California Healthline: Most Viewed

Four Northern Calif. VA Facilities Cited for Health, Safety Issues

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities in Northern California have been cited for a total of 25 health and safety violations by the U.S. Department of Labor. About half of the violations were considered "serious." Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Chronicle.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 25, 2012

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Workers at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland have voted in favor of representation by the National Union of Healthcare Workers. Rady Children's Hospital San Diego seeks to launch a heart transplant program this year, which could make it the fifth California hospital to offer the surgery for children.

Rural Kids' Access to Health Care in Question Under Brown's Plan

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Physicians, lawmakers and health care advocates are concerned that a proposal in Gov. Brown's revised budget plan to shift all children in the Healthy Families program to Medi-Cal could cause treatment gaps for kids in rural communities. California Watch.

Senate Approves Bill To Reauthorize, Modify FDA User-Fee Programs

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Senate approved in a 96-1 vote a bill that would reauthorize and modify FDA's prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs. The legislation also would create fees to review generic drugs and less-costly biotechnology products. New York Times et al.

Voter Support Declining for Tobacco Tax Hike Initiative, Poll Finds

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new poll finds that voter support for Proposition 29 has decreased from 67% in March to 53% this month. Experts say that advertisements funded by tobacco companies have contributed to the decline. AP/Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News.

CDC: States Spend Small Share of Tobacco Funds on Anti-Smoking Efforts

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new CDC report finds that states spent just 3% of the nearly $244 billion they collected in tobacco settlement funds on anti-smoking efforts. It notes that cigarette sales and smoking rates declined faster when states like California spent more on anti-tobacco programs. Washington Times et al.

Poll: Brown's Approval Rating Dips, But Support for Tax Hike Plan Rises

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent poll shows that Gov. Brown's job approval rating has fallen since April, but support for a compromise tax hike plan by Brown and backers of the "Millionaires Tax" has increased slightly. According to the poll, 56% of likely voters now support the plan. Sacramento Bee.

Tri-City CEO Accused of Medical Leave Discrimination

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Steven Daniel Stein -- former senior vice president of legal affairs and chief compliance officer at Tri-City Healthcare District -- has filed a legal claim against the agency alleging that CEO Larry Anderson discriminated against him and at least three other employees who sought medical leave. A Tri-City official called Stein's claim "an attempt to defame and demean" Anderson and "undermine" his accomplishments. U-T San Diego.

Inmates With Mental Illnesses Wait Months in Jail Before Treatment

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Advocates for prison inmates are criticizing the practice of holding individuals with mental illnesses in jail for months until beds at state hospitals become available. Certain inmates have waited three to six months in jail before receiving treatment, experts say. Sacramento Bee.

Poll: Calif. Voters Back Tax Hike, Are Concerned by Use of Funding

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new poll shows that many registered voters support a compromise tax hike plan by Gov. Brown. However, the poll finds that support for the plan decreased when respondents were told that new tax revenue might not support state services. Los Angeles Times.

Insurers Shifting Greater Cost Share of Specialty Rx Drugs to Enrollees

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Many health insurers have shifted costly specialty drugs into new categories, requiring members to pay a larger share of their cost. Lawmakers in California and other states have introduced bills that would cap out-of-pocket expenses for such specialty drugs. Los Angeles Times.

CalPERS Increases Contributions for State Employee Pensions

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CalPERS has approved a 5.7% increase in payment rates for state worker pensions in the next fiscal year. The cost increase will be implemented over two years, a strategy that Gov. Brown calls "not a prudent decision." Sacramento Business Journal et al.

Dentist Shortage Leading to Emergencies, Tooth Decay in Rural Counties

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As a result of dentist and specialist shortages, residents in rural California counties are experiencing high rates of tooth decay and preventable dental emergencies. Experts say clinicians face financial barriers to practicing in rural areas because reimbursement rates are lower. HealthyCal.

Tobacco Industry, Health Groups Face Off Over Prop. 29

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In total, the tobacco industry and its allies have contributed about $42.6 million toward a campaign to defeat Proposition 29, a June ballot initiative that would increase California's tax on cigarettes by $1 per pack to raise funds for cancer research and smoking cessation programs. Meanwhile, supporters of the tax hike proposal, led by a national health coalition, have spent nearly $9 million to advocate for the ballot initiative. Capitol Weekly.

CalPERS Must Offer Long-Term Care to Same-Sex Couples, Judge Rules

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A federal judge has ruled that CalPERS must give state workers' same-sex spouses or domestic partners access to a long-term care insurance plan. Experts say that more than 2,900 state workers in same-sex relationships have sought such coverage. Sacramento Bee et al.