Latest California Healthline Stories
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.
State Helps Providers Navigate New Immunization Web Exchange Portal
State health officials staged a webinar yesterday helping California health care providers navigate a new electronic immunization registry, one of the steps in the federal incentive program aimed at achieving meaningful use of electronic health records.
Effort To Move Patient Data Online May Spur a More Efficient, Affordable Network
Health information experts gathered in Santa Rosa last week to work on an IT network to help physicians coordinate care, drive down costs and reduce unnecessary procedures.
State Has Paid More Than $1 Million in Penalties for Late Hearings; Total Will Rise
A delay in about 1,000 appeal hearings for an adult day health care program has resulted in California paying more than $1 million in penalties so far, and the total could rise significantly. Fewer than half of the appellants due payment have received compensation.