As previously reported in the Voice, UNAC/UHCP had several concerns about SB 1111 (Negrete McLeod), the Consumer Health Protection Enforcement Act. UNAC/UHCP is deeply committed to safe patient care; however, we are just as committed to protecting the rights and safety of all health care professionals. Establishing draconian regulations in the name of consumer safety may actually have the opposite effect for patients and health care providers.
SB 1111 would have imposed many changes to the various healing arts regulatory boards and the licensees under the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Three areas of major concern were:
1. Mandatory posting of home addresses on the internet;
2. Mandatory reporting of any suspension or termination for cause, or resignation in lieu of termination within five days of the event reasons as defined in the regulation; and
3. A lack of prohibition on “borrowing” fees paid to health care boards for other purposes.
Barbara Blake, RN, UNAC/UHCP state secretary, along with the UNAC/UHCP, AFSCME legislation team, had several meetings with Negrete McLeod staffers and the DCA to discuss our concerns.
The issue of mandatory posting of home addresses on the internet was withdrawn by the Senator, who also agreed to change the employer’s mandatory reporting from the proposed five day period to 15 days. UNAC/UHCP also requested resolution of the clause’s new definition of gross negligence, which was not aligned with the definition in the Nurse Practice Act. The protection of the BRN fees was not addressed as we had hoped.
On April 22, a vote on SB 1111 failed to pass the Senate Business and Professions Committee. Senator Negrete-McLeod reaffirmed her commitment to trying to address our concerns should these issues be readdressed in the future. This was a significant achievement for UNAC/UHCP members and RNs throughout California.
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SB 1069 (Pavley) The Physician Assistants Bill SUPPORT
Would authorize physician assistants to perform and certify physical examinations and other specified medical services, as defined; authorizes state and local government agencies to rely on certificates executed by physician assistants, as specified; and establishes statute of limitations regulations for claims brought against physician assistants.
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AB 1802 (Hall) Pupil health: diabetes: insulin injections OPPOSE
Would have permitted a parent or guardian to designate a non-nurse school employee to administer insulin during school, as specified.
At 2:45AM Friday, May 11, UNAC/UHCP and the Coalition of Unions reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser covering 95,000 Kaiser employees across the country. Details to come.
Beverly RNs voted by 96% to approve a first contract on May 2, 2012 after a year long battle to secure wage increases, grievance and arbitration, and a voice in patient care.
“SB 1246 will help Registered Nurses provide safe patient care without worrying about hospitals cutting corners and jeopardizing the health of a patient,” said Barbara Blake, RN, State Secretary/Treasurer of UNAC/UHCP.
