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The FDA approved the $2.125 million one time shot for spinal muscular atrophy in infants and children. Novartis said it will accept $425,000 per year for five years. This is the real beginning of gene therapy and the costs thereof.
Alabama has passed an abortion law they know is not constitutional but is to be a vehicle for a direct challenge to Roe v Wade. It makes it a felony to perform an abortion with no exception for rape and incest. The usual suspects are up in arms and trying to rile their voters but there are not enough in that state to influence anything.
The state of Washington has a new signed law regarding out of network billings. The law prohibits balance billing when one goes to an out of network ED or has a non-emergency procedure performed at an in network facility. In an area that may be tricky legally it also prohibits any balance biling in a state that abuts Washington. The law states that all bills go to binding arbitration if there is no resolution on a commercially reasonable reimbursement.
Nevada has a new signed law regarding balance billing. It states providers can only bill the amount of the co-ay or dedctile and it states patients should be transferred to in network hospitals within 24 hours.
San Francisco is at it again. First they put in health care for all the city citizens paid for by a tax at restrauants which was passed on to consumers. Now its considering mental health care for all. They are putting it up for a vote but without stating how it will be paid for and how they will get access.
Apropos of the above the nurses of San Francisco have signed a no confidence letter and sent it to the Department of Public Health. They are against the understaffing in the city's healthcare system. This is with the current mental health problems. Wait until the above hits. Top
In a rare move CMS has actually ended a provider agreement with a hospital. Southeastern Kentucky Medical Center had it's ticket punched for deficiencies in patient care. The hospital was requested to make changes to bring it into regulations and it did not. The hospital is behind on its payroll. Top
Congratulations to the interns and residents of UC Davis. They fought and won the right to unionize. The California Public Employment Relations Board has certified that the union can represent the 800 physicians in collective bargaining with the university. It should be interesting as how many will actual pay dues as it is now illegal to force payment upon the members of the class.
The Delaware Medical Board had revoked the license of Nihar Gala of Millsboro for trading drugs for sex with a patient in his pain clinic. He denies the charges.
The Massachusetts Medical Board has suspended the license of Dr. Keith Ablow. the psychiatrist, the board alleges, engaged in sexual activity and boundary violations with patients, diverted controlled substances from patients and disruptive behavior involving firearms. Dr. Ablow, according to the Boston Globe, is also accused in three law suits for sexual relationships with patients. 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.