Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Requiring Paid Sick Leave Advances in California Legislature
An Assembly panel approved a bill that would require California employers to give employees paid sick leave. The bill has drawn blanket opposition from employer groups and Republican lawmakers who say it will increase the cost of doing business in California. Ventura County Star.
UCLA Data Breaches Prompt Criticism of Medical Privacy Laws
California officials are examining their options for action after recent breaches of medical records at UCLA Medical Center. Critics of existing privacy laws worry that the laws don’t offer sufficient protections and argue that they need to revised and expanded. Los Angeles Times.
Hospitals’ Economic Impact Reaches $1.9T, Report Finds
A report released Monday by the American Hospital Association found that U.S. hospitals support nearly $1.9 trillion in economic activity. The report, which was prepared by Avalere Health, also found that hospitals rank second as a source of private sector jobs, employing more than five million people. Nashville Business Journal.
Companies Launch On-Site Clinics To Help Curb Rising Health Costs
About 30% of large employers have on-site clinics, and preventive services such as immunizations and health screenings are the most common types of services offered, according to a recent survey. Companies can expect to save about $70,000 in a clinic’s first year. Wall Street Journal.
Medicare Pilot Aimed at Lab Costs Blocked in San Diego Area
A federal judge concluded that Medicare did not follow proper procedure in preparing a pilot program that aims to require medical labs to compete for business from Medicare. An attorney for the plaintiffs said the decision could delay the program by at least six months. It was slated to begin this summer. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Paid Sick Leave for California Workers ‘Right Thing To Do’
An editorial supports legislation that would guarantee California employees up to nine days of annual paid leave to care for themselves or a sick relative. The editorial concludes, “Expenses aside, complications notwithstanding, establishing paid sick leave for all workers, not just those at the high end of the economic ladder, is the right thing to do.” Monterey County Herald.
House OKs Bill To Expand Research Into Brain Injuries
In a 392-1 vote on Tuesday, the House approved legislation to expand research into traumatic brain injuries and identify treatments. The bill also calls for a study of military personnel who have incurred traumatic brain injuries. The legislation is similar to a bill already approved by the Senate that soon will be sent to President Bush for his signature. Associated Press.
Gladstone Researchers Probe Genetic Link to Alzheimer’s
Scientists at UC-San Francisco’s Gladstone Institutes have discovered a gene with a close connection to Alzheimer’s disease. About 15 million U.S. residents are expected to have the disease by 2050, triple today’s numbers. KQED’s “Quest.”
Kern County Officials Update Strategy To Combat West Nile Virus
The plan calls for tracking abandoned properties and conducting a public education campaign. This is the first time the plan has been revised since it was adopted in February 2004, before the first case of West Nile virus was reported in the county. Bakersfield Californian.
Workers, Retirees Concerned About Medical Expenses
The Employee Benefit Research Institute’s annual survey released today found that about 22% of workers said they were concerned about not having enough money to cover medical expenses in retirement, while 27% said they were concerned about long-term care costs. The survey also found that 15% of retirees were concerned about medical expenses and that 28% were concerned about long-term care. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.