Latest California Healthline Stories
Emergency Responders Use Virtual Technology Training
Public health officials are using virtual reality simulation to train first responders, medical personnel and emergency management officials for public health emergencies. In 2006, the UC-Davis health system used an $80,000 grant to determine if virtual training could be realistic and worthwhile for emergency medical personnel. Government Technology.
Generic Drugs as Effective as Brand-Name Medication
“Consumers should be assured” that affordable generic drugs “contain the same medicine as brands and provide patients with the same clinical effect,” Kathleen Jaeger, president and CEO of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association, writes in an opinion piece. Los Angeles Times.
PBS Series Examines How Social Factors Affect Health
PBS stations on Thursday will begin airing a four-part series that examines how race, wealth, location of residence and other social factors affect health and life expectancy. Anthony Iton, public health director for Alameda County, is featured in the series. San Francisco Chronicle.
California To Pay $2.1M To Resolve Overbilling for Computer System
A federal audit found that HHS improperly paid more than $2 million to the state for its Medicaid Management Information Systems. The bulk of that sum was paid for functions that benefited several programs but were billed only as Medicaid expenses. Modern Healthcare.
UnitedHealth Group Provides $2.3M to West Fresno Clinic
UnitedHealth Group has awarded $2.3 million in bond financing to Valley Health Team, a west Fresno County clinic. The bond is part of a 20-year, $200 million effort by UnitedHealth to provide financial support to health care operators who serve low-income residents in California. Fresno Bee.
Challenge to Medi-Cal Policies for Juvenile Hall Inmates Moves Forward
The suit centers on state rules requiring youths in juvenile hall to reapply for Medi-Cal coverage upon release and the program’s refusal to pay for psychiatric hospital services for the youths while they’re in state custody. California asked that the case be dismissed. San Francisco Chronicle.
Alameda County Switches Security at Psychiatric Clinic
On Tuesday, the Alameda County Medical Center’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to replace county sheriff’s deputies at the John George Psychiatric Pavilion with a new, private security firm. Contra Costa Times.
Union Leaders’ Dispute Could Shake Health Care Sector in California
Andy Stern of the Service Employees International Union alleges a number of charges that could oust Sal Rosselli as president of the Oakland-based United Healthcare Workers West. The two disagreed on Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health reform plan and other issues. San Francisco Chronicle.