Latest California Healthline Stories
Kids’ Insurance Pitted Against Medicare Advantage for Funds
At a House hearing Tuesday, California advocacy groups were among those proposing that spending for the State Children’s Health Insurance by increased by shifting some funds away from Medicare Advantage plans. CQ HealthBeat, CongressDaily.
Federal Funding Cuts Put Strain on HIV Programs in Bay Area
San Francisco will lose more than $7 million for HIV services under the revised federal formula. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco argues that the move violates an earlier agreement with U.S. officials. San Francisco Chronicle.
Governor Rallies BusinessesTo Support Health Care Overhaul
In remarks to 1,500 business leaders, Gov. Schwarzenegger seized the opportunity to pitch his health care reform proposal and criticize rival bills by Democrats in the Legislature. A spokesperson for the Assembly leader urged the governor to find someone to carry his proposal as legislation before he criticizes other plans. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.
Berkeley Exceeds State, U.S. Grades on Health Conditions
Increasing life expectancy and falling rates of obesity in Berkeley coincide with a demographic shift in the community, highlighting racial and ethnic disparities in health care. A new report calls for a multi-pronged approach to the issue. San Francisco Chronicle.
Sales Records Requested From California Biotech
New York State is asking Amgen to provide information about its sales and marketing practices. The subpoena came the same day that FDA called for new limits on prescriptions for the company’s anemia treatment. Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times.
Assembly Backs Revisions To Nursing School Admissions
A bill by Assembly member Tom Berryhill seeks to reduce the escalating dropout rate among nursing students at community colleges in California. The legislation cannot eliminate the use of the lottery system entirely from the admissions process, but it would allow schools to adopt tougher admission standards. Stockton Record.
Judge Orders Pay Raises for State Mental Health Workers
Some psychiatrists who treat state prisoners will get pay increases under the judge’s order, but an attorney in the case says eligibility for the raise will hinge on which state department has custody of the inmate. Los Angeles Times, San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Retiree Health Costs at Issue in Sacramento County
Sacramento County supervisors last week voted to cut health benefits for future retirees, but will continue to evaluate subsidies for current retirees on an annual basis. Sacramento Bee.
Electronic Records Projects Lag at San Diego Hospitals
Many area hospitals have invested in electronic health record technology, but it will be years before hospitals have fully digitized records. Challenges, such as patient privacy and interoperability, have made EHR adoption more difficult than expected. San Diego Union-Tribune.
California Mulls Issuing Certificates of Still Birth
Nineteen states nationwide have approved legislation to grant certificates of still birth. Debate in California has centered on implications for abortion rights and the potential for compromising the accuracy of the state’s vital statistics. New York Times.