Latest California Healthline Stories
Safety Improvements at UCI Medical Center Approved
The Department of Health Services approved a plan by the University of California-Irvine to include breakaway showerheads and grab bars and require pharmacists to approve off-label uses of medications in the psychiatric ward after a patient committed suicide. Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times.
Orange County Physicians Consider EHR Adoption
A growing number of medical practices in Orange County are adopting electronic health records, but costs and privacy issues continue to deter some practices from upgrading their records systems. Orange County Register.
Massachusetts Health Coverage Mandate Considered
Newspapers on Friday examined reservations about the bill held by some groups, as well as the prospects of creating an affordable health insurance market in the state. AP/Long Island Newsday et al.
House Adjourns Without Voting on Budget
House Republican leaders said that they would attempt to hold a vote on the bill after the Easter recess. The bill excludes spending reductions for Medicare and Medicaid. CongressDaily et al.
Massachusetts Bill Could Be Model for California
Editorials in three California newspapers are calling for state lawmakers to develop a health insurance coverage policy similar to the one recently approved by the Massachusetts Legislature. Los Angeles Daily News et al.
JCAHO Raises Threshold for Punishment for Violations
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is defending a recent decision to increase the number of allowable violations hospitals can have before they receive punishment. Los Angeles Times.
More Preparation for Earthquake Needed
Nearly 1,000 hospitals in 2001 did not meet state seismic safety standards to prevent collapse during a major earthquake. San Jose Mercury News.