California Dialysis Council

Legislative Status Report 6/14/2010

 
AB 542 Feuer D Hospital acquired conditions.
  Text Version:  Amended:   6/18/2009   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. (Refers to 6/10/2010 hearing)
  Calendar:  6/30/2010  1:30 p.m. - John L. Burton Hearing Room (4203)  SENATE HEALTH, ALQUIST, Chair
 
  Existing law establishes various programs for the prevention of disease and the promotion of health, including, but not limited to, the licensing and regulation of health facilities to be administered by the State Department of Public Health. Existing law requires specified health facilities to report patient adverse events to the department within 5 days. A violation of these provisions is a misdemeanor. This bill would require the medical director and the director of nursing of a hospital to annually report adverse events and hospital acquired conditions to its governing board. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to add Sections 1279.4 and 1371.6 to, and to add Part 5.5 (commencing with Section 128870) to Division 107 of, the Health and Safety Code, to add Sections 10191.5, 12693.56, 12699.06, and 12739.5 to the Insurance Code, and to add Article 5.4 (commencing with Section 14182) to Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to public health. 
 
AB 1595 Jones D Medi-Cal: eligibility.
  Text Version:  Amended:   4/28/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/4/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/12/2010)
 
  Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which basic health care services are provided to qualified low-income persons. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid provisions. This bill would require the department to establish, by January 1, 2014, eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits for any person who meets specified eligibility requirements provided by federal law. This bill would permit the department, to the extent permitted by federal law, to phase in coverage for those individuals upon the effective date of this bill. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to add Section 14005.60 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. 
 
AB 1602 John A. Perez D Health care coverage.
  Text Version:  Amended:   4/15/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
  Calendar:  6/30/2010  1:30 p.m. - John L. Burton Hearing Room (4203)  SENATE HEALTH, ALQUIST, Chair
 
  Existing law provides various programs to provide health care coverage to persons with limited financial resources, including the Medi-Cal program and the Healthy Families Program. This bill would enact the California Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The bill would create the California Health Benefit Exchange (the Exchange) in state government to be governed by an executive board appointed, in an unspecified manner, by the Governor and the Legislature. The bill would specify the powers and duties of the board relative to determining eligibility for enrollment in the Exchange and arranging for coverage with qualified health plans , and would require the Exchange to facilitate the purchase of qualified health plans by qualified individuals and qualified small employers by January 1, 2014 . The bill would create the California Health Trust Fund as a continuously appropriated fund and would enact other related provisions. The bill would also state the intent of the Legislature to enact the necessary statutory changes relative to those federal health care reforms. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Section 1373 of, and to add Section 1367.001 to, the Health and Safety Code, and to amend Section 10277 of, and to add Section 10112.1 to, the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage, and making an appropriation therefor. 
 
AB 1609 Blumenfield D 2010-11 Budget.
  Text Version:  Amended:   6/7/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - Re-referred to Com. on BUDGET.
 
  This bill would make appropriations for support of state government for the 2010-11 fiscal year. This bill contains other related provisions. 
     
  An act making appropriations for the support of the government of the State of California and for several public purposes in accordance with the provisions of Section 12 of Article IV of the Constitution of the State of California, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. 
 
AB 1863 Gaines R Diesel generators: health facilities.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/12/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - From committee: Do pass, and re-refer to Com. on EQ. Re-referred. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 9).
 
  Existing law requires a health facility, as defined, to test its diesel-powered backup generators 12 times a year with testing intervals of not less than 20 days and not more than 40 days, and in accordance with specified test procedures. Violation of these requirements constitutes a crime. These requirements will be repealed on January 1, 2011. This bill would extend this repeