Latest California Healthline Stories
FDA Panel Recommends Tighter Restrictions on Certain Painkiller Drugs
An FDA advisory panel has recommended that the agency tighten restrictions on certain painkillers to curb prescription drug misuse. If FDA accepts the recommendation, drugs containing hydrocodone would be reclassified as Schedule II controlled substances. New York Times et al.
Federal Hearing Focuses on Mental Health Treatment
At a Senate hearing last week, mental health experts urged lawmakers to address looming gaps in the nation’s mental health system. The hearing also focused on the lack of progress surrounding a 2008 mental health parity law and the expansion of mental health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Reuters et al.
Bill Would Repeal ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Provision Benefiting Amgen
Last week, U.S. Rep. Peter Welch introduced legislation that would repeal a Medicare-pricing provision — included in a bill that President Obama signed this month to avert the “fiscal cliff” — that benefits Thousand Oaks-based biotechnology company Amgen. The provision protects certain oral drugs like Amgen’s Sensipar, which aids kidney dialysis patients, from Medicare price controls for an extra two years. Los Angeles Times.
Calif. Lawmakers To Introduce Proposals for Medi-Cal Expansion
Today, California lawmakers are expected to introduce proposals to expand Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, officials have questions about how the expansion will affect counties. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal,” Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Poll: Health Care Costs Posing Challenges for Many Small Businesses
A Gallup poll finds that 54% of small business owners cite health care costs as the primary challenge hindering their business operations. Meanwhile, health care costs are the fourth-leading reason why small businesses are not hiring new workers, according to the poll. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
S.F. Investigating Restaurant Surcharges for Health Benefits
On Friday, San Francisco City
Attorney Dennis Herrera said that the city is investigating whether some restaurants
are profiting from a surcharge placed on diners’ bills to cover the costs of
providing employee health benefits under Healthy San Francisco. The Office of
Labor Standards Enforcement estimates that only about one-third of the $14
million that restaurants have collected in surcharges has been used for workers’
health benefits. San Francisco Business
Times‘ “Bay Area Biz Talk.”
New Reports Highlight Emerging Health Market Trends in L.A., San Diego
Two new reports look at emerging health care market trends — including preparations for the Affordable Care Act — in Los Angeles and San Diego. The studies were conducted by the Center for Studying Health System Change and funded by the California HealthCare Foundation. Modern Physician, HSC release.
Orange County Grand Jury Finds Serious Issues With CalOptima
A grand jury report finds that CalOptima — Orange County’s Medi-Cal managed care plan — “is jeopardizing its membership’s access to quality health care and potentially putting the entire entity at risk.” Supervisor and CalOptima board member Janet Nguyen disputed the findings. Orange County Register, Voice of OC.
Bay Area Hospitals Report Rise in Flu Shot Rates for Workers
Hospitals and medical centers across Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties are reporting that a new influenza immunization mandate for health care workers has led to a rise in employee vaccination rates. Many San Francisco Bay Area hospitals also are providing masks and hand sanitizer to help workers and patients reduce their risk of infection. Contra Costa Times.
Brown Highlights Budget, Health Care in State of the State Address
Yesterday, Gov. Brown delivered his State of the State address and promoted his fiscal year 2013-2014 budget proposal. Brown also discussed the upcoming Medi-Cal expansion and called for a special Legislative session on health care next week. Reuters et al.