Calif. governor, health chiefs face contempt hearing

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the directors of two state health agencies will face a contempt-of-court hearing Aug. 17 for issuing a third order to relax state requirements for nurse-to-patient ratios in California hospitals. Superior Court Judge Judy Hersher in Sacramento scheduled the hearing for Schwarzenegger, Health Services Director Sandra Shewry and Health and Human Services Director Kim Belshe. Hersher in June said the effort to revise the regulations was illegal, ruling in favor of the California Nurses Association. A spokeswoman for California's HHS said the agencies reissued the order solely to protect their right of appeal. "We understand that the court ruling stands," she said. -- by Melanie Evans