Latest California Healthline Stories
California Lawmakers Consider Restrictions on Hospital Sales
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled today to consider a bill that would authorize the state attorney general to block the sale of not-for-profit hospitals to for-profit owners without seeking and considering multiple bids. Includes other legislative news. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Companies’ Health Policies Could Be Targets for Critics
Business leaders backing key provisions of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform proposal to lower the cost of insurance and care could attract negative scrutiny of their own health benefits policies. American Public Media’s “Marketplace” et al.
Southern California Leaders Seek Action on Air Quality
Local officials in Southern California are calling on the state and federal government for greater involvement in reducing air pollution, saying that more than 5,000 premature deaths each year could be traced to low air quality. Los Angeles Times.
Pace of Action Slows on Democrats’ Health Care, Domestic Goals
Debate about the war in Iraq has emerged as a roadblock to Democratic lawmakers’ goals for legislation on health care and other domestic priorities. The House has pushed through a number of health care measures, but action in the Senate has been slower. Washington Post et al.
California Emergency Medical Services Hurt by Lack of Oversight
An investigation found inconsistencies in how paramedics and emergency medical technicians across the state are disciplined and faulted state regulators for inadequate communication. California has less centralized oversight of EMS providers than other states. Los Angeles Times.
Edwards Highlights Health Care in Bid for Presidency
Former Sen. John Edwards has mailed a DVD outlining his proposal for universal health insurance to every Democratic household in Iowa as part of his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Raleigh News & Observer.
Health Care Personnel Update for April 2007
Four hospital organizations see leadership changes; Kern County public health officer moves to similar position in San Diego County
Health Insurance Cancellations Go Before Appeals Court
California insurance regulators will be among those weighing in on a case that could affect hundreds of other lawsuits challenging health insurers’ practice of retroactively dropping individual policies. The state recently has fined insurers in similar cases. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: May 7
Hawaii expected to approve universal health care for children; Indiana health insurance expansion awaits governor’s signature
San Francisco Goes Against the Grain in Nursing Home Plan
San Francisco is continuing with plans to replace a city nursing home despite opposition from some health care advocates who argue that people who otherwise would get home-based medical services will be pushed into the residential facility. Wall Street Journal.