Assembly OKs Bill Seeking Background Checks for Certain Covered California Employees

Last week, the Assembly voted 68-0 to approve a bill (AB 1428) that would require background checks for Covered California employees who would have access to enrollees' private information to help protect consumers from identity theft. Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway (R-Tulare) -- the bill's author -- said that consumer protection should be as important as access to affordable health insurance.

• "Bill Aims To Protect Health Insurance Enrollees" (AP/U-T San Diego, 9/6).