Breaking Health News in California: What You Need to Know
California is known to be a trendsetter, particularly in health care. The state has been at the forefront of some of the most significant health care reforms of the past few decades. From the Affordable Care Act to the legalization of recreational cannabis, California has consistently broken new ground. In this post, we’ll outline some of the most recent and breaking health news in California and what you need to know about these developments.
Migrant Healthcare Access
One of the biggest issues facing the state is the healthcare access of its migrants. California is home to millions of undocumented immigrants, and their health remains a significant concern. In late 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that would allow the state’s low-income residents, regardless of immigration status, to receive full-scope Medi-Cal benefits. This new law means that 90,000 undocumented Californians could gain access to healthcare coverage.
Cannabis Warning Labels
In 2016, California state legalized recreational cannabis. However, since then, public health officials have been struggling with determining the best way to regulate its use. In 2018, California updated its warning labels, requiring THC products to have a label warning pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers about the potential risks to their babies. California is the first state to mandate these warning labels.
Opioid Epidemic
California has not been immune to the opioid epidemic. The state has been seeing an increase in opioid addiction, overdoses, and deaths over the past few years. In response to this crisis, the state has implemented various measures to combat it. In 2018, California implemented AB 2760, which provides guidelines for prescribing Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances like opioids. In addition, in 2019, the state launched the California Opioid Dashboard, which provides real-time data on opioid overdoses, deaths, and prescriptions.
Telehealth Services
The COVID-19 pandemic has made healthcare access more challenging, and in response, California has expanded its telehealth services. Telehealth allows healthcare providers to offer care remotely, reducing the risk of exposure to the virus. In March 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom, signed an executive order that allowed healthcare providers to offer telehealth services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries. This order also requires insurance companies to pay for telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits.
Healthcare Workers’ Protections
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought healthcare workers to the forefront of public awareness. In response, California has implemented measures to protect front-line healthcare workers. In March 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that would ensure that healthcare workers who contract COVID-19 on the job are eligible for workers’ comp benefits. This order applies to all healthcare workers, including those who work at hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
Conclusion
California’s health care system is constantly evolving, and staying informed on the latest developments can help you take advantage of new opportunities and avoid potential pitfalls. We’ve outlined just a few recent and breaking health news stories out of California, but there is much more going on in the state’s healthcare system. By keeping an eye on the news and staying informed, you can make the most out of your California healthcare experience.
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