Latest California Healthline Stories
USD Set To Open New $18M Nursing Research Center
On Tuesday, the University of San Diego is scheduled to open an $18 million nursing research center designed to prepare nurses for health care challenges in the 21st Century. The new Betty and Bob Beyster Institute for Nursing Research, Advanced Practice, and Simulation is located next to the university’s existing nursing school. Times of San Diego.
All States Now Allow E-Prescribing of Controlled Rx Drugs
On Friday, Vermont became the 50th state to legalize electronic prescribing of controlled substances. In 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration passed an interim final rule allowing e-prescribing of controlled substances. However, the rule did not mandate the practice. MedCity News.
Judge Rejects Attempt To Block Alaska Gov. From Implementing Medicaid Expansion
A judge on Friday rejected a request from Alaska lawmakers to temporarily block Gov. Bill Walker from expanding Medicaid in the state. The suit argued that the group Walker intended to expand Medicaid to is considered optional under the ACA, not mandatory, and thus subject to approval via the Legislature. Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner found that Walker’s expansion plan covers a mandatory population, meaning that the governor has the legal authority to implement the plan without approval from the state Legislature. AP/Modern Healthcare.
NLRB Ruling Affects Temporary Workers at Health Care Facilities
A new ruling by the National Labor Relations Board states that temporary workers from staffing agencies are jointly employed by the agency and the organization where they work. The ruling means health care facilities could become more involved in collective bargaining and could be held liable for unfair labor practices. Modern Healthcare.
California Study Shows Potential Dangers of Ambulance Diversion
A new study published in Health Affairs finds heart attack patients are more likely to die within one year if their ambulance was diverted from a crowded emergency department to one farther away. The study analyzed ambulance diversion data on about 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries in 26 California counties between 2001 and 2011. Kaiser Health News.
Shasta County Clinics Face Severe Mental Health Staffing Shortages, HHS Data Show
Four of the eight California clinics with the most significant shortages of mental health workers are located in Shasta County, according to an analysis of HHS data. Experts say that the shortages result in long wait times and fragmented care and eventually can cause patients to forgo efforts to find treatment. Redding Record Searchlight.
USC Cuts UC-San Diego Off From Much of Alzheimer’s Disease Research Project Funding
The University of Southern California says it has obtained eight out of 10 main contracts for an Alzheimer’s disease research project, cutting UC-San Diego off from much of the project’s funding. The move comes after a San Diego Superior Court judge ruled that UC-San Diego controls the major research project on Alzheimer’s disease. USC has filed a countersuit for control of the nationwide cooperative study. Los Angeles Times.
San Quentin Prison Confirms Six Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease, Partially Restores Water System
On Sunday, San Quentin prison officials confirmed six cases of Legionnaires’ disease at the Marin County facility, with another 51 inmates being monitored after showing signs of respiratory illness. Officials also said the prison’s water system has been partially restored after being turned off on Friday. State health officials said the disease, which can cause severe and sometimes fatal pneumonia, typically is transmitted through aerosolized water or inhaling contaminated soil. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.
CalPERS Considers Plan To Cut Financial Risks Amid Cash Shortfalls
Under a plan to cut CalPERS’ financial risk, the pension fund over several decades would shift more money into safer investments, such as bonds, and increase workers’ contributions. Most cities support the proposal, but Gov. Brown’s administration would like to see the pension fund’s risk reduced “sooner rather than later.” Los Angeles Times.
Calif. Lawmakers Work To Save $1B in Federal Medi-Cal Funds
During the special session on health care financing, California lawmakers are working to prevent the loss of $1 billion in federal matching funds for the state’s Medicaid program. Democrats have proposed tax increases to address the issue, but Republicans remain opposed to raising taxes. San Francisco Chronicle.