Latest California Healthline Stories
On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to adopt rules that tighten oversight of mobile and fixed broadband providers to better protect net neutrality. Health care stakeholders appear split on whether the new rules will serve to help or harm the industry, which is increasingly adopting health IT tools that rely on fast wireless connections. Modern Healthcare.
Premiums Could Increase as Much As 774% if Subsidies Ruled Illegal
A study by Avalere Health finds health insurance premiums for plans purchased through HealthCare.gov could increase by as much as 774% if the Supreme Court rules federal subsidies to help offset the cost of coverage are illegal. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell says she is not aware of any alternative plan for subsidies if they are stuck down. The Hill et al.
Superbug Outbreak Prompts FDA To Seek Data From Devicemakers
FDA says it is asking manufacturers of ERCP medical endoscopes to demonstrate that their recommended disinfection protocols are effective and reduce contamination risk following an outbreak of a drug-resistant superbug at a California hospital. Meanwhile, one device manufacturer is facing lawsuits on behalf of two patients who contracted the superbug. Modern Healthcare et al.
Contract Negotiations Resume Between Mental Health Workers’ Union, Kaiser Permanente
Bargaining talks have resumed between the National Union of Healthcare Workers and Kaiser Permanente over a four-year contract dispute. NUHW represents 2,600 Kaiser Permanente mental health clinicians in California, is hopeful that it can end a four-year contract dispute with Kaiser. NUHW President Sal Roselli said she is “hopeful” that an agreement can be reached, and a Kaiser spokesperson said the company “remain(s) committed to resolving our differences” with the union. KQED’s “State of Health.”
BART Commuters Warned of Potential Measles Exposure
Public health officials in Northern California are warning Bay Area Rapid Transit commuters that they may have been exposed to measles on the trains, marking the second such warning this month. Officials say the risk to riders is low, particularly for those who have been vaccinated. AP/Sacramento Bee.
California Home Care Workers Rally for Overtime Pay
On Thursday, dozens of home care workers rallied outside of Gov. Jerry Brown’s Sacramento residence, urging him to reinstate a plan to provide overtime, travel and wait time pay to in-home aides. California put such plans on hold after a federal judge overturned the pay extension. Sacramento Business Journal.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 27, 2015
Prime Healthcare Services will establish Southern California’s first geriatric emergency department. Prime Healthcare Services has put on hold its planned purchase of Daughters of Charity Health System after the state attorney general approved the sale with a number of conditions.
Bill Aims To Boost Transparency, Oversight of Calif. Nursing Homes
A bill by Assembly member Kevin McCarty addresses problems with the state’s nursing homes in light of an investigation last year that found deficiencies in oversight and transparency of the industry. The bill would create stricter “suitability requirements” for owners and require DPH to improve data on nursing home ownership that are available on its website. Sacramento Bee.
Higher Demand Unlikely To Overwhelm Doctors in Calif., Other States
A Commonwealth Fund issue brief predicts that the number of additional doctor visits by individuals who gained health coverage through the Affordable Care Act will be low. In California, the brief predicts that doctors will see an average of 1.16 additional primary care visits per week by newly insured individuals. HealthDay/Philadelphia Inquirer.
SCOTUS Decision Could Have Implications for State Medical Boards’ Authority
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a dental regulatory board in North Carolina cannot order non-dentists to stop provide teeth-whitening services. The ruling could have important repercussions on the power of state medical boards, according to observers. Modern Healthcare.