Latest California Healthline Stories
Legislation Would Strengthen Medical Spa Oversight Rules
The California Legislature is considering a bill (AB 2398) that would strengthen penalties against medical spas over the lack of physician oversight. The bill would expand penalties, which now typically are fines, to include license revocation and to authorize the attorney general to file criminal charges. Bakersfield Californian.
Dispute Over Ban on Balance Billing Practice Continues
The California Department of Managed Health Care has proposed a ban to prohibit hospitals and physicians from charging patients if they are taken to an emergency department outside their insurance plan. The proposed balanced billing ban would affect HMO members, but hospital administrators and doctors say the state should target insurance companies. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Health Care Measures by Berg Advance to Senate
Last week, Assembly member Patty Berg (D-Eureka) announced that the Assembly approved four of her bills, including measures dealing with student loan assistance programs for health care workers, marketing Medicare drug plans and end-of-life care decisions. The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration. Eureka Reporter.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of June 2
Louisiana officials warned of a potential lawsuit over reduced Medicaid payments to nursing homes, and health care advocates said that Massachusetts’s health insurance mandate is underscoring a shortage of primary care physicians in the state.
$1 Million Settlement in L.A. ‘Patient Dumping’ Case
On Friday, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center agreed to rework its patient discharge policies and pay $1 million to organizations that provide services to indigent patients and the homeless. It is the largest settlement negotiated by the Los Angeles City Attorney in a patient dumping case. Los Angeles Times.
Parental Notification Measure Qualifies for California Nov. Ballot
The measure would require doctors to inform parents before performing abortions on minors in most cases. Voters have rejected similar efforts twice previously. It is the fourth initiative to qualify for the Nov. 4 ballot. AP/San Jose Mercury News, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Sacramento Budget Proposal Would Cut Health Services
A Sacramento County budget proposal released last week would close health clinics and cut public safety and services to rein in the county’s $123.7 million budget deficit. The deficit was caused by significant declines in property and sales taxes, as well as decreased federal and state aid, according to officials. Sacramento Bee.
California Health Care Personnel Update for May 2008
Gov. Schwarzenegger names a new head of California’s Emergency Medical Services Authority. Meanwhile, O’Connor Hospital hires a new chief operating officer, and NorthBay Medical Center recruits a new administrator for its open-heart surgery program.
Advocates Question Increase in Medi-Cal Eligibility Checks
California officials estimate that the state could save $70 million next year by adopting Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal to increase the number of Medi-Cal eligibility updates to four times annually. Advocacy groups say the requirements could result in beneficiaries being dropped from the program, especially beneficiaries with limited English language proficiency. AP/Sacramento Bee.
U.S. Senator Calls for More Information on UCLA Liver Transplants
Sen. Chuck Grassley is requesting more information after UCLA Medical Center acknowledged accepting $200,000 in donations from men with suspected ties to organized crime in Japan after performing the men’s liver transplants. Such transplants are not barred under U.S. rules. Los Angeles Times.