Latest California Healthline Stories
Governor Gets on Board To Boost Disability Benefits
Despite vetoing similar measures for the last two years, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appears ready to support an increase in benefits for disabled workers. The California Division of Workers’ Compensation is proposing regulations to boost permanent disability payments by at least 16%, while Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata has introduced a bill that over three years would double the total number of weeks that workers can receive permanent disability payments. Los Angeles Times.
California Supreme Court To Hear Case Charging Discrimination by Doctor
A lesbian patient sued a physician practice for refusing to artificially inseminate her because of her sexual orientation. Medical and civil liberties groups say the ruling could set a precedent about health care providers’ obligations to perform medical procedures. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
UC Workers Could Strike Over Contract Negotiations
UC hospital and campus employees voted to authorize a strike as early as June if a contract is not reached between the union and UC. The union is pushing for a 25% wage increase, as well as raising minimum wage to $15 an hour. San Francisco Chronicle.
Lawmakers Push for More Cosmetic Surgery Oversight
In response to the death of Kanye West’s mother six months ago, lawmakers are pushing for increased protections and surveillance for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery. Assembly member Wilmer Amina Carter has introduced a bill (AB 2968) that would require a patient to receive a physical examination before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Meanwhile, state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas introduced a bill (SB 2454) that would require outpatient facilities to be inspected at least once every three years. Los Angeles Times.
Lawmakers Should Approve Paid Sick Leave Legislation
Korey Capozza, a health policy analyst at UC-Berkeley’s Center for Labor Research and Education, in an opinion piece urged lawmakers to approve a bill (AB 2716) that would extend paid sick days to all employees in California. She writes, “As AB 2716 awaits a decision in the Assembly, it’s important for legislators to consider the compelling benefits guaranteed paid sick days would have for public health and our working moms across the state.” Sacramento Bee.
Medical Foundation Awards $600M for Scientific Research
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute will provide $600 million to 56 U.S. scientists for risky but potentially lifesaving medical research. Scientists have warned that a decline in federal research funding since 2003 could hinder scientific advances. The private philanthropy hopes the funding will lead to major discoveries in a variety of fields, including genetics and biology. Washington Post.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of May 27
Florida’s governor approved legislation permitting low-cost, limited-benefit health plans as part of an effort to expand health insurance coverage. Meanwhile, the South Carolina House approved a tobacco tax increase to fund health care coverage, but the state’s governor opposes the move.
Privacy Advocates Raise Concerns Over Hospitals’ Use of Patient Data
A recent privacy lapse at UC-San Francisco Medical Center has pushed the facility to re-evaluate how it uses patient data for fundraising and other nonmedical issues. Privacy advocates say hospitals should be more restrained in their use of patient information. San Francisco Chronicle.
Bush Administration Backs Restaurants’ Opposition to S.F. Plan
The administration and restaurant owners contend that San Francisco’s universal health access program violates a federal law addressing regulation of health care benefits. The program has enrolled 19,000 residents since it launched last year. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Federal Judge Blocks Medicaid Rule on Safety Net Facilities
An appeals court judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that the Bush administration acted improperly when CMS issued a rule intended to tighten federal rules affecting Medicaid funding for safety net hospitals and clinics. Hospital advocates urged Congress to quickly approve a measure that would extend a moratorium on the proposed Medicaid changes into 2009. AP/Washington Post et al.