Latest California Healthline Stories
UCSF Med Center Patients Exposed to Possibly Contaminated Device
Nearly 500 patients at UC-San Francisco Medical Center’s outpatient urology practice could have been exposed to various bloodborne pathogens after a possibly contaminated device was used to examine their bladders. The hospital says the likelihood of exposure is very low, and it is offering patients no-cost blood testing. Payers & Providers.
FDA Says Celebrity Rx Drug Endorsements on Social Media Must Include Information on Risks
FDA last week warned drugmaker Duchesnay that Kim Kardashian West’s Instagram post promoting its morning sickness drug Diclegis did not adequately disclose risk information. According to FDA, the post should have included information about the treatment’s side effects, including possible complications when combined with alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness, such as sleeping aids or some pain relievers. FDA has called for a “corrective piece” to be disseminated “using the same media.” The Hill, AP/Miami Herald.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors moved forward with a plan to shift at least 1,000 inmates with mental illnesses out of jails. The board also approved the construction of a new 3,885-bed jail that will focus on mental health treatment. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Number of Uninsured Drops by One-Third Since 2013, CDC Finds
A new CDC report finds the number of uninsured U.S. residents declined by about 16 million, or by about one-third, between 2013 and the first quarter of 2015. According to the report, low-income residents experienced the largest decline in their uninsured rate, which dropped from 39.3% to about 28% during that time period. New York Times, USA Today.
NIH Analysis Shows More Than 10% of U.S. Adults Have Chronic Pain
A new NIH analysis shows about 25 million U.S. adults experience pain every day. Researchers say the analysis is a start to improving national data on the nature and extent of chronic pain. Lawmakers currently are working to address a nationwide increase in painkiller misuse. Washington Post‘s “To Your Health,” CQ HealthBeat.
Los Angeles County Officials OK Consolidation of Three Health Departments
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to consolidate three separate health agencies — the departments of Public Health, Mental Health and Health Services — into one department. The move has caused concern among some advocates who say fear hospitals will benefit from the change at the expense of mental and public health services. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Sacramento Medical Society Recommends Ways To Bolster Local Mental Health Services
On Tuesday, leaders of the Sacramento Sierra Valley Medical Society released a plan designed to complement efforts by Sacramento county officials to improve the area’s mental health care system. The proposal calls for health information exchange between hospitals and mental health care providers, standardizing emergency department medical clearance processes for mental health patients and creating a separate ED for distressed mental health patients. Sacramento Business Journal.
Calif. Medical Schools Adding Care Cost, Value Courses to Curricula
Medical schools in California and other states are starting to integrate lessons on how to discuss costs, value and effectiveness with their patients into their curricula. The shift is being driven in part by the Affordable Care Act’s shift toward value-based payments. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
On Monday, Anthem Blue Cross announced temporary medical and pharmacy guidelines to help members living in California counties who are directly affected by the wildfires access needed medical care and prescription drugs. Among other things, Anthem Blue Cross is allowing affected members to receive emergency or urgent care from out-of-network providers and refill prescriptions at any pharmacy even if they have reached their refill limit. State of Reform.
Supporters Say Summary of Calif. Pension Proposal Is ‘Misleading’
Yesterday, California Attorney General Kamala Harris issued a title and summary of a ballot measure that would require voter approval for any pension benefit changes. Supporters immediately rejected Harris’ description as “inaccurate and misleading” and plan to conduct a legal review. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker,” Sacramento Bee.