Latest California Healthline Stories
New VA Secretary Announces Independent Review Aimed at Restoring Trust in Agency
Over the weekend, newly confirmed Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald said he would restore trust in the department by launching an independent review of the agency’s scheduling practices and by penalizing poorly performing officials. McDonald said the review would be conducted by the Joint Commission. AP/Modern Healthcare, New York Times.
UCSF Study: Patients With Lupus in Calif., Other States Face High Readmission Rates
A study by researchers at UC-San Francisco finds that one in six hospital patients with lupus are readmitted within a month of discharge. According to the study — which examined admissions data in five states, including California — patients under age 65, females and minorities had the highest rates of readmission within 30 days of discharge. MedPage Today.
Large Proportion of L.A. Jail Inmates With Serious Mental Illnesses Are Black, Report Finds
Forty-three percent of Los Angeles jail inmates diagnosed with serious mental illnesses are black, compared with about 30% in the general jail population, according to a new report from the advocacy group Dignity Power Now. Advocates say the high rate of mental illness in jails is the result of funding cuts to public mental health services in Los Angeles County. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
O.C. Supervisor: Laura’s Law Is a Needed ‘Tool’ for Parents of Individuals With Mental Illnesses
John Moorlach, a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, argues in an opinion piece that “loving but struggling parents nee[d] tools to help with their adult children’s lives” and that Laura’s Law is “one of those tools.” The measure — which allows involuntary treatment of individuals with severe mental illnesses — was adopted by Orange County in May. Sacramento Bee.
Calif. Attorney General, 28 Other States Urge FDA To Strengthen E-Cigarette Rules
In a letter on Friday, 29 state attorneys general — including California’s Kamala Harris — urged FDA to strengthen its proposed regulations of electronic cigarettes. FDA declined to comment on the letter but said it would work “as quickly as possible” to review all public comments. Many stakeholders expect FDA’s review to take several months. Reuters, Wall Street Journal.
Oracle Files Lawsuit Against Oregon Over Insurance Exchange Site
In a lawsuit filed Friday, Oracle Corporation alleges that Oregon has breached its contract by continuing to use the technology firm’s software despite not paying $23 million in disputed bills. Oregon severed ties with Oracle after the health insurance exchange website it developed floundered. AP/Modern Healthcare, Los Angeles Times‘ “Nation Now.”
7.2M Enrolled in Medicaid, CHIP Since ACA Expansions, HHS Says
Preliminary HHS data show that 7.2 million U.S. residents have enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program since Oct. 1, 2013. According to the data, enrollment in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act increased by 18.5%, compared with 4% in states that did not expand Medicaid. The Hill et al.
Kaiser Asks Federal Mediator To Intervene in Contract Talks With CNA
Kaiser Permanente has asked a federal mediator to help facilitate contract negotiations with the California Nurses Association after several disagreements postponed talks for three weeks. Observers note that requesting a mediator this early in the contract negotiation process is unusual. Sacramento Business Journal.
Inland Empire Increases Residencies Amid Statewide Doctor Shortage
Amid a statewide shortage of physicians, Riverside and San Bernardino counties are increasing the number of medical residencies offered in the region to draw more new doctors to the area. At least 170 new residencies have been created over the past two years in the two-county region, and additional slots are expected to be established in the future. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
CalPERS Launches Health Care Cost, Quality Comparison Tool
CalPERS has launched a tool that allows members of its preferred provider organization to access and compare information on health care costs and quality. The pension fund’s new tool is accessible through a website, mobile application and live telephone support system. Sacramento Business Journal.