Latest California Healthline Stories
A Senate-passed bill (SB 1950) that would require the Medical Board of California to disclose more information to the public about doctors who have settled malpractice claims “hardly seems unreasonable,” and the Assembly should approve the legislation, according to a San Diego Union-Tribune editorial.
More Sonoma County Doctors File Motions to End Contracts with Health Plan of the Redwoods
An additional 21 doctors last Friday filed motions with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Santa Rosa to end to their contracts with Health Plan of the Redwoods, which they said has become “increasingly unstable” and “is hurting the viability of their practices,” the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports.
Kaiser Permanente Restructures, California Division Head Resigns
Kaiser Permanente CEO George Halvorson has announced a reorganization of the health insurance company that would effectively eliminate the California division, the Los Angeles Times reports.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Passes GOP Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Friday voted 30-23 along party lines to pass a $350 billion Medicare reform package that includes a prescription drug benefit for seniors, the New York Times reports.
Mental Health Parity Legislation Would Not Eliminate All Disparities
The Philadelphia Inquirer today reports that while mental health parity legislation under consideration in Congress would “make health plans equalize the rules for mental and physical health care,” it would not “do away with” all coverage disparities.
University of California Registered Nurses Ratify New Contract
After “months” of negotiations and a “narrowly avoided” strike last month, registered nurses with the University of California system voted on Friday to ratify a new contract, the AP/Sacramento Bee reports.
Supreme Court Ruling Should Lead to Passage of Federal Patients’ Rights Law, Los Angeles Times Says
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling upholding state laws that require an independent review in cases where an HMO denies care should “[i]deally” inspire Congress to pass a patients’ bill of rights, a Los Angeles Times editorial says.
Push for Universal Health Insurance for Children Grows in California Counties
The success of Santa Clara County’s Children’s Health Initiative has inspired other California counties to provide universal health care for children, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Language Barrier Hinders Provision of Medical Care to Non-English Speakers
As health care providers see more and more patients with limited English-language skills, hospitals and doctors are in the process of determining how best to solve the communication barrier that often leaves non-English-speaking patients without proper medical attention, the AP/Contra Costa Times reports.
FDA Advisory Panel Recommends OTC Status for Heartburn Drug Prilosec
An FDA advisory committee on Friday recommended that Procter & Gamble be allowed to sell AstraZeneca’s heartburn treatment Prilosec without a doctor’s prescription, the Washington Post reports.