California Healthline: Health Care Providers

CDC Data Show Office-Based Docs' Use of Certified EHRs on the Rise

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 14:21:00 Z

New data from CDC show that 74.1% of office-based physicians had a certified electronic health record system in 2014, up from 68% in 2013. According to CDC, 72.4% of California office-based providers in 2014 had a certified EHR system. STAT News' "Morning Rounds" et al.

Stanford Study Finds 1% of Doctors Responsible for One-Third of Paid Medical Malpractice Claims

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 13:41:00 Z

Nearly one-third of all paid medical malpractice claims are linked to just 1% of doctors, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. David Studdert, a professor of medicine and law at Stanford University and the lead author, said the study highlights "a significant policy problem" that needs to be addressed. KQED's "State of Health."

California's Largest Health Plans Could Owe Billions in Back Taxes

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 14:45:00 Z

California's largest health plans -- Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Health Net and Kaiser Permanente -- could owe $10 billion in back taxes and at least $1 billion annually going forward depending on the outcome of cases centering on whether they should be regulated as insurers. San Jose Mercury News.

Los Angeles County Unveils New Fellowship To Better Train Doctors To Care for Patients With HIV

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:21:00 Z

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County health officials announced a new fellowship to teach doctors at county facilities how to care for patients with HIV. The two-year fellowship will be funded by a $7.5 million grant from pharmaceutical company ViiV Healthcare. Los Angeles Times.

Scientists Reach Tentative Deal on Retiree Health Contributions

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 14:00:00 Z

Last week, the California Association of Professional Scientists reached a tentative contract agreement with Gov. Brown's administration that would require state scientists to contribute an incrementally increasing percentage of their salary to a retiree health benefit fund. Sacramento Bee's "The State Worker."

Supreme Court Union Ruling Could Have Significant Effect on Health Care System

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 11:00:00 Z

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in a case challenging mandatory dues for labor unions could have significant repercussions in state and national health care systems, experts contend.

UC-Irvine To Create Nursing School With $40M Donation

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 14:06:00 Z

UC-Irvine has received a $40 million donation that it will use to increase faculty and enrollment in its nursing program to create a full-fledged nursing school. The gift was donated by Pacific Investment Management Co. Co-Founder William Gross and his wife Sue. Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now."

Two University of California Medical Schools Selected for New National Professional Development Program

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:07:00 Z

UC-San Francisco's Fresno Medical Education Program and the UC-Davis School of Medicine and School of Nursing have been selected to participate in a new national professional development program designed to help faculty teams better prepare trainees to work together in patient-centered medical homes. The Professionals Accelerating Clinical and Educational Redesign is a three-year, grant-funded program that includes a total of nine institutions. The Business Journal.

CMS Unveils 21 Next Generation ACO Participants

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:36:00 Z

CMS has announced the 21 organizations -- including three in California -- that will participate in its Next Generation Accountable Care Organization Model. CMS' four accountable care programs now include 477 organizations, which will provide care for a total of about 8.9 million Medicare beneficiaries. MedPage Today et al.

Nurses Protest at SCOTUS Case on Union Representation Fees in Calif.

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 13:19:00 Z

Yesterday, nurses protested over a Supreme Court case challenging unions' right to require representation fees from employees who receive benefits, such as higher wages and safer working conditions. National Nurses United says the case, which involves the California Teachers Association, could have negative effects for the health care industry. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

Nursing Programs Across California Reporting Long Wait Times for Admittance

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 19:03:00 Z

Collegiate nursing programs across California have long waiting lists, delaying aspiring nurses' careers sometimes for years. For instance, the wait for some students to enter Cabrillo College's nursing program is six years or longer because of a new state-approved multicriteria selection process. Other factors contributing to long waiting lists for nursing programs in the state include insufficient faculty or facilities and budget constraints. Santa Cruz Sentinel.

California Health Care Personnel Roundup for December 2015

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 13:32:00 Z

California Assembly member Henry Perea says he will leave the state Assembly before the end of his term to be a state policy adviser for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. Meanwhile, Frederick Meyers, former vice dean at the UC-Davis School of Medicine, has been selected to lead the school's new precision health initiative.

Sacramento Bee Editorial Says Kaiser's New Medical School Could Help Diversify Calif.'s Provider Pool

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 13:47:00 Z

A Sacramento Bee editorial calls Kaiser Permanente's recent announcement that it will open its own medical school "welcome news," adding, "Even better, however, is Kaiser's plan to recruit more black and Latino medical students, a goal that has eluded other medical schools" in California. The editorial notes that despite being one of "the most diverse places in the nation," California's doctors typically are "older, whiter and more likely to be male than their patients." Sacramento Bee.

