Latest California Healthline Stories
States Work To Cut Red Tape for Emergency Care Providers
Several states have passed laws to let emergency care providers enroll in a federal registry that will allow them to receive clearance for work in other states and to protect them from possible lawsuits. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is considering a similar measure in California. USA Today.
Medicaid Spending Jumps 10.7% in First Half of 2007, Analysis Finds
The Medicaid spending increase could be attributed to state efforts to expand enrollment in Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, as well as increased Medicaid reimbursements for health care providers. It is the largest Medicaid spending hike since 2001. USA Today.
More Patients Travel to Higher-Quality Hospitals
In response to the growing number of patients who are traveling to receive care at higher-quality hospitals, medical centers have begun to publish online information to allow patients to compare outcomes at their local hospitals with facilities nationwide. Wall Street Journal.
Insuring More Latinos Could Rein in Health Care Costs
A UCLA professor argues that expanding health insurance to the younger, healthier Latino population could help prevent the projected rise in health care costs expected over the next few decades due to an aging population. Los Angeles Times.
Unionized Nurses Set To Strike at Fifteen Hospitals
The two-day strike by the California Nurses Association follows contract negotiations that stalled on nurse-to-patient ratios, retirement security and health care benefits. The hospitals have hired temporary staff during the strike. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Health Care a Key Priority for AARP Members in Iowa
A recent poll found that 99% of AARP members expected to participate in the Iowa caucuses regard health care as an important issue in the 2008 presidential election. Includes other election news. Des Moines Register et al.
Solano County Critical of Overhaul of EMT Oversight
The Solano County Emergency Medical Services administrator is asking Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto a bill to require mandatory background checks for all EMTs because it also would remove counties’ authority to take disciplinary action, a move that the official says makes the bill “not an improvement over the status quo.” Sacramento Bee.
Bush Calls for Compromise on Kids’ Health, Defends Veto
President Bush indicated for the first time publicly that he is willing to compromise with lawmakers to increase funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. However, he also called the SCHIP bill approved by Congress “deeply flawed.” Bush has proposed a $5 billion increase for the program, compared with the $35 billion increase that Congress sought. Los Angeles Times et al.
Governor Vetoes Bill Dealing With Medi-Cal Rates, Damages Awards
For the third time, Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed a measure that would have permitted Medi-Cal rates to be taken into account in lawsuits and settlement talks. Physicians backing the bill said it would have helped them recover the full costs of treating Medi-Cal beneficiaries. California Recorder.
Embryonic Stem Cell Funding Draws Scientists to State
The $3 billion in bonds authorized by California voters for stem cell research has helped the state’s universities and institutes lure scientists from states with stricter restrictions on the use of human embryonic stem cells. PBS’ “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.”