Latest California Healthline Stories
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of October 24, 2014
Children’s Hospital Central California and Adventist Health/Valley Network have partnered to construct a $10 million medical plaza in Fowler to increase rural access to care. Mission Hospital announced that its Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach locations will resume elective surgeries.
On Wednesday, the Sacramento-based Health Education Council announced that it was awarded a $1.1 million federal grant to help prevent minority youth violence. The grant — which was awarded by HHS’ Office of Minority Health and the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services — will target young black, Latino and Asian/Pacific men and will be used to bolster academic performance, reduce run-ins with law enforcement and increase access to public health services. Sacramento Bee‘s “Healthy Choices.”
Congress Likely To Address Children’s Health Insurance Program, SGR After Recess
Congress likely will address whether to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program and repeal and replace Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula when lawmakers return from recess following the November midterm elections. However, it is uncertain whether Congress can find funding to address both issues. MedPage Today‘s “The Gupta Guide.”
Costa Mesa Considering Initiative To Allow Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
On Tuesday, the Costa Mesa City Clerk certified an initiative that would allow eight medical marijuana dispensaries to open in the city. The Costa Mesa City Council now must decide whether to adopt the initiative or call for a special election to allow voters to approve or reject the measure. Orange County Register.
DPH Issues Record Number of Citations for Patient Privacy Breaches
So far this year, the California Department of Public Health has issued 22 citations related to patient privacy breaches — a record since the agency began handing out such citations in 2009. The citations were levied on 13 hospitals, two nursing homes and two outpatient clinics. Payers & Providers, DPH website.
Some Providers Taking Advantage of Loophole in Stark Law
The Stark Law — which bans physicians from referring Medicare beneficiaries to entities in which they have a financial stake — includes an exemption that allows referrals for “in-office ancillary services.” However, stakeholders say that advances in medical technology have expanded use of the exemption beyond the law’s original intent for routine procedures. Wall Street Journal et al.
Survey: Support Falling for Rate Regulation Ballot Initiative
A new Public Policy Institute of California survey finds that support is falling for a November ballot initiative that would give the state insurance commissioner the authority to reject health insurance rate increases. Meanwhile, Californians are divided in their opinions of the Affordable Care Act. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Report Finds Essential Health Benefits Vary From State to State
A report finds that HHS’ decision to allow each state to select its benchmark plan for the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges has resulted in wide discrepancies in states’ essential health benefits. For example, the study finds California and 25 other states cover autism spectrum disorder services, while just five states include acupuncture. Modern Healthcare‘s “Vital Signs” et al.
Courts Side With Sutter Health, Eisenhower Medical Center in Separate Health Data Breach Lawsuits
Two California courts recently threw out lawsuits against Sutter Health and Eisenhower Medical Center over health data breaches, ruling that under California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act health care providers are not liable for patient information being released if it does not include data on medical histories, conditions or treatments. The rulings suggest that it could difficult for patients to successfully sue California health care facilities over data breaches. FierceHealthIT.
Cal State Universities Nab $60M From NIH To Improve Diversity in Biomedical Research
On Wednesday, NIH awarded five-year grants worth a total of more than $60 million to three California State University campuses to help train low-income and minority students for careers in biomedical research. California State Long Beach will receive $22.7 million, California State Northridge will receive $21.8 million and San Francisco State University will receive $17 million. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now,” KPCC’s “KPCC News.”