Latest California Healthline Stories
Laws To Expand Paid Family Leave, Disability Coverage Take Effect
Several new California laws take effect today, including measures to expand the state’s Paid Family Leave program, increase disability insurance coverage of severe mental illnesses and bring abortion clinic building codes in line with codes for other clinics. Sacramento Bee, KPCC’s “Pass/Fail.”
California’s School-Based Dental Care Pilot Project Effective, Report Finds
A new report by Pew Charitable Trusts finds that a California pilot program designed to bring dental hygienists to day care centers, nursing homes and schools is effective at delivering basic dental care to patients. However, the pilot project needs additional funding because it cannot be sustained solely on Medi-Cal payments, according to the report.
U.S. Supreme Court Lets Stand California Law Banning Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a California law banning sexual orientation conversion treatment. Under the law, health care providers who offer such services would be subject to disciplinary action by the state licensing board for engaging in unprofessional conduct. AP/Miami Herald.
L.A. County To Begin Hiring 700 Nurses To Improve Care
On Tuesday, Los Angeles County is expected to begin hiring more than 700 nurses in an effort to improve care quality. The plan, which includes hiring 737 nurses and support staff members, was approved by the County Board of Supervisors in May. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
$76M Suicide Barrier Project on Golden Gate Bridge Includes State Mental Health Funding
The board of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District has approved a plan that would use $76 million — including $7 million in state mental health funding — to construct a suicide barrier on the bridge. At least 1,600 individuals have died after jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge, including 46 deaths last year, according to the Bridge Rail Foundation. San Francisco Chronicle.
IRS Releases Final Rule for Small Business Tax Credits Under ACA
The Internal Revenue Service has issued a final rule on an Affordable Care Act provision that provides tax credits to small businesses to help them provide health coverage to their employees. In the final rule, IRS noted that small businesses with up to 25 full-time equivalent workers — with average annual wages of up to $50,800 — must contribute at least 50% of the premiums that each employee pays in order to claim a tax credit of half of the amount paid. Modern Healthcare.
White House Report Criticizes VA’s ‘Corrosive Culture,’ Outdated Tech
A new White House report finds that the Department of Veterans Affairs has “significant and chronic systemic failures” and ill-defined appointment scheduling policies that likely “incentivized inappropriate actions.” Meanwhile, President Obama today is expected to nominate former Procter & Gamble CEO and West Point graduate Robert McDonald as the next VA secretary. Los Angeles Times‘ “Nation Now” et al.
SCOTUS: Some Employers Exempt From ACA’s Contraception Mandate
The Supreme Court has ruled that closely held companies cannot be forced to cover contraceptives in their employer insurance plans if the owners have religious objections to birth control. In the 5-4 decision, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the Obama administration failed to demonstrate that the rule was the “least restrictive” way to achieve the law’s goals. Bloomberg et al.
Report: Medicare Payments for Calif. Workers’ Comp Claims Increased
A new report by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California finds that payments for Medicare reimbursements of California workers’ compensation claims increased from $3 million in 2012 to $6 million in 2013. In addition, self-insured employers and workers’ compensation insurers in 2013 paid $5.2 billion in medical losses, up from $4.8 billion in 2012. Business Insurance, WCIRB report.
More Than 4,500 Whooping Cough Cases Reported in California
California officials say that 4,558 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been reported in the state this year, including 1,100 cases in the last two weeks alone. Of those, 84% occurred among individuals ages 18 or younger and 142 cases required hospitalization. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.