Latest California Healthline Stories
Questions, Concerns Greet Exchange Leaders at S.F. Town Hall Meeting
In one of the first in a series of outreach events, Covered California officials attracted a big crowd and fielded many questions last week in San Francisco.
Nurse Practitioner Bill Loses Supporter After ‘Drastic’ Last-Minute Amendments
A bill to allow nurse practitioners more independence is up for another vote this week before a California Assembly committee, but new amendments have prompted one supporter to oppose the measure.
Mid-Levels’ Bill Clears Assembly Floor Vote
A bill to allow mid-level practitioners to supervise medical assistants when physicians are not onsite cleared the Assembly floor last week.
Exchange Delays Pediatric Dental Mandate
Covered California directors decided yesterday to delay embedding pediatric dental benefits in the state’s new health insurance exchange until 2015.
Health Bills Continue Through Committee
While most state legislators still are on summer recess, committees are meeting and considering bills, including several dealing with health care issues.
Scope-of-Practice Bills Proceed, Pause
A scope-of-practice bill for pharmacists was approved by an Assembly committee yesterday. Another bill supporting expansion for nurse practitioners failed but may get another chance next week.
State Officials Deny Cover-Up Claims
State health officials deny claims by a parent and physician that authorities suppressed information concerning autism coverage in the transition from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal.
Can Health Reform Help Reduce Violence?
Under the Affordable Care Act, more money and resources may be available for California communities to implement policies aimed at reducing street crime and domestic assault.
Getting Dental Care to Pregnant Women
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists announced new national guidelines for care this week that include an emphasis on providing dental care for pregnant women — something California advocates have been working on for years.
Many Middle-Aged Residents Lost Health Coverage During Recession
More middle-aged Californians lost health insurance coverage between 2007 and 2009 than any other group, according to a new study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.