AB 499 to Take Effect on January 1, 2012
This year, among other new laws to be enacted in 2012, AB 499 was passed and signed by Governor Jerry Brown to allow patients 12 years of age or older to consent to medical care related to the prevention of a sexually transmitted disease. This new law will take effect on January 1, 2012.
Prior to the passing of AB 499, patients 12 years of age or older were able to consent to medical care related to the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Starting in the new year, they will also be able to take preventative action against sexually transmitted diseases as well. You can find an AB 499 implementation fact Sheet here.
One of the prevention methods that young adults will be able to consent to is the Human Pappillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. A new report published by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine disclosed findings showing that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine does not increase risky sexual behavior.
2012 Title X Funding Announcement Response
On December 19th CFHC reported that the final FY 2012 appropriation for Title X is $296.8 million, a $2.6 million (0.8%) cut from FY 2011 funding, representing a $2million cut to the Title X program plus a 0.189% across-the-board cut to all programs within the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education. CFHC has not yet received notice from the Office of Population Affairs (OPA) about how the cut will affect California’s Title X award. As soon as we have confirmation from OPA as to whether our funding will be cut further or will remain the same, we will notify all delegate agencies.
CFHC Response to FDA Hearing on Combined Hormonal Contraceptives
In the November 23rd “Weekly Wrap Up,” CFHC shared information about an upcoming FDA hearing, scheduled for December 8th and 9th, in which an FDA committee would consider the results of a recently released study evaluating the risk of adverse health events associated with the transdermal patch, the vaginal ring, and “third generation” oral contraceptive pills that contain drospirenone. CFHC Response to FDA Hearing
NHSC Scholarships for 2012
2012 Loan Repayment Application Now Open!
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) opens its 2012 application cycle! The application cycle will be open until May 2012, however providers are strongly encouraged to apply early.
Program Updates
Award amounts for this year’s program have been modified to help ensure communities with the greatest need – those with the highest Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) scores – receive recruitment support to fill much needed clinical positions. Initial awards amounts are as follows:
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2 Years Full-time
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4 Years Half-time
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2 Years Half-time
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Providers at Sites with HPSA Score 14+
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Up to $60,000
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Up to $60,000
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Up to $30,000
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Providers at Sites with HPSA Score 0-13
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Up to $40,000
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Up to $40,000
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Up to $20,000
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With continued service, NHSC providers may be able to pay off all of their student loans.
For additional program details, please see the 2012 NHSC Loan Repayment Program At-A-Glance Fact Sheet and the complete Application and Program Guidance