Latest California Healthline Stories
Fresno is working to launch a pilot asthma program that seeks to create a “social impact bond” in which investors agree to support initiatives that could improve health outcomes, such as home renovations to replace carpet or get rid of mold. The Fresno project, which will not begin reaching out to investors until next year, is funded by a $1 million grant from The California Endowment. Kaiser Health News/KQED’s “State of Health.”
California Researcher Raises $100K in Online Donations To Bolster Ebola Treatment Research
On Monday, a California-based immunologist announced that she achieved her crowdfunding goal to help develop new Ebola treatments, raising more than $100,000 in just over two weeks. The funding will be used to buy equipment that will allow scientists at Scripps Research Institute to accelerate the process of analyzing Ebola antibody samples from survivors of the disease. Reuters.
Santa Barbara Resident Diagnosed With Enterovirus D68
On Friday, Santa Barbara public health officials confirmed that a 15-year-old resident was diagnosed with enterovirus D68 and that additional residents are being tested for the respiratory virus. A total of 43 cases of the respiratory virus have been reported statewide. Santa Barbara Independent.
Shipments of Flu Vaccine Delayed; No Shortage Expected
Production problems have delayed influenza vaccine makers’ shipments to U.S. physicians and pharmacies, which means some providers will have to wait longer into the flu season to administer vaccinations. Despite the delays, CDC does not expect a flu vaccine shortage. Wall Street Journal.
DHCS Withholds Nearly $1M From Calif. Hospitals Over Medical Errors
The California Department of Health Care Services has withheld more than $912,000 from at least 85 hospitals over medical errors — such as leaving an object in a patient after surgery. The California Hospital Association said that it agrees with the withholdings but noted that hospitals define medical errors differently because reporting requirements lack clarity. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Report: California Has Highest Workers’ Compensation Costs in U.S.
A new report finds that California has the highest workers’ compensation costs in the country, with $3.48 of every $100 in payroll spent on such expenses. Costs are up from 2012, when California ranked third-highest. Sacramento Business Journal, San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Psychiatric Patients Face Long Waits in California EDs
Californians seeking mental health treatment at emergency departments often face long waits amid a statewide shortage of psychiatric beds. Meanwhile, the long wait times can lead to some patients or their family members lashing out violently at ED nurses. Orange County Register.
IRS Needs To Bolster Protection for Taxpayer Data Sent to Exchanges
An audit by the Department of Treasury inspector general says the Internal Revenue Service must do more to protect taxpayer data submitted to the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges. Among other things, the audit recommends insurance exchanges submit a signed authorization before IRS sends taxpayer data. Washington Times, The Hill.
Senators Seek To Boost Biomedical Research Funds Amid Ebola Crisis
Sens. Orrin Hatch and Elizabeth Warren are creating a proposal to provide an additional $1 billion annually to federal biomedical research over the next decade as concerns over Ebola grow. NIH officials have said that funding constraints have hampered researchers’ efforts to create an Ebola vaccine. Wall Street Journal.
San Diego County Reports First West Nile Death Since 2007
San Diego County officials have confirmed that a 78-year-old man in La Mesa has died from West Nile virus, marking the first West Nile-related death in the county since 2007. So far this year, 608 cases of West Nile virus have been reported across the state, with 20 deaths related to the virus. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now,” AP/Washington Times.