Latest California Healthline Stories
UC-San Diego Researchers Develop Pen That Could Simplify Glucose Checks for Diabetes
UC-San Diego researchers have developed a pen that can measure diabetics’ glucose levels by writing on the skin. The device uses “bio ink,” which creates a chemical reaction that is read by a wearable sensor. Joseph Wang, head of the project and chair of UC-San Diego’s Department of Nanoengineering, said, “This is a proof-of-concept step that could make it easier for diabetics to check their glucose.” U-T San Diego.
AAMC Projects Physician Shortage of Between 46K to 90K by 2025
A new Association of American Medical Colleges report finds that the U.S. could face a shortage of between 46,000 and 90,000 physicians by 2025, which is lower than the group’s 2010 prediction of a 130,600 physician shortfall. The report says the nation needs to act now to avoid a shortage over the next decade, noting it takes five to 10 years to train a physician. Modern Healthcare et al.
Supreme Court Hears Opening Arguments in King v. Burwell Case
Today, the Supreme Court heard opening arguments in King v. Burwell, which challenges the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies for U.S. residents to purchase health plans through the federal exchange. Meanwhile, a new poll finds that a slight majority of voters said they would want Congress to act to continue the subsidies if they are struck down. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
14 Calif. Hospitals Among Truven Health’s List of 100 Best Facilities
On Monday, Truven Health Analytics released its annual list of the nation’s top 100 hospitals, which includes 14 facilities in California. Five California hospitals on the list were named among the country’s best teaching hospitals. Sacramento Bee, Truven Health “100 Top Hospitals” list.
New Bill Would Increase California’s Cigarette Tax by $2 Per Pack
State Sen. Richard Pan has proposed a bill that aims to increase California’s cigarette tax by $2 per pack in an effort to discourage residents from smoking. The tax would generate about $1.4 billion annually to fund expanded treatment services, smoking prevention programs and medical research. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Audit Classifies DPH as High-Risk for Failure To Implement Changes
A new California State Auditor report finds that the state Department of Public Health is a high-risk agency because it has failed to address nearly three dozen recommendations identified in previous audits. Of 33 unresolved recommended changes, 17 were related to public health and safety. KFBK News, CSA report.
California Officials Sign Off on Sutter Health Offering an HMO Plan in Sonoma County
On Tuesday, Sutter Health announced that California officials had approved a proposal to expand its HMO plan, Sutter Health Plus, to Sonoma County. The decision allows Sutter to develop a more integrated managed care model in the area and could provide patients using the local Sutter Health System with a more affordable health plan option. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Feinstein Co-Sponsors U.S. Senate Bill Targeting Antibiotic Use in Food-Producing Livestock
On Monday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced a measure in Congress that would require FDA to ban farmers from using antibiotics intended to control or prevent disease in food-producing livestock unless the drug’s manufacturer can demonstrate that its use poses no threat to human health. The bill aims to close a gap in FDA guidelines issued in 2013 calling on drugmakers to voluntarily stop using antibiotics to help animals gain weight. PBS’ “Frontline.”
Calif. Has High Rate of Poverty but Low Use of Nutrition Aid
Although 23.8% of California residents are living in poverty, the state has one of the lowest rates of using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which California calls CalFresh, according to a new Census Bureau report. The report, which is based on the American Community Survey, shows that in 2013, 1.2 million households, or 9.4% of all California households, reported using CalFresh benefits. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capital Alert.”
Computer Model Analyzes Potential Measles Outbreaks
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health have developed a computer model that analyzes the effect of potential measles outbreaks in cities throughout the country. The Framework for Reconstructing Epidemiological Dynamics, or FRED, model is a no-cost resource that allows users to see how a measles outbreak would affect their community if the population has high or low rates of vaccinations for the virus. Health Data Management.