Lawmakers Pass Array of Bills in Final Days of Legislative Session
On Wednesday, California lawmakers passed bills on hospital closures, insurance coverage for "lactation consultations," cosmetic surgery and numerous other issues as the current legislative session enters its final days, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The legislative session will end at midnight on Friday.
Hospital Closures
The Senate gave final approval for a measure (SB 196) by Sen. Ellen Corbett (D-Oakland) that would require greater public notice before a general acute care hospital could close its emergency department or reduce services.
The bill would lengthen the notice time from 90 days to 120 days.
Corbett authored the bill partly in response to Tenet Healthcare's 2004 sale of 19 hospitals, which she said placed significant strain on Los Angeles County emergency services.
Breastfeeding
The Assembly granted final approval to a bill (AB 513) by Assembly member Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) that would require health insurance companies to cover "lactation consultation" for new mothers who have difficulty breastfeeding.
Republicans opposed the measure because they said it would drive up health insurance premiums and adversely affect small businesses.
The measure now goes to the governor.
Cosmetic Surgery
The Senate approved a measure (AB 1116) by Assembly member Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto) that aims to improve the safety of elective cosmetic surgery procedures.
The bill would require health care providers to conduct a physical examination and obtain written clearance before performing electronic cosmetic facial surgery.
The bill will go to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) after the Assembly approves minor changes (Bailey/McGreevy, Los Angeles Times, 9/10).
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.