Latest California Healthline Stories
Protections Sought for West Los Angeles Veterans’ Facility
The Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., isn’t commenting on a measure that would bar any part of the West Los Angeles VA campus from being sold or used for commercial development. The campus includes the largest VA medical center in the nation. Los Angeles Times.
State Official, Senator Fault Chiropractic Board
The chiropractic board’s latest round of criticism from state lawmakers involves a resolution that was passed to allow chiropractors to work on anesthetized patients. The board passed the resolution without seeking legal approval from the Office of Administrative Law. Sacramento Bee.
Oversight of Medicare Drug Benefit Faulted at U.S. Senate Hearing
Federal lawmakers questioned administration officials on the findings of two recent government reports looking at enrollment of low-income Medicare beneficiaries in assistance programs and Medicare payments to private health plans. Dow Jones et al.
Amendments Offered for Bill on FDA Funding, Safety
A North Dakota senator offered amendments seeking to require the federal government to certify the safety of FDA-approved medications made in the U.S., extending a similar provision in the bill that would apply to drugs manufactured in other countries. CongressDaily.
Palliative Care Growing in California, Nationwide
More than 2,800 physicians nationwide have completed training to become certified in palliative medicine. The practice is expected to reach higher demand as the number of residents older than 65 continues to grow. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Nurses March at Capitol for Single-Payer Health Care
Nurses rallied in support of establishing a single-payer health care system in California, a move they maintain would be more inclusive than Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposed health care overhaul. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Employer Challenge Could Limit San Francisco Health Program
The Healthy San Francisco plan to provide health care services to all uninsured city residents could face a heavy setback in funding if San Francisco restaurants win a lawsuit challenging the plan’s mandatory employer contributions. A principal backer of the health plan says San Francisco is prepared to appeal any decision undermining the program. San Francisco Examiner.
Proposed Budget Cuts Could Hurt Mental Health Services
Gov. Schwarzenegger in his budget proposal for next fiscal year has proposed eliminating a program that provides services to homeless adults with mental illnesses. The program has helped reduce hospitalization and incarceration rates, and increase employment. Sacramento Bee.
More Companies Sign on To Push Universal Coverage
Gov. Schwarzenegger spoke via satellite at a meeting where new coalition members were announced. The group of major U.S. companies and labor unions is not offering a specific plan but is calling for universal coverage by 2012. Los Angeles Times.
Study: Most Clinics Hit By Proof-of-Citizenship Rule
More than 300,000 people who are eligible for Medicaid could be denied medical services because of federal rules that require Medicaid applicants to show documents of their U.S. citizenship. CQ HealthBeat, Denver Post.