Latest California Healthline Stories
San Francisco Fails To Take Action on Mental Health Law
A San Francisco Chronicle editorial criticizes Mayor Newsom for not implementing a law that would require outpatient treatment for patients with severe mental illnesses. The editorial also faults Newsom for planned budget cuts to mental health services. San Francisco Chronicle.
Kaiser Hospitals Shifting Makeup of Nurse Work Force
Kaiser Permanente’s decision to replace its licensed vocational nurses with registered nurses at several Northern California hospitals reflects a trend among acute care hospitals that seek more qualified nurses to handle patients with serious illnesses. Sacramento Bee.
Democrats, Republicans Spar Over Kids’ Health Legislation
Republicans who voted for legislation to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program are pushing for minor revisions to attract more GOP support for the measure, but Democratic lawmakers say they do not want to negotiate with President Bush or Republican lawmakers. CQ Today et al.
Children Often Get Incorrect Health Care, New Research Finds
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children receive proper outpatient or preventive care less than half of the time. Researchers attributed the findings to physician training that focuses on treating acute conditions and to health insurers’ reimbursement policies. USA Today et al.
Nurses’ Union Begins Strike at 15 California Hospitals
Nearly 5,000 members of the California Nurses Association are striking over contract disputes at 15 hospitals affiliated with Sutter Health and the Fremont-Rideout Health Group. The hospitals have hired replacement nurses during the strike, which is not expected to disrupt services. Los Angeles Times et al.
Panel Report Urges Changes to Veterans’ Health Care
The commission, established in response to reports of poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, recommended ways to reduce the time veterans have to wait to receive medical care. The panel said that the average 177 days veterans must wait for medical care is unacceptable. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
States Consider Ways To Expand Health Insurance to More Residents
California is one of more than two dozen states considering plans to expand health insurance to more uninsured residents, while four states already have enacted such proposals. Health policy analysts expect states to continue to take the lead on health care reform in 2008. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Governor Signs Smoking Ban for Cars With Kids Present
Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, citations can be issued to drivers or passengers smoking in a vehicle where a child under the age of 18 is present. California is the third state in the nation to enact such a law. Sacramento Bee, AP/Los Angeles Daily News.
New Study Adds Pressure To Rework California Workers’ Comp Benefits
A review of workers’ compensation claims shows that caps on chiropractic and physical therapy visits have cut workers’ compensation costs by hundreds of millions of dollars more than anticipated, increasing pressure on Gov. Schwarzenegger to consider raising benefits. Sacramento Bee.
California Senate Republicans Add Bills to Health Reform Debate
Reworked proposals from Senate Republicans focus on expanding tax incentives and health clinics to boost access to health care services without raising taxes. Meanwhile, an editorial and opinion piece size up Gov. Schwarzenegger’s revised plan. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News” et al.