Healthcare Roundup—D.C. will no longer guarantee ambulance rides for nonserious conditions

D.C. will no longer guarantee ambulance rides for nonserious conditions

Residents of the District of Columbia who call 911 will no longer be guaranteed an ambulance ride to a nearby hospital if responding medics and a nurse determine that their ailments are too minor to warrant the trip, The Washington Post reported.

Patients with nonserious conditions will instead be put on a phone call with a nurse to help them find care elsewhere, such as a primary care facility, officials announced. The new policy is part of the city's Right Care, Right Now nurse triage line that launched last year in Washington's 911 center. (The Washington Post)

Georgia legislators put bullseye on surprise billing—but plans may hit snag

Georgia state legislators have introduced two bills so far this year that take aim at balance, or surprise, billing—but neither has garnered a chamber vote.

Bills in the state typically need to pass a chamber vote by this Thursday to have a chance to pass within the year.

Both bills would require that companies provide pricing and network information to consumers. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

California bill would allow psychiatric nurses to reject overtime

Mental health care workers would be able to turn down overtime shifts in California psychiatric facilities under a measure being considered by state lawmakers.

Officials say the bill aims to address fatigue among about 3,600 psychiatric technicians who care for inmates and patients in state hospitals and prisons, The Sacramento Bee reported. Currently, psychiatric technicians and technician assistants are sometimes forced to work back-to-back eight-hour shifts. (The Sacramento Bee)