Latest California Healthline Stories
States Mull Expanding Role of Midlevel Health Professionals
States are seeking to define the extent of health care services that a growing group of midlevel health professionals — such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners — can provide, as demand for their skills rises amid a potential physician shortage.More than 1,795 state-level scope-of-practice bills have been proposed in the last two years, 349 of which were enacted, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Wall Street Journal.
CDC Data Show Increase in Flu Activity in Calif., Other Western States
According to CDC data, influenza activity has decreased in Southern and Eastern states but increased in some Western states. Data show that flu-related doctor visits in California, Oregon and Washington increased from 4.6% to 5.9% during the week ending Jan. 26. MedPage Today et al.
Experts Discuss Public Health at Conference Led by President Clinton
Public health advocates — including President Clinton — discussed strategies for boosting health care services and reducing health care costs at a recent Clinton Health Matters Conference in La Quinta. Clinton said he supports efforts to reward healthy behaviors. HealthyCal.
States See Challenges in Hiring ‘Navigators’ for Health Plan Exchanges
Many states expect to face challenges hiring workers to help consumers navigate new health insurance exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act. California expects to hire about 21,000 “navigators” to help consumers enroll in its exchange. Washington Post.
HHS Releases Proposed Rule for Contraceptive Coverage
On Friday, HHS issued a proposed rule clarifying how employees of certain religiously affiliated not-for-profit organizations will be able to access no-cost contraceptive coverage. The proposal builds on prior accommodations for such organizations that object to the coverage rules under the Affordable Care Act. In a fact sheet on the proposed rule, HHS said the employer’s insurer must provide coverage directly to employees of religiously affiliated not-for-profits that object to offering it themselves. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Calif. Telehealth Project Aims To Boost Dental Care for Thousands
A telehealth initiative seeks to provide preventive dental care to more than 2,000 state residents. For the project, dental hygienists use imaging equipment and an online dental record system to communicate with dentists about patient care. HealthyCal.
Editorial Questions State’s Readiness for Prison Oversight
An Orange County Register editorial says that is “not persuaded that the state has done everything within its power to properly accommodate its prison population.” It adds that “despite the commendable progress California has made in recent years, the state prison system is still 140% above design capacity, including four prisons that are 170% of capacity or higher.” Orange County Register.
Lawmaker Unveils Bill To Ban Sugary Drinks From CalFresh
Sen. Michael Rubio has introduced a bill that would prohibit sweetened beverages containing more than 10 calories per cup from being purchased under CalFresh, the state’s food stamps program. Rubio said the change would save money because of the health costs associated with obesity. The federal government would have to sign off on the change because it funds CalFresh. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
HHS Proposal Aims To Reduce Unnecessary Health Care Spending
Yesterday, HHS proposed eliminating certain unnecessary and burdensome Medicare regulations to facilitate greater efficiency. According to the Obama administration, the proposed reforms would save hospitals and health care providers about $676 million annually. Reuters et al.
VA, DOD Announce Upgrades to Online Benefits Portal
The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have released a new version of their joint, self-service Web portal that provides users with secure online access to health benefits information and other resources. The enhanced version of the portal — called eBenefits 4.3 — also allows registered users to view processing times for their medical claims and access other benefits resources. Modern Healthcare, VA release.