Latest California Healthline Stories
State Health Officials Fine Hospitals for Patient Care Mishaps
Nine California hospitals were fined at least $25,000 for patient care violations under a new state law that lets regulators levy fines against hospitals. When the law is fully implemented, each patient care violation could cost hospitals as much as $50,000. Los Angeles Times.
Chiropractic Board Loses Funding, Staff After Veto
Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have increased state oversight of the board and restored the budget of the Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The Legislature cut the board’s budget following several violations of state transparency laws. Sacramento Bee.
Candidates for President Pitch Health Care Plans
Candidates for the Democratic and Republican nomination for president discussed their positions on health care issues at campaign stops nationwide. Medicare Advantage plans, wellness programs and efforts to reduce costs were among the issues addressed. Wall Street Journal et al.
Vote on Kids’ Insurance Bill Sparks Commentary
Editorial boards and commentators nationwide in recent days have weighed in on legislation to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. The House on Thursday approved legislation to reauthorize the program but once again fell short of a veto-proof majority. Charleston Gazette et al.
House OKs Revised Children’s Health Insurance Legislation
The measure to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program once again fell short of a veto-proof majority in the House. Senate Democrats said they would consider the bill next week. It would increase funding for the program by $35 billion and aim to cover 10 million children. New York Times et al.
Assembly Panel Gears Up To Review Governor’s Health Reform Plan
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s revised plan to overhaul California’s health care system stands its first test next week. Organized labor is opposed to parts of the proposal, sparking one union leader to criticize the labor movement for possibly imperiling a compromise. Stockton Record, Sacramento Bee.
Employers Target Smoking To Control Health Care Costs
Expanded coverage for such services shows the lengths employers are going to as they try to control rising health insurance costs. A researcher says that smoking cessation programs have success rates ranging from 15% to 35%. New York Times.