Latest California Healthline Stories
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 13, 2009
USC confirmed that it will acquire two hospitals from Tenet Healthcare for a total of $275 million, and Hemet Valley Medical Center moved closer to winning full accreditation from the Joint Commission. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center shut down its rooftop helipad.
California Senate Bill Seeks New Protections for Mammograms
Sen. Jenny Oropeza has introduced legislation that would require inspection results for mammogram machines to be posted so that they are highly visible to patients. Current law requires inspection results to be posted but does not specify where. Long Beach Press-Telegram.
Medi-Cal Expected to Get at Least $10 Billion From Stimulus
The compromise economic stimulus bill includes changes that will provide more federal Medicaid funds to California and other states that have seen big jumps in unemployment. The House is expected to approve the package today, and a Senate vote could take place hours later or over the weekend. Los Angeles Times et al.
IRS: Not-for-Profit Hospitals Vary Widely in Public Benefits
A two-year IRS study found that on average not-for-profit hospitals spent about 9% of their revenue on community benefits, including medical care, education and research. About 500 hospitals participated in the study. New York Times.
Federal Court Rejects Cases Linking Vaccines to Autism
On Thursday, a federal court ruled against plaintiffs in three cases arguing that vaccines contributed to their children’s autism. More than 5,500 similar suits have been filed seeking compensation from the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Wall Street Journal, San Diego Union-Tribune.
Wal-Mart Efforts on Health Care Gaining More Positive Attention
As part of an effort to boost the quality and efficiency of care for its employees, Wal-Mart has expanded coverage options, started using electronic health records and partnered with the Mayo Clinic and other prestigious groups. Wal-Mart was widely criticized for its health benefits record in 2005. Washington Post.
Santa Cruz County Clinics Locked in Contract Battle
Seventeen doctors at four Santa Cruz County health clinics have yet to reach a contract agreement with the county after five months of negotiations. The physicians are seeking higher pay and better benefits packages. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Sacramento County Rules on Care for Immigrants Criticized
Physicians and public health officials argue that a new Sacramento County policy that denies care to undocumented immigrants for most conditions at county clinics will shift the costs of such care to hospital emergency departments and lead to higher administrative costs for clinics. Sacramento Bee.
Whitman Expands on Health Care Positions
Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, who is seeking the Republican nomination for California governor, said that she would not support cutting health care or welfare benefits for undocumented immigrants because the cuts would affect children. Whitman also said that she supports abortion rights. San Francisco Chronicle.
Charles Drew University Cuts Staff, Reduces Salaries
Charles Drew University in Los Angeles is cutting about 40 staff positions and scaling back salaries and travel as the school deals with a drop in donations. The school specializes in urban-based medicine and trains nurses, physician assistants and radiologists. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”