Latest California Healthline Stories
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.
Water Woes All Over California Policy Map
Water issues — from pollutants in drinking water to delayed funding of water projects and controversial relocation plans — are pervasive in California and probably will be for years to come, bringing with them direct and indirect public health repercussions.
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.
More Doctors Are Quitting Medicare. Is Obamacare Really To Blame?
A recent Wall Street Journal cover story noted that the number of physicians opting out of Medicare has nearly tripled since 2009. Some critics of the Affordable Care Act are blaming their favorite scapegoat, but there’s more to the story.
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.
Central Valley Tries Anti-Obesity Tactics
The Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Project partners with community organizations and residents to challenge policies and environments that don’t support a healthy lifestyle.
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.