California Healthcare Updates: Kaiser, Seismic Bills, and Maternity Closures

NUHW Researcher Highlights Kaiser Permanente's Ongoing Mental Health Care Issues

The National Union of Healthcare Workers' (NUHW) researcher Fred Seavey was cited in Capital and Main regarding the ongoing deadlock between Kaiser Permanente and the state over a required action plan. This follows a $200 million settlement meant to address Kaiser's poor performance in mental and behavioral health care services. The agreement mandated external consultancy to help devise a corrective program, but progress has stalled. Seavey stated, “The provider of care to 9 million enrollees in our state is violating multiple laws and doesn’t even have a corrective action plan in place after 10 months.”

Governor Newsom Vetoes Hospital Seismic Safety Delay Bill

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have delayed seismic safety standards for hospitals. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, SB 1432 aimed to extend the deadline for seismic compliance from 2030 to 2035. This deadline stems from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which led to stricter seismic resilience rules. The California Hospital Association, which sought the delay, expressed disappointment over the veto.

Call to Keep Humboldt County Rehab Center Open

Local media in Humboldt County, including Kym Kemp, MSN, and Lost Coast Outpost covered NUHW's press release questioning Providence's reasons for closing the only inpatient acute rehabilitation center in the county.

Sonoma County Hospice Workers Reach Agreement with Providence

Coverage by North Bay Business Journal, Hospice News, and Becker’s Hospital Review reported on an agreement reached by Sonoma hospice workers with Providence to resolve an unfair labor practice complaint.

USC Verdugo Hills Maternity Center to Close

CalMatters reported on the impending closure of the maternity center at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Statewide, 56 hospitals have ceased maternity services since 2012, affecting 16% of general acute care hospitals. Black, Latino, and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted, enduring some of the worst birth outcomes in the state.

Biden Administration to Finalize Mental Health Coverage Rules

The Biden administration announced the finalization of a proposal to require health insurers to cover mental health care equitably with physical health conditions. According to Stat News, the new rules mandate insurers to act on analyses ensuring equal coverage levels. The rule also prohibits stricter prior authorization for mental health compared to physical health and closes loopholes for state and local government-sponsored plans.

Former Patient Urges Providence to Keep Rehab Unit Open

In a letter to the editor of Kym Kemp, a former patient advocated for keeping the St. Joseph's Acute Rehabilitation Unit in Eureka open. The ex-patient criticized the decision to outsource services to Brius, known for poor care and negligence, echoing NUHW's opposition to the closure.

Sutter Health's Anticompetitive Practices Under Scrutiny

The San Francisco Chronicle reported on a USC study highlighting Sutter Health's anticompetitive hiring practices that started in the early 2000s. These practices allegedly resulted in Sutter charging 30% more than comparable hospitals. The study supports recent lawsuits accusing Sutter of exploiting market power to inflate healthcare costs.

Kaiser Permanente to Close Last Nursing Home in California

Skilled Nursing News reported that Kaiser Permanente will close its last nursing home in California, leading to 249 job losses, including roles for administrators, therapists, and nurses. The closure of the San Leandro facility in mid-November follows a long-term decline in patient numbers, as stated in a statement by Kaiser.

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