Latest California Healthline Stories
New Jersey Officials Tout Benefits of Public Reporting
The New Jersey Health Commission said an annual report of cardiac death rates has contributed encouraged competition among hospitals and contributed to the improved outcomes. California releases a similar hospital report card. Bergen Record, AP/Houston Chronicle.
Mexican Consulates Expand Health Care Program in U.S.
Launched in California, the program is intended to help undocumented immigrants get basic health care without risk of being reported to officials. Mexican officials hope eventually to operate the program in all 47 consulates in the U.S. Los Angeles Times.
Prison Medical Receiver Rejects State Reform Plan
John Hagar, chief of staff for prison medical receiver Robert Sillen, told the Division of Correctional Health Care Services staff that they “are working under the direction of the receiver” and should not follow instructions from state officials. Sacramento Bee.
San Joaquin County Drops Public Health, Other Boards
Smaller community groups will assume the responsibilities of the county Public Health Advisory Board as county supervisors mull the future of more than 60 other boards and commissions. Stockton Record.
Regulation of Health Insurance Rates in California Up for Vote
Consumer advocacy groups maintain that the bill takes on a major issue in health care — affordability. Some groups have criticized Gov. Schwarzenegger for not including more stringent requirements for insurers in his health care overhaul plan. San Francisco Chronicle.
Next President Must Make Deal on Health Care Reform
Atul Gawande, a surgeon and contributor to the New Yorker, writes that “The ultimate measure of leadership … is not the plan” but “the capacity to take that plan and persuade people to find common ground on it.” New York Times.
California, Canadian Province Partner on Cancer Research
Stem cell researchers at UC-Berkeley will team up with Canadian scientists to search for cancer treatments under an agreement Gov. Schwarzenegger signed with the leader of Ontario. The Canadian province is providing $28 million in seed money for the effort. Toronto Star et al.
Health Care Gains Traction as Issue in 2008 Election
Likely voters consistently name health care as one of their top concerns as they evaluate candidates running for president in 2008. Several broadcast programs and columnists in recent days have discussed the growing importance of health care in the presidential race.
UnitedHealth Shareholders Reject CalPERS Proposals
One of the defeated proposals would have allowed shareholders with at least a 3% stake in the company to nominate directors. Shareholders approved other corporate governance reforms at the insurer’s annual meeting. Sacramento Bee et al.
Debate on Chemical Ban Centers on Kids’ Health
Supporters and opponents of a proposed ban in children’s products of a chemical added to plastics cited studies in their arguments, but backers of the measure were unable to sway enough lawmakers that the science was solid enough to approve the bill. Sacramento Bee.