Latest California Healthline Stories
Court Rules California Nursing Home Law Unconstitutional
Last week, a California superior court judge ruled that a 1992 state law allowing nursing homes to make medical decisions for mentally incompetent residents without representatives is unconstitutional. Advocates say the decision increases patients’ rights, but some say the ruling could create problems for how nursing homes operate. Kaiser Health News.
Advocates for Disabled Oppose California Assisted Death Bill
Advocates say that a California bill that would allow dying patients to end their lives through lethal doses of medication does not have enough protections for individuals with disabilities. However, supporters say the bill includes adequate protections for such individuals. Kaiser Health News.
Opinion Piece Calls for Increased Public Safety Funding
In an Orange County Register opinion piece, Jennifer Muir, assistant general manager at the Orange County Employees Association, calls on lawmakers to bolster public safety funding for public health, correctional nurses and environmental health specialists. She writes, “As state and local lawmakers consider their annual spending priorities, they should prioritize public safety in all its forms.” Orange County Register.
Jury Finds Mission Viejo Facility Negligent, Awards $5.7M in Damages to Family of Deceased Teen
On Thursday, a jury awarded $5.7 million in damages to the family of a 15-year-old boy who died at a Mission Viejo care facility after workers failed to administer his anti-seizure medication and left him in the care of someone who had no CPR training. The jury is scheduled to reconvene on July 20 to determine punitive damages in the case. Orange County Register.
Sacramento-Area Public Agency Workers To See Higher-Than-Average HMO Premium Hikes
Public agency workers in the Sacramento area will see an average HMO premium hike of 12.2% in 2016, significantly higher than the 7.21% premium increase approved statewide. CalPERS negotiates one statewide premium rate for state workers, but public agency rates are determined by region. Sacramento Business Journal.
HHS Mapping Tool Helps Officials Locate At-Risk Medicare Beneficiaries During Power Outages
HHS has launched a new online tool to help identify at-risk Medicare beneficiaries who rely on electricity-powered medical equipment during potentially life-threatening power outages and emergencies. The emPOWER Map allows first responders and health officials to search by ZIP code, county, state and territory for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who use electricity-dependent oxygen concentrators, ventilators, wheelchairs and other devices. GCN.
More Than 40% of Silver Exchange Plans Have Narrow Networks, Report Finds
More than 40% of silver exchange plans have networks that are narrow enough to be considered “small” or “extra small,” according to a report by the University of Pennsylvania’s Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics. The researchers said the exchanges should boost awareness of plan quality, costs and network sizes. Washington Post‘s “To Your Health,” The Hill.
GOP Weighs Response to Supreme Court’s Federal Subsidies Ruling
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act’s federal exchange subsidies, the GOP is considering whether to use the budget reconciliation process as part of efforts to repeal the law. Meanwhile, legal experts say the high court’s ruling could help guard the ACA against future Republican challenges to the subsidies. National Journal et al.
Future of State Exchanges Uncertain After King v. Burwell Ruling
Observers say the Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies to help U.S. residents purchase coverage through the federal exchange removes the incentive for states to establish their own exchange or maintain exchanges they are currently operating. Modern Healthcare et al.
Health Coverage Expanded to Undocumented in 35 Calif. Counties
Undocumented immigrants and other low-income Californians in 35 rural counties by 2016 could have access to additional health care services after the County Medical Services Program board voted yesterday to expand its services. The expansion is expected to cost between $6 million and $9 million. Sacramento Bee.