Charity Care Bill Pits Hospitals Against Labor Unions

Some California hospital officials have expressed concern that a bill (AB 975) -- by Assembly members Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) and Bob Wiecowski (D-Fremont) -- that would increase the level of charity care not-for-profit acute care facilities must provide and tighten hospital reporting requirements might force some facilities to close. The bill has been endorsed by several influential labor unions, including the California Nurses Association.

• "Charity Bill Raises Hospitals' Hackles" (Shinkman, Payers & Providers, 3/13).