Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Experts Criticize Kaiser Transplant Situation
Recently disclosed problems at Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California kidney transplant program could indicate deeper management and oversight problems at the HMO, some health experts say. San Francisco Business Times.
Hospital Officials Urge New Seismic Safety Assessment
Using a new computer program to determine which hospitals are most at risk during an earthquake and to develop a new seismic retrofit priority list could save the hospital industry billions of dollars. Sacramento Bee.
U.S. Predicts Shortage of Intensivists
The U.S. likely will have a shortage of physicians who specialize in the treatment of critically ill patients by 2020, a report finds. AP/Providence Journal et al.
Senate Health Committee Examines UC-Irvine Problems
Senators criticized what they called a lack of accountability for problems at the University of California-Irvine, and one lawmaker will consider linking state funding to the medical center to reform benchmarks. Los Angeles Times.
Trials for Asthma Treatment Begin
An asthma treatment that does not involve medication will be tested in at least 300 asthma patients at 18 U.S. hospitals and 12 facilities abroad. AP/St. Petersburg Times.
Dopamine Drugs Pose Compulsion Risks
Doctors are reluctant to stop prescribing the treatments for Parkinson’s Disease because the medications are effective and most patients’ personalities are not affected. Los Angeles Times.
Subpoena Related to Medi-Cal Issued
Medical testing firm Quest Diagnostics said it will cooperate with the investigation. Wall Street Journal, Reuters.
Groups Launch Independent Campaigns for State Candidates
Optometrists and other interest groups have spent about $11.6 million on independent campaigns for this year’s elections. Los Angeles Times.
State Mental Hospitals Administrator To Retire
John Rodriguez will leave the Department of Mental Health at the end of June. An agency spokesperson said Rodriguez’ retirement is not related to a federal investigation of state mental hospitals. Los Angeles Times.
Child Psychiatrists in Short Supply
The San Joaquin Valley needs 56 additional child psychiatrists to meet a national guideline. Fresno Bee.