Latest California Healthline Stories
Sepsis Contributed to About Half of Deaths at Kaiser’s Northern California Hospitals, Study Finds
A new Kaiser Permanente study finds that sepsis contributed to 44.2% to 55.9% of deaths at the health system’s Northern California hospitals. The study was based on data from 483,828 patients who had overnight hospital stays between 2010 and 2012 — excluding obstetrical cases. MedPage Today.
CMS Unveils Final Rule Targeting Fraud, Waste in Medicare Part D
CMS has released a final rule that aims to combat fraud and waste in Medicare Part D, in part by requiring physicians who prescribe drugs through the program to enroll in Medicare or file for an exemption. The rule is projected to save the federal government about $1.6 billion over the next 10 years. The Hill et al.
Assembly Passes Bill Calling for Required Suicide-Prevention Training
The California Assembly has advanced a bill that would implement suicide-prevention training requirements for counselors, family therapists, licensed psychologists and social workers in the state. The measure is opposed by the National Association of Social Workers’ California chapter. AP/Sacramento Bee, NPR’s “Shots.”
NPs, PAs Could Be Key to Access for Newly Insured Californians
Experts say that nurse practitioners and physician assistants in California likely will begin taking on more clinical duties to help provide care for the millions of state residents who have obtained health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. In addition, physicians could begin to deliver more care via telehealth. San Jose Mercury News.
States Seek Alternative Exchange Funding Before Federal Aid Expires
With federal funding for state insurance exchanges set to expire in 2015, states are looking for other ways to secure the exchanges’ viability. For example, California has authorized a $13.95 monthly assessment on plans purchased through its exchange. Modern Healthcare.
Poll: Calif. Voters Favor Raising Medical Malpractice Limit
A recent poll of 3,500 California voters found that 71% would vote for a November ballot measure that would raise the limits on medical malpractice compensation after reading the measure’s title and summary. The poll also found that 21% said they would vote against the measure and 8% were undecided. The survey was conducted online by Tulchin Research from April 29 to May 8 on behalf of the campaign committee that supports the measure. Sacramento Business Journal.
L.A. Ranks as Worst Place To Practice Medicine in Region
Medscape Medical News recently ranked Los Angeles as the worst place to practice medicine in the West and Northwest region of the U.S. The rankings account for quality of life factors inside and outside the office. Medscape Medical News.
Kaiser Permanente Pharmacists’ Strike Postponed Until June After Last-Minute Negotiations
On Monday, Kaiser Permanente pharmacists postponed a planned strike over pension benefits until June 2 as negotiations continue. The pharmacists are calling for the reinstatement of pension benefits, changes in work procedures that they say compromise patient safety and guaranteed health benefits for part-time employees. CBSLA, NBC Los Angeles.
About 1M Exchange Enrollees May Have Received Incorrect Subsidies
Documents from the Internal Revenue Service indicate that as many as one million of the nearly eight million new enrollees in the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges might have received incorrect amounts of federal subsidies that help offset the cost of their new coverage. The incorrect amounts are based on discrepancies in reported income levels. Washington Post et al.
CMS Issues Final Rules for Open Enrollment Starting in 2015
CMS has issued a final rule outlining standards for the exchange and health insurance market beginning in the 2015 open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act. The new rules include changes to consumer notices, the Small Business Health Options Program, navigators and risk corridors. Modern Healthcare et al.