CAFP recently submitted follow-up comments on updated regulations proposed by the California Department of Justice regarding use of California's prescription drug monitoring database, the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). While the updated regulations would increase data access for health team members and slightly restrict third-party access to CURES information, CAFP remains concerned that the Department’s proposal […]
CAFP strongly cautioned the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) this week against pursuing its proposed rule on “Medicaid Fiscal Accountability.” The proposal goes far beyond fiscal accountability and transparency, and instead would severely restrict the methods by which states can pay providers and fund Medicaid costs. The significantly flawed proposal would devastate Medi-Cal patient access […]
Congratulations to Jorge Galdamez, MD, the new District II Director on CAFP’s Board of Directors. Jorge was elected at the December meeting of CAFP’s Orange County Chapter and assumes his duties immediately as their Board representative. Excited to serve and lead, Dr. Galdamez comes with leadership experience both at the clinic level as well as […]
In a recent 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court voted to lift a nationwide injunction against a Trump Administration rule that would make it more difficult for immigrants to receive green cards or visas. Under the so-called “public charge” policy, some immigrants who lawfully access public benefits could face adverse consequences when applying to change their […]
The California Academy of Family Physicians Foundation announced the Susan Hogeland, CAE Health Policy Fellows for 2020. Amy Komure, MD, MPH (Long Beach Memorial RMRP), Anna Askari, MD, MSBS (Eisenhower, FMRP), and Hannah Dragomanovich (Tuoro University) will spend the next year working with CAFP leaders and staff to address advocacy, public health and policy issues. […]
Vaping devices come in many forms and have various names, like e-cigarettes, e-cigs, vapes, or vape pens. The most popular brand that teens use is made to look like a USB memory stick, but these devices can also look like traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or even commonplace items like pens. These battery-operated devices produce […]
The American Academy of Family Physicians announced that Jack Westfall, MD, MPH, has joined the Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Family Medicine and Primary Care as director. In this position, he will direct and participate in the Center’s family medicine-focused research portfolio, which focuses on health care demographics, the physician workforce, the impact […]
From the Medical Board of California: The Medical Board of California (Board) has learned that scam artists posing as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and Board staff/investigators are contacting physicians by telephone stating they are under investigation and demanding money. The extortion scam calls reported to the Board share many of the following characteristics: […]
Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2020-21 Budget today, citing a strong economy to propose increased spending over several priority areas including health care, housing and the environment. As part of his budget announcement, the Governor has rebranded the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal initiative (CalAIM) as the Medi-Cal Healthier California for All initiative, a consolidation of California’s […]
