Latest California Healthline Stories
House Approves Bill To Reauthorize, Modify FDA User Fee Programs
Yesterday, the House passed a bill to reauthorize FDA’s prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs. House and Senate leaders aim to reconcile their versions of the legislation and send a final bill to President Obama by July 4. The Hill‘s “Floor Action Blog” et al.
State’s Request To Take Over Prison Health Care Denied
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson denied California’s request to resume oversight of California’s prison health care system. In 2006, a federal receiver was appointed to oversee the state’s prison health care system because inadequate care led to an average of one inmate death per week. Henderson ruled that the receivership will stay in place until a 2008 inmate health care improvement plan is accomplished or until the state can demonstrate that it can provide adequate medical care. San Francisco Chronicle, KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Poll: Calif. Voters Back Tax Hike, Are Concerned by Use of Funding
A new poll shows that many registered voters support a compromise tax hike plan by Gov. Brown. However, the poll finds that support for the plan decreased when respondents were told that new tax revenue might not support state services. Los Angeles Times.
Dentist Shortage Leading to Emergencies, Tooth Decay in Rural Counties
As a result of dentist and specialist shortages, residents in rural California counties are experiencing high rates of tooth decay and preventable dental emergencies. Experts say clinicians face financial barriers to practicing in rural areas because reimbursement rates are lower. HealthyCal.
CIRM Awards $69M to Calif. Scientists Studying Stem Cells
The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine has awarded nearly $69.4 million in grants to scientists researching stem cells across the state. Jonathan Thomas, chair of CIRM’s governing board, said that the agency has 52 research projects involving 33 diseases. San Francisco Business Times‘ “BiotechSF,” KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Calif. Lawmaker Targets Use of Flame-Retardant Chemicals
California Sen. Mark Leno said he intends to introduce a resolution in the state Senate that would support efforts in Congress to scrutinize the use of flame-retardant chemicals in couches and other household products. An investigation by the Chicago Tribune recently uncovered disingenuous testimony from chemical company lobbyists to California lawmakers and found that the risks associated with the chemicals outweigh the benefits. California Watch.
Health Care District’s Funds for Recruitment Program Going Unused
After nearly a decade, no physicians have completed Peninsula Health Care District’s physician recruitment program, which offers loan forgiveness. Critics say the hundreds of thousands of dollars allocated for the program could have been used to fund community health programs. Bay Citizen.
Amended FDA User Fee Bill Would Cut Deficit by $370M, CBO Estimates
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that an amended House bill to reauthorize FDA’s prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs would cut the federal deficit by $370 million. The House is set to vote on the bill later today. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” CQ Today.
Addictions, Disorders Up for Changes in New DSM Edition
Changes to more than 12 categories of addictions and disorders — including eating and substance use disorders — are among the proposed changes to the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is expected to be released in May 2013. The changes could make it easier for physicians to get reimbursed for alcohol and drug screenings and counseling sessions. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Humboldt County Senior Group Nabs Settlement Funds
The Area 1 Agency on Aging in Humboldt County will receive $198,078 under a 2010 settlement in a class-action lawsuit against nursing home chain Skilled Healthcare for allegedly failing to provide sufficient staffing levels for patients at 22 facilities, including five in Humboldt County. A1AA Programs Director Todd Metcalf said the funds will help expand the agency’s caregiver training sessions, senior information and assistance counseling and volunteer driver transportation assistance to medical appointments. Eureka Times-Standard.