State Legislature Approves Several Health Bills Before End of Session

On Thursday, the California Legislature concluded its legislative session after advancing numerous bills, including measures that would affect midwives, physical therapists and pharmacists, KQED's "State of Health" reports.

The bills now move to Gov. Jerry Brown (D) for consideration (Aliferis, "State of Health," KQED, 9/13).

Details of Midwifery Bill

Lawmakers approved a measure (AB 1308) that would give midwives the ability to order medical supplies and tests without a physician's approval, according to the California HealthCare Foundation's Center for Health Reporting.

The center is supported by a grant from CHCF, which publishes California Healthline.

The bill is sponsored by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Whaley, Center for Health Reporting, 9/13).

Details of Pharmacist Bill

The Legislature also approved a bill (SB 493) that would expand California pharmacists' scope of practice ("State of Health," KQED, 9/13). Under SB 493, pharmacists' responsibilities would include ordering certain laboratory tests and prescribing smoking-cessation drugs (California Healthline, 9/12).

Details of Physical Therapy Bill

Another measure (AB 1000) passed by the Legislature would increase patients' direct access to physical therapy ("State of Health," KQED, 9/13).

Assembly member Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) -- the bill's sponsor -- said, "Patients will no longer need a diagnosis from a physician before beginning treatment from a physical therapist."

The bill also would allow physician groups to directly hire physical therapists (Gorn, "Capitol Desk," California Healthline, 9/13).

Broadcast Coverage

Headlines and links to broadcast coverage of the conclusion of the legislative session are provided below.

"Dramatic End to State Legislative Session" (Shafer, "The California Report," KQED, 9/13).
"Legislature Wraps Up With Hot-Button Bills" (Iverson, "Forum," KQED, 9/13).
"Calif. Lawmakers Adjourn for Year After Busy Final Day" (Adler, "KXJZ News," Capital Public Radio, 9/13).

For more coverage on the pharmacist bill, check out today's "Capitol Desk."

This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.