Editorial Urges Passage of Bills To Curb Doctor Shortage

A Los Angeles Times editorial argues that state lawmakers should approve legislation (SB 491, SB 492, SB 493)  that would expand the scope of practice of non-physicians. The editorial notes, "More than a dozen other states have given professionals with advanced training more leeway to take specific steps without a physician on hand signing off on everything they do," adding, "California should follow their lead." It concludes that the bills would "help keep the cost of treatment from climbing out of more Californians' reach, regardless of how many doctors are nearby, without reducing the quality of their care."

• "An Rx for the Doctor Shortage" (Los Angeles Times, 4/21).