Latest California Healthline Stories
Independent Authority Could Fix L.A.’s Health Department
A “public-private independent health authority, created by state statute and governed by a board whose members all have appropriate experience in health care,” would be more effective at overseeing Los Angeles County’s health department than the Board of Supervisors, according to Robert Tranquada, an emeritus professor of medicine and public policy at USC. Los Angeles Times.
Experts Parse Prospects for National Health Care Reform
Gail Wilensky, a health policy adviser to former President George H.W. Bush; David Himmelstein, co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program; and Denis Cortese, president and CEO of Mayo Clinic, discussed their different visions for improving the U.S. health care system. WAMU’s “The Diane Rehm Show.”
UnitedHealth Group Blames Economy for Poor Business
UnitedHealth Group said fewer businesses and employers are signing up for its health insurance due to the weakening economy. The insurer’s stock dropped sharply after announcing disappointing first-quarter earnings on Tuesday. UnitedHealth Group owns PacifiCare. New York Times.
Nursing Home Receives Top Fine, Citation From State
The California Department of Public Health issued a $100,000 fine and AA citation to The Springs at the Carlotta, a 59-bed Riverside County nursing home, after a patient died of infection caused by a perforated colon. The fine and citation are the most severe the state can issue to a nursing home. Riverside Press Enterprise.
San Joaquin County Shifts Funds To Boost Public Hospital Finances
With the funding, San Joaquin General Hospital is expected to avoid a deficit through June. More than $27 million of the $32 million in county funds will come from health-related construction projects, including renovations to the county’s public health laboratory. Stockton Record.
California Measure Seeks Boost to Workers’ Comp Benefits for the Disabled
The legislation seeks to address payments to California workers who are permanently disabled in work-related incidents. Workers’ compensation advocates said permanent disability benefits have declined by 50% to 70% since reforms were enacted in 2004. Sacramento Bee.
Santa Clara County OKs Post-Hospital Program for Homeless Patients
Under the program, hospitals in Santa Clara County will discharge homeless patients to special rooms at a local shelter staffed with a clinical nurse, benefits counselor and psychologist. Federal grants and hospital contributions will fund the program. San Jose Mercury News.
Court Lifts CNA Restraining Order Against Rival Union
On Tuesday, a court official lifted the California Nurses Association’s temporary restraining order against the Service Employees International Union, ruling that the restraining order was “not supported” by the evidence filed by the nurses union. The nurses union had accused SEIU of stalking and harassing its board members over a labor dispute in Ohio. Los Angeles Times.
White House Pledges Veto of Bill Delaying Medicaid Rule Changes
With a veto-proof majority, the House is expected to approve legislation today that would delay Medicaid policy changes the Bush administration says would save billions of dollars annually. A Senate leader expects a similarly wide margin of support. CongressDaily et al.
Medicare Drug Benefit Gets Mixed Review, Report Finds
Medicare’s Part D drug benefit has eased financial hardship for some elderly people, but patients classified as the sickest still skip medications due to cost, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Findings were based on a government survey of 24,234 Medicare beneficiaries. Reuters.