Latest California Healthline Stories
Survey: Most Calif. Adults Support Childhood Vaccine Requirements
A new survey finds that the majority of California adults say unvaccinated children should not be able to attend public schools. The survey comes amid a highly debated legislative effort to end personal belief exemptions to childhood vaccination requirements. KQED’s “State of Health,” Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Bill Aims To Expand Naturopathic Physicians’ Scope of Practice
A bill passed by the California senate yesterday would authorize naturopathic physicians in the state to prescribe medication and perform certain operative procedures without the supervision of a medical or osteopathic doctor. Several medical groups — including the Medical Board of California — have expressed concerns about the bill. MedPage Today‘s “The Gupta Guide.”
UC-San Francisco Receives $50M Gift To Build a New Mental Health Center
UC-San Francisco is moving ahead with plans to build a new mental health center after receiving an anonymous $50 million gift for the project, including land for the new facility. The 140,000-square-foot center is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019 and will include research, training and clinical services that focus on the prevention and treatment of mental illness. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk.”
DMHC Levies $1.5M Against Anthem Blue Cross
The Department of Managed Health Care has levied a $1.5 million fine against Anthem Blue Cross of California for failing to pay for prenatal tests a state agency performed for 27,000 of its members over a nearly three-year period. Under an agreement with most commercial plans in California, the California Department of Public Health performs the blood test, which is used to determine if a fetus could be afflicted with Down Syndrome or Trisomy 18, and the insurer is required to cover the cost of about $162. Payers & Providers.
Calif. Assembly Votes To Expand Certified Midwives’ Role
On Wednesday, the California Assembly unanimously passed a bill that would allow certified midwives in the state to treat and provide medication for patients without a doctor’s supervision. The bill would give certified midwives the same ability to independently see patients that licensed midwives have in the state. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. AP/KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Obama Administration Hosts Forum on Antibiotic Use
The Obama administration on Tuesday held a forum to discuss responsible use of antibiotics, as the overuse of such drugs has resulted in drug-resistant “superbugs” that pose threats to public health. According to CDC, drug-resistant bacteria result in about two million illnesses and 23,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. CDC Director Tom Frieden has said antibiotic resistance might be the most important infectious disease threat today. Reuters.
OSHPD Announces New Water Regulations for California Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities
On Monday, the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development announced new emergency regulations limiting the use of potable water by hospitals and skilled nursing facilities for exterior landscaping or non-residential buildings. Brian Jensen, regional vice president for the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California, said, “We don’t know how these regulations will be rolled out, enforced or implemented, but hospitals are doing what they can to reduce water use so long as it does not affect patient care.” Meanwhile, California Association of Health Facilities spokesperson Deborah Pacyna said, “We don’t have a problem with the emergency standards. We all have to do our part.” Sacramento Business Journal.
Senate Passes Undocumented Health Coverage Bill After Debate
Yesterday, the California Senate advanced a bill that would extend medical benefits to many undocumented immigrants in the state. The bill’s passage followed a contentious debate, during which some senators raised concerns about the measure’s potential effect on the state’s Medicaid program. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.
Moody’s: Hospitals in Medicaid Expansion States Not Better Off
A Moody’s Investors Service report finds that not-for-profit and public hospitals in Medicaid expansion states have not seen larger increases in their 2014 operating margins than such hospitals in non-expansion states. Analysts say the findings call into question the idea that Medicaid expansion is driving financial improvements in hospitals. Wall Street Journal, Modern Healthcare.
California Sees Care Quality Gains as ACOs Grow in Size, Capabilities
Recent research shows that accountable care organizations in California have helped improve quality of care as they have become more established and grown in size. Enrollment in California’s 67 ACOs is expected to grow by about 48% over the next two years, approaching a goal of providing integrated care to 60% of the state population by 2022. Health Affairs.