Latest California Healthline Stories
House Energy and Commerce Panel Approves SGR Legislation
On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously voted to approve bipartisan legislation that would gradually repeal the sustainable growth rate formula, which determines Medicare physician reimbursement rates. The bill now heads to the full House. Washington Times et al.
Calif. Officials Object to Proposed Federal Bill Regulating Chemicals
California officials are objecting to federal legislation that aims to expand the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority over the chemical industry, saying it could undermine states’ ability to enforce their own regulations on toxic chemicals. U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer says too many states are objecting to the bill and that it should be reworked. Los Angeles Times‘ “Politics Now” et al.
Lawyers Seek To Limit Isolation Time for Inmates With Mental Illnesses
Lawyers representing California prisoners are arguing for a limit on the amount of time inmates with mental illnesses can be held in isolation units. One attorney says that keeping such prisoners in isolation could exacerbate their conditions or lead to suicide. KPCC’s “Represent!”
15,800 Ventura County Children Shifted to Medi-Cal
On Thursday, more than 15,800 children in Ventura County will be shifted from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal. Statewide, more than 800,000 children are being shifted from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal, a move that is expected to save the state more than $58 million this budget year and more than $70 million annually in the future. Ventura County Star.
Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Morain argues that “the lack of permanent leadership” at the Department of State Hospitals “raises questions of priorities.” He noted that the department — which has a $1.6 billion budget and is responsible for the care of 6,560 people with mental health issues — “has been without stable leadership” since December 2010. According to Morain, “One reason could be pay.” However, he notes, “There are deeper issues, too. The department has been a stepchild for decades, a reflection of society’s inability to confront and treat severe mental illness.” Sacramento Bee.
Study: More Residents Likely To Be Eligible for Medi-Cal Expansion
A new study finds that the number of Californians believed to be eligible for the Medi-Cal expansion under the Affordable Care Act might have been underestimated. Researchers attribute the finding in part to a disproportionate number of middle-aged residents who lost health coverage during the recession. Payers & Providers et al.
Sacramento County Officials Find First Human West Nile Case This Year
Sacramento County Public Health Division officials said they recently found the first human case of West Nile Virus contracted in the county in 2013. They noted that the case is “neuro-invasive,” which is a severe manifestation of the virus. Agnes Norman — a senior public health nurse for Sacramento County — said that it is typical to see human West Nile infections at this time of the year. Capitol Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
San Joaquin County Says It Is Losing Mental Health Workers to Stockton Prison Facility
San Joaquin County officials say that one-fifth of psychiatric technicians at the Behavioral Health Services agency have left their jobs to work at the California Health Care Facility, a new prison health care provider in Stockton. County officials say they might have to scale back the department’s crisis readiness hours if they cannot recruit new workers. Stockton Record.
Physician Groups, Other Health Stakeholders Prepare for Sunshine Act Implementation
Physician groups and other health care stakeholders are preparing for the Aug. 1 implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s Physician Payment Sunshine Act, which requires providers to disclose compensation they receive from medical industry companies. CMS will discuss details of the Sunshine Act during a national call for physicians on Aug. 8. In addition, the American Medical Association has posted a statement on its website with advice on how physicians should handle patient inquiries about their relationship with the medical industry. Modern Healthcare.
GOP Divided Over Using Government Shutdown To Block ACA
The Republican party is divided over whether to use the budget process to block Affordable Care Act funding. Tea Party supporters and other Republicans say the threat of a government shutdown could halt the ACA’s progress, while veteran GOP lawmakers warn the strategy could be risky. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.