Nurses Rally for New Health Care Workplace Safety Regulations

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:21:00 Z

Members of the California Nurses Association and the Nurse Alliance of California rallied outside of a meeting of the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board last week to support the approval of new workplace safety regulations for health care facilities. Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert," Fox40.

Sutter Care at Home Acquires Salinas-Based Home Health Agency, Expanding to 24 Northern Calif. Counties

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 19:10:00 Z

Sutter Care at Home, a not-for-profit home health company in Northern California, has acquired Alliance Home Health in Salinas. With the acquisition, Sutter now provides home health care services in 24 counties in Northern California. Home Health Care News.

Kaiser Permanente Announces Plans To Open Independent Medical School in Southern California

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 19:09:00 Z

Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente has announced plans to open an independent medical school in Southern California. The school is expected to open for enrollment for the 2019 fall semester. Officials say the school will focus on teaching team- and population-based care aimed at improving outcomes and lowering costs. Meanwhile, Christine Cassel has announced she will step down as president and CEO of the National Quality Forum on March 1, 2016, to join the new Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine's leadership team. Modern Healthcare.

Health Workers Among Top Paid Employees in Four Calif. Counties

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:50:00 Z

An analysis of data on local government employees' salaries in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties finds that 10 of the 50 highest-paid workers last year were health care professionals. The highest-paid health professional in the region was Placer County's chief physician, who was paid $329,023. Sacramento Bee.

Health Reform May Change Workers' Roles

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 11:00:00 Z

A new study from UC-San Francisco predicts new health care jobs in California spurred by an aging population and changes in a reforming health care system.

CMS Posts Quality Performance Data on Individual Doctors

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 19:03:00 Z

CMS on Thursday announced that for the first time it has posted quality performance data on individual physicians to its Physician Compare website. The data include 2014 clinical quality performance measures for about 40,000 individual physicians who reported such information through Medicare's Physician Quality Reporting System. In a statement, American Medical Association President Steven Stack said his organization was "dismayed" by CMS' decision to publish individual physician data. Modern Healthcare, Health Data Management.

SCOTUS To Rule on 'Implied Certification' in Health Care Fraud Cases

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 14:50:00 Z

The Supreme Court will hear a case that examines whether the federal government can use certain whistleblowers to bring challenges against health care providers for alleged violations of the False Claims Act. Industry experts say the decision will be a big deal for providers as many health care whistleblower lawsuits involve "implied certification." Modern Healthcare.

Health Care Industry Added More Than 23K Jobs in Nov.

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 17:00:00 Z

The health care industry created 23,800 jobs in November, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data published Friday. According to the data, hospitals hired 13,400 individuals in November, while nursing and residential care providers hired 6,200 individuals last month. Meanwhile, ambulatory settings, such as physician offices and outpatient clinics, hired 4,200 individuals in November. Modern Healthcare.

Calif., Other States Scrutinize Regulatory Boards After Ruling

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:57:00 Z

A Supreme Court decision earlier this year is prompting California and other states to more closely scrutinize regulatory commissions, including those in health care. The court ruled that the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners violated antitrust laws by blocking competitors from offering certain services. AP/Washington Times, California Office of the Attorney General statement.

Senate Bill Looks To Increase Access to Telehealth in Rural Areas

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 15:49:00 Z

A U.S. Senate bill would allow hospitals to test new telehealth programs through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation and task CMMI with evaluating telehealth models based on care improvements, cost and effectiveness. Meanwhile, a separate Senate bill expected later this month would allow providers to use telehealth tools in some alternative payment programs. mHealth Intelligence et al.

DOJ Health Care Fraud Recoveries Down in FY 2015, Total $1.9B

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 15:18:00 Z

The Department of Justice recovered more than $1.9 billion from judgments and settlements in health care fraud cases in 2015, marking the lowest amount recovered from such cases since 2009. Experts say the lower recovery amount is in large part because of an absence in significant drug industry settlements and not related to less scrutiny of health care fraud at DOJ. Modern Healthcare.

Family Doctors Express Concerns Over Value-Based Payment Models, AAFP Survey Finds

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 19:40:00 Z

Family physicians are concerned about their ability to succeed under value-based payment models recently implemented by Medicare and other insurers, according to an American Academy of Family Physicians survey released Tuesday. One-third of respondents reported that they were actively implementing value-based payment models, while 15% said they were concentrating on traditional fee-for-service payment models. Modern Healthcare.

