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State Health Notes
July 2003 Issues
Volume 24, Number 401: July 28, 2003
COVER STORY
Protecting patient privacy and improving the administrative efficiency of the health care system are two key goals of the 1996 law known as HIPAA. But the task of complying continues to bedevil both states and private sector providers.
PRIMARY CARE NEWS
On July 1, California issued first-of-their-kind RN-to-patient ratios. The state nurses association says the new rules will improve patient safety but hospitals say they could result in closed beds or longer waits for care.
HIGHLIGHTS
Medicaid waiver reviews…KY limits on nursing home care… NY disability waiver... IL SCHIP expansion… NC Blues conversion effort … Access to care reports… Malpractice caps...SD provider recruitment effort… AZ anti-smoking campaign …Health center funds… DE consumer fraud law…AK cash assistance program for seniors
TRACKING TRENDS
Nursing homes are facing stiff increases in liability insurance rates. Lawmakers are looking at a variety of reforms to assure availability.
FYI
As part of the 1996 welfare reform act, those convicted of drug-related crimes face a lifetime ban on benefits. A look at how the policy affects women when they get out of prison.
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Volume 24, Number 400: July 14, 2003
COVER STORY
Tight state budgets may be endangering recent gains in the expansion of home and community long-term care services. While Medicaid is absorbing most of the hit, state-financed program are also targets. A close-up look at activities in Oregon and Missouri.
FOCUS ON
Legislators are often reluctant to raise taxes but in cash-strapped times, they’re making an exception for “sin taxes.” A list of tobacco, alcohol tax hikes in 2002& 2003.
HIGHLIGHTS
Quality of care study… TX prompt payment law… Malpractice reform update in FL, MO, PA… ME Rx law implementation… IL Rx “discount” club… FL Rx threat protection law… Public smoking bans in ME, FL, AL … Oral health partnership… Child car seat law in LA… Teen drinking
TRACKING TRENDS
In tight budget times, everything’s under the gun, including Rx drugs for mental health conditions. Some states are building in protections.
FYI
Louisiana’s Assistive Technology Access Network has begun a new loan program to help residents with disabilities buy adaptive equipment.
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