Latest California Healthline Stories
National Guard, Reserve Troops Hit by Alcohol Abuse
A study published in today’s Journal of the American Medical Association found that National Guard and Reserve troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are more likely to develop drinking problems than active-duty soldiers. The increased rates of alcohol abuse among Guard and Reserve members might be because they receive less training and support services, according to the report. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters.
Americans Cutting Back on Medical Care Because of Economic Concerns
In a new survey by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, more than one-fifth of respondents said they had cut back on doctor visits because of the current economic downturn, and 11% said they were reducing prescription drug dosages to make medications last longer. San Francisco Chronicle.
Legislature OKs Use of Mental Health Contractors
On Tuesday, the California Assembly unanimously approved a bill (SB 1546) that would reauthorize the state Department of Mental Health to use private contractors instead of state workers to evaluate the mental health of sex offenders. The Senate already approved the measure, which now goes to the governor. Los Angeles Times.
Workers’ Advocates Urge Audit of Health Care Union
Advocates for workers are asking authorities for an audit of the United Long-Term Care Workers after learning that the union has paid large sums of money to a company and foundation controlled by the union president’s wife and mother-in-law. Los Angeles Times.
Licensing Examinations Caught in Crossfire of Layoffs in California
After Gov. Schwarzenegger ordered layoffs last month to shore up state cash reserves, the state agency charged with licensing health care and other professionals absorbed more than 3,000 of about 10,000 layoffs. Nearly 75% of the department positions were for licensing exam proctors. Sacramento Bee.
California Regulators Send Alerts About Options for New Coverage
People whose coverage was rescinded by Kaiser Permanente, Health Net and PacifiCare will receive notices indicating that they might be eligible for new coverage under the insurers’ settlements with the state. Meanwhile, the L.A. City Attorney’s use of a consumer protection law in rescission cases is sparking debate. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Final Round of Budget Cuts in S.F. Pulls $2M From Health Department
Mayor Gavin Newsom announced almost $5 million in additional budget cuts yesterday, with the Department of Public Health being hit with the largest cut of any San Francisco agency. Most of the cuts are smaller than those Newsom proposed with his budget plan in June. San Francisco Chronicle.
Lawmakers Mull Bill To Protect Academic Researchers
State lawmakers are considering legislation (AB 2296) that would create a new misdemeanor violation for trespassing on the property of an academic researcher with the intent to interfere with the researcher’s academic freedom. The bill comes after fire bombings at the homes of two UC-Santa Cruz biomedical researchers. East Bay Business Times.
Mental Health Act Doomed by ‘Ballot Box Budgeting’
The Mental Health Services Act passed by voters in 2004 has failed to improve the state’s mental health care system in part because of its origin as an initiative, Rose King, a political and policy analyst, writes. She adds, “Policy-making by initiative often minimizes accountability for the integrity of the program.” Sacramento Bee.
Clinical Trials Growing in Inland Southern California
At least two private clinics in Inland Southern California recently sought to recruit patients to participate in clinical trials for new drugs, and a number of hospitals in the area regularly participate in such clinical research. Riverside Press-Enterprise.