Calif. Developmental Disabilities Centers React to Shooting

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 16:33:00 Z

Yesterday, 14 people were killed and 21 were injured in a mass shooting at Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, a facility that provides development disabilities services. In response, eight separate regional centers across the state temporarily closed "out of an abundance of caution." Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert" et al.

NLRB Rules Prime Healthcare Violated National Labor Relations Act

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 12:48:00 Z

Last week, the National Labor Relations Board upheld an administrative law judge's ruling that Prime Healthcare Management violated the National Labor Relations Act in its negotiations with Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West over health plans for employees at a California hospital. Law360, Reuters.

ACA Primary Care Provider Program Ends; Medicare Payments To Fall

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 14:25:00 Z

Many primary care physicians will receive lower Medicare payments in 2016 as a bonus program established under the Affordable Care Act expires at the end of this year. Physician trade groups have lobbied to extend the Primary Care Incentive Payment Program, which provides a 10% bonus for PCPs who treat Medicare beneficiaries. Kaiser Health News.

UC-San Francisco's Fresno Campus Receives $1M To Create Center on Aging

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:32:00 Z

The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation has donated $1 million to UC-San Francisco's Fresno campus to help create a center on aging to serve the central San Joaquin Valley. The center will aim to bring together health providers and geriatrics experts to provide coordinated care for elderly patients. AP/Sacramento Bee.

Spike in Medi-Cal Enrollment Adds Pressure to 'Doctor Deserts'

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 14:56:00 Z

A significant increase in the number of beneficiaries enrolled in California's Medicaid program since 2014 has added pressure to the 214 areas in the state with physician shortages. Such "doctor deserts," three-quarters of which are in rural areas, have one physician per 3,500 residents, compared with the statewide average of one doctor per 1,000 residents. Sacramento Bee.

SEIU-UHW Revives Ballot Measure To Cap Hospital Executives' Pay

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 14:32:00 Z

Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West has revived a ballot measure that would cap hospital executives' pay at no more than $450,000 annually. SEIU-UHW dropped a similar initiative last year after reaching a deal with the California Hospital Association. Sacramento Business Journal.

CSU-Sacramento Works With Community Colleges To Make Nursing Degree Transitions Easier

Wed, 18 Nov 2015 19:44:00 Z

Starting next spring, nursing students at American River College, Sacramento City College and Sierra College will be allowed to enroll in a course at California State University-Sacramento while completing their associate degree. The program is meant to help nursing students at community colleges transition into CSU-Sacramento's bachelor's degree program. The initiative aims to provide a bigger pool of potential employees for the health care industry. Sacramento Business Journal.

L.A. County Board of Supervisors Calls for Chaperones During Sensitive Medical Exams

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 17:42:00 Z

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors called for requiring chaperones at sensitive medical exams -- such as breast and pelvic exams -- in health care facilities across the country. The chaperone could be a registered nurse, nursing assistant or medical evaluation assistant. The move comes after the county paid a $1.3 million settlement over allegations of sexual molestation by a physician. Los Angeles Daily News.

Recently Signed Federal Budget Deal Includes Increased Fines for Health Care Fraud, Regulation Violations

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 19:28:00 Z

Fines imposed on health care providers who commit fraud or violate certain other regulations will increase under a provision included in a two-year budget deal signed into law last week. The agreement says civil monetary penalties must reflect inflation by no later than August 2016. Modern Healthcare.

California Providers Report Few ICD-10 Transition Issues

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 14:22:00 Z

California health care providers reported few problems after transitioning from ICD-9 to ICD-10 code sets. Molly Weedn, associate vice president of public affairs for the California Medical Association, said there have been some reports of claims denials related to coding errors, but most issues have been easily resolved between providers and insurers. HealthLeaders Media.

Calif. To Pay Overtime Wages to Home Care Workers Starting in Feb.

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:48:00 Z

Starting Feb. 1, 2016, in-home care workers in California will be eligible to receive overtime wages. The announcement comes after an appellate court ruled in August that home health workers are entitled to receive overtime pay. However, union leaders say the overtime pay should go into effect sooner. Sacramento Bee, Department of Social Services announcement.

Calif. Nursing Programs Bolster Diversity Recruitment Efforts

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:40:00 Z

California nursing school programs increasingly are recruiting minority students, particularly blacks and Latinos, to help address health disparities among those populations. For example, Samuel Merritt University in Oakland has implemented a special emergency aid fund for low-income students and "pathway programs" for high school students interested in health care. KQED's "State of Health."

