About Clinical Care
California’s hospitals are dedicated to providing high-quality, safe, and person-centered health care. This wouldn’t be possible without the clinical services hospitals provide, which include emergency care, surgery, X-ray/radiology, laboratory services, and behavioral health care. The care that hospitals provide is shaped by their communities’ needs.
Changes Proposed for Drug Discount Safe Harbor Protections
The Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued a proposed rule that would remove the Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbor protection for drug rebates paid by drug makers to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), Part D plans and Medicaid managed care organizations.
DHCS Reminds Providers That New Fee-for-Service Pharmacy Reimbursement Begins Feb. 23
Beginning Feb. 23, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will implement a new fee-for-service reimbursement methodology for covered outpatient drugs. The methodology will reimburse the lower of the actual acquisition cost (as determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), the federal upper limit, the maximum allowable ingredient cost, and the pharmacy’s usual and customary charge. For more details about the changes, visit the DHCS website.
CDPH Releases Questions for Meeting on Hospital Infection Control, Physical Plant Regulations
In preparation for an upcoming meeting to solicit stakeholder feedback on possible changes to Title 22 infection control and physical plant regulations for general acute care hospitals, the California Department of Public Health has released a series of questions. More details are available in All Facilities Letter 18-56.1.
Grant Applications Available for Programs That Strengthen Health Care Delivery
Nonprofit organizations and counties that participate in the County Medical Services Program (CMSP) are encouraged to apply for funding through the Health Systems Development Grant Program.
Additional FAQs Issued on New State Law for Opioid Prescriptions
Last week, CHA shared information about problems some providers have had in implementing a new state law requiring controlled substance security prescription forms to include a unique serial number. This week, the California Board of Pharmacy released updated frequently asked questions about the law’s requirements and enforcement.
Providers Report Problems Implementing New State Law for Opioid Prescriptions
As of Jan. 1, controlled substance security prescription forms must include a new, unique serial number in a format approved by the Department of Justice. However, the new requirement does not allow for a transition period during which providers would be allowed to use the previously approved form, and those who do not have access to the new forms have been forced to choose between denying care and risking action against their licenses.
New Law Requires Prescribers to Offer Approved Drugs for Opioid Depression
Prescribers are now required to offer naloxone hydrochloride, or another drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration, to patients who experience certain conditions related to opioid depression. The Medical Board of California has released frequently asked questions to assist providers in implementing the new requirements, which took effect Jan. 1.
CMS Increases Certain Laboratory Fees By 20 Percent
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a notice increasing fees for laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) by 20 percent.
Health Care Facilities Reminded of New Requirement to Provide Plant-Based Meals
The California Department of Public Health reminds health care providers that, effective Jan. 1, they must make plant-based meal options — without meat, poultry, fish, dairy or eggs — available to patients, in accordance with their physician’s orders. For more information about the law, see page 15 of CHA’s 2018 Report on Legislation.
CDC Updates Alert on Life-Threatening Coagulopathy Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoids
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its health alert addressing a multistate outbreak of coagulopathy — a bleeding disorder that impacts the way blood clots — that has been linked to synthetic cannabinoid use.