WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration approved new rules Tuesday that extend minimum wage and overtime pay to nearly 2 million home health care workers who help the elderly and disabled with everyday tasks such as bathing, eating or taking medicine. Home care aides have been exempt from federal wage laws since 1974, when they were when they were placed in the same category as neighborhood baby sitters. But their ranks have surged with the aging population and the field is now one of the fastest-growing professions. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez said the workers deserve the same legal protections as most other employees.
ALBANY, N.Y. -- In an effort to limit the flu in the upcoming season, New York health officials are requiring thousands of medical staff and other personnel statewide to get vaccinated or else wear masks when in close contact with patients. The New York Health Department rules apply to more than 4,000 hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, nursing homes, hospices and home care agencies statewide. Adopted in July, they will apply when officials determine influenza is prevalent. Last year, that meant Nov. 24 to April 20 when the flu was widespread, department monitoring showed. Doctors, nurses, other employees, contractors, students and volunteers in close contact with patients must follow the rules.
Shared medical appointments are becoming more widespread as physicians look for more efficient and effective ways to treat increasing numbers of patients with chronic diseases. The visits could increase significantly under the nation's healthcare overhaul when millions more Americans gain insurance coverage and need to access doctors. Multi-patient appointments are especially valuable in areas with physician shortages, proponents say. Group appointments are being offered through UC San Diego to patients with diabetes, HIV and liver disease.
After four years at the Office of the National Coordinator for IT and two years serving as the country's health IT czar, Farzad Mostashari announced last month that he would step down from his post this fall. As the country's fourth national coordinator for health IT, Mostashari became well known for his trademark bow tie and contagious enthusiasm for all things health IT. Among other things, his legacy includes helping to spearhead the meaningful use incentive program, promoting the use of data to improve health care and stepping up federal efforts to boost patient engagement.
South Florida's emerging healthcare hub received a broad endorsement Thursday night: More than 300 people representing 180 companies, 25 investment groups, five hospitals, banks, universities and government turned out for the HealthTech Showcase at the University of Miami Life Science & Technology Park. While the numbers were impressive, the signs of a growing ecosystem did not end there. In two panel discussions with industry leaders and six presentations by startups, there was a common refrain: The community is here to help.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Thousands of New Hampshire Medicaid clients are receiving letters notifying them to pick one of three managed care plans as the state rolls out its managed care system. If Medicaid clients don't pick a plan, one will automatically be assigned to them beginning Nov. 12. If they aren't happy with their plan, they have 90 days to pick a different one. The plans take effect Dec. 1. Meridian Health Plan, New Hampshire Healthy Families and Well Sense Health Plan are offering plans. The state is urging Medicaid clients to check to see which of their current medical providers are in a plan if they want to keep using them.