State Highlights: N.Y. Attorney General Seeks To Stop Sale Of Two Nursing Centers; Tenn. Lawmaker, Certificate-Of-Need Agency At Odds
Outlets report on health news from New York, Tennessee, Minnesota, Kansas, North Carolina, California and Texas.
The New York Times:
New York Attorney General Seeks To Halt Sale Of 2 Nursing Homes Amid Inquiries
Citing misrepresentations and broken promises, the New York State attorney general’s office is seeking to prevent the purchase of two nursing centers by a company that was involved in transactions that put a Manhattan nursing home in the hands of luxury condominium developers. In letters sent on Monday to lawyers representing nursing care providers in Harlem and Coney Island, Brooklyn, an official from the charities bureau of the attorney general said that the office was objecting to “any proposed sales of not-for-profit organizations, in particular nursing homes, to the Allure Group.” (Goodman, 6/6)
The Tennessean:
Certificate Of Need Agency Clashes With State Lawmaker
The [Tennessee] Health Services Development Agency and the lawmaker who sponsored successful legislation to amend its role are at odds over an interpretation of a new law, which will impact how providers apply to build or offer new services. (Fletcher 6/6)
The Associated Press:
Thousands Of Nurses In Twin Cities Reject Contract
Union leaders representing about 5,000 nurses in the Twin Cities say members have rejected the latest contract offer from Allina Health, setting the stage for a strike at four hospitals. The nurses work at Abbott Northwestern, Mercy, Unity and United hospitals. The Minnesota Nurses Association said in a statement late Monday that a majority at all four hospitals voted to reject the contract that many say shifts too much of the company's health care costs to the nurses. (6/7)
Kansas Health Institute:
Budget Cuts Lead To Waiting List For Senior Services
Eleven agencies that provide support to help Kansas seniors stay in their homes are starting to put some on waiting lists following state budget cuts. The $2.1 million reduction to the state’s Senior Care Act programs was part of a package of cuts Gov. Sam Brownback made last month after the Legislature sent him a budget that didn’t balance. (Marso 6/6)
Charlotte Observer:
Charlotte To Expand Lead Tests In Drinking Water
Charlotte Water will expand its tests for lead in drinking water after the crisis in Flint, Mich., that exposed many homeowners to the toxic metal. Charlotte’s utility on Monday released its annual water-quality report that showed no violations of federal standards for 2015. For the first time, the report links to an interactive map of water test results. (Henderson, 6/6)
Kaiser Health News:
Calif. Senate Nixes Bill Requiring Disclosures From Disciplined Doctors
The California Senate this week rejected legislation that would have required medical practitioners to notify their patients if they were on probation for serious infractions. The bill’s supporters said consumers were ill-served by the Senate’s decision. “Today’s vote means that most Californians will remain in the dark when their doctor is on probation for offenses that could jeopardize their health,” said Lisa McGiffert, manager of the Safe Patient Project at Consumers Union. (Ibarra, 6/7)
The San Francisco Chronicle:
Hospital Chain Sued For Refusing To Cover Sex Reassignment’s Cost
A transgender nurse sued California’s largest private hospital chain, Dignity Health of San Francisco, on Monday for denying him insurance coverage for hormone therapy and sex-reassignment surgery, which the company attributed to a “personality disorder.” (Egelko, 6/6)
Dallas Morning News:
Frisco Health Care Software Company Valify Raises $2 Million In Funding
Valify, a Frisco health care software company, announced today that it has raised $2 million in Series A funding. Valify’s software helps hospitals manage costs and find potential savings for purchased services, such as janitorial companies, laundry vendors and food management. The company’s round was led by Frist Cressey Ventures and Step 5 Capital, along with other investors. (Repko, 6/6)
Bay Area News Group:
Bay Area Physician Opens Right-To-Die Practice
When California's new right-to-die law finally goes into effect Thursday, Dr. Lonny Shavelson will be ready to consult with patients about their final plans. The Berkeley-based doctor has opened what may be the only specialized medical practice in the Bay Area, and possibly the entire state, focused solely on patients considering using the End of Life Option Act. (Seipel, 6/6)
Kaiser Health News:
Students Fill A Gap In Mental Health Care For Immigrants
Patricia Becerril comes to Bethesda Health Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, every other week. And it's a slog. "It takes her two hours to get here," said Katherine Wilkin, a University of North Carolina at Charlotte master's student, translating for Becerril. "She takes two buses, so coming here, she's definitely devoted to getting this treatment. She comes every time." Wilkin is also Becerril's mental health counselor, and Becerril says Wilkin has helped her deal with depression. (Tomsic, 6/7)
Minnesota Public Radio:
Medical Marijuana Is Helping, Patients Say, But It's Unaffordable
Most patients enrolled in Minnesota's medical marijuana program believe the medication is helping them, but a majority also think it's unaffordable, according to a Minnesota Department of Health survey. (Collins, 6/6)
