Latest California Healthline Stories
Mobile Primary Care Clinic Expands in Santa Cruz County
Dominican Hospital’s Mobile Wellness Clinic is expanding its service areas in Santa Cruz, bringing primary care to thousands of uninsured residents. The clinic — which consists of a 37-foot recreational vehicle equipped with exam rooms, a lab and a reception area — currently operates in North and Mid-County and soon will expand to Santa Cruz’s Westside. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Grand Jury Expands Corruption Charges Against Former CalPERS Board Member
Last week, a federal grand jury expanded charges against former CalPERS board member Alfred Villalobos. Under the new indictment, Villalobos is accused of bribing and conspiring with the pension fund’s then-CEO to complete a $3 billion deal with a private equity firm and conspiring to commit fraud. Los Angeles Times.
Nearly 7,000 Cases of Whooping Cough Reported in Calif.
In the two weeks ending on Aug. 4, 760 new cases of pertussis — or whooping cough — were reported in California, bringing the total number of reported infections in the state to 6,930 cases, according to data from the state Department of Public Health. More than 66% of the new cases were in children ages 7 to 16. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Several patient advocacy groups say health insurers are discouraging people with HIV/AIDS from purchasing medication by making their drugs unaffordable in plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges. According to the groups, some insurers are putting costly drugs in a special category that requires patients to pay up to 50% of the total expense. AP/Miami Herald.
Ballot Measure To Require Random Drug Testing of Doctors ‘Goes Too Far,’ Editorial Argues
A Contra Costa Times editorial argues that a ballot measure to require random drug testing for doctors “goes too far” and its “backers have failed to demonstrate such privacy intrusion is justified.” Noting that the initiative does not specify what would result in a positive test, the editorial calls the proposal “a drastic measure that requires more thought and supporting data.” Contra Costa Times.
CMS Delays Physician Payment Website To Address Reported Errors
Yesterday, CMS announced that it will delay the public launch of its Open Payments System following recent reports of mistakes in the physician data. CMS says it will reschedule the launch and physician review deadlines after it completes its investigation into reported issues with the database. The Hill, MedPage Today‘s “The Gupta Guide.”
Nurses in California, Other States Have Difficulty Finding Jobs
Many newly licensed nurses in California and other states have faced challenges when looking for work after graduation. Experts say the problems stem from the economic downturn causing older nurses to delay retirement and nursing schools accepting more students in expectation of a shortage. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of August 8, 2014
Doctors Medical Center has closed its emergency department to patients arriving by ambulance. Rady Children’s Hospital announced it is receiving a $120 million donation to create the Pediatric Genomics and Systems Medicine Institute.
Calif. Researchers Identify Gene That Indicates Breast Cancer Risk in Women
A study by researchers at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte has found that a certain gene — called PALB2 — is a greater indicator for breast cancer risk than the more-commonly known BRCA genes. According to the study, the gene has been linked to a 14% chance of breast cancer in women by the age of 50 and a 35% chance by the age of 70. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Smoke From Fires in Central, Northern California Could Pose Health Risks in Lake County
Fires in Northern and Central California could cause levels of smoke and haze that are harmful to the health of sensitive individuals in areas of Lake County, according to Lake County Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart. Officials said the air conditions could irritate residents’ eyes, nose and air passages, which could cause health problems for young children, older residents and individuals with chronic health problems, such as asthma, heart conditions or other respiratory issues. Lake County News.