Latest California Healthline Stories
Orange County Inmates To Pay $3 Fee for Nurse Visits
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to charge county inmates $3 for each request to see a nurse, a strategy designed to curb frivolous medical visits and generate revenue for cash-strapped jails. Inmates who do not have adequate funds in their commissary accounts will be able to see a nurse at no charge. Orange County Register.
Calif. Democrats at Odds Over Scope of Medi-Cal Expansion Under ACA
Certain Democrats disagree over how large California should make its Medi-Cal expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Sen. Ed Hernandez seeks a full expansion of the program, while the Brown administration appears to be backing away from such plans. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
SCOTUS Will Review DOMA Health Benefits Provision
On Friday, the Supreme Court announced that it will review the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which denies same-sex spouses of federal employees certain benefits, including health coverage. Federal appeals courts in Boston and New York found the provision to be unconstitutional. Reuters.
Obama, Boehner Meet Privately on Strategies To Avert Sequestration
On Sunday, President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner met privately to discuss plans to avoid mandated spending cuts under sequestration. Observers say Republicans and Democrats remain divided over taxes and cuts to entitlement programs. New York Times‘ “The Caucus” et al.
Reports Vary on How Many Dentists Accept Denti-Cal
A recent report from health care consultant Barbara Aved found that only 25% of California’s general dentists participate in Denti-Cal. The report — which was commissioned by dental plans LIBERTY Dental and HealthNet — was based on 2011 Denti-Cal claims data. However, the Department of Health Care Services reports that about two-thirds of dentists participate in the program. KQED’s “State of Health.”
Law Banning Settlement Gag Clauses Takes Effect in Jan.
In January, a new law will take effect in California that bars civil legal settlements that prohibit consumers from speaking with authorities looking into negligence or other misconduct by state licensees, such as nurses, pharmacists and physician assistants. California law already prohibits such gag clauses in settlements with physicians. California Watch/Sacramento Bee.
Report: Calif. Medical Board Oversight of Risky Prescribing Is Lacking
A Los Angeles Times investigation finds that a lack of adequate oversight from the Medical Board of California is allowing patients to be put at risk by physicians who overprescribe medications. The board says that consumer protection is its highest priority. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Study Finds Differences in End-of-Life Care Across California, U.S.
A 2011 analysis shows major differences in end-of-life treatment at U.S. hospitals, including those in California. It finds that Los Angeles and Fresno hospitals had the highest percentage of cancer patients who received such care. San Jose Mercury News.
Supreme Court To Issue Decision on Drugmakers’ ‘Pay-for-Delay’ Deals
The Supreme Court will hear a case on whether brand-name drugmakers can pay a competitor to keep a generic version of a high-revenue drug off the market. The Federal Trade Commission has said that such “pay-for-delay” deals are anticompetitive. Wall Street Journal et al.
Santa Clara County Could Be Reform Model, Editorial Says
A San Jose Mercury News editorial states that Santa Clara County could serve as “a model for the nation in implementing” the Affordable Care Act. According to the editorial, the county “has an integrated health care system, a highly regarded public hospital and … financial resources that at least reduce the terror most counties experience as the state starts drawing up next year’s budget.” San Jose Mercury News.