Latest California Healthline Stories
FDA Proposes Fast-Track Approval Process for Some Medical Devices
FDA has proposed a program that would expedite the approval process for innovative medical devices that might be particularly beneficial for seriously ill patients who have no other treatment options. However, at least one observer argues that few medical devices will meet the strict criteria. Reuters et al.
Study: Fragmented Health Care System Could Hamper Medicare ACOs
A new study finds that the fragmented health care system could impede the ability of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicare accountable care organizations to lower health care costs and improve outcomes. The research shows that nearly 66% of Medicare beneficiaries in 2010 and 2011 would have sought care from specialists outside of future ACO networks. Washington Post “Wonkblog.”
Long Beach Sees Spike in Whooping Cough Cases
Local public health officials say there have been 42 cases of whooping cough in Long Beach since January, a significant increase from the 15 cases reported in all of 2013. Officials say that most of the cases this year have involved school-age children and that no deaths have been reported. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Bill Banning Exchange Workers With Criminal Records Fails
Yesterday, California lawmakers rejected a bill that would have prevented individuals convicted of certain crimes from working for Covered California. Supporters of the bill said consumers’ private information could be at risk, while critics called the measure discriminatory and unnecessary. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Scripps, Sutter Sacramento Region Make Top 15 Health System List
Scripps Health and Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region — which include a combined 10 member hospitals across the state — were selected for Truven Health Analytics’ list of the top 15 health care systems in the U.S. For the rankings, Truven analyzed data on 300 health care organizations. Cincinnati Business Courier et al.
Signatures Submitted for Medi-Cal Provider Fee Initiative
On Monday, backers of the Medi-Cal Funding and Accountability Act of 2014 — a proposed ballot initiative that would set the percentage the state gets from a fee levied on hospitals and designate how that money is to be spent — submitted 1.3 million signatures in support of the measure. The measure also would build on a state law that extended for three years the Medi-Cal quality assurance fee. Sacramento Business Journal.
Three States Expand Nurse Practitioners’ Scope of Practice
Connecticut, Nebraska and New York all are considering or have considered legislation that would allow nurse practitioners to practice and make treatment decisions without physician supervision — authority that NPs in many other states already have. Non-physician health providers across the nation are seeking to expand their roles amid growing concern over a looming shortage of primary care physicians and other specialists. MedPage Today‘s “The Gupta Guide.”
Calif. Senate Panel Passes Bill Aimed at Increasing Oversight of Medical Marijuana Industry
On Monday, the California Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee advanced a measure that aims to impose greater oversight of the medical marijuana industry. However, Sen. Lou Correa ,who introduced the bill, pledged to work with opponents of the measure — including physician groups and local governments — to compromise on some of its provisions. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal,” U-T San Diego.
USC Program Improves Care by Expanding Pharmacists’ Roles
A study of a University of Southern California program finds that expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice at safety-net clinics reduces prescription errors and hospitalizations and improves disease management for patients with high blood pressure and diabetes. KQED’s “State of Health.”
Many U.S. Residents Still Choose To Forgo Health Coverage
Many U.S. residents chose not to purchase coverage during the health insurance exchanges’ first open enrollment period. Such individuals cite cost, confusion about the Affordable Care Act’s provisions, technical issues and ideological opposition as reasons to remain uninsured. New York Times, AP/Sacramento Bee.