Latest California Healthline Stories
Most States Lack ACA Consumer Protection Laws, Survey Finds
A Commonwealth Fund survey finds that 39 states have not enacted laws to enforce consumer protection rules under the Affordable Care Act. According to the survey, California has passed bills addressing six of the seven consumer protections. Los Angeles Times et al.
CMS Announces Groups Participating in Bundled Payments Initiative
CMS has announced that more than 450 organizations will participate in its bundled payments initiative, which aims to test whether paying a lump sum to multiple providers for a single episode of care can reduce costs and improve quality. Modern Healthcare et al.
Senate Weighs Mental Health Background Checks for Guns
At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, lawmakers and gun-rights activists expressed growing support for the inclusion of mental health records in background checks. Wayne LaPierre — CEO of the National Rifle Association — called for an examination into laws that “needlessly prevent mental health records from being included in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.” Sens. John Cornyn and Jeff Flake also said they support including mental health records in background checks. Wall Street Journal, New York Times‘ “The Lede.”
Staff Discuss Problems Facing Sonoma Disability Care Center
Sonoma Developmental Center — California’s largest board-and-care facility for individuals with developmental disabilities — lacked adequate staff and accountability to address issues that led to dozens of resident health and safety standard violations, some SDC staff said Wednesday at a public forum to discuss the future of the center. Last month, state officials agreed to forfeit more than $1 million in monthly federal funds for the center’s failure to provide proper medical care and protect some of its residents from physical and sexual abuse. California Watch.
IOM Official Says CIRM’s Plan To Reduce Conflicts of Interest Falls Short
An Institute of Medicine official says that the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine’s plan for reducing conflicts of interest falls short of IOM recommendations. IOM said CIRM should change the makeup of its board through legislative action or a ballot measure. Sacramento Bee.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 1, 2013
Saint Agnes Medical Center officials say that the hospital is laying off 75 workers in response to fewer patients and changes in reimbursements, among other factors. John Muir Health officials say the health system has agreed to purchase a 49% stake in San Ramon Regional Medical Center.
NFL Gives Harvard $100M To Study Injuries, Illnesses
The National Football League Players Association has given Harvard University a 10-year $100 million grant to study health problems linked to the sport. The study’s short-term goal is to improve the health of current and former players within five years. Boston Globe et al.
Hard To Pinpoint Peak of Flu in S.J. Valley, Officials Say
Influenza cases are widespread in central San Joaquin Valley, but health officials say it is too early to predict when the virus will peak. David Luchini — assistant director at the Fresno County Department of Public Health — said flu activity remains at normal levels in the county and that flu season in California typically peaks in mid-February. Fresno Bee.
More Calif. Adults Seek Dental Care at Hospital Emergency Departments
Reduced dental coverage among California adults has caused many to seek treatment for dental issues at hospital emergency departments. However, many EDs do not staff dentists, and emergency physicians are limited in their ability to treat dental issues. San Francisco Chronicle.
California Likely To See $5B in Extra Revenue for January, LAO Finds
The Legislative Analyst’s Office says that California likely will collect $5 billion more in January income tax revenue than originally expected. Some legislative Democrats say the state should use extra revenue to increase health program spending. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”