Latest California Healthline Stories
FDA Approves First Female Libido Pill
On Tuesday, FDA approved Addyi, the first drug to treat female sexual dysfunction. FDA said the drug must be packaged with a boxed warning highlighting risks of low blood pressure and fainting in patients who consume alcohol while taking the medication. In addition, FDA said health care providers must complete a training course before they are allowed to prescribe the drug. Washington Post, New York Times.
While deaths occur daily at most hospitals, few hospitals have implemented best practices for handling related questions and complaints from caregivers and family members. For many years, providers have been advised against reaching out or apologizing after a medical incident. There are concerns that such comments could be used in a lawsuit and could result in the provider being viewed as incompetent. However, surveys have found that there is a significantly higher likelihood that patients and their families will pursue legal action when they perceive a lack of accountability, disrespect or poor communication from providers. Modern Healthcare.
Sonoma County Proposes Building a $49M Facility for Inmates With Mental Health Issues
Sonoma County officials have announced plans to build a 72-bed, $49 million behavioral health facility that would accommodate inmates with mental health issues. Under the plan, the facility would open in 2020. Officials say the new building would address the 400% increase since 1991 in the number of inmates with mental illnesses. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Ariz. Hospital Alliance Could Be Model for Rural Hospitals To Survive
Observers say an alliance between four rural hospitals in Arizona could serve as a model for other rural hospitals across the U.S. facing closures. Among other things, the alliance allows members to purchase supplies at lower prices and is expected to cut costs related to employee benefits, medical malpractice insurance and workers’ compensation. Stateline/Los Angeles Times.
FDA Warns Three Medical Scope Makers Linked to Outbreak in Calif.
FDA has sent warning letters to Fujifilm, Olympus Medical Systems and Hoya’s Pentax — all of which manufactured duodenoscopes linked to a recent superbug outbreak — for failing to properly report issues and ensure their devices could be cleaned appropriately. FDA sent the letters following inspections of manufacturing plants in Japan and the U.S. Washington Post‘s “To Your Health” et al.
Los Angeles Public School Officials Preparing for New Vaccine Law To Take Effect
On Tuesday, Los Angeles Unified School District officials said that they expect immunization rates for incoming students to be high and that they are preparing to comply with stricter requirements under a new law scheduled to take effect next year. LAUSD officials said they will work to train staff to ensure that students are appropriately vaccinated under the law, which eliminates personal belief exemptions. Torrance Daily Breeze.
Orange County Register Column Highlights Pros, Cons of Pension Reform Ballot Initiative
In an Orange County Register article, columnist Teri Sforza writes that “a controversial reform measure headed for the 2016 ballot could cut public pension costs by giving taxpayers a say on retirement plans — but it could upend collective bargaining in the process.” Sforza cites several analyses that say the measure could threaten protections for pension and retiree health care benefits, while noting that backers maintain it will not “change benefits that public workers currently possess.” Orange County Register.
Groups Allege Discriminatory Practices in Access to Physical Education in California
On Friday, civil rights and public health watchdog groups filed an administrative complaint with the U.S. Department of Education alleging that the California Department of Education failed to comply with state and federal laws requiring public schools to provide a set amount of physical education. They argue that as a result about 75% of black and Latino students failed their physical fitness tests in 2015, which they say is akin to racial discrimination. International Business Times, AP/KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
California Health, Technology Officials Discuss Future of Open Data
At the 2015 California Technology Forum, California health and technology officials discussed the next steps for releasing state data to the public. They also discussed a state bill that would establish a framework for open data. Government Technology.
Insurers, Calif. Chamber of Commerce Oppose Bill Capping Drug Costs
Officials with health plans and the California Chamber of Commerce say a bill aimed at capping out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications could increase insurance premiums. Lawmakers are expected to take up the measure now that they have returned from summer recess. Sacramento Business Journal.