February 15, 2022 Legislation

Healthcare

Physicians

Healthcare

Sometimes, but not often, California's Democratic supermajority legislators do something right.  They have nixed a bill that would give California universal health care.  This means the new care would require all Californians, even those with Medicare or Medicaid, to be covered under one umbrella.  It would have meant new taxes, and a waiver from the feds, both unlikely.  

It is so surprising that I have something nice to say about both a state and then a federal agency, but I do.  The CDC has finally come to its senses and is allowing physicians to be physicians.  They are getting out of the business of mandating the strength and amount of narcotic pills the physician may prescribe.  They finally are conceding that physicians should use their best judgment which is infinitely better than theirs.

Medicare has announced a  loosening of the requirements for CT screening for lung cancer.  The screening age now went from 55 to 50 and the required tobacco smoking history was reduced from 30 pack years to 20.  There also is no more requirement that the reading radiologist to document participation in CME.  All good changes.        Top

Physicians

The Florida Department of Health filed a complaint against Tampa physician Rathinam Krishnamoorthy. The complaint states that he saw a patient at Brandon regional Hospital for a three day old knee injury.  The patient had a swollen painful left knee along with obesity, high blood pressure and prior history of blood clots in his right leg.  After five days at the hospital he died.  An autopsy showed a massive saddle embolism.  The state says the care fell below the standard of care.  This happened in 2020.       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.