Latest California Healthline Stories
Last-Minute Changes to Nursing Home Bill Mean More Reforms Will be Needed, Mercury News Says
The nursing home bill (AB 1075) approved by the state Legislature last week “started out as a mandatory staffing bill,” but in the “chaotic closing hours” of the session, it was “chopped fine and ground up, with a few mystery ingredients added,” a San Jose Mercury News editorial says.
Group Sues DMHC, Alleging Inadequate Investigation of Patient HMO Complaints
A California consumer advocacy group filed a lawsuit last week alleging that the Department of Managed Health Care has inadequately investigated several patients’ complaints and has not offered explanations about its arbitration decisions in favor of health plans, the Los Angeles Times reports.
‘Economic Uncertainties’ May Force Davis to Veto Workers’ Compensation Bill
Gov. Gray Davis (D) “hinted” yesterday that “economic uncertainties” resulting from the state’s “sluggish” economy could prompt him to veto “costly” legislation passed by state lawmakers this month, including a bill (SB 71) that would increase workers’ compensation, the AP/San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Bush Administration to Appeal Injunction Preventing Implementation of Drug Discount Card
The Bush administration will appeal a court decision issued earlier this month blocking the implementation of its pharmacy discount card program for Medicare beneficiaries, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services Administrator Thomas Scully said yesterday.
UCSD Receives Third Federal Grant to Research Treatments for Alzheimer’s
The University of California-San Diego, which has been involved in federally funded Alzheimer’s disease research since 1991, has received a $54 million, five-year federal grant — the largest of its kind — to investigate whether four compounds stop “dementia, agitation and loss of function” associated with the disease, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Aetna To Offer Combined PPO/Health Savings Plan in 2002
Aetna Inc. next year will offer a insurance package that combines a preferred provider organization with a health savings account, making it the first managed care organization “to offer this type of policy on a national basis,” the Florida Times-Union reports.
Oakland Health Advocates Plan Conference to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness Among Blacks
Concerned about high breast cancer mortality rate among black women, the Northern California Cancer Center and health care advocates in Oakland are planning a conference to raise community awareness, the Oakland Tribune reports.
Red Cross Decides to Freeze ‘Much’ of Blood Surplus
In an unprecedented move, the American Red Cross has announced that in light of the recent increase in blood donations in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks last week, the organization will freeze “large amounts” of blood to extend the donations’ shelf lives, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Recovery from Attacks Could ‘Wipe Out’ 2002 Budget Surplus
Proposals by the White House and Congress for up to $180 billion in tax cuts and spending increases in the wake of last week’s attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon would “wipe out” the estimated $170 billion to $180 billion FY 2002 budget surplus, including the Medicare Part A and Social Security trust funds, the Los Angeles Times reports.
New Technology Helps Doctors View Large Digital Images on PCs
A new company has developed a way to view X-rays and CT and MRI scans without printing film, which can save physicians money and time, the Wall Street Journal reports.