Latest California Healthline Stories
Hospitals Work To Address Linguistic, Cultural Needs of Immigrant Patients
Two newspapers recently examined efforts by health care providers to accommodate the cultural and linguistic needs of immigrants. New York Times, Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Candidates’ Similarities Leave Voters Undecided
Voters will select a Democratic nominee to face Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) in the fall. Although the Democratic candidates differ on health care issues, their similarities on other issues have left many voters undecided. Oakland Tribune et al.
States Request Flexibility in Medicaid Proof of Citizenship Law
The federal government is receiving requests from state officials and patient advocates for greater flexibility in the enforcement of a new law that will require Medicaid enrollees and applicants to confirm their citizenship beginning July 1. Knight Ridder/Arizona Daily Star, New York Times.
Schwarzenegger Announces Appointments
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently named an associate secretary of legislative affairs for the Health and Human Services Agency and a skilled nursing facility administrator for the Veterans Home at Chula Vista. Office of the Governor.
Los Angeles Mayor Calls for Health Care Reforms
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, chair of a national task force on poverty, said he will advocate affordable health care and housing and better paying jobs to address poverty nationwide. Los Angeles Times.
Many States Report, Expect Physician Shortages
A future physician shortage could lead to a national health care crisis. Los Angeles Times.
HHS Relying Upon Voluntary Compliance To Enforce HIPAA
HHS has received more than 19,000 grievances regarding alleged violations of medical privacy provisions in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, but the agency has levied no civil fines and prosecuted just two criminal cases. Washington Post.
Restrictions on Insurers Proposed
Several proposals have been introduced to limit health insurers’ profits and out-of-pocket expenses for consumers, but the insurance industry says they will do little to reduce rising health care costs. Los Angeles Times.
CMS Prepares To Inspect King/Drew
Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center could lose CMS funding if deficiencies are found during an inspection that will be held within the next 90 days. Los Angeles Times.