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Quality of Care Woes Persist in California

Despite a heightened focus on patient safety in recent years, a new CHCF Almanac report finds that although incremental gains have been made, California is still grappling with quality improvement.

HIT Adoption Among California Dentists

What's the level of interest among California dentists in adopting health information technology, such as electronic dental health records, and how many are already making use of such systems? This snapshot of survey data provides some answers.

Health Care Reform's Formidable Challenge

A new Health Affairs analysis and commentary finds that while federal health care reform promises to overhaul the U.S. health care system, it does not adequately address growing Medicare spending.

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California Healthline will not publish Monday, Sept. 6.
Publication will resume Tuesday, Sept. 7.

NAIC: Some Insurers No Longer Writing Plans for Kids' Coverage

Some insurers have stopped offering plans specifically for children because of the reform law's requirement that insurers cover kids regardless of pre-existing conditions, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Bill Could Gain Support as Whooping Cough Cases Break Records

Assembly member Juan Arambula has resurrected a bill that would allow schools to require whooping cough immunizations for incoming seventh-graders. The measure might gain new support because of California's recent outbreak of the disease. Fresno Bee, Redding Record Searchlight.

Patients of VA Facilities Allowed To Use Medical Marijuana Where Legal

Veterans who seek care at Veterans Affairs facilities will be permitted to use medical marijuana in states where it is legal. Health care officials say the decision will affect how physicians prescribe pain medications. New York Times, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.

New Study Linking End-of-Life Directives With Hospitalization Has Implications for California

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Kenneth Brummel-Smith of Florida State University College of Medicine, Judy Citko of the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California and Jeffrey Yee of Woodland Healthcare spoke with California Healthline about the study.

Running Time: 5:06

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