Latest California Healthline Stories
Los Angeles County OKs Needle-Exchange Program
The county’s public health chief estimates that half of the injection drug users in Los Angeles County share needles, a practice that puts them at increased risk of contracting HIV and other bloodborne infections. Los Angeles Times et al.
Executive Order Sets New Goals for Health IT, Consumer Data
Gov. Schwarzenegger championed the measure as a way to reduce medical errors, boost patient care and curb rising medical costs, but the California Medical Association questions whether care providers can afford to comply. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
Federal Spending Favors Health Care for Seniors Over Kids
A new report estimates that federal spending and incentives for children’s health insurance coverage will continue to shrink as a percentage of the U.S. economy, while services for seniors will take up a bigger share. USA Today.
Uninsured Gaining More Attention Nationwide
Legislators, businesses and labor unions are among those speaking out in favor of health care reform this year, pushing health care as a key national priority. USA Today.
Hearings, Staff Changes Hit State Chiropractic Board
Legislators are considering a hearing later this month to look into a March 1 meeting of the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners that has raised questions about whether the board is violating state law. Sacramento Bee.
Governor Wins Federal Backing for Jump in Medi-Cal Funds
Gov. Schwarzenegger underscored the magnitude of HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt’s pledge to help the state secure additional federal dollars for Medi-Cal, saying health care reform in California would be impossible without federal support. The state must increase Medi-Cal reimbursements to physicians and hospitals to cash in on the pledge. Sacramento Bee, San Diego Union-Tribune.
Alameda County Task Force Pushes Health Care Access
A report from the group advocates an inventory of health care programs in the county to help policymakers and community members decide how to shore up the county health care system. San Francisco Chronicle.
Assembly Republicans Sidestep Mandates in Health Care Plan
Acting as a counter to proposals by Gov. Schwarzenegger and Democratic leaders, Assembly Republicans are promoting a competition-based approach to health care reform that would loosen state restrictions on insurance companies. Fresno Bee, San Jose Mercury News.
California Program Moves Doctor Report Cards Forward
Health care providers’ experience with an existing pay-for-performance program in California could help a larger project with the federal government take hold and advance the movement nationwide. Los Angeles Times.