Latest California Healthline Stories
Senate Approves FDA User-Fee Legislation, Sends Bill to Obama
Yesterday, the Senate voted 92-4 to approve legislation that would reauthorize and modify FDA’s prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs. The measure already passed in the House, and President Obama is expected to sign it into law. Politico et al.
Report: Insurers Lost About $2.3B on Workers’ Compensation in 2011
A new report finds that insurers that offer workers’ compensation coverage to California employers lost about $2.3 billion last year. According to the report, the insurers paid out $7.7 billion for health care services and support benefits in 2011. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
County Saved $500K by Adopting Mental Health Law
A grand jury found that Laura’s Law — which allows counties to provide court-mandated outpatient treatment to patients with severe mental health conditions who do not realize they require care — saved Nevada County more than $500,000 by preventing emergency hospitalizations and jail time. So far, Nevada County is the only county in the state that has adopted the law. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Blue Shield Foundation Doles Out $4.4M in Q2 2012 Grants
On Monday, the Blue Shield of California Foundation announced that it is awarding more than $4.4 million in grants in the second quarter of 2012. The foundation has allocated $3.5 million in grants to boost leadership and other areas of the state’s safety net facilities and $964,000 in grants for anti-domestic violence programs throughout the state. Sacramento Business Journal.
Union, Dignity Health Reach Deal, Avert Worker Strike
On Friday, Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West and Dignity Health — formerly known as Catholic Healthcare West — reached a tentative four-year agreement to maintain workers’ full benefits, provide pay raises and encourage initiatives to promote employee health and wellness. The agreement averted a three-day strike scheduled to begin Tuesday. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.
Assembly Member Shelves Medical Pot Regulation Bill
On Monday, Assembly member Tom Ammiano cancelled a scheduled Senate committee vote on a bill to regulate the state’s medical marijuana industry and allow local governments to tax marijuana products. The Assembly passed the bill earlier this month, but the measure lacks support in the Senate. Ammiano said a Senate business committee will hold hearings and release a report after the legislative session ends, which he hopes will strengthen his proposal. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Enrollment Climbs for Four-Year Nursing Programs
Enrollment in nursing programs at many four-year colleges, particularly those that provide online courses, has spiked over the previous decade as more U.S. hospitals require nurses to have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Nearly 90,000 individuals have enrolled in nursing programs, up from fewer than 30,000 about 10 years ago, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. New York Times.
Task Force Recommends That Physicians Screen Patients for Obesity
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has released guidelines calling for physicians to measure patients’ body mass index and refer obese patients to intensive diet and exercise programs. The guidelines outline the most effective types of weight-control efforts. Reuters et al.
Senate Paves Way for Final Floor Vote on FDA User-Fee Legislation
After clearing a procedural hurdle yesterday, the Senate is slated to vote today on a bill to reauthorize and modify FDA’s prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs. The Senate is expected to pass the measure and send it to President Obama. Modern Healthcare et al.
California Hispanics Not Getting Needed Mental Health Care, Study Finds
A UC-Davis report finds that many Hispanic residents in California are not receiving needed mental health care services. The report cites several barriers to Hispanic residents seeking treatment, including stigma associated with mental illness. Fresno Bee, Sacramento Bee.