Latest California Healthline Stories
San Diego Should Adopt Laura’s Law, Editorial Argues
A U-T San Diego editorial argues that the San Diego County Board of Supervisors should see what has “become apparent to other boards in big California counties” and adopt Laura’s Law, which will allow involuntary treatment of individuals with severe mental illnesses. The editorial notes that the board reviewed the law last year and declined to implement it. U-T San Diego.
San Diego Scientists’ Research Could Lead to Better Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
Studies by San Diego researchers could lead to new ways of treating and managing Type 2 diabetes. In one case, scientists derived a potential new way to overcome insulin resistance, while researchers in another case found new methods for controlling inflammation. U-T San Diego.
Changes in Color, Shape of Rx Pills Could Prompt Some Patients To Stop Taking Medication
People who have had a heart attack are more likely to abandon their medication for at least a month if the color or shape of their pills inexplicably changes, according to a study published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Specifically, the study found that patients whose pills changed color were 34% more likely to stop taking the drug, and those whose pill changed shape were 66% more likely to stop. HealthDay/Philadelphia Inquirer.
Expanding Nurses’ Scope of Practice Could Mitigate Impending Primary Care Physician Shortage
The effects of a looming shortage of primary care physicians could be mitigated by expanding registered nurses’ roles in outpatient settings to help manage patients with chronic diseases, according to a new analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that when compared with patients under typical care, those under RN-managed care for their chronic conditions had better blood sugar management, slightly lower blood pressure levels and larger decreases in their LDL and total cholesterol levels. Reuters.
Dignity Health Agrees to $1.55M Settlement Over Claims it Mishandled Rx Drugs
San Francisco-based Dignity Health has agreed to a pay a $1.55 million settlement related to allegations that its hospitals and clinics mishandled prescription painkillers, such as hydrocodone. The health system will immediately pay the federal government $1.25 million, while $300,000 of the settlement will be deferred until it comes in compliance with a two-year action plan. Sacramento Business Journal.
Latinos Face High Rates of Chronic Diseases, Barriers to Treatment
A new study by the National Council of La Raza finds that 60.5% of Latino residents in California and other states have been diagnosed with a chronic disease, but many face obstacles to receiving treatment for such conditions. Los Angeles Daily News, NCLR report.
States’ Medicaid Spending Varies Widely per Beneficiary, GAO Says
A new Government Accountability Office analysis finds large discrepancies in Medicaid spending in fiscal year 2008. For example, in New York and seven other states, Medicaid spent about $10,500 on each beneficiary, while California and five other states spent less than $6,000 per beneficiary. Modern Healthcare et al.
CDC: Californians Are More Physically Active Than U.S. Population
A new CDC report finds that fewer than 20% of California residents did not take part in any physical activity during their leisure time, compared with more than 25% nationally. However, some California communities — such as Merced County — have high rates of overweight individuals and are working to increase residents’ activity levels. Merced Sun-Star.
Report: Calif. Hospitals’ Finances Rebounding, Challenges Remain
A new Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development report finds that the percentage of California hospitals with positive profit margins has increased significantly since the economic downturn. However, many still are facing higher labor costs and “anemic” operating margins. Payers & Providers, OSHPD report.
VA Needs $17.7B To Resolve Treatment Delays, Acting Secretary Says
Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Sloan Gibson has requested $17.6 billion from lawmakers to hire additional staff, to help pay for private care for veterans and to build and lease new care facilities. However, lawmakers on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee appear split on whether they should approve additional funding in the wake of ongoing problems at the VA. New York Times et al.