Latest California Healthline Stories
Cardiac Arrest Outcomes Worse in Overnight Hours
Hospital patients who go into cardiac arrest after 11 p.m. are more likely to die than if it happens during the day, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study did not look at what caused the difference between days and overnights, but researchers said that staff who are tired, less experienced or too few in number might be to blame. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Crowd Criticizes Budget Cuts to San Francisco Health Department
Participants at a hearing blasted Mayor Gavin Newsom’s request that the heads of all San Francisco agencies devise plans for 8% budget cuts and a further round of contingency cuts. The public health department could lose about $45 million through the cuts. KCBS News, San Francisco Examiner.
Software System Facilitates Healthy Kids Enrollment
Since adopting the One-e-App electronic enrollment system three weeks ago, Healthy Kids Humboldt has seen a 20% jump in applications. Humboldt County is the only rural county in California using the electronic enrollment system. Eureka Reporter.
Report Raises Privacy Concerns About Online Health Record Services
The World Privacy Forum warned that federal medical privacy rules do not apply to some companies that store personal health records online. California consumers are protected under a state law that restricts the marketing of consumer health data. San Francisco Chronicle, Dow Jones.
U.S. Cancer Deaths Increased for First Time in Two Years
After declining for two straight years, the number of annual cancer deaths rose by more than 5,400 in 2005, according to a report by the American Cancer Society. The overall U.S. cancer death rate continued to fall in 2005, but at a lower rate than in 2003 and 2004. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Schwarzenegger Orders Hiring Freeze as Part of Budget Plan
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s latest round of budget cuts will include a hiring freeze for nonessential positions and will curb equipment purchases, media outreach campaigns and travel. The cuts are intended to preserve health care delivery and public safety functions, while saving the state about $100 million. Sacramento Bee et al.
Reform Efforts Must Focus on Patient-Doctor Relationship
Under “all the policy wonk discussions about mandated care for all vs. affordable care” and “single-payer government systems such as Medicare vs. private policies” is the “heart of health care reform” — the “doctor and the patient finding their way together toward compassionate care,” Robert Lipsyte, an author and a member of the USA Today board of contributors, writes. USA Today.
L.A. County Supervisors Request Alternatives to Plan To Close Clinics
The county Board of Supervisors directed health department officials to study options for addressing the agency’s projected budget deficit without closing health clinics and reducing services at outpatient care centers. The deficit is expected to hit $195 million by July. Los Angeles Times.
Health, Beauty Products Sold Online Could Be Dangerous
The National Retail Federation issued a warning today that health and beauty products sold on online auction sites could be stolen, tainted and potentially dangerous. Online auction sites often do not regulate over-the-counter drugstore products, according to an official with the National Retail Federation. Los Angles Times, USA Today.
Medicare Orders Health Net To Stop Selling Drug Plan
Medicare officials ordered Health Net to stop marketing one of its prescription drug plans because of the insurer’s delays in processing enrollment applications and for sending incorrect information about changes in patient coverage for 2008, a spokesperson said. Florida Health News.