Latest California Healthline Stories
Appeals Court Dismisses Sutter Health Data Breach Case
On Monday, a state appellate court ruled that Sutter Health did not violate California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act when a computer containing the personal medical records of four million patients was stolen. The judges dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the plaintiffs, who sought compensation totaling more than $4 billion, failed to demonstrate whether their data had been accessed by an unauthorized third party. Sacramento Bee.
Sacramento County Working To Develop Mental Health Crisis Treatment Program
Sacramento County officials are working to obtain funding for a 15-bed mental health crisis center that will offer a residential treatment program. The county has requested letters of interest from health care providers who could help to develop and run the program. Sacramento Business Journal.
Brown Signs Bill Aimed at Reducing Concussion Risk Among Middle School, High School Football Players
On Monday, Gov. Brown signed a bill that aims to reduce concussion and brain injury risk among high school and middle school football players by limiting the number of full-contact practices allowed. Under the measure, middle and high schools will be limited to holding full-contact practices two or fewer times each week and prohibited from holding such practices during the off-season. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal,” AP/Washington Times.
U.S. residents trust doctor recommendations from family or friends more than quality information available on online patient review or ratings website, according to a new survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Researchers found that about 60% of U.S. residents said they would “very much or completely trust” quality ratings of health care providers from family or friends, compared with about 10% who said they trusted free online rating websites. AP/Modern Healthcare, AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey.
Health Care Spending Slowing in High-Income Countries
Data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development indicate that health care spending growth has slowed in all high-income nations since 2000, highlighting a new trend in global spending in the sector. The trend marks a difference from health care spending growth before 1990, when spending on the sector in the U.S. significantly outpaced all other Western nations. New York Times‘ “The Upshot.”
CMS Eases Medicare Prior Authorization Rules for Hospice Programs
CMS has revised rules requiring prior authorization for drugs used by hospice patients, in response to stakeholders saying the guidelines limited access to medications for patients with terminal illnesses. The new guidelines require prior authorization for only four categories of hospice-related medications covered under Medicare. Reuters et al.
Exchange Plans Could Face New Standards for Provider Networks
Federal officials are working to create new standards that will address consumer concerns about narrow hospital and physician networks for plans sold through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges. Officials say new provider network standards for the exchanges will be similar to those used in Medicare Advantage. New York Times et al.
Law Speeds Up Reporting Process for Gun Restrictions for Mentally Ill
Under a new California law, courts will be required within one business day to notify the state Department of Justice when an individual is barred from having a firearm because of mental health problems or other issues. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Four Calif. Medical Research Institute Officials Are Among Top Paid
According to new rankings by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, four current or former officials at California-based medical research organizations are among the top paid in the country. Richard Lerner, president and CEO of the La Jolla-based Scripps Research Institute, ranked second in the U.S. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.
Brown Signs Accelerated Degree Bill To Address Doctor Shortage
On Friday, Gov. Brown signed a new law that will allow medical students enrolled in accredited programs in California to graduate and obtain medical licenses in three instead of four years. The bill takes effect in January 2015 and aims to address a growing physician shortage in the state. Sacramento Business Journal.