Latest California Healthline Stories
Los Angeles Law Aimed at ‘Patient Dumping’ Drawing Criticism
After media reports about hospitals improperly discharging homeless patients, Los Angeles approved an ordinance imposing criminal penalties on hospitals in such cases. Hospital officials say they are struggling to deal with the wider implications of the law. Wall Street Journal.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for July 2008
Michael Wilkening was tapped as undersecretary of program and fiscal affairs for the Health and Human Services Agency. Meanwhile, Gov. Schwarzenegger re-appointed three members of the Medical Board of California.
Medi-Cal’s Fiscal Woes Affect Health Providers, Patients
Last month, a 10% fee cut took effect for health care providers who treat Medi-Cal patients, and next week Medi-Cal payments will stop for about 4,700 hospitals, clinics and other facilities until the state’s budget is resolved. The San Francisco Chronicle highlights some of the health care providers and patients affected by the cuts. San Francisco Chronicle.
Latinos Urge Lawmakers To Protect First 5 Funding
Several dozen Latino First 5 commissioners sent a letter to Assembly member Joe Coto (D-San Jose), chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus, urging Latino lawmakers to protect early childhood development funding established by Proposition 10. Sen. Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks) has proposed modifying First 5 so the funding can be used for the state’s Medi-Cal and Healthy Families programs. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
San Francisco OKs Measures To Support Healthy Behaviors
Last week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a measure to make San Francisco the first city in the U.S. to ban the sale of cigarettes in pharmacies. The board also approved a measure to require chain restaurants to post nutritional information on menus. San Francisco Chronicle.
Prison Medical Receiver Seeks Broad Exemptions to Pay Cuts, Layoffs
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s executive order to cut pay and lay off workers to preserve funds while budget negotiations continue drew lawsuits from a union and swift pushback from the court-appointed receiver of California’s prison health care system. San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee.
CMS’ Lack of Supplier Oversight Puts Funds at Risk
The government’s limited review of Medicare equipment vendors’ reimbursement claims is putting millions of dollars at risk, according to a Government Accountability Office report. CMS acknowledged that there were problems with its enrollment procedures and said it recently implemented new standards that require medical suppliers to be certified. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Schwarzenegger, Democrats Negotiating Health Care Actions
Gov. Schwarzenegger is working with lawmakers on legislation that aims to tighten rules on health insurers. The governor’s health care reform proposal addressed many of the same issues, including insurer profits. Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill aimed at expanding state regulators’ ability to fine insurers, and regulators wrapped up work on “balance billing” rules. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Be.