Latest California Healthline Stories
California Legislature Passes Bill Targeting Wage Violations
Last week, the California Legislature approved a bill that would give the state more authority to collect back wages from companies to compensate workers who were cheated out of pay and overtime. The bill, sponsored by Senate leader Kevin de Leon, also would hold larger companies responsible for the wage violations of their subcontractors, including those for long-term health care. The bill now goes to Gov. Jerry Brown. Los Angeles Times.
Lawmakers Send Bill Capping Rx Drug Costs to Brown
The California Legislature has passed a bill that would cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications. The bill would place limits on how much health plans can charge enrollees for outpatient prescriptions. The bill also would require health plans to use specific formulary tiers. Brown faces an Oct. 11 deadline to sign or veto the measure. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
FDA Advisers Reject Purdue’s New Opioid Painkiller
An outside panel of advisers to FDA last week voted 23-1 against approval of Purdue Pharma’s new proposed opioid painkiller, citing concerns of overdose risks. Panelists noted an issue with the drug that delays its absorption when taken with food. According to the panelists, the issue poses a safety risk because individuals might not follow orders to take the medication on an empty stomach. Instead, the panelists said individuals could possibly take multiple doses of the medication when they do not experience prompt pain relief. Reuters, AP/Sacramento Bee.
More Than 400K Immigrants Lose Federal Exchange Coverage
At least 400,000 immigrants have lost the coverage they selected through HealthCare.gov because of unresolved eligibility issues. Officials say the number could be higher since it does not include individuals who selected plans in states that run their own exchanges, such as California. The Hill‘s “Briefing Room,” AP/Yahoo! News.
Dept. of Labor To Delay Enforcement of Home Care Worker Pay Rule
The Department of Labor says it will delay enforcement of a rule that would extend minimum wage and overtime pay protections to home care workers. The rule, which was scheduled to take effect on Oct. 13, cannot be implemented until at least 30 days after an appeals court makes its opinion upholding the rule effective. Modern Healthcare.
Tobacco Regulation, Medi-Cal Asset Recovery Bills Stall in Legislature
The state Assembly on Friday failed to advance a package of six bills that would have added stricter regulations to California’s tobacco industry. Meanwhile, the Assembly rejected a measure aimed at protecting patients from surprise out-of-network hospital bills, and a bill to limit Medi-Cal asset recovery was shifted to inactive status. Capital Public Radio’s “Capitol Blog” et al.
California Legislature Advances Medical Marijuana, Family Leave Bills
The California Legislature advanced two bills before a Friday night deadline that would create a regulatory framework for the state’s medical marijuana industry and expand the state’s family leave policies to include caring for grandparents, siblings and other extended family members. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal” et al.
Calif. Is One Step Closer to Legal Physician-Assisted Death
The Legislature has sent a bill to Gov. Brown that would make California the sixth state to legalize physician-assisted death. The bill would allow some patients to end their lives through lethal doses of medication. Brown has 12 days from the measure’s passage to sign or veto the bill, or to let it become law without his signature. Reuters et al.
Riverside County Officials Report First West-Nile Related Death in Seven Years
On Thursday, Riverside County public health officials confirmed a 77 year-old man who died last month tested positive for the West Nile virus, marking the first West Nile-related death in the county in seven years. Officials said there have been 16 confirmed cases of West Nile this year. Banning-Beaumont Patch.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Halts Work on Study Examining Nuclear Power Plants’ Cancer Risks
Last week, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that it will stop work on a nationwide study intended to examine the potential cancer risks of living near a nuclear power plant. NRC officials said the study, which had already cost $1.5 million over five years, would take too long and be too costly. The study would have included the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, and officials in the area say they are disappointed that locals will not be made aware of the health risks. Orange County Register.