Latest California Healthline Stories
Santa Barbara County Requires Health Workers To Get Flu Vaccination or Wear Surgical Mask
Santa Barbara County has released orders requiring county health care workers to receive a flu vaccination or wear a surgical mask throughout the flu season, which runs from Nov. 1 to March 31. County Public Health Officer Charity Thoman said this is the first year Santa Barbara County has issued such a rule, adding that she expects more than half of California health departments to implement similar rules, up from 34% of jurisdictions last flu season. Lompoc Record.
On Friday, San Diego State University and public health officials announced that more than 400 students had received meningitis antibiotics at no cost after a campus sorority member died of the disease Friday morning. The antibiotics were given to students who could have been exposed to the disease during classes and a party last Thursday. Reuters.
Obama Names Ron Klain as New ‘Ebola Czar’
Obama has appointed Ron Klain — former chief of staff to Vice Presidents Al Gore and Joe Biden — as the nation’s new “Ebola czar.” According to an Obama administration official, Klain was chosen for the position based on his “extensive federal government experience overseeing complex operations and good working relationships with leading members of Congress,” in addition to his “strong management credentials.” CNN has reported that Klain does not have extensive experience with health care issues. The Hill, CNN.
CDC Report: Median Vaccination Rates Among Kindergarteners Vary Across States
The median vaccination rate for U.S. children in kindergarten in the 2013-2014 school year varied among states, with rates low enough in some areas to put communities at risk of losing herd immunity, according to a CDC report released yesterday. In California, 17,253 families opted out of having their children vaccinated. Los Angeles Times‘ “Science Now,” Time.
Residents Who Fall Below Poverty Don’t Have To Repay ACA Credits
A Department of Treasury rule states that U.S. residents who did not qualify for Medicaid but whose estimated incomes qualified them for federal subsidies do not need to repay the subsidy if their actual incomes fall below the federal poverty level. However, individuals whose incomes end up above the FPL will have to repay any tax credits above what they qualified for. Kaiser Health News.
Health Plans, Providers Increasingly Partner on Narrow Network Plans
Observers note that the number of insurers and providers forming partnerships to offer health plans with narrow provider networks is rising. Industry experts attribute the increase in part to the Affordable Care Act, as well as efforts to eliminate financial barriers to care and encourage proper patient behavior. Modern Healthcare.
DOJ Official Criticizes Calif. for Lack of Medical Marijuana Oversight
Deputy U.S. Attorney General James Cole says that California must implement a statewide regulatory system for the use and sale of medical marijuana or risk intervention by federal officials. To date, several medical marijuana regulations have failed in the state Legislature. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Covered California Plans Changes After Report on Open Enrollment
Covered California is taking steps to address strains on the exchange’s website and call centers, educate consumers about health coverage and increase the availability of enrollment assistance. The changes were prompted by a new report outlining lessons from the exchange’s first open enrollment period. KPCC’s “KPCC News” et al.
Opponents of Berkeley Soda Tax Ballot Measure Have Spent 10 Times as Much as Supporters
The U.S. beverage industry has spent $1.4 million to fight a Berkeley ballot initiative that would levy a penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. In comparison, proponents of Measure D, such as, Berkeley vs. Big Soda, have raised $135,600. The Nation.
Santa Clara County Confirms Four New Enterovirus Cases
On Thursday, Santa Clara County health officials confirmed four new cases of enterovirus-D68 in residents under age 18, bringing the total number of infected patients to five. Officials said each individual was hospitalized and then discharged in good condition. San Jose Mercury News.