Latest California Healthline Stories
Richman Calls for Broad-Scale Reform of State’s Health Care System to Head Off Possible ‘Collapse’
California lawmakers need to abandon the “Band-Aid” approach they have taken to fixing the state’s ailing health care system and instead should develop a “master plan … to address the fundamental health care financing problems causing [the state’s] access and affordability” problems, Assembly member Keith Richman (R-Granada Hills) says in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece.
Southern Governors’ Association Advocates Creation of 16-State Telemedicine Network
The Southern Governors’ Association and the American Telemedicine Association this week asked HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson and Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge for support in creating a telemedicine network that would link 16 Southern states and serve as a model for a national system, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.
HHS Proposes Easing Consent Requirement in Medical Privacy Rule
HHS yesterday proposed a series of changes to the federal medical privacy rules implemented last year, including a proposal eliminating the requirement that providers, insurers and pharmacies obtain written consent from patients before disclosing their medical records, the Washington Post reports.
Access to Care Did Not Improve During Strong Economy, Study Finds
Despite a strong economy, the number of Americans who did not seek or delayed receiving medical care failed to improve between 1997 and 2001, according to a new report from the Center for Studying Health System Change, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Palomar Pomerado Health District Nurses Picket For Union Representation
As expected, nearly 200 pro-union nurses in the Palomar Pomerado Health district picketed in front Palomar Medical Center yesterday to call attention to the district’s refusal to recognize the nurses’ representation by the California Nurses Association, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Closure of Parkview’s Emergency Department Puts Stress on Other Area Facilities
The closure of Riverside-based Parkview Community Hospital’s emergency room has caused a “medical emergency” at other area facilities, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports.
Bill Would Increase State Cigarette Tax to Reduce Deficit and Boost Anti-Smoking Programs
Sen. Debra Ortiz (D-Sacramento) has proposed legislation that would increase California’s cigarette tax by 65 cents per pack in order to trim the state’s $17.5 billion budget deficit and expand anti-tobacco programs, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
States Seeking More Medicaid Funds for Long-Term Care
Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton (D), vice chair of the National Governors Association, yesterday told the Senate Special Committee on Aging that states facing rising Medicaid costs need increased funding of long-term care services for the elderly, the AP/Nando Times reports.
Davis Reappoints Gellert to Advisory Committee on Managed Health Care
Gov. Gray Davis (D) on Tuesday announced that he has reappointed Jay Gellert to the Advisory Committee on Managed Health Care, which assists and advises the director of the Department of Managed Health Care.
Editorials Weigh in on IOM Racial Disparities Report
Several newspapers have run editorials in response to the recent Institute of Medicine report finding vast disparities among minorities and whites on several health measures even when they have similar incomes, insurance and health conditions.