October 1, 2019 Legislation

Healthcare

HIPAA

Hospitals

Physicians

Healthcare

President Trump has signed an executive order that creates a task force to promote new technologies for development of flu vaccines.

The FDA has recommended that duodenoscopes with disposable components be used instead of those that need cleaning.  There have been hundreds of people sickened by the use of these scopes.

Governor Newsom of California has signed a modified bill that allows those with exemptions for vaccinations be allowed to keep them while in their respective grades.  This means a first grader will retain their exemption through 6th grade.  Also all exemptions written by any physician who has faced disciplinary action regarding vaccine exemption.  Currently this is only one physician Dr. Robert Sears.  Scrutiny of physicians will begin next year so all those scumbag physicians who gave phony exemptions will not be disciplined.  The bill would also remove a requirement that physician swear that the physicians are not charging fees to fill out the exemption forms.  Basically the Governor is gutting the exemption bill.  Money talks. 

CMS has issued new rules requiring hospitals to develop and implement antibiotic stewardship programs.  The must adhere to national guidelines optimizing antibiotic usage and look to reduce or eliminate healthcare associated infections and resistance.  This is already a JC requirement.         Top

HIPAA

The Office of Civil Rights has settled with Bayfront Health of St. Petersburg, Florida, where the hospital will pay $85,000 after an investigation showed a complaining mother was denied access to her unborn child's medical records.  she got the records in nine months instead of the 30 days allowed under the law.        Top

Hospitals

Florida will fine Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital up to $804,000 for problems with their heart program.  The hospital can appeal.  The heart program is on suspension while the hospital restructures the unit.  

The California legislature has again stuck its nose where it doesn't belong.  Bit the Dems don't care.  Now Kaiser will have to disclose financial data and reasons for planned insurance plan raises.  They will have report by individual hospitals and not in a lump.        Top

Physicians

California has a Death Certificate Project started by the Medical Board.  This has garnered charges against 64 physicians for drug related prescribing problems.  This law is well intended but is resulting in significant problems for both legitimate patients and physicians.  It is the law of unintended circumstances.          Top

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DISCLAIMER: Although this article is updated periodically, it reflects the author's point of view at the time of publication. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any of the information presented.