LOS ANGELES – Today, supporters of an initiative to reform the dialysis industry are filing more than 600,000 signatures with county officials up and down the state in an effort to get on the November ballot. The so-called "Fair Pricing for Dialysis Act" would limit dialysis corporations' revenues to 15 percent above what they spend on patient care – and rebate anything above that to insurance companies.

However, it does not require insurers to pass that on to consumers. Sean Wherley, senior communications specialist for the union SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, says the idea is to incentivize the companies to plow more profits back into patient care.

"Hiring staff is patient care. Getting new equipment is patient care. Improving the facilities is patient care,” says Wherley. “If they do all that, they can charge more. They just can't take more than 15 percent above that cost."

Wherley notes that dialysis giants Fresenius and DaVita made $3.9 billion in 2016 – and says the union has heard complaints that some clinics are dirty, have faulty equipment or are so understaffed, patients with low blood pressure pass out while others soil themselves waiting to be unhooked in order to go to the restroom.

DaVita and Fresenius argue that limiting revenues will cause clinics to cut back or close, limiting access for the 66,000 Californians with kidney disease who could die if they don't get their blood filtered several times a week.

Miguel Estrada, a patient-care tech for almost 20 years, belongs to the group "Patients and Caregivers to Protect Dialysis Patients," which is funded by DaVita and Fresenius. He argues that the initiative's definition of patient care doesn't cover necessary staff such as the physician medical director. And he thinks the union has an ulterior motive.

"Clinics are gonna close, and then my patients are gonna be at risk,” he says. “I mean, this initiative is really just a way to negotiate because the union has been trying to get into dialysis for the last almost two years without success."

Last year, a bill to establish minimum staffing levels in dialysis clinics, Senate Bill 349, passed the state Senate but is still awaiting a vote in the State Assembly. About 16,000 people work at 570 clinics in California.


get more stories like this via email

In this year's devastating hurricane season, Florida community health centers are proving indispensable in disaster response and recovery, providing far more than medical care.

The back-to-back blows of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton left the region reeling, testing the resilience and adaptability of health care providers.

Kim Schuknecht, chief operating officer of Evara Health in Pinellas County, said they had plans to deploy mobile units to beach communities after Hurricane Helene but Milton's swift arrival and widespread flooding thwarted the efforts.

"By the time we were able to get that all worked out with the mayors of the different areas, here comes Milton," Schuknecht recounted. "We weren't even able after the first hurricane to get out there. That really was an inhibitor for us to be able to go out and do some mobile services because so many areas, we couldn't drive in them."

She pointed out they extended their operating hours to navigate those challenges. While providing services at emergency shelters, they discovered people were asking for help with needs beyond behavioral health and medical care. They ended up gathering supplies so evacuees could take showers in one of the mobile units.

Schuknecht noted one lesson learned is the demands were greater than anticipated, even beyond basic medical care.

"Baby wipes, things that we -- hadn't been through this type of situation before -- things that you just take for granted and don't really think about," Schuknecht explained. "We've learned to have more supplies on hand, different supplies than what we're used to."

As Florida looks ahead to the next hurricane season, Schuknecht noted her operation is refining its emergency preparedness strategies. Plans include more tabletop exercises and strengthening new collaborations, such as a partnership with the Red Cross, which she emphasized will be crucial for future responses.

Schuknecht added this season's experiences have shaped her company's approach to future planning, ensuring they remain a cornerstone of support in the face of Florida's unpredictable storms.

"I think we all learned a lot," Schuknecht acknowledged. "All of the agencies here in the county, including Evara Health, we were very fortunate to be able to have the resources to assist. And we're glad we were called upon to be able to provide the care that we did."


get more stories like this via email

Alabama faces a critical workforce gap, with only 38 available workers for every 100 open jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

To address the issue, Black community colleges are stepping up as key players in preparing skilled workers for in-demand industries. The schools are coming together at the second annual EmpowerED Conference to explore ways to expand opportunities for students.

Chandra Scott, executive director of Alabama Possible, said the event will also include Historically Black Colleges and Universities and focus on creating seamless transitions from two-year community colleges to four-year universities.

"We want to make sure that there are streamlined pathways from the community college to an HBCU," Scott emphasized. "We don't want any credits lost. We don't want any time wasted and any money frayed away."

She explained they hope to achieve the goal by connecting educators, students and industry leaders to find solutions to Alabama's workforce challenges and elevate the work within the institutions. The two-day conference is Feb. 11-12 in Mobile.

Scott pointed out another key focus will be showcasing the contributions historical and predominantly Black community colleges make to the state's workforce. With Alabama's economy depending on industries like aerospace, manufacturing and shipbuilding, she noted the schools play a critical role in training diverse, skilled workers who are ready to fill gaps.

"Most of the students who come through these institution doors are first-generation, from under-resourced families and they are from families of color," Scott outlined. "Now, you're able to diversify what your workforce looks like and you're pulling on excellence because they are getting trained and credentialed in specific pathways."

In a state where the labor participation rate is below the national average, Scott added the EmpowerED Conference discussions could play a significant role in shaping Alabama's economic future.

Winter conditions across Michigan are fickle and The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging everyone to prioritize safety while enjoying the season's cold-weather adventures.

The DNR advised outdoor enthusiasts to prepare by dressing in layers, checking weather and road conditions, and carrying essential safety gear such as flashlights and ice picks.

Sgt. Jason Becker from the Law Enforcement Division of the DNR said it is also important to stay hydrated and not go out alone if possible. He offered a potentially life-saving tip:

"Let someone know where you're gonna be and approximately what time you're going to return," Becker recommended. "If something does happen, we know where to start looking or we even know that you are missing. We always tell people, 'Go with a buddy,' especially when it comes to snowmobiling because it tends to be far away from civilization."

Becker also stressed carrying a two-way communication device capable of working in remote areas and taking an honest assessment of your health. If you are not feeling well, stay home.

In Michigan, statistics show snowmobiling and hypothermia are leading causes of injury or death in winter recreational accidents. However, falling through ice, especially during ice fishing, remains a serious risk. In 2019, there were 65 fatalities from 54 ice-related accidents.

Becker emphasized a critical saying from the DNR: No ice is safe ice.

"Carry an ice pick so that if you do fall through, they're a way to get some traction in the ice to pull yourself back out of the water," Becker urged. "Have something to make a hole in the ice, to check the thickness and keep checking it periodically."

He added alcohol consumption is a big factor in many accidents during recreational activities.


get more stories like this via email