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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.

Long-Term Care

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09/02/2010

Study Details Strategies for Reducing Deficit of San Diego Health Benefit

A new study by Buck Consultants shows how much the city of San Diego and taxpayers could save by making substantial changes to the city's health care benefit for retired workers. The current deficit for the benefit stands at $1.36 billion. San Diego Union-Tribune.

08/30/2010

Judge Denies Motion for Mistrial in Case Against Nursing Home Company

A judge has denied Skilled Healthcare's bid for a mistrial ruling and issued an injunction ordering the nursing home chain to comply with California's mandated staffing levels. Attorneys in the case are due back in court tomorrow. Eureka Times-Standard, Bloomberg.

08/27/2010

Health Department Reverses Decision on Nursing Home

The California Department of Public Health has reversed its ruling issued earlier this month that the nursing home run by the Motion Picture and Television Fund broke state law by failing to provide discharge notices to residents before transferring them. Ralph Montano, a DPH spokesperson, said the decision was changed because a formal closure process was never initiated. Los Angeles Times' "Company Town."

08/26/2010

Firm Aims To Acquire 5 Calif. Long-Term Care Hospitals

Kentucky-based Kindred Healthcare has announced plans to acquire five long-term acute care hospitals owned by Southern California's Vista Healthcare. Kindred will pay Vista $180 million for the four freestanding hospitals and one hospital-in-hospital facility. Kindred also plans to acquire three nursing homes in Texas. The acquisitions are expected to close this year. HealthLeaders Media.

08/26/2010

Judge Blocks Plan That Would Restrict Workers From In-Home Care

Gov. Schwarzenegger will not be able to implement his plan to prevent individuals with certain convictions from working as In-Home Supportive Services caregivers. A judge recently ruled that the plan would harm patients and caregivers. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.

08/25/2010

Audit Finds Oversight Problems at Agency for Developmental Services

A recent audit identified problems with the state Department of Developmental Services' oversight of regional centers. The centers contract with other groups to provide in-home care and other services to residents with developmental disabilities. "California Watch Blog."

08/23/2010

Commission Considers Strategies To Maximize Long-Term Care in Calif.

The Little Hoover Commission, a Sacramento-based think thank, is developing recommendations on how the state could maximize long-term care services for seniors and residents with disabilities, while minimizing spending amid ongoing budget strain. Ventura County Star.

08/23/2010

Review: Prosecutions of Elder Abuse Down Under Attorney General Brown

A California Watch review finds that Attorney General Jerry Brown's office has prosecuted fewer elder abuse cases than his predecessor. Officials in Brown's office say there has been no conscious effort to downplay elder abuse cases. California Watch/San Francisco Chronicle.

08/20/2010

State Moving Ahead on Worker Restrictions for In-Home Care Program

State officials are gearing up to enact new rules barring individuals with certain convictions from working as caregivers in the In-Home Supportive Services program. The state is appealing an earlier court decision that sided against the new IHSS rules. San Francisco Chronicle.

08/19/2010

Advocates Protest Proposed Cuts to IHSS, Health Care

On Wednesday, more than one dozen advocacy groups rallied in Sacramento to protest Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services, adult day health care, mental health services and Medi-Cal. Advocates said the proposed cuts would force many residents into institutionalized care. Sacramento Bee, Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News."

08/19/2010

Different Approaches Offer Insights on End-of-Life Care

In its August edition of "Health Dialogues," KQED's "California Report" examined end-of-life care issues. The edition includes segments on end-of-life care planning, cultural influences, physician perspectives, insurance coverage and pediatric hospice services. KQED's "California Report."

08/18/2010

Report: Cancer Top Cause of Death, Costs Worldwide

Cancer likely is the leading cause of death in the world and costs more in productivity and lost life than any other illness, according to an American Cancer Society report to be presented this week at the World Cancer Congress in China. The report found that cancer cost the world $895 billion in 2008, equivalent to about 1.5% of the world's entire gross domestic product. A number of advocacy groups have been urging health officials to devote more funding to combat noninfectious causes of death, including cancer. AP/Chicago Tribune.

08/17/2010

In-Home Care Workers Offer To Boost Health Pension Contributions

In-Home Supportive Services employees in San Mateo County are willing to increase their health care contributions to counteract funding reductions proposed by the governor. The proposal could remove services for up to 2,500 individuals. San Jose Mercury News, Contra Costa Times.

08/17/2010

Report Questions GOP Plan To Repeal Reform Law's Tax Filing Rules

A new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finds that a Republican proposal to repeal a tax filing requirement in the health reform law would cut preventive care funding while allowing businesses to avoid paying certain taxes. The Hill's "Healthwatch."

08/13/2010

Chiang Calls for Senior Health Plan To Repay $339M to California

Senior Care Action Network owes California about $339 million to account for overpayments by the Department of Health Care Services, according to Controller John Chiang. SCAN called Chiang's allegations "untrue and unwarranted." Central Valley Business Times.

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