Latest California Healthline Stories
FDA Issues New Rules for Reusable Devices After Superbug Outbreak
In response to a superbug outbreak at two California hospitals that was linked to a reusable medical device, FDA yesterday released guidance that will require device makers to submit data demonstrating that their devices can be effectively disinfected before being approved by the agency. However, the rules only apply to new devices. Los Angeles Times et al.
Cal INDEX Still Faces Legal, Regulatory Challenges, CEO Says
In a recent interview, California Integrated Data Exchange CEO David Watson highlighted progress made by the health information exchange, including the hiring of a new leadership team. However, he also noted that the HIE faces a variety of regulatory and legal challenges. HealthLeaders Media.
Survey: Reports of ACA Coverage Cancellations Likely Overstated
An Urban Institute survey shows that media reports that millions of individuals would have their health plans cancelled because they did not meet the Affordable Care Act’s minimum standards likely were overstated. The survey finds that about 500,000 individuals with employer-sponsored plans, or about 0.3% of all U.S. residents with such coverage, had their plans canceled in 2014. The Hill.
Study: Kaiser Ranked Best Calif. Health Plan for Member Satisfaction
A new study by J.D. Power and Associates finds that Kaiser Permanente has the best customer satisfaction of any health plan in California. Kaiser Permanente received the top ranking for the eighth consecutive year and was the only plan to score above the state average. Vallejo Times-Herald et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 13, 2015
Officials from Antelope Valley Hospital are disputing allegations from a nurses union that an electronic health record outage caused the hospital’s emergency department to close. California Attorney General Kamala Harris is set to review the potential sale of Lodi Memorial Hospital to Adventist Health.
S.F. Supervisors Vote To Expand Rx Drug Disposal Program; Pharmaceutical Firms Push Back
Earlier this week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to expand the city’s prescription drug disposal program. The program aims to keep unused drugs from contaminating waterways or falling into the hands of children or individuals who misuse drugs. Under the expansion, drugmakers would be required to cover the cost of disposing unused and unwanted medications, as opposed to taxpayers. However, drug companies say that the plan treats the pharmaceutical industry differently than other businesses — such as paint and battery makers — whose products also fall under special collection programs. San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Business Times‘ “BiotechSF.”
On Wednesday, recipients of State Supplemental Payments rallied in Sacramento for the restoration of funding cuts that occurred during the economic recession. The program provides grants to blind, disabled and low-income elderly residents. California has not yet restored cuts that amounted to $80 a month for individuals and about $170 a month for couples. The state also eliminated the program’s cost-of-living adjustment. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Nurses Say a Lack of Interoperability Among Medical Devices Leads to Medical Errors, Survey Finds
According to a recent survey of nurses commissioned by the La Jolla-based Gary and Mary West Health Institute, a lack of interoperability and connectivity among medical devices contributes to a higher number of preventable medical errors. The survey, conducted by Harris Poll, also found that about half of the more than 500 registered nurses polled had seen a medical error occur because of such issues. MobiHealthNews.
High Cost of Certain Specialty Rx Drugs Could Hinder Access for Some Patients
Roughly five million U.S. residents rely on specialty drugs to treat advanced and complex medical conditions, but the medications’ high costs often can prevent people from accessing them. While providers tout the benefits of the breakthrough therapies’ abilities to treat conditions that had previously been difficult to treat, the medications can cost upwards of $80,000 per course. Patient advocates worry that such drugs will only become more costly and inaccessible for patients as health insurers limit coverage for them, particularly in health plans sold through the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges. AP/Washington Times.
State Worker Retirements Increased by 14% So Far This Year, CalPERS Data Show
New data from CalPERS show that state worker retirements in the first two months of this year increased by 14%. Retirements in February set a new record for the month, but the bump came after a 4% drop in January. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”