Latest California Healthline Stories
FCC, FDA Partner To Promote Wireless Health Technology
On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission and FDA announced a partnership to encourage the use of wireless medical technology. In a statement, FCC and FDA said that wireless health care devices will reduce costs and improve patient care and that the agencies will work to streamline regulatory procedures. The Hill‘s “Hillicon Valley.”
Poll Finds Many Elderly U.S. Residents Unaware of Reform Provisions
A National Council on Aging survey finds that few elderly Americans can provide correct answers to questions on the health reform law. The council is rolling out a nationwide initiative to educate elderly residents about the overhaul. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Laird Offers Suggestions on How To Improve Kids’ Health
In response to a questionnaire from First 5 San Luis Obispo County, former Assembly member and state Senate candidate John Laird said he supports legislation to ensure that “all children receive and have access to primary and preventive health services.” He added that “untreated dental and other health concerns” are moral issues that impede school attendance and learning. Laird is scheduled to appear at a debate Monday night with other candidates for the vacant 15th Senate District seat. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Poizner Announces New E-mail Program Alerting Residents to Rate Hikes
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner recently announced that residents can sign up to receive e-mails notifying them when health insurers file rate increases for individual health insurance policies. Modern Healthcare, California Department of Insurance release.
Bills Address Distribution of Over-the-Counter Syringes
Two bills before California lawmakers would extend or change a current law that allows counties to decide whether to permit pharmacies to provide syringes to individuals without a prescription. AB 1701 — pending before the Senate Appropriations Committee — by Assembly member Wesley Chesbro would extend the current law, which expires at the end of the year, for eight more years. SB 1029 — pending before the Assembly Appropriations Committee — by Sen. Leland Yee would give pharmacists permanent discretion. The initiatives aim to curb the spread of HIV, hepatitis and other diseases. Oakland Tribune.
Patients of VA Facilities Allowed To Use Medical Marijuana Where Legal
Veterans who seek care at Veterans Affairs facilities will be permitted to use medical marijuana in states where it is legal. Health care officials say the decision will affect how physicians prescribe pain medications. New York Times, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Bill Could Gain Support as Whooping Cough Cases Break Records
Assembly member Juan Arambula has resurrected a bill that would allow schools to require whooping cough immunizations for incoming seventh-graders. The measure might gain new support because of California’s recent outbreak of the disease. Fresno Bee, Redding Record Searchlight.
Cuts to Medicare Signify Shift in Social Outlook, Some Analysts Claim
Some health care analysts say that cuts to Medicare Advantage will be used to help extend insurance coverage to millions of younger individuals. Government officials maintain that savings will be extracted from overpayments to private insurers. Wall Street Journal.
NAIC: Some Insurers No Longer Writing Plans for Kids’ Coverage
Some insurers have stopped offering plans specifically for children because of the reform law’s requirement that insurers cover kids regardless of pre-existing conditions, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Report: Average ED Visit Lasts Longer Than Four Hours
The average emergency department visit lasted four hours and seven minutes in 2009 — marking a four minute increase over 2008 and a 31-minute increase over 2002, according to a report from Press Ganey. The survey analyzed the experiences of more than 1.5 million patients treated at 1,893 EDs nationwide in 2009. According to Press Ganey, patient satisfaction remained stable in 2009, following a five-year upward trend. HealthLeaders Media.