Latest California Healthline Stories
Santa Monica Ballot Initiative To Regulate Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Filed
On Wednesday, medical marijuana opponents filed a ballot initiative with the Santa Monica Office of the City Clerk that would regulate dispensaries in the city. The move comes in response to a proposed Zoning Ordinance update that would allow up to two medical marijuana facilities to open in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Lookout.
California Seniors Have Healthiest Behaviors in U.S., Report Finds
A new United Health Foundation report finds that California residents age 65 and older have the most healthy behavior of seniors in any state. However, the report also finds that California ranks 18th for overall senior health. Monterey Herald, America’s Health Rankings Senior Report.
Calif. Health Systems Issue Guidelines To Improve End-of-Life Care
A coalition of Southern California health systems has developed a set of recommendations for providers aimed at improving the efficacy of end-of-life care. The guidelines include encouraging advanced planning for treatment preferences and working with patients to implement “shared-decision making.” KPCC’s “KPCC News,” Cedars-Sinai release.
Senate Committee Approves Burwell’s Nomination for HHS Secretary
The Senate Finance Committee approved the nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell as HHS secretary, with all but three Republicans voting in favor of her confirmation. A final vote by the full Senate could be held by early June, and Burwell is expected to have a “smooth confirmation.” Reuters et al.
Orange, Santa Clara Counties Sue Drugmakers Over Marketing of Rx Painkillers
Orange and Santa Clara county officials have filed a lawsuit against several large pharmaceutical companies alleging that the drugmakers violated state law by taking part in false advertising and unfair business practices to boost sales of prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin. The lawsuit alleges that the marketing led to an increase in overdose deaths, emergency department visits and medical costs for the counties. Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times.
Ensuring Health Care Access Is the Next Challenge Facing California, Experts Say
Experts say that the next challenge facing California is ensuring health care access for the three million newly insured residents who gained coverage through the state health insurance exchange and expansion of Medi-Cal. During a recent Public Policy Institute of California forum, state Health and Human Services Secretary Diana Dooley said the health care system “won’t be able to function as it did in the past.” CHCF Center for Health Reporting.
California E-Prescribing Rate Among Lowest in U.S.
Although the use of electronic prescribing has significantly increased in the U.S., e-prescriptions of controlled substances continue to lag, according to Surescripts’ 2013 National Progress Report and Safe-Rx Rankings. California had one of the lowest levels of e-prescribing in 2013, with just 48% of eligible prescriptions being routed electronically. Washington Business Journal‘s “BizBeat,” Surescripts report.
Nevada Health Exchange Switching to HealthCare.Gov
On Tuesday, the board of the Nevada health insurance exchange voted to abandon its exchange website and instead rely on the federal government for the 2015 open enrollment period. The decision comes after a series of billing, enrollment and other technological errors spurred a class-action lawsuit against the state by 200 residents who claim they purchased exchange plans but have yet to receive coverage. New York Times.
CMS, ONC Propose Rule To Extend, Alter Meaningful Use Timeline
CMS has released a proposed rule that would provide more flexibility in the Medicare meaningful use timeline, citing stakeholder feedback and lack of vendor readiness. Industry stakeholders praised the proposed rule but raised concerns about the timing to finalize the changes to the program. Modern Healthcare et al.
Three Calif. Doctors Among Top Five Highest Medicare Billers
An analysis of Medicare payment data by KQED and ProPublica finds that three California doctors — a cardiologist in Santa Cruz County, a cardiologist in Los Angeles and a hematologist-oncologist in Orange County — are among the top five physicians nationwide for most frequently billing Medicare for complex office visits. KPCC’s “Impatient,” KQED’s “State of Health.”