Latest California Healthline Stories
Evacuations From Fires Run According to Plan for Medical Facilities
Eleven of the 14 nursing homes and one hospital in San Diego County have reopened after wildfires forced the evacuation of the facilities earlier this week. Meanwhile, hospitals continue to treat residents for smoke-related illnesses. Los Angeles Times et al.
Hospital News Roundup for Oct. 26, 2007
Caltech sells St. Luke Medical Center to a Beverly Hills developer; California Pacific Medical Center announces $2.4 billion construction plan that includes a new 425-bed hospital
U.S. Senate Democrats Fault White House for Edited CDC Testimony
Senate Democrats have rejected a White House explanation for changes to CDC Director Julie Gerberding’s testimony to a Senate committee on the public health implications of climate change. Edits to the testimony reduced it from about 12 pages to six. AP/Long Island Newsday et al.
Nurse Union Leader Critical of Health Reform Proposals
A leader of the California Nurses Association warns that plans by Gov. Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislative leaders do not adequately control health care costs and will not yield an improved health care system. The union backs a single-payer health care system. San Jose Mercury News.
More Caregivers Sue Employers Over Discrimination Claims
An advocacy group maintains that lawsuits alleging discrimination against employees with care-giving responsibilities at home have increased by 400% in 10 years. The issue has gained attention as more adults face caring for both aging relatives and children. USA Today.
Smoke From Wildfires Raising Health Concerns in Southern California
Health experts note that smoke inhalation causes respiratory illnesses but does not increase mortality rates over the short term. Meanwhile, public health officials urge the elderly and people with breathing problems to stay indoors to limit smoke inhalation. USA Today et al.
WellPoint Reports Increase in Third-Quarter Earnings
Company officials attributed high revenue for the quarter to higher premiums in local group health plans and increased membership in plans sponsored by state governments and Medicare Advantage plans. WellPoint is the parent company of Blue Cross of California. Indianapolis Star et al.
Grassley Backs Shorter Delay in Medicare Payment Cuts
Senate Finance Committee ranking member Chuck Grassley said a one-year delay in a scheduled 10% reduction to Medicare physician reimbursements is more likely to pass than a two-year postponement backed by committee chair Max Baucus. CongressDaily, CQ HealthBeat.
Climate Change Poses Public Health Threat, CDC Chief Testifies
CDC Director Julie Gerberding said climate change could have broad implications for the health of U.S. residents. Sen. Barbara Boxer said Gerberding’s full testimony should be released in response to press reports that the White House “severely edited” it. San Jose Mercury News et al.