Latest California Healthline Stories
California Public Hospitals See Major Influx of Patients as Recession, Job Losses Continue
William Jensen of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Melissa Stafford Jones of the California Association of Public Hospitals, Kim Roberts of Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System and Anthony Wright of Health Access discussed the trend with California Healthline.
Gender Rating in Health Insurance Under Review in California
Two bills banning gender rating in health insurance are before the Legislature, and two state government agencies face a lawsuit claiming that the state constitution prohibits the practice.
Bill Would Require California Nursing Homes To Post Ratings
Assembly members have introduced a “revenue-neutral” bill to require California nursing homes to publicly post their ratings in a new federal five-star ranking system. Supporters say it will help consumers evaluate their options when choosing a facility.
Advocates for Uninsured See Opportunity in Bleak Economy
The economic crisis sending the national economy into a tailspin and putting a stranglehold on California is seen by many health advocates as an opportunity to make significant progress toward providing health coverage for millions of uninsured and underinsured.
California’s Online Hospital Mortality Rate Report Card Aims To Boost Quality of Care
Jan Emerson of the California Hospital Association, Don Goldmann of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Joseph Parker of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development discussed the state’s new report card on hospital mortality rates.
Approval of Clinical Trial Opens Door to Next Steps in Regenerative Medicine
As home to a large number of biotech companies as well as the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, the state is uniquely positioned to capitalize on developments in stem cell research that could be on the way now that FDA has approved the first trial in humans.
Shortage of Allied Health Workers Strains California Clinics
A survey released this month shows more than 80% of California’s community clinics reported difficulties in keeping allied health positions filled with qualified, trained personnel. The problem is expected to grow in the short- and long-term.
L.A. County Supervisors Want Nursing Homes To Publicly Display Federal Quality Ratings
Tony Bell, spokesperson for L.A. Supervisor Antonovich, Jack Cheevers of CMS, Mary Jann of the California Association of Health Facilities, and Patricia McGinnis of the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform discussed the proposal.
Financial Times May Get Harder for California Providers
California’s hospitals, nursing homes and clinics are reeling from a powerful one-two punch of the nation’s economic recession and the state’s difficulties in passing a budget.
Spending on Kids Is Right Financial Thing To Do, Advocates Argue
An annual report card from children’s advocates urges state lawmakers to spend money on children’s health care and education not necessarily because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the right financial thing to do.