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President Trump signed an executive order directing HHS to develop rules to have hospitals publish prices that refl;ect what people actually pay for services as well as out of pocket costs. This could be a problem as it would force the hospitals to disclose its discounts to insurers.
California is back at its leftist leanings. It has passed a law and sent to the Guv for signing forcing those who do not have insurance as the state defines it to pay a tax, the same tax that the feds removed. This will hurt the people who make too much for Medicaid and the subsidies. This tax would be used for purchasing more insurance for the people who did not want it.
Texas has a new balance billing law. The Governor signed a law that allows providers to use arbitration to settle payment negotiations. Surprise medical bills are now prohibited where patients are unable to choose the provider they see or the facility they visit. This includes medical emergencies, out of network care in in network facilities and out of network imaging and lab. This does not apply to fed med.
The administration is postponing the "conscience rule" allowing worker to decline participation in procedures they object to. The postponement has been delayed until November 22 so that it may be challenged in court. Top
California has fined eight hospitals for patient safety issues. Mercy Medical Center Redding was fined $75,000 for an error that led to a patient death. Adventist St. Helena was fined $50,000 where a patient got oout of a locked facility and attempted suicide. El Centro Medical Center was fined $31,350 for not providing timely care to a patient with chest pain. Adventist Hanford was fined $42,750 for a retained foreign body post surgery. Henry Mayo Newhall in Valencia was fined $53,000 for a med error leading to a heart attack. Providence Little Company of Mary in San Pedro was fined $27,075 for not monitoring a patient at risk for suicide. Sutter Sacramento was fined $ 75,000 for a fatal med error.
Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Maimi screwed up. A patient accused an employee of sexually assaulting her and the administration allowed him to continue working while the investigation took place. The feds then were notified about the delay and have threatened the hospital with termination from fed med. There was a six months delay in getting DNA results. Why? Top
The California Medical Board is investigating a claim that Dr. Bret Gerber used dirty needles on two pole in 2016. He was accused by a fellow worker who contends that she saw him bring unauthorized needles from home. He had been on probation in the past for drug use and had filed to show for a drug test. His licensee was never revoked. Top
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.