Feds Say State Medicaid Programs Must Boost Oversight of Payments to Certain Hospitals

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:07:00 Z

On Tuesday, the Government Accountability Office and Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission reiterated that state Medicaid programs must boost their scrutiny of payments made to providers who are not associated with federal disproportionate share hospital programs. During a hearing held by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, GAO said the lack of transparency in state Medicaid payment reporting and documentation reduces the federal government's ability to ensure that the payments are efficient and actually support Medicaid beneficiaries. Modern Healthcare.

Cal-OSHA Proposes Regulations To Prevent Workplace Violence

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 15:03:00 Z

The California Department of Occupational Safety and Health has proposed new regulations to prevent workplace violence in the health care and social assistance sectors. The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United says the proposed regulations could "serve as a national model." Safety+Health Magazine, CNA/NNU release.

Los Angeles Doctor Is First U.S. Physician Convicted of Murder in Deaths Linked to Over-Prescribing

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 18:30:00 Z

On Friday, a Los Angeles doctor -- Hsiu-Ying "Lisa" Tseng -- was convicted of second-degree murder after three of her patients overdosed on copious amounts of prescription medications she prescribed them. The case is the first time that a U.S. physician has been found guilty of murder over the inappropriate prescribing of drugs. AP/Miami Herald.

California Health Care Personnel Roundup for October 2015

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 14:47:00 Z

Gov. Brown has appointed Mack Jenkins to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Council on Mentally Ill Offenders and named Stephanie Welch executive officer of the council. Meanwhile, Mary Anne Ashley has been named chief of legislative affairs at CalPERS.

Calif. Medical Board Rejects Probation Transparency Petition

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 14:11:00 Z

The Medical Board of California has rejected a petition by Consumers Union that would have required physicians on probation to notify patients of their status. Instead, the board decided to form a task force to research disclosure requirements. Sacramento Business Journal et al.

Opinion Piece Says California Equipped To Handle Looming Health Care Workforce Shortage

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 13:33:00 Z

In a Sacramento Bee opinion piece, Cathy Martin -- vice president of workforce policy for the California Hospital Association and a member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors Task Force on Workforce, Job Creation and a Strong Economy -- writes, "California has the components to eliminate the [health care] workforce gap. With an unemployment rate hovering around 6%, we have the labor pool" and "a strong community college system to train it." She notes that the task force has developed 25 recommendations to improve the workforce, including two that "will be most helpful to California's hospitals," and "urges" Californians to review them. Sacramento Bee's "Soapbox."

Sacramento Native American Health Center Begins $3.8M Expansion Project, Plans To Reopen in January 2016

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 12:57:00 Z

The Sacramento Native American Health Center has started construction on a $3.8 million expansion that will more than double the clinic's square footage. The not-for-profit clinic is expected to reopen in mid-January 2016 and will be able to serve up to 20,000 patients. It currently serves about 12,000 patients. Sacramento Business Journal.

Report: 10 California Cities Among Top 100 Best Places for Nurses

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 12:31:00 Z

A report by financial research firm ValuePenguin finds that 10 California cities are among the top 100 places in the country to work as a registered nurse. Three California cities were among the top 10, including Redding, which ranked first overall. Boston Globe, ValuePenguin report.

Calif. Medical Board Urges Residents To Check Whether Their Physician Is on Probation

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 18:06:00 Z

The Medical Board of California is urging residents to use the agency's website to determine whether their doctor is on probation. The board regulates more than 130,000 physicians with active California licenses, and nearly 500 are on probation. Disciplinary information is available online, but many consumers are unaware or forget to check. Sacramento Business Journal.

California Medical Association Names New President

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 12:24:00 Z

Steven Larson, an infectious disease specialist in Riverside, has been named the next president of the California Medical Association. Meanwhile, Ruth Haskins, an ob-gyn in Folsom, has been named president-elect. The two will be officially installed during CMA's annual House of Delegates meeting next year. CMA represents more than 40,000 doctors in the state. Sacramento Business Journal.

Group Pressures Medical Board of Calif. on Probation Transparency

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:24:00 Z

Consumers Union has filed an administrative petition urging the Medical Board of California to require physicians who are on probation to notify their patients of their status. MBC regulates about 130,000 physicians with active California licenses, about 500 of whom are on probation. Sacramento Business Journal, Consumers Union release.

Brown Signs Bill To Keep 12-Hour Hospital Worker Shifts

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 13:08:00 Z

Gov. Brown has signed into law a bill that would preserve 12-hour hospital shifts by allowing workers to waive their second meal period. The bill, which was backed by the United Nurses Association of California/Union of Health Care Professions, was prompted by a February 2015 state appeals court decision that invalidated a state wage that requires workers to take a second meal if they work more than 12 hours. Sacramento Business Journal.

