News Archive

As infections plateau, the state and federal government are lifting the states of emergency for COVID. Here’s what local public health figures say and where you can still find testing, treatment and other resources in the Sacramento area.

State Government

Home care workers could get more bargaining power with proposed bill

February 27, 2023 | Kate Wolffe

A growing population of people need in-home care in California. Many people doing that work earn low wages and have few labor protections. A proposed new law could allow in-home health care workers to bargain with the state for better pay and more ri

Health Care

Democratic state attorneys general sue Biden administration over abortion pill rules

February 26, 2023

The suit comes as a federal judge in another case is considering whether to overturn FDA approval of the same drug, mifepristone.

State Government

California dangles bonuses for nursing homes that add staff

February 26, 2023

Rather than simply reward top-performing facilities, the state’s Medicaid program will hand bonuses to nursing homes — even low-rated ones — for hiring more workers and reducing staff turnover.

Health Care

Birth rates are declining in California. Here’s why experts think it's happening.

February 23, 2023 | Vicki Gonzalez

Statewide births hit a peak in 1992, and more than 30 years later, that number dropped by nearly a third. Experts say economic, financial and cultural shifts have played a factor in the complicated decision to have — or not have — children.

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Health Care

Fixing the health care worker shortage may be something Congress can agree on

February 22, 2023

The U.S. faces a shortfall of about 450,000 nurses and 120,000 doctors in the coming years. The Senate's top health committee, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders, is considering bipartisan solutions.

Health Care

California says it can no longer afford aid for Covid testing, vaccinations for migrants

February 22, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom is winding down state assistance for health care services to migrants seeking asylum. He’s lobbying the Biden administration to increase aid along the state’s southern border.

Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health Care

Is California breaking its promise to cut health care costs?

February 21, 2023

The state set up a fund to cut costs for those enrolled in Covered California, but that money has been diverted.

Health Care

California requires hospitals to turn to a patient’s next of kin, closing a longtime loophole

February 19, 2023

A state law establishes a list of representatives who can make medical decisions for patients unable to convey their wishes. California is late to making the change; 45 other states and the District of Columbia already have next-of-kin laws.

Health Care

California lawmakers seek to bolster the state as an “abortion sanctuary”

February 17, 2023 | Kate Wolffe

The authors of two recently introduced bills say they are steps toward cementing the reality of an accessible, private abortion for residents and people who come from out of state to get the procedure and related care.

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