Latest California Healthline Stories
Senate GOP Head Rolls Out ‘Last-Choice Option’ To Resolve Budget Talks
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has announced a plan that he described as a “last-choice option” to avoid a default on federal debt obligations. The complex proposal would involve a number of maneuvers by Congress and the White House. Washington Post et al.
Audit: California Paid Millions for Unneeded Mental Health Exams
An audit finds that a lack of coordination between California’s corrections department and its mental health agency led the state to pay millions of dollars for “unnecessary” mental health screenings. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker,” California Watch.
HHS Issues Proposed Rule on Health Insurance Exchanges
On Monday, HHS issued a proposed regulation for health insurance exchanges that are a key part of the federal health reform law. States would have more flexibility in the timeline governing the launch of their exchanges. New York Times et al.
Health Monitoring Tools Eyed for Helping Elderly Population
As the baby boomer population ages, more organizations are developing remote health monitoring tools as a way to help seniors remain in their homes. Thomas Nesbitt — UC Davis’ associate vice chancellor for strategic technologies and alliances — said UC-Davis Medical Center is scheduled to open a Telehealth Resource Center next summer to train medical professionals on the use of home telehealth technologies. Experts say using such tools can help cut health care costs, but lack of awareness of such products persists. HealthyCal.
Assembly Passes Bill To Ban Caffeinated Alcoholic Drinks
On Monday, the California Assembly voted 43-24 to approve a bill that would outlaw the production and sale of alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine. The Senate, which passed the bill in April, now will reconcile differences with the Assembly version of the legislation. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Editorial Backs Bill To Impose New Rules for Mammograms
A San Gabriel Valley Tribune editorial states that the “health care industry is ramping up opposition” to a bill, by Sen. Joe Simitian, that would require women who receive mammograms to be notified if they have dense breast tissue. It notes, “The industry opposes any mandate, particularly if it might lead to more testing.” However, dense tissue “can mask tumors and is the number one cause of false negative results,” according to the Valley Tribune. The editorial continues that “for the more than half of all women with dense tissues, the current reports assuring them of normal mammograms are really dishonest — particularly since their risk of developing breast cancer is five times greater than their counterparts with less dense tissue.” San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Lawmaker Seeks Stronger Inquiry of Prime Healthcare
Assembly member Bill Monning is calling on state Department of Public Health Director Ron Chapman to intensify the agency’s investigation of Prime Healthcare Services. Officials are working to determine whether the hospital chain has engaged in improper Medicare billing for a blood infection called septicemia and a form of malnutrition called kwashiorkor. According to Monning, the health department’s probe thus far “appears to raise as many questions as it answers, and the disturbing findings at Prime Healthcare necessitate a thorough investigation.” California Watch.
Bill Would Delay Whooping Cough Vaccine Requirement
The Assembly Committee on Health is considering legislation that would put off a requirement to have students receive the Tdap booster shot to combat the spread of pertussis, or whooping cough. Under a new state law that took effect July 1, students entering grades seven through 12 this fall must show proof that they have gotten the inoculation or submit a waiver that parents can sign for medical or personal reasons. The legislation would delay that deadline until Jan. 1, 2012. North County Times, ABC News 10.
UC Announces $3.4M in Grants for Initiatives To Improve Patient Care
The University of California Center for Health Quality and Innovation recently awarded nine grants totaling $3.4 million to UC faculty and staff. The grants will go toward projects aimed at improving patient care quality and outcomes. Sacramento Business Journal, CHQI release.
GAO Sees Problems in System To Curb Fraud in Medicare, Medicaid
A Government Accountability Office report finds that the system federal officials use to detect Medicare and Medicaid fraud is flawed and underused. According to the report, the system fails to help regulators access and share data. AP/Washington Post, Los Angeles Times.