California hospitals graded on death rates

A study by California officials of hospital death rates shows that for eight common conditions and procedures, the rates vary widely. The study looked at mortality rates for 2007 and 2006, and found that, in 2007, 25 hospitals had death rates that were significantly better than the state average on at least one indicator, while 94 were significantly worse in at least one area. The state plans to update the study annually and to expand the categories.