Latest California Healthline Stories
New FDA Rules Aim To Prevent Conflict of Interest in Approvals
The proposed rules are intended to tighten safeguards against researchers with ties to drug makers influencing regulatory decisions. An agency official said the rules would bar a significant number of reviewers from panels. Washington Post et al.
Problems at VA Facilities Linked to Maintenance
An official for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs said a review of facilities nationwide did not identify problems with care delivery, although some issues raised concerns about the physical state of VA hospitals and clinics. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
Orange County Pursues New Deals To Cut Retiree Costs
The county has slashed about $800 million from its retiree health care tab, largely by splitting current workers and retirees into separate insurance pools. Los Angeles Times.
Democrats Want To Slow Spread of Health Savings Accounts
A Democratic staffer said lawmakers likely will work to roll back a measure that would encourage wider adoption of health savings accounts. Democrats are concerned that the plans won’t provide adequate coverage or protections for consumers. Washington Times.
Split-Enrollment for San Francisco Health Plan Gets Green Light
The measure would push back the enrollment deadline for San Francisco residents whose employers will pay premiums to the city’s health access program. Some stakeholders have said the program could serve as a model for other health care reform efforts. San Francisco Chronicle.
Los Angeles County Could Face Heightened Physician Shortage
About 15% of the county’s medical resident positions could be lost if federal officials cut off funding for King-Harbor Hospital at the end of this month. County officials have requested an extension of federal funding through Aug. 15. Los Angeles Times.
Study: Loopholes Weaken Drug Industry Payment Rules
California is among the states with laws that require doctors to disclose payments and gifts from pharmaceutical companies, but research says that at least two states’ laws are ineffective. AP/Long Island Newsday et al.
Medicaid Enrollment Rules for Some Infants Being Revised
CMS is backtracking on a rule to require parents to show proof of citizenship before some infants can be enrolled in the program, but similar requirements for adults and other children will stand. California has delayed complying with the provisions because of concerns about compromising eligible residents’ access to health care. New York Times et al.
UC-Irvine Doctor-Training Program on Probation
The facility has the only unfavorable rating among the 79 U.S. teaching hospitals with radiation oncology programs. A UCI official said the problems are administrative and not related to patient care, long work hours or medical equipment. Orange County Register.
Quality of Hospital Care Up for Three Conditions
A new report found that care has improved consistently over three years as more hospitals comply with treatment guidelines. AP/Long Island Newsday.