Latest California Healthline Stories
California Nurses To Strike Over Ebola Training, Equipment
The California Nurses Association and National Nurses United are planning to strike over a lack of training and protective equipment for nurses who could treat Ebola patients. The “national day of action” will take place on Nov. 12. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk,” San Francisco Chronicle.
Judge OKs Stockton’s Bankruptcy Exit Plan
On Thursday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Klein approved a bankruptcy exit plan from the city of Stockton that would fully fund pension payments for public retirees but reduce its payments to bond investors. One month ago, Klein said the city could legally cut its pension obligations, but city officials said reducing pension payments would cause public employees to leave the city. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
More Cities Raising Legal Age for Purchasing Tobacco to 21
Grassroots efforts to increase the legal age at which individuals can purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 are gaining traction, with more cities passing ordinances to raise the age limit. Further, FDA is expected to review the issue in early 2015 once it receives an Institute of Medicine report examining the potential benefits of increasing the age limit to 21 or 25. Wall Street Journal.
A new study finds that inaccurate directories of providers participating in Medicare and health plans sold through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges could confuse consumers and cause the government to approve inadequate plans. The study was conducted by researchers from UC-San Francisco and the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Reuters.
Analysis: Congressional Races Poised To Affect Future of Health Care
Although the Affordable Care Act has not been the focus of this year’s midterm elections, an analysis of media polls suggests that the outcomes of the congressional races could have a major effect on future health care policy. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says that even if the GOP gains control of the Senate, it would not be able to repeal the ACA but instead would target certain provisions. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog” et al.
Survey: Calif. Physician Assistants Have High Salaries, Student Debt
A recent California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development survey finds that physician assistants in the state earn salaries that are higher than the national average but that they also have high levels of student debt. Payers & Providers, OSHPD survey.
California Issues Quarantine Policy for Individuals at Risk for Ebola
Yesterday, the head of California’s Department of Public Health announced a mandatory 21-day quarantine period for any individual arriving in the state after traveling to an Ebola-affected area, such as Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone, who came in contact with someone diagnosed with the virus. However, DPH said the policy will be “tailored” on a case-by-case basis. Time et al.
Report: Calif. Hospitals’ Community Benefits Difficult To Determine
Not-for-profit hospitals in the state report millions of dollars in community benefits, but a new Greenlining Institute report finds that determining how such funding is spent can be difficult. Hospitals argue that the institute’s findings are misleading. Sacramento Business Journal, Greenlining Institute report.
More Than 100 California Hospitals Receive Top Safety Score
Recent ratings by Leapfrog Group gave 108 California hospitals an “A” score for safety, but seven hospitals in the state received a failing grade. The group surveyed more than 2,500 hospitals across the U.S. — including 250 in California — and rated them on 28 safety measures. Payers & Providers et al.
Young Adults’ Use of Preventive Services Up Slightly Since ACA Took Effect, Study Finds
Researchers from UC-San Francisco found that the number of young adults using preventive care services rose slightly after an Affordable Care Act provision allowing them to stay on their parents’ health insurance took effect. The study, which was published in JAMA Pediatrics, found a 3% increase in routine checkups and a 5% increase in annual dental visits between 2009 and 2011. NPR’s “Shots.”