Latest California Healthline Stories
CMS Rolls Back Federal Hospital Regulations, Projects $5B in Savings
Yesterday, CMS announced that it is eliminating several federal hospital regulations as part of President Obama’s push for federal agencies to reduce unnecessary rules. CMS said the changes will save the industry $5 billion over five years. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
U.S. Health Care System Gets Low Grade From Commonwealth Fund
A Commonwealth Fund report gives the U.S. health care system a grade of 64 out of 100 based on 42 key measures of performance. According to the report, the federal health reform law could help improve scores in several areas, including access and affordability. MedPage Today et al.
Agency Doles Out $11.2M for Mental Health Campaign
The California Mental Health Services Authority has selected the Sacramento-based public relations firm Runyon Saltzman & Einhorn to lead a team in conducting a three-year, $11.2 million statewide social marketing campaign aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions. The firm is one of eight organizations selected by the state for the initiative, which has a total budget of $40 million over three years. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.
Obama Opposes Repeal of CLASS Act Despite Suspension of Program
Yesterday, White House officials said that President Obama opposes repealing the reform law’s Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, despite the administration’s recent decision to suspend the program because it is not fiscally sustainable. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Brown Calls for Revised Bill To Extend Powers of Nurse Licensing Board
Gov. Brown recently vetoed a bill that would have extended the California Board of Registered Nursing’s licensing and disciplining powers, which will expire Jan. 1. However, Brown called on lawmakers to quickly pass a revised version of the legislation. Los Angeles Times.
No-Cost Clinic Aims To Provide Medical Care for Uninsured, Underserved
A no-cost clinic that runs from Thursday through Sunday in Los Angeles aims to offer medical, dental and vision care for uninsured and underserved residents. The not-for-profit CareNow organization is running the clinic. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News.
Health Reform Grant Takes Aim at Physician Shortage
Over the next five years, the Valley Consortium for Medical Education will use a $2.5 million annual federal health reform grant to address a physician shortage in Stanislaus County and the Central Valley. The Valley Consortium will use the funds to boost its medical residency program. Physician shortages have been cited as one of the reasons that rural Californians, particularly low-income individuals, have limited access to health care. Stanislaus County Medical Director Del Morris said the county currently has about 68% of the physicians necessary to meet the health care needs of local residents. HealthyCal.
Brown’s Decision To Sign STI Bill ‘Sound,’ Editorial Argues
A Boston Globe editorial states that Gov. Brown made a “sound” decision to sign a bill that will allow children ages 12 and older to obtain preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections, including the vaccine against the human papillomavirus, without parental consent. The editorial notes that HPV can cause cervical cancer, which “remains the second leading cancer killer of women worldwide.” The Globe adds, “If other states follow suit” and enact similar measures, “they will help prevent a majority of cervical cancer cases in this country.” Boston Globe.
Blue Shield Awards $20 Million To Bolster Participation in ACOs
Blue Shield of California is giving health care organizations about $20 million to boost development of accountable care organizations. The grants are part of a pledge the insurer has made to cap profits. San Francisco Business Times et al.
Review Reveals Gaps in Medicare Antifraud System
A recent Associated Press review found that despite efforts to curb fraud, federal regulators often suspend Medicare provider licenses only to quickly reinstate them after appeals hearings. The review found that from 2006 to 2009, officials revoked the Medicare licenses of 3,702 medical equipment companies in California and five other states and that about 37% of those providers got their licenses back. Many of those suppliers regained their licenses because neither the government nor the private contractors attended the initial appeals hearing, allowing the providers to win by default. The AP also found that CMS has failed to collect from surety bonds, a practice the agency instated in 2009 to ensure it could recoup money if a provider was committing fraud. AP/Houston Chronicle.