Latest California Healthline Stories
Problems at Army Hospital Were Known Since 2003
The assertions by veterans groups and lawmakers about conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center have spurred legislative action and additional criticism of the Pentagon’s administration of the facility. Washington Post et al.
Hospice Group Takes ‘Neutral’ Stance on Assisted Suicide
A national group of hospice physicians has changed its stance against physician-assisted suicide, an issue that the California legislature could take up soon. However, advocates for people with disabilities continue their opposition. KPBS, San Jose Mercury News.
Stem Cell Agency Notes Improvements to Concerns in Audit
The head of the governing board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine says the agency has tightened policies on reimbursements for excessive expenses and has begun recording voting records for grant review committees. San Francisco Chronicle.
Federal Efforts Help Combat Racial, Ethnic Health Gaps
Clinics that participated in a federal program boosted their screening and prevention rates for diabetes and asthma, but rates for urgent care and emergency hospitalization did not improve. HealthDay/Washington Post.
Record Donation Goes to Stanford Stem Cell Research
A new facility funded by the grant will house Stanford’s Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, set to open by 2011. Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Business Times.
Cost of Bush Health Insurance Plan Above Initial Estimates
Analysts say that President Bush’s plan to change tax treatment for insurance benefits could cut into federal revenue and that longer-range estimates vary depending on different assumptions about health insurance costs. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, CongressDaily.
Opposition to Workers’ Comp Ballot Measure Builds Early
The proposed initiative would seek to change state law that governs who workers’ compensation claimants can consult for medical evaluations and treatment, a move that some groups say would cause costs for the state system to increase once again. Sacramento Business Journal.
Prison Health Official Resigns Amid Investigation
A health policy adviser working with the state prison system says he divested himself of a stock before a contract between the state prisons and the company was signed. Sacramento Bee.
Research Critical of Drug Plan Pricing, Language Services
Studies released this week found that Medicare drug plans raise copayments after beneficiaries’ first year of enrollment and that customer service is available in languages other than English more than half of the time. USA Today, Deseret Morning News.
Governor Pushes Health Reform in Congress, Federal Meetings
Gov. Schwarzenegger met with President Bush, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and California Congressional members to promote his health care reform proposal, which relies on more than $5 billion annually in federal funding. Cuts included in Bush’s budget proposal could hamper the governor’s plan. AP/Contra Costa Times et al.