Latest California Healthline Stories
DMHC Publishes Information to California Open Data Portal
The California Department of Managed Health Care has published its initial batch of datasets to the state’s Open Data Portal, which aims to improve public health through data transparency. The datasets include information on DHMC enforcement actions, Independent Medical Review decisions and premium rate filings. Techwire.
Bill Seeks Privacy Protections for Covered California Consumers
A bill awaiting a hearing by the California Senate Health Committee aims to close a “loophole” in Covered California’s policy that allows the exchange to share consumers’ personal information with third-party contractors, such as insurance agents and enrollment counselors. State of Reform.
Chiropractic Services Left Out of Assembly, Senate Budget Plans
Recently released California Senate and Assembly budget plans both exclude funding to restore Medi-Cal cuts to chiropractic services. Some lawmakers question whether such benefits were omitted because of the California Chiropractic Association’s opposition to a contentious vaccine bill. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News,” Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Pentagon Accidentally Ships Live Anthrax to Laboratories
On Wednesday, the Pentagon confirmed that it had unintentionally shipped live anthrax spores to as many as nine laboratories and is investigating how error occurred. The labs were supposed to receive inactivated samples of anthrax to use for research. AP/New York Times.
FDA OKs Marin-Based Therapist To Study Ecstasy as a Treatment for Severe Anxiety, Depression
FDA has approved a Marin-based therapist’s request to study whether the illicit drug ecstasy could be used to effectively treat severe anxiety and depression when taken along with psychotherapy. Previous studies have shown the drug could be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. KQED’s “Forum.”
Fresno County Jail Inmates Reach Settlement To Improve Health Care Conditions
On Wednesday, attorneys for Fresno County jail inmates said that county officials have settled a lawsuit over alleged mistreatment and poor health care. The settlement calls for jail officials to provide chronically ill inmates with medication and to give inmates with mental health illnesses breaks from solitary confinement. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Fresno Bee.
Kent Discusses Future of Medi-Cal With Los Angeles Times
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Jennifer Kent — director of the state’s Department of Health Care Services, which oversees the state’s Medicaid program — said, “Medi-Cal has always been … a paper-based program. I’m increasingly challenging some of our folks to think of ways of engaging beneficiaries to talk the way that everyone else does nowadays — on our smartphones.” Meanwhile, Kent added, “I would like to think we are approaching a steady state in terms of enrollment and change in the [Medi-Cal] program. It was such a dramatic increase month over month last year, we were all wondering when it would start to plateau.” Los Angeles Times.
Petaluma Health Care District Named Best in California
The Association of California Healthcare Districts has named Petaluma Health Care District as the state’s health care district of the year. ACHD CEO David McGhee said, “It’s an understatement to say that we were impressed with PHCD’s initiatives, programs and accomplishments,” adding, “Its pioneering philosophy and work to address underlying public health issues, such as access to early childhood education programs, mental and behavioral health services, access to fresh, healthy, local food and CPR training for all ages should be models for all other districts.” Petaluma Argus-Courier.
CMS Unveils Proposed Rule for Medicaid Managed Care Plans
CMS yesterday released a proposed rule for Medicaid managed care plans that aims to create more standardized practices across states and align managed care standards with those of the private market. The rule marks the first update for such plans in more than a decade. The Hill et al.
SCOTUS Ruling Could Increase Health Care Whistleblower Fraud Suits
The U.S. Supreme Court in a ruling yesterday did not extend the statute of limitations for lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act, as some in the health care industry had feared. However, the ruling could allow whistleblowers to file health care fraud lawsuits over allegations that have already been brought to court. Modern Healthcare.