GRAY DAVIS: Governor Signs Legislation
Following last week's chaotic end to the Legislature's session, Gov. Gray Davis' (D) signing pen has been busy. Some of the health-related legislation the governor recently approved include:
- AB 2240: Sponsored by Assembly member Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Nigel), the bill eliminates the requirement that electronically transmitted prescriptions for non-controlled substances be reduced to a written or hard copy. It also authorizes physicians and pharmacists to enter prescriptions for non-controlled substances and hospital drug orders into a pharmacy's or hospital's computer from any location.
- SB 1454: Sponsored by Sen. Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata), the bill establishes the right of veterans residing in a veterans' home to complain to the administrator about home accommodations and services without fear of reprisal. Under the bill, the home's administrator must inform residents of this right and must post a notice of the right in the home.
- SB 1479: Sponsored by Sen. Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont), the bill requires licensed midwives to make both oral and written disclosures concerning liability coverage, arrangements for the transfer of care, complaint reporting procedures and the statutory parameters of a midwife's licensed authority to their clients. Under the bill, a licensed midwife must prepare and register the birth certificate for births occurring outside the hospital with no physician present.
- SB 1764: Sponsored by Sen. Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata), the bill requires the Legislative Analyst to review existing data on the cost effectiveness of substance abuse treatment parity in health care service plans and disability insurance policies. Under the bill, the Legislative Analyst must report its findings and any other information pertaining to substance abuse treatment services offered by the service plans and disability policies to the Legislature. The Legislative Analyst must also review information on private resources and organizations statewide that provide alcohol and drug treatment services and report its findings to the Legislature (Office of the Governor release, 9/6).