Latest California Healthline Stories
Top Court Rules Against Stanford in Patent Battle Over HIV Test Kit
The U.S. Supreme Court recently sided with Roche Molecular Systems in a patent dispute over an HIV test. The court ruled that Stanford University did not automatically own the patent, even though it employed the inventor of the test. New York Times et al.
New State Reports Look at Heart Attack Rates, Hospitalizations in Calif.
Two studies by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development find that the number of heart attacks in California increased between 1988 and 2008, while the percentage of the population experiencing heart attacks declined. Riverside Press-Enterprise, California Watch.
U.S. Unveils ‘MyPlate’ Design To Replace Food Pyramid
Last week, first lady Michelle Obama and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the new “MyPlate” design — which will replace the well-known food pyramid — to guide U.S. residents’ eating habits. USDA also has launched a website that elaborates on nutritional guidance related to the new design. New York Times et al.
Progress on Seismic Safety Mixed at California Hospitals
Several hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area have started or are planning construction projects or upgrades to comply with state seismic mandates for inpatient facilities. However, financial and political issues are stymieing some projects at other large facilities in the region. The timeline to finish projects ranges from 2013 to 2020 based on hospitals’ finances and on how the state evaluates the necessity of the work. San Francisco Business Times.
Foundations Providing Support as States Roll Out Health Reform Law
Many foundations are offering financial and consulting support as states implement the federal health reform law. California is receiving aid from the Blue Shield of California Foundation, the California Endowment and the California HealthCare Foundation. Kaiser Health News.
Comments on Proposed Accountable Care Rule Largely Unenthusiastic
CMS has received mainly negative feedback on its proposed rule on accountable care organizations. Health care providers have concerns that ACOs present too much of a risk without adequate reward opportunities. The six-week comment period ends today. CQ Weekly et al.
Op-Ed: Watchdog Group Has Stake in Rate Regulation Bill
Consumer Watchdog is “pushing hard for the inclusion of ‘intervenor fees’ in AB 52,” which “would regulate health plan rate increases,” Steven Maviglio — deputy chief of staff to former Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez — writes in a Capitol Weekly opinion piece. Maviglio discusses a Politico article that found Consumer Watchdog “‘stands to gain millions’ from passage of the rate regulation bill” based on an analysis “that the organization has raked in nearly $7 million in ‘intervenor compensation’ from 2002-2010.” Maviglio concludes that Assembly member Mike Feuer should “do the right thing and amend his bill so that the light can shine on where these intervenor fees are going.” Capitol Weekly.
Podiatrists, Physicians Join Forces To Evaluate Podiatry Licensing
The California Medical Association and two podiatry groups are evaluating whether to put podiatry training on par with licensing standards for doctors. The groups are considering appealing for a reclassification of podiatry licensing. Sacramento Bee.
Sen. Feinstein Calls for HHS Power Over Insurance Rates
“The federal health care reform law took critical first steps to control health insurance premium increases, but it does not grant explicit authority to regulators to block or modify egregious rate increases,” Sen. Dianne Feinstein writes in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece. “This is a loophole we must close,” Feinstein adds, continuing, “I have reintroduced the Health Insurance Rate Review Act of 2011” that would grant the HHS secretary “the authority to block or modify health insurance premium increases that are unjustified.” Sacramento Bee.
AMA Names Madara as New CEO, Executive Vice President
Last week, the American Medical Association named James Madara as its new executive vice president and CEO. Madara — a pathologist and former dean of the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine — begins at AMA on July 1 and replaces Michael Maves, who has led the organization since 2001. American Medical News et al.