Latest California Healthline Stories
Funding Cut for Nursing Home Ombudsman Program Draws Fire
Gov. Schwarzenegger cut almost $4 million for programs that investigate elder abuse charges and other complaints brought by nursing home residents in California. The leader of California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform characterized the cut as “absolutely devastating.” Sacramento Business Journal.
Bakersfield Forum Highlights Candidates’ Positions
At a California State University Bakersfield forum Tuesday night, volunteers for Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain discussed the presidential candidates’ positions on several issues, including health care. Bakersfield Californian.
Drugmakers Cut Back on Ad Spending in First Half of 2008, Reports Show
Research from TNS Media Intelligence and Nielsen-Monitor Plus indicates that advertising spending by pharmaceutical firms dropped by more than 3.5% in the first six months of 2008. A study author said the decline could be attributed to concern about government regulation of ads and other factors. USA Today.
Editorial Compares Nominees’ Health Care Reform Plans
A Los Angeles Times editorial compares Sens. Barack Obama’s and John McCain’s health care reform plans. The editorial argues that regardless of who takes office in January, the next president will be required to focus on health care, as well education, reform. Los Angeles Times.
Breastfeeding Advocates March To Raise Awareness
On Thursday, about 100 individuals marched through downtown Santa Cruz to raise awareness about benefits of breastfeeding infants during their first year of life. Breastfeeding proponents say it can help prevent disease early in life and reduce the future risk of obesity. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Economic Slowdown Taking Toll on Dentists, Other Health Providers
Sacramento-area dentists say their practices have slowed down as economic concerns have mounted in recent months. Nationwide, hospitals and other physicians are reporting similar experiences. Sacramento Bee, Washington Post.
UC-Davis Holds Forum on Candidates’ Health Care Plans
On Tuesday night, UC-Davis medical students and the California Medical Association organized a forum comparing the presidential candidates’ health care plans. Some medical students argued that the candidates are focusing too much on what people want to hear, while others said the candidates’ plans are too vague. Sacramento Bee.
Editorial, Opinion Piece Make Case for, Against Prop. A
A San Francisco Chronicle editorial urges voters to approve Proposition A to provide $887.4 million in general obligation bonds to replace San Francisco General Hospital, which does not meet seismic standards. However, in an opinion piece, Mara Kopp and George Wooding — official opponents of Proposition A — urge voters to reject the measure, arguing that San Francisco General Hospital’s “proposed, overpriced replacement is poorly planned and faces problems with bond financing.” San Francisco Chronicle.
Tightened U.S. Credit Markets Taking Toll on Hospital Projects
Hospitals have scaled back projects after several years of large expenditures on medical equipment, renovations and new construction projects that were fueled largely by easy access to credit. Experts warn that hospitals’ cutbacks also could affect medical suppliers and the construction industry. New York Times.
Study: Small Firms Less Satisfied With Health Plans
A PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute study released Tuesday found that small businesses are less satisfied with the plans offered by their health care insurers than larger businesses. According to the report, the disparity in satisfaction level could be attributed to larger employers receiving more customized plan options and smaller employers paying more per employee. Atlanta Business Chronicle.