“Scaring providers into not prescribing opioids, I think that is not the ethically appropriate way to go forward,” said one addiction expert. Dr. Ako Jacintho, a family practitioner in San Francisco, says that he saw the opioid epidemic coming. His patients were asking for stronger medications and more pills. Instead of filling their requests, Jacintho… Continue reading Death Certificate Project Goes Too Far, Addiction Specialist Says
Tag: California
Confusing Law Led to Marijuana Arrests In California
A recent high-profile stop has led to a lawsuit by two former highway patrol officers who now operate a cannabis transportation business. Recreational cannabis may be legal in California, but complex laws in the state mean officers are still regularly pulling people over and seizing marijuana. In fact, in 2018, California Highway Patrol officers seized… Continue reading Confusing Law Led to Marijuana Arrests In California
Mental Health Specialists Strike Over Staffing, Resource Issues At Kaiser Permanente
Approximately 4,000 mental health specialists are expected to strike over Kaiser Permanente’s lack of mental health staff and resources in California. Thousands of mental health workers began a five-day strike on December 10, 2018 to protest what they view as shortages in patient resources at Kaiser Permanente facilities across California. Approximately 4,000 psychologists, therapists, nurses… Continue reading Mental Health Specialists Strike Over Staffing, Resource Issues At Kaiser Permanente
Suspect In Deadly Rehab Shooting Taken Into Custody
The suspect denied responsibility for the shooting. A suspect in Monday’s shooting at a California recovery center is now in custody, according to authorities. Authorities believe Davance Lamar Reed was the person who opened fire at Helen Vine Detox Center in San Rafael early Monday morning (Nov. 5). Helen Vine, on Smith Ranch Road, is… Continue reading Suspect In Deadly Rehab Shooting Taken Into Custody
Clearing A Pot Conviction Just Got Easier In California
Up to half a million Californians are estimated to be affected by the law. When California legalized marijuana in 2016, a provision in the new law made it possible for people with marijuana convictions to have their records cleared or changed to reflect reduced charges. However, the process to do so was long and convoluted,… Continue reading Clearing A Pot Conviction Just Got Easier In California
New Rehab Reform Laws Aim To Clean Up California's Troubled System
One of the new laws puts a ban on patient brokering. California Gov. Jerry Brown last week green-lit a series of measures aimed at reforming the state’s troubled and under-regulated rehab system. One of the new measures, which come on the heels of media scrutiny of the state’s recovery industry, would require rehabs to refer… Continue reading New Rehab Reform Laws Aim To Clean Up California's Troubled System
Doctors Will Be Required To Check Prescription Database In California
The state’s monitoring system has been historically underused by healthcare providers. Beginning on October 2, doctors in California will be required to check the state’s prescription monitoring database before writing a new prescription, in an attempt to provide better care and correct years of underutilization of the system. “California created the first system to track… Continue reading Doctors Will Be Required To Check Prescription Database In California
Nearly 20% Of California Pot Products Fail Safety Testing
Products like edibles and oils were much more likely to fail testing than marijuana buds. Nearly 20% of legal marijuana products in California are failing mandated safety testing, a figure that the industry says has more to do with an inefficient and inaccurate testing system than deficient products. As of July 1, marijuana products sold… Continue reading Nearly 20% Of California Pot Products Fail Safety Testing
"Death Certificate Project" Helps Identify Doctors Who Overprescribe
The crackdown has spooked physicians, including some who say they’re now less inclined to treat complex patients. Hundreds of California physicians are under investigation for their prescribing habits, as the state medical board cracks down on overprescribing. Under the “Death Certificate Project,” the Medical Board of California is trying to take a proactive approach to… Continue reading "Death Certificate Project" Helps Identify Doctors Who Overprescribe
Inside California's Massive Addiction Treatment Overhaul
Medi-Cal recipients will now have expanded access to addiction treatment. The California Health Care Foundation released a report on August 3 this year outlining the state’s new approach for residents using Medi-Cal and seeking substance abuse treatment options. California is the first state in the United States to use the new health care system structure,… Continue reading Inside California's Massive Addiction Treatment Overhaul