Latest California Healthline Stories
Vote on Democrats’ Health Care Reform Plan Postponed in California
The Assembly was scheduled to vote on a revised health care reform bill by Democratic legislative leaders on Nov. 26, but Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez has pushed the date back to allow more time for negotiations with Gov. Schwarzenegger on health care reform. Sacramento Bee.
Stem Cell Discovery Will Affect Research at California Agency
California’s Institute for Regenerative Medicine likely will devote more funding to research on a new method of creating stem cells that does not rely on human embryos. However, the agency maintained that it will not abandon funding for embryonic stem cell research, which one official said remains the “gold standard” in the field. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Romney Calls for Damage Caps in Malpractice Suits
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said the federal government should cap noneconomic and punitive damages in medical malpractice lawsuits that “put a burden on the entire health care system.” If elected, Romney said he would encourage states to establish health courts to handle malpractice claims. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
Study: Healthy Kids Program Improves Medical Care
A study from Mathematica Policy Research found that previously uninsured children enrolled in the Healthy Kids program for at least one year saw significant improvements in obtaining necessary preventive care and checkups. Stockton Record.
Richardson Pitches Health Care Proposal During Forum
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democratic candidate for president, is the latest presidential candidate to lay out his health care proposal at an ongoing series organized by Families USA and the Federation of American Hospitals. Includes other election news. CQ HealthBeat et al.
CalPERS’ Plan To Hire Single Administrator Garners Wide Interest
Ten companies are interested in serving as single administrator of health care benefits for CalPERS, a role that includes negotiating insurance rates, along with studying disease management programs and other ideas for reducing health care costs. Sacramento Business Journal.
San Joaquin Valley Has Greatest Shortage of Doctors in California
San Joaquin Valley has fewer physicians per capita than any other region in California. The shortage of primary care and specialty doctors in the region has been attributed to low reimbursement rates, a high number of low-income residents and a lack of academic resources. Modesto Bee.
Ethical, Credibility Issues Surround TV Plastic Surgery
Board-certified plastic surgeons are criticizing doctors on reality TV shows for emphasizing the results of a cosmetic surgery procedure rather than its risks and complications. The American Medical Association opposes such programs, which typically feature doctors without board certification. Los Angeles Times.
Prison Receiver Issues Pay Raises To Fight Vacancies
State prison physicians and nurses in December will see their second pay raise of 2007 as part of an effort to reduce vacancies in the prison health system. The previous salary hike in March did not fill enough of the 39% vacancy rate for doctors. AP/Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
California Files Suit Against Toy Makers Over Lead in Products
The state attorney general and Los Angeles city attorney filed the lawsuit under Proposition 65, a California law that requires warnings on products containing chemicals that can cause cancer or birth defects. Voters approved the law in 1986. Los Angeles Times et al.