Latest California Healthline Stories
Assembly Member: Portable Field Hospitals Worth Saving
“[F]or the last several years, California has maintained three portable field hospitals” capable of “delivering extra capacity, beds and sterile surgical suites” in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, Assembly member Bonnie Lowenthal writes in a Los Angeles Times opinion piece. Legislators are considering “strip[ping] the mobile hospitals of their maintenance funding,” but “we should keep the hospitals in working order for at least another year while we more completely weigh the costs and benefits of having them or doing without them,” Lowenthal writes. Los Angeles Times.
Blue Shield Plans To Cap Profits, Offer Rebates to Policyholders
Yesterday, Blue Shield of California unveiled a plan to cap profits at 2% of revenue and allocate excess funds to policyholders, health care providers and not-for-profit groups. Consumer advocates called the move a publicity stunt. Sacramento Bee et al.
Appeals Court To Hear Oral Arguments in Case Against Health Overhaul
Next month, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is slated to hear oral arguments in a case challenging the constitutionality of the federal health reform law. The lawsuit was filed by the Pacific Justice Institute and former California Assembly member Steve Baldwin. CQ HealthBeat.
Researchers Develop Model To Improve Rx Compliance
Researchers from UC-Riverside, Texas State University-San Marcos and La Sierra University have developed a new framework — called the Information-Motivation-Strategy model — aimed at improving prescription compliance. The model emphasizes the need for physicians and patients to effectively communicate and plan for successful drug compliance. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Debate Stirs Over Legislation on Physical Therapist Hiring
On June 13, the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee is slated to consider legislation that would allow physician practices and medical corporations to directly employ physical therapists. Supporters of the measure say it would help preserve physical therapy jobs by clarifying a business code to allow medical groups to hire physical therapists. Opponents of the bill argue that it could lead to a conflict of interest because physicians would have financial incentives to refer patients to therapists in their practice and that it would take away jobs from private physical therapists. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
Lawsuit on Medi-Cal Cuts Causes Rift at Federal Level
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Rep. Henry Waxman have diverged with the Department of Justice regarding a Supreme Court case involving the legality of Medicaid cuts. Last week, acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal filed an amicus brief saying that federal law does not allow Medicaid beneficiaries or health care providers to sue states over cuts to Medicaid reimbursements. HHS has issued a proposed rule on access to services, while Waxman said that the solicitor general’s brief “undercuts” the federal health reform law and that he will file an opposing brief. Politico.
Several Groups Submit Last-Minute Comments on Proposed ACO Rules
Many groups submitted input on proposed rules on accountable care organizations on Monday, the last day to offer feedback. Families USA praised the rules, while America’s Health Insurance Plans said private insurers should serve as a model. CQ HealthBeat, National Journal.
New Dental Program Targets Riverside County HIV Patients
The Riverside County Department of Public Health’s HIV/AIDS program has started a new dental services program. The program is geared toward low-income and uninsured county residents with HIV. Victoria Jauregui Burns — head of the program — said $88,000 in federal funds will keep the service in operation through February 2012. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Senate Democrats Weigh in on Medicare Spending During Debt Discussions
A few Senate Democrats have told Vice President Biden, who is leading talks on the federal deficit, to refrain from considering a Medicare overhaul in the discussions. However, some of them also acknowledged that Medicare spending growth must be reined in. Roll Call et al.
Editorial: State Should Repeal Fingerprinting Rules for IHSS
A Los Angeles Times editorial states that it was “a smart move” for the California Senate to pass a bill, by Sen. Noreen Evans, that would repeal fingerprinting requirements and other anti-fraud measures for the In-Home Supportive Services program. The editorial continues that the Assembly “would be wise to pass the bill and send it to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature, so that lawmakers and the administration can focus on actually saving money while providing Californians with needed services.” Los Angeles Times.