Latest California Healthline Stories
California Is the 29th Healthiest State for Seniors, Report Finds
A report from the United Health Foundation ranks California as the 29th healthiest state for adults ages 65 and older, down from 18th last year. Seniors in the state reported a 28% increase in physical inactivity this year, but California also ranked among the top five states for low obesity rates among seniors. McClatchy/Biloxi-Gulfport Sun Herald, United Health Foundation report.
Calif. Government, Labor Union Test Program To Reduce State Workers’ Health Care Costs
California’s largest labor organization, SEIU Local 1000, is working with state agencies to test a program that could lower state employees’ medical costs without shifting more costs to workers. The program, called “Healthier U,” uses social media, peer support and friendly competition to encourage individuals to improve their diet and physical activity. Sacramento Bee.
California Ranks Second in U.S. for Providers’ E-Prescribing of Controlled Substances
California ranked second in the U.S. for electronically prescribing controlled substances in 2014, according to a Surescripts’ annual 2014 National Progress Report. The data show that 8.58% of California prescribers were enabled to e-prescribe controlled substances and 71.2% of pharmacies were enabled to accept e-prescriptions of such drugs. MedCity News
Revenue Surplus Predicted by LAO Could Go to Health Programs
A new Legislative Analyst’s Office report estimates that California will have an additional $1.1 billion in discretionary spending than estimated in Gov. Brown’s revised fiscal year 2015-2016 budget plan. Democratic lawmakers are expected to seek increased spending for health care for undocumented immigrants, among other public programs. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal,” Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Calif. Hospitals Say DNA Storage Bill Would Create ‘Duplicative’ Work
The California Hospital Association is opposing a bill that would require written consent from parents before samples are stored and sold for research under the state’s infant DNA screening program. CHA said the program would add “duplicative and completely unnecessary” work for hospital staff. Government Technology.
CMA Removes Opposition to Assisted Death
On Wednesday, the California Medical Association dropped its opposition to physician-assisted suicide, citing a shift in doctor and patient attitudes about end-of-life and assisted suicide options. The move makes the California Medical Association the first state medical association to take such a stance. The announcement comes as the state Legislature considers a bill that would allow some dying patients to end their lives through a lethal dose of medication. San Francisco Chronicle/Sacramento Bee.
FDA Issues Warning on Type 2 Diabetes Rx Drugs
FDA on Friday issued a warning that a newer class of widely used medications to treat type 2 diabetes could cause high levels of blood acids that could be dangerous and require hospitalization. The drugs are manufactured and sold by AstraZeneca, under the name Farxiga; Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingleheim, under the name Jardiance; and Johnson & Johnson, under the name Invokana. FDA said the drugs could cause ketoacidosis, a condition in which the body secretes high levels of blood acids, called ketones. Reuters.
Berkeley Rules Would Require Mobile Phone Retailers To Disclose Potential Health Hazards to Buyers
Berkeley lawmakers have passed a measure that would require mobile phone sellers to post notices about the potential health hazards related to carrying the devices too close to their bodies. The notices would have to be posted in public view and on flyers given to customers. While stakeholders expect a legal challenge to be filed against the rules, if they go into effect in July, Berkeley would be the first city in the U.S. to enact such requirements. The Guardian.
GOP Lawmaker Presses Party Leaders for ACA Subsidies Backup Plan
A Republican lawmaker is asking GOP leaders to develop a contingency plan in case the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies to help U.S. residents purchase coverage through the federal exchange. The lawmaker argues that Congress should be responsible for creating an alternative. The Hill, CQ News.
Lawmakers, Rural Hospitals Seek To Address Financial Challenges
Rural hospital operators and lawmakers are considering ways to address financial challenges that put rural facilities at risk for closure. For example, Georgia officials have created a committee to provide relief to rural facilities, while Sen. Chuck Grassley is developing legislation that would give rural hospitals greater financial security. Modern Healthcare.