Latest California Healthline Stories
Hearing Considers Medicare Enrollment Penalty
Calif. Rep. Bill Thomas “remained close-lipped” about whether he will support legislation to eliminate a penalty for Medicare beneficiaries who missed the enrollment deadline. CongressDaily.
Angelides: Gov. Broke Pledge on Children’s Health Care
Phil Angelides, Democratic gubernatorial nominee, criticized Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for vetoing a bill to expand children’s health insurance, as the campaign for governor gets underway. Los Angeles Times.
Deficiencies Found in Santa Ana Transplant Program
Department of Health Services regulators said they found several problems with Western Medical Center-Santa Ana’s kidney transplant program, but a hospital spokesperson said the deficiencies have been addressed. Los Angeles Times.
State Requests Fast-Track for Stem Cell Lawsuits
The attorney general’s office asked for an expedited review of lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of voter-approved bonds to fund stem cell research. Plaintiff lawyers said they probably would not oppose the request. Los Angeles Times et al.
Emergency Departments at ‘Breaking Point’
The Institute of Medicine study estimates that, on average, one ambulance per minute is diverted from an ED because of capacity issues. CQ HealthBeat et al.
California Medical Schools Address Underserved Groups
University of California medical schools are developing programs that train doctors to treat underserved populations, which could provide more doctors as the nation faces a possible physician shortage. Sacramento Bee.
Delay in Drug Advertisements Advocated
The American Medical Association recommended that FDA require a delay in direct-to-consumer advertisements for new medications and medical devices. Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times.
Hospitals Participating in Plan To Reduce Errors
A campaign to reduce medical errors in hospitals has saved the lives of about 122,300 patients at more than 3,000 hospitals, new data show. AP/Houston Chronicle, Boston Globe.
Catholic Healthcare West Settles Lawsuit
CHW will pay full or partial refunds to about 700,000 patients treated at CHW facilities since July 1, 2001, under the agreement. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Kaiser Permanente Notices Adequate, Regulators Say
Department of Managed Health Care regulators said allegations that Kaiser Permanente misled Coachella Valley members about plans to transfer doctors were unfounded. Los Angeles Times.