Latest California Healthline Stories
Study: Fever in Pregnancy Raises Autism Risk for Infants
According to a study published online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, women who had a fever during pregnancy were twice as likely to have a child with autism. However, the study found that the risk was eliminated when women took fever-reducing medications like Tylenol. The study was conducted by researchers at the UC-Davis MIND Institute. California Watch.
Reports Suggest Obama Prepping for Ruling Against Reform Law
Although White House officials have said publicly that they are confident that the Supreme Court will uphold the health reform law, reports indicate that President Obama has said privately that he might have to revise the overhaul if the court rules against it. The Hill’s “Healthwatch,” Bloomberg.
House Clears Military Spending Bill Despite Obama’s Veto Threat
The House has approved a GOP military and veterans affairs appropriations bill that would boost spending on veterans’ health care. President Obama has threatened to veto the bill because it would break faith with last year’s debt-reduction deal. The Hill‘s “Floor Action Blog” et al.
Committee Passes Bill To Repeal Reform Law’s Medical Device Tax
Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill that would repeal a medical device excise tax established to help fund the federal health reform law. The bill is expected to pass the House, but it is unclear how it will fare in the Senate. Reuters, CQ Today.
CMS To Guide Nursing Homes in Limiting Antipsychotic Use
CMS has announced a multiyear initiative to limit inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes, beginning with a 15% reduction by the end of 2012. As part of the initiative, CMS will train nursing home staff and state inspectors to use alternative ways to deal with aggressive and agitated nursing home residents with dementia. Boston Globe‘s “White Coat Notes,” McClatchy/Sacramento Bee.
UnitedHealth To Rebate $3.5M to Small Businesses
In a filing with the California Department of Managed Health Care, Minnesota-based insurer UnitedHealth Group said it will distribute $3.5 million in rebates to nearly 4,400 California small businesses. According to the federal health reform law, insurers must spend a minimum amount of customers’ premiums on medical care or offer rebates to policyholders. Each of the nearly 36,000 small business employees and dependents covered by UnitedHealth Group in California will receive about $98 under the reform law provision. Los Angeles Times.
Blue Shield of California, John Muir Health To Form ACO
On Wednesday, Blue Shield of California announced that it will partner with John Muir Health to establish an accountable care organization to provide care to 16,000 Blue Shield HMO members in Contra Costa County. The new ACO will commence operations on July 1 and continue for a minimum of three years. It will seek to eliminate all cost increases in the first year of operation and limit cost growth in subsequent years to single-digit increases. Payers & Providers, San Francisco Business Times.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of June 1, 2012
According to Children’s Hospital Central California officials, the facility was treating 11 patients for valley fever as of last week. A former patient at Lodi Memorial Hospital is suing the facility for alleged medical malpractice and is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $25,000.
Janitors Protest Possible Cuts to Health Insurance Benefits
On Thursday, more than a hundred janitors who are members of Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West organized a demonstration in Sacramento to protest proposed reductions in their health care benefits. Union representatives currently are negotiating with employers to renew a contract that expired in April. Sacramento Bee.
Assembly Approves Medical Marijuana Regulation Bill
On Thursday, the Assembly voted 41-28 to approve a bill, by Assembly member Tom Ammiano, that would establish a state enforcement agency to oversee the medical marijuana industry and license dispensaries. It is unclear whether the Senate will pass the measure. Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle.