Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Legislation Outlawing Malware Used To Ransom Hospitals Gets Support In California
Los Angeles Times: Why Lawmakers Are Trying To Make Ransomware A Crime In California
State legislation to outlaw ransomware is drawing broad support from tech leaders and lawmakers, spurred by an uptick in that type of cybercrime and a series of recent attacks on hospitals in Southern California. The bill, authored by state Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), would update the state’s penal code, making it a felony to knowingly use ransomware, a type of malware or intrusive software that is injected into a computer or network and allows a hacker to hold data hostage until money is paid. (Ulloa, 7/12)
Chicago Tribune: Buying Insurance May Soon Be As Easy As A Swipe On A Smartphone
Policyholders pay premiums to get coverage that's often good for six months or a year, and, fingers crossed, give it little thought until the time comes to renew. But a generation of consumers who are increasingly connected and accustomed to getting what they want and when they want it, particularly from their smartphones, have spurred several startups to develop apps or technology making it possible to turn protection on or off or to customize coverage to meet their needs. (Yerak, 7/11)
Health News Florida: Making Sure First Responders Have Access To Your Emergency Information
Most of us lock access to our phones with a pass code. It keeps our friends from posting silly things on our social media. It also keeps others from accessing information we’d rather they not have. However, what happens when we do want people to have access to some of that information, possibly in an emergency?...It turns out many newer iPhones have a built-in option in the health app available from the lock screen. For android phones there are apps available in the Google Play Store. (Roberts, 7/11)
Kaiser Health News: Doctors Get Creative To Distract Tech-Savvy Kids Before Surgery
Surgery can make anyone anxious, but it is especially hard for young children. Kids going into surgery may be separated from their parents for the first time in a frightening new environment, and they may not understand what’s happening. ... Panicking before surgery can cause both physical and emotional problems. ... It is dangerous enough that many children are given an anti-anxiety medication before general anesthesia. But medications always carry risks. (Gold, 7/12)
