Latest California Healthline Stories
Draft Plan Details Response for Pandemic Flu
A flu pandemic in the U.S. could result in as much as 40% of the country’s work force staying home, according to a draft of the government’s pandemic flu plan. AP/San Jose Mercury News et al.
UC, Nurses Begin Contract Negotiations
Nurses at the University of California’s five medical centers have resumed contract negotiations, and points of contention likely will include mandatory breaks, health benefits and wages. Sacramento Business Journal.
More Efforts Needed To Increase Organ Donation
Efforts to increase U.S. residents’ participation in organ donation programs need to be expanded, according to an Institute of Medicine report. USA Today, Boston Globe.
Federal Plan for State Mental Hospital Reforms Detailed
A lawsuit and consent decree filed in federal court seek to reform state mental hospitals, which have been accused of improperly using restraints and medication in patient care. Los Angeles Times.
CMS Chief Supports Bush Medicare Proposals
Congress should pass President Bush’s proposals that would eliminate increases in Medicare provider payments and require higher-income beneficiaries to pay higher Medicare premiums, CMS Administrator Mark McClellan on Tuesday said. CongressDaily et al.
Senators Seek Hearing for UCI Problems
Two senators called for a joint committee hearing to address problems at the University of California-Irvine Medical Center, including the closure of its liver transplant program last year. Los Angeles Times.
Four Board Members Re-Elected to UnitedHealth Board
Despite concerns over compensation for the UnitedHealth Group CEO and other top executives, shareholders voted to retain all four board members who sought re-election. AP/Hartford Courant et al.
Problems Found in Kaiser Permanente Transplant Program
A Los Angeles Times investigation of Kaiser Permanente’s kidney transplant program found delays in completing paperwork, which resulted in longer wait times for patients, and lower kidney acceptance rates that reduced the number of transplants performed. Los Angeles Times.
An audit of the University of California found that universities often violated their own policies regarding employee compensation, including overpaying a medical school dean by $5,000 monthly since 2001. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Health Care Liability Estimate Increases
A consultant estimates Contra Costa County’s unfunded health care liability for retirees at $2.4 billion, leading the county to consider extending the mandatory tenure before employees would be eligible for retiree health benefits. Contra Costa Times.