Latest California Healthline Stories
Voting Begins on Kaiser-CNA Contract
A contract proposal between Kaiser Permanente in Northern and Central California and the California Nurses Association would increase nurses’ pay and reinforce state mandated nurse-to-patient staffing ratios. Fresno Bee, Stockton Record.
Security Problems Found in Medicare Advantage Plans
Most security breaches occurred when insurers offering MA plans outsourced health records to other companies for processing. AP/Houston Chronicle.
CBC Will Promote Health Care Expansion
The Congressional Black Caucus plans to support efforts to expand health care coverage regardless of which party is in control of Congress in the next session. CongressDaily.
Pennsylvania Considers Universal Health Coverage
It is unlikely that any action will be taken on legislation to create a universal health insurance system in the state although the Legislature is considering several plans. Pittsburgh Business Times.
The contract agreement reached between the state and the Service Employees International Union Local 1000 does not include proposed health benefit changes, after union members threatened to strike earlier this year. Sacramento Bee.
San Francisco To Designate Stroke Centers
Stroke centers at San Francisco hospitals are expected to improve patient care by allowing for quicker tests, and customized treatment and rehabilitation programs. San Francisco Chronicle.
At Least 100M Doses of Flu Vaccine To Be Available
The vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis before the flu season begins in October. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
California Healthline Highlights News on Hospital Bond Measures
Voters in Riverside and San Diego counties are considering bond measures to fund hospital construction projects, after voters in the Peninsula Health Care District in Northern California last month approved such a measure. Riverside Press-Enterprise et al.
Hearings To Begin in Lethal Injection Case
Two anesthesiologists who refused to participate in the lethal injection of a prison inmate might not have to testify at a hearing that seeks to determine the constitutionality of the practice and whether those administering lethal drugs are qualified for the task. Sacramento Bee.
Hospital Preparedness Efforts Require Further Work
An Institute of Medicine report found that some hospitals and local governments still are not adequately prepared to handle a large-scale catastrophe, despite preparations that have been underway after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurrican Katrina. Wall Street Journal.