Latest California Healthline Stories
UC, Nurses Association Reach Tentative Contract Deal
On Thursday, the University of California and the California Nurses Association reached a tentative contract agreement that would cover more than 10,000 nurses. The tentative deal includes more than $32 million in wage increases through Sept. 30 and ensures bargaining on nurse contributions to UC retirement plan. Sacramento Business Journal.
Budget Crisis Forces State To Delay Medi-Cal, Other Payments
As a result of lawmakers’ failure to reach a budget agreement, state Controller John Chiang beginning today will delay some Medi-Cal payments. The state’s budget deficit is projected to reach $42 billion by mid-2010. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Senate Approves Bill To Expand Kids’ Health Insurance Program
The bill, approved by the Senate on Thursday, would reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and expand coverage to an additional four million children. An increase in the federal cigarette tax would fund the expansion. The House is expected to pass the Senate’s bill and send it to President Obama. Washington Post et al.
State Officials Seek To End Prison Medical Receivership
On Thursday, KQED’s “California Report” looked at debate over who should control the state’s prison health care system. On Wednesday, state officials asked a court to end California’s prison health care receivership and terminate the receiver’s plans to build new medical facilities and renovate existing facilities. KQED’s “California Report.
Planned San Diego Stem Cell Center Faces Funding Hurdles
Given the economy and state’s budget impasse, San Diego’s stem cell consortium has been unable to secure the loans necessary to build a planned $114 million stem cell research facility in Torrey Pines. The project originally was expected to be completed by December 2010. Still, officials involved with the research center say they are optimistic that the project will move forward. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Lawmakers Consider Bundled Payments for Medicare Providers
U.S. health care reform could include changes in the way physicians are paid for treating Medicare beneficiaries. HHS Secretary nominee Tom Daschle and Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus said bundled payments could increase efficiency and lead to better outcomes. Wall Street Journal.
California Physicians Use Smartphones To Provide Care
Some California physicians are turning to smartphones to treat patients remotely. However, privacy laws are seen as an obstacle to some potential advances, such as the ability to send patient data over wireless networks. Sacramento Bee.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of January 30, 2009
The National Labor Relations Board has ordered St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno to hold a new vote for nurses’ union representation. Meanwhile, Sequoia Healthcare District committed to matching up to $2 million in grants to help raise funds for Redwood City Hospital.
Growth of State’s Biomedical Industry Slows, Report Finds
Growth in the state’s biomedical industry has slowed because of the economic recession, according to a new report by the California Healthcare Institute. The report found that California biomedical businesses and research generated $74.5 billion in revenue in 2007, up about 2% from 2006. Over the same period a year earlier, the state’s biomedical industry grew by nearly 20%. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
Race for Vice Chair of State Stem Cell Institute Heats Up
Democratic state Senate and Assembly leaders, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, Treasurer Bill Lockyer and Controller John Chiang all are backing outgoing California Democratic Party Chair Art Torres for the role of vice chair of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Meanwhile, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has thrown his support behind Republican biotech executive Duane Roth. The institute’s board was expected to select a vice chair this week but delayed the decision until February. Los Angeles Times.