Latest California Healthline Stories
L.A. Officials Call for City Law on ‘Patient Dumping’
Hospitals are lining up against a proposed ordinance by Los Angeles city officials that would establish criminal penalties for hospitals that do not properly discharge homeless patients. Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed a similar state measure this year. Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times.
State Ban on Plastic Chemical Part of Larger Safety Debate
Gov. Schwarzenegger this month signed a law to restrict the sale or distribution of children’s products containing additives known as phthalates. Consumer advocates nationwide hailed the move, while some chemical industry groups say such bans are unnecessary. USA Today, PBS’ “NewsHour With Jim Lehrer.”
Small-Business Group Joins Effort To Push Health Care in Election
The National Federation of Independent Business will sign on with other groups to highlight health care as an issue in the 2008 presidential election. Labor unions, AARP and the Business Roundtable already have joined the effort. Los Angeles Times.
Rx Drug Spending Increases Projected To Slow in 2008
A consulting firm forecasts that U.S. sales of brand-name and generic prescription drugs will increase by between 4% and 5% next year, compared with rates between 5% and 6% in 2007. Wall Street Journal, AP/Washington Post.
Kids’ Health Insurance Bill Clears Hurdle as Negotiations Continue
The U.S. Senate agreed to limit debate on a House measure to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Senate leaders are working to negotiate a delay on a final vote for the bill as part of an effort to boost support for it in the House. New York Times et al.
Lawsuit Expected Over California Budget Cut for Mental Health Effort
Gov. Schwarzenegger eliminated state funding for a program that provides mental health services to the homeless, a move that advocates say violates a 2004 state law that raised income taxes to fund mental health care. State officials say California is complying with the law. Los Angeles Times.
Citizenship an Issue in Treatment of Burn Victims
UC-San Diego Medical Center’s burn unit is using expensive treatment to care for undocumented immigrants who were victims of the wildfires. Hospital officials acknowledge that U.S. taxpayers may oppose the care, but federal law requires hospitals to treat all patients. San Diego Union-Tribune.
U.S. Senator Mulls Tougher Rules for Not-for-Profit Hospitals
Sen. Chuck Grassley said he might pursue legislation that tightens rules on hospitals’ tax-exempt status if they continue to fight efforts by the Internal Revenue Service to get more information on hospitals’ charity care and community benefits. Contra Costa Times, CQ Healthbeat.
Bush Nominates Former Army Surgeon General as Veterans Health Chief
President Bush said former Army Lt. Gen. James Peake’s first task would be to implement recommendations from a presidential commission on care for wounded soldiers. In other veterans news, a Harvard Medical School study found a rise in uninsured veterans. New York Times et al.
Democrats Push Health Plans at Debate in Philadelphia
Sen. Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards questioned Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s ability to bring about changes to the health care system. Candidates also discussed entitlement programs, universal health care and medical malpractice. Washington Post et al.