Latest California Healthline Stories
California Health Care Personnel News Update for August 2008
The Alameda Alliance for Health promoted Wayne Pan to chief medical officer, and Kelly Pfeifer will take over as the new medical director for San Francisco Health Plan. Meanwhile, two top officials in the state corrections department are leaving for the prison medical receiver’s office.
Veto Bill Giving Lawmakers Added Health Benefits
A Sacramento Bee editorial urges Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto legislation (SB 1601) that adds vision care to the health benefits offered to retired lawmakers. The editorial also calls on Schwarzenegger to veto a bill (SB 981) aimed at addressing balance billing because the “legislation is clumsily written and leapfrogs over a stage regulation, scheduled to take effect on Oct. 15, that would address the problem.” Sacramento Bee.
San Diego VA Falling Short on Mental Health Treatment
An internal Department of Veterans Affairs investigation found that top mental health officials at the VA San Diego Healthcare System are spending little time treating veterans with post traumatic stress disorder because they are busy conducting research. San Diego Union-Tribune.
State Auditor Faults Medical Lab Watchdog Agency
In a new report, California state auditor Elaine Howle criticizes the state’s laboratory testing and certification office, known as Laboratory Field Services, for failing to inspect laboratories every two years as required and not adequately responding to complaints about lab work. The Department of Public Health cited lack of resources as the main reason for the deficiencies highlighted in the report and said changes will be implemented immediately. San Francisco Chronicle.
Legislature OKs EMT Oversight Bill; Governor’s Approval Expected
The legislation would require that all EMTs undergo background checks and receive certification in the county where they work. The bill also would create a central EMT agency that would allow workers to be tracked statewide. Sacramento Bee, Contra Costa Times.
California Not on Track To Meet Certain National Health Goals
A UCLA study found that California is not on target to meet certain health goals by 2010 set by the HHS-sponsored Healthy People project. The report’s lead author said many physicians fail to discuss health issues, such as obesity, with patients. Los Angeles Daily News.
San Joaquin Health Providers Hit by Budget Stalemate
San Joaquin County health care providers dependent on state payments are feeling the effects of the budget stalemate. Margaret Sczepaniak, assistant director of Health Care Services, said San Joaquin General Hospital is waiting for $560,000 to pay physicians and county mental health programs still are waiting on $1.5 million. Stockton Record.