Registered Nurses in California Earn Highest Salaries, Data Show

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 11:30:00 Z

Data compiled by finance website Insider Monkey show that registered nurses in California have the highest average annual income in the country, at $82,560, compared with the national average of $65,470. Massachusetts and Washington state had the next highest salaries for RNs. FierceHealthFinance, Insider Monkey.

Scope of Practice Legislation To Fight Another Day

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 10:00:00 Z

None of the four bills proposing expanded scopes of practice for health care providers in California this year made it the governor's desk. At least one state legislator vows to keep trying.

Affiliation Agreement Between CNA, NUHW In Limbo

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 17:50:00 Z

According to a post last week on the National Union of Healthcare Workers' website, "Top officials at the California Nurses Association are trying to dissolve the affiliation agreement that NUHW members overwhelmingly voted for in January 2013." Under the 2013 deal, the two unions said they "shared a unified vision that a strategic alliance of all who work side-by-side in hospitals and other health care settings best furthers" efforts to improve patient care and unionized workers' benefits and working conditions. San Francisco Business Times' "Bay Area BizTalk."

California Medical Association Finds Success in Lobbying Efforts

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 13:24:00 Z

The California Medical Association has largely been successful in its lobbying efforts on various health-related bills and ballot initiatives, such as the state's new childhood vaccine law. The group now has its eye on a November 2016 ballot initiative to impose a $2-per-pack tobacco tax. Some of the proceeds of the tax would go toward increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert."

Study Finds Many Calif. Doctors Would Work While Sick

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 16:04:00 Z

A study presented last week at IDWeek 2015 shows that 96% of California doctors surveyed said they would work if they had cold symptoms and that 36% said they would work if they had the flu. The study was based on a survey of 474 doctors at a California academic hospital. Doctors in medical residency training were the most likely to say they would work while sick with the flu, while more-tenured attending physicians were the least likely to say they would work with the flu, according to the study. CBS News.

CMS Releases Updated Star Ratings for Dialysis Centers

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 17:14:00 Z

On Thursday, CMS released updated ratings for dialysis centers. In the latest ratings, 586 dialysis providers received five stars, 1,172 received four stars, 2,339 received three stars, 1,169 received two stars and 575 received one star. Modern Healthcare.

DPH Fines California Health Facilities More Than $900K

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:37:00 Z

The California Department of Public Health has fined eight health care facilities more than $900,000 for various breaches of state patient privacy and confidentiality laws. The penalties ranged from $2,500 to $250,000. Payers & Providers.

SCOTUS Allows Home Care Pay Rule To Take Effect This Month

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 14:53:00 Z

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has denied with no explanation an emergency request to delay enforcement of a rule that would extend minimum wage and overtime pay protections to home care workers. Under the rule, which is scheduled to take effect on Oct. 13, home care workers must receive pay at least equal to the federal minimum wage and overtime compensation. AP/Sacramento Bee.

San Francisco Firm Offering Credit Lines To Some Providers During ICD-10 Transition

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:39:00 Z

San Francisco-based Trans Pacific National Bank is offering physician practices with three to 10 doctors immediate credit lines to avoid any cash flow issues as the health care industry transitions to new ICD-10 billing codes. Some providers have expressed concerns about delays in Medicare payments during the transition. San Francisco Business Times' "Bay Area BizTalk."

Contra Costa County Nurses Strike Over Salaries

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:35:00 Z

On Tuesday, nearly 1,000 Contra Costa nurses began a two-day strike over salaries. During the strike the county hospital and 11 medical clinics will operate at full capacity using replacement workers, according to administrators. However, the strike did cause several elective surgeries to be canceled. San Jose Mercury News.

34,400 Jobs Added to Health Care Industry Last Month

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 18:03:00 Z

The health care industry added 34,400 new jobs in September, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report released Friday. Of the total health care jobs added to the industry last month, 15,500 were added in hospitals and 12,900 were added in ambulatory health services. Meanwhile, 6,800 jobs were added in physician offices, 6,000 were added in nursing and residential care facilities, 2,700 were added in outpatient care centers and 2,500 were added in home health services. Experts have credited the job growth to the Affordable Care Act. Becker's Hospital Review, Modern Healthcare.

California Health Care Personnel Roundup for September 2015

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 14:14:00 Z

Gov. Brown has appointed Lindy Rose Harrington as deputy director of financing and Adam Weintraub as assistant deputy director at the California Department of Health Care Services. Chris Willrich has been named CEO of Bay Health, a joint venture between UC-San Francisco Medical Center and John Muir Health.

L.A. Care Health Plan Gets $15.8M Grant To Improve Provider-Patient Communication, Care Delivery

Fri, 02 Oct 2015 12:29:00 Z

L.A. Care Health Plan, which serves 1.8 million members in Los Angeles County, has received a $15.8-million federal grant to reform the way providers deliver care and interact with patients. The funding was awarded under the Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative. It aims to improve primary and preventive care, resulting in lower health care costs. Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now."

Many Physicians at Cancer Centers Encouraged To Solicit Donations From Patients, Study Finds

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 17:33:00 Z

Development offices at many major cancer centers are instructing physicians on how to solicit donations from patients as part of fundraising efforts, according to study published on Monday in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The researchers found that nearly one-half of physicians had been taught how to identify high-income patients, one-third had been asked to solicit donations for their institution directly -- with about half refusing to do so -- and 3% had been told they would receive payment if a patient donated. New York Times.

Why California Put the Brakes on a Hospital Merger -- and What it Means

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:00:00 Z

A proposed $843 million California hospital merger ended in acrimony, accusations and even a lawsuit. What went wrong, and what does it mean for hospital mergers?

Calif. Groups Among Recipients of $685M in Grants To Boost Care

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:24:00 Z

HHS has awarded 39 organizations -- including four California-based entities -- a total of $685 million in grants to help improve patient outcomes and communication. The grants will be used to support various ambulatory programs, including continuing education and training providers on how to use patient data to improve care. Wall Street Journal et al.

GAO Slams CMS' Oversight of Medicare Advantage Provider Networks

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:31:00 Z

A new Government Accountability Office report finds several deficiencies in CMS' oversight of Medicare Advantage plan network adequacy. Among other things, the report says that CMS' definition of an adequate MA plan network fails to account for whether providers are accepting new patients. Modern Healthcare, CQ HealthBeat.

Stakeholders Note Few Changes in Medicaid Managed Care Final Rule

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:20:00 Z

Some industry stakeholders are raising concerns that CMS incorporated little stakeholder feedback into its final rule on 2016 reimbursement rates for Medicaid managed care plans. For example, concerns expressed in June by the National Association of Medicaid Directors were not addressed in the final rule. Modern Healthcare.

Brown Signs Bill To Include Midwives as Medi-Cal Providers

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:39:00 Z

Last week, Gov. Brown signed into law a bill that will include licensed midwives as eligible providers in the Medi-Cal Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program. The new law is expected to expand access to care by giving low-income women more choices in their provider. Sacramento Business Journal.

Opponents, Supporters of Right-To-Die Legislation Rally Outside State Capitol

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:39:00 Z

On Thursday, opponents and supporters of a bill that would legalize physician-assisted death in California held competing rallies at the state Capitol. About 70 supporters urged Gov. Brown to sign the bill, while about 60 disability rights and community activists called for the governor to "kill the bill." The Legislature has passed the bill, but has not yet sent it to Brown, who will have 12 days to sign it after it reaches his desk. Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News," Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert."

IOM Report Calls for Collaborative Effort To Reduce Diagnostic Errors

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 15:05:00 Z

An Institute of Medicine report finds that most people will experience one or more diagnostic errors in their lifetimes. The report calls for more effective collaboration in the diagnostic process among clinicians, patients and their families and improving provider training to address the issue. Hospitals & Health Networks et al.

California Added New Health Services Jobs in August

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:42:00 Z

Last month, California-based employers added 36,200 nonfarm payroll jobs, causing the unemployment rate to fall one percentage point to 6.1% in August, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data show that the state's education and health services added 3,800 positions. Los Angeles Times.

HHS Gives $500M to Community Health Centers in Calif., Other States

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 13:54:00 Z

HHS has awarded $500 million in grants to boost primary care services at community health centers, which have helped 12 million people enroll in health plans through the Affordable Care Act's exchanges in the past two years. In California, grants were awarded to more than 100 facilities. The Hill et al.

Health Plan of San Joaquin Employees Take 'Unity Break' Over Concerns About Management, Outsourcing

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 18:36:00 Z

On Tuesday, about 70 employees at Health Plan of San Joaquin, the area's largest Medi-Cal managed care plan, took a 15-minute "unity break" to express dissatisfaction with management, concerns about low morale and concerns about the county agency outsourcing jobs. The employees are represented by Service Employees International Union 1021. Stockton Record.

USD Set To Open New $18M Nursing Research Center

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:48:00 Z

On Tuesday, the University of San Diego is scheduled to open an $18 million nursing research center designed to prepare nurses for health care challenges in the 21st Century. The new Betty and Bob Beyster Institute for Nursing Research, Advanced Practice, and Simulation is located next to the university's existing nursing school. Times of San Diego.

NLRB Ruling Affects Temporary Workers at Health Care Facilities

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 14:45:00 Z

A new ruling by the National Labor Relations Board states that temporary workers from staffing agencies are jointly employed by the agency and the organization where they work. The ruling means health care facilities could become more involved in collective bargaining and could be held liable for unfair labor practices. Modern Healthcare.

Seven California-Based Health Care Entities Make Modern Healthcare's 'Best Places To Work' List

Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:54:00 Z

Seven California-based health care organizations were featured in Modern Healthcare's eighth annual list of the "Best Places to Work" in health care. The rankings -- which are open to any organization that works in health care and has at least 25 employees -- included Beach Cities Health District in Redondo Beach, Grand Rounds in San Francisco, MedeAnalytics in Emeryville, Sutter Center for Psychiatry in Sacramento, Sutter Davis Hospital, TigerText in Santa Monica and Triage Consulting Group in San Francisco. Sacramento Bee, Modern Healthcare.

Stanford ED Launches 'Time Banking' Program To Reduce Physician Burnout

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:15:00 Z

The Stanford Department of Emergency Medicine has launched a "time banking" program designed to alleviate physician burnout. The program allows doctors to "bank" the time they spend mentoring, serving on committees, accepting last-minute shifts or deploying in emergencies to earn credits to use for work- or home-related services, such as babysitters, elder care, ready-made meal deliveries and cleaning services. Washington Post.

Brown Admin Anticipates Giving Overtime Pay to Home Care Workers

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:15:00 Z

Following an appellate court ruling on Friday, California Department of Finance spokesperson H.D. Palmer says that Gov. Brown's administration expects to begin offering overtime pay to In-Home Supportive Services workers in mid-October. However, implementation could be affected by an appeal of the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News."

New Program in Coachella Valley Seeks Affordability in Personalized Primary Care

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 10:00:00 Z

Putting a new spin on concierge medicine, Eisenhower Medical Center's new direct primary care model lets patients connect to their doctors via email.

Federal Court Sides With Home Workers

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 10:00:00 Z

California got the green light to implement an overtime pay requirement for home health workers, possibly in the fall. However, that light turns yellow if the case is appealed to the Supreme Court.

Updated Online Tool Lets Consumers Look for Information on Licensing, Disciplinary Actions of Providers

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 19:05:00 Z

The Federation of State Medical Boards has unveiled an updated online tool that allows users to search licensing and state medical board disciplinary action on nearly one million physicians and physician assistants across the U.S. The tool, DocInfo, was released more than a decade ago, but the updated tool aims to be more user-friendly to the general public, according to FSMB. MedPage Today.

Has the ACA Made Community Health Centers Unnecessary?

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 13:17:00 Z

Many people view community health centers as a key source of health care for uninsured U.S. residents. With the expansion of health insurance and efforts to increase the number of primary care providers via the Affordable Care Act, are CHCs still needed?

Governor Signs Bill Allowing Mid-Level Practitioners To OK Resuscitative Edicts

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:00:00 Z

California physician assistants and nurse practitioners can approve patient wishes regarding resuscitative measures under legislation approved yesterday by the governor.

States Work To Add Residency Slots Amid Doctor Shortage

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 19:41:00 Z

States with physician shortages are working to increase their available medical residency positions in an attempt to retain doctors they train. However, creating extra residency slots can be difficult. The spots mostly are funded by the state, hospitals, medical schools and Medicare, but the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 limits the number of residencies that Medicare can fund. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, it costs about $150,000 to train each resident annually. Stateline/MedPage Today's "The Gupta Guide."

Doctors To Ask Judge To Allow Assisted-Suicide While Calif. Lawsuit on Practice Is Pending

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 13:36:00 Z

On Friday, three doctors are scheduled to appear in court in San Francisco to request a preliminary injunction against a California law that criminalizes physician-assisted suicide before a lawsuit seeking to legalize the practice is decided. The doctors, along with four patients with terminal illnesses, in February filed a lawsuit challenging the law, which they say is 140 years old and ambiguous. KQED's "State of Health."

Advocates, CMS Warn Providers About Continuing Medicare 'Balance Billing'

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 12:05:00 Z

A CMS report says low-income seniors and those with disabilities often are billed for copayments, deductibles and other forms of shared payments, which is against the law.

Calif. Medical Schools Adding Care Cost, Value Courses to Curricula

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 13:45:00 Z

Medical schools in California and other states are starting to integrate lessons on how to discuss costs, value and effectiveness with their patients into their curricula. The shift is being driven in part by the Affordable Care Act's shift toward value-based payments. KPCC's "KPCC News."

Calif. Startup Provides On-Demand Home Care Visits

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 13:37:00 Z

A California-based startup is modernizing provider house calls by delivering preventive and urgent care services to patient homes on demand. Heal -- which is available in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orange County -- promises to "get a doctor to your sofa in under an hour" for a one-time charge of $99. Wall Street Journal.

Survey: Doctors Wary of Quality Metrics

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 11:54:00 Z

Half of primary care physicians have a negative view of quality-of-care metrics, and they worry that those measures could compromise care, a new survey says.

Dental Hygienists Begin Training for Expanded Scope of Practice

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:44:00 Z

Dental hygienists in California are undergoing initial training to provide temporary fillings without the supervision of a dentist. Hygienists are allowed to perform the procedure under a state law that went into effect earlier this year as part of a larger initiative to expand dental care in the state. Los Angeles Times.

Clinton Meets With Home Care Workers

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:00:00 Z

Home care providers and consumers gathered in Los Angeles yesterday to meet with Hillary Clinton in a roundtable format.

California, Other States Reimburse Providers Who Were Banned From Medicaid in Other States

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 19:47:00 Z

About 300 providers banned from participating in Medicaid in one state still were able to receive Medicaid reimbursements from another state, despite regulations designed to prohibit it, according to a report from HHS' Office of Inspector General. For instance, New Mexico provided Medicaid reimbursements to 33 providers who had been banned from another state's Medicaid program -- the most in the country. Meanwhile, California paid out $1.7 million to providers who had been banned in other states -- the highest reimbursement total in the nation. Reuters.

CDC: Health Care Coordination Can Reduce Spread of Infections

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:48:00 Z

A new CDC report recommends health care facilities adopt a coordinated approach to curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. The report found that the infections, which cause about 75,000 deaths annually, can spread when patients move from one health care facility to another. Washington Post et al.

San Diego State University Awarded $2.5M Federal Grant for New Geriatric Training Center

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 13:39:00 Z

HHS has awarded San Diego State University a $2.5 million grant to help create a collaborative center that aims to educate and train new geriatric health workers. The San Diego/Imperial Geriatric Education Center will provide advanced training to at least 60 graduate students, medical residents and fellows to help them identify and treat memory loss and associated chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. The center also is expected to provide geriatric training for 1,500 primary care providers, 9,000 service providers and 2,500 caregivers. San Diego Union-Tribune.

California Health Care Personnel Roundup for July 2015

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:42:00 Z

Maria Bonneville, Ramona Doyle and Maria Millan have been appointed to leadership roles at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Paul Viviano is leaving his positions as CEO of the UC-San Diego Health System and associate vice chancellor of UCSD Health Sciences to become president and CEO of Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

UC-Davis To Build New $50M Facility in Sacramento

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 13:47:00 Z

UC-Davis has announced plans to build a $50 million facility on its Sacramento campus to house the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. Construction on the three-story, 70,000 square-foot building is expected to start in November and be completed in the fall of 2017. Sacramento Business Journal.

Judge To Dismiss Lawsuit Challenging Calif.'s Assisted Suicide Ban

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:19:00 Z

On Friday, a California judge said the court does not have the authority to declare the state's ban on physician-assisted suicide unconstitutional. The judge said the issue must be resolved through the state Legislature or by voters via a ballot initiative. KQED's "State of Health" et al.

UC President Announces Systemwide Minimum Wage Increase

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 14:21:00 Z

Yesterday, the University of California president announced that the university system will increase the minimum wage for UC employees and contractors to $15 an hour by 2017. The plan likely will affect some health care workers at UC's five medical centers. San Francisco Business Times' "Bay Area BizTalk" et al.

Physician Payments Rarely Tied to Care Quality, Study Finds

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 14:43:00 Z

A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine finds physician pay practices vary widely and include a combination of salaries, fees for services and rewards for quality. Further, it finds that only a small percentage of physicians' income is tied to care quality regardless of whether they worked in accountable care organizations or more traditional practices. Washington Post's "Wonkblog."

Many S.F. Bay Area Medical Students Forgo Residencies

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 18:22:00 Z

Many medical students in the San Francisco Bay Area do not apply to residency programs, forgoing traditional career paths to instead become entrepreneurs, according to data from Doximity, an online physician network. For instance, just 65% of medical students at Stanford University went on to residencies in 2011. Meanwhile, 79% of UC-San Francisco medical students went on to residency programs that year. KQED's "Future of You."