proposition would shift mental health funding allocated under Proposition 63 to help balance the state budget. The lawsuit seeks to amend the wording of the ballot title and summary. Sacramento Bee.
State Budget Does Little To Help Santa Cruz County Health Programs
Santa Cruz County Administrative Officer Susan Mauriello said the state’s new spending plan will not help ease the county’s budget deficit and that health services, including the Healthy Kids insurance program, continue to be in jeopardy. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
California Fines 10 Hospitals Over Health Code Violations
The California Department of Public Health issued $25,000 fines to 10 hospitals for health violations that were “likely to cause serious injury or death to patients.” The hospitals have until March 13 to appeal the citations. AP/San Jose Mercury News et al.
Newsom Discusses Budget Woes, Gubernatorial Run
KQED’s “Forum” featured an interview with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom about his likely gubernatorial run and the city and county’s budget troubles. KQED’s “Forum.”
Baucus To Introduce Comprehensive Health Reform Legislation
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus said that the legislation would use a mix of public and private options to expand coverage to all U.S. residents. Baucus plans to co-write the bill with Finance Committee ranking member Chuck Grassley. Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
El Dorado County To Suspend Funding of Retiree Benefits
El Dorado County officials have decided to suspend for one year its prepayment into a fund for retiree’s health benefits hoping to reduce the county’s projected budget deficit for fiscal year 2009-2010 by $4.6 million. The Board of Supervisors said that the move would not affect retired county workers’ health benefits. Sacramento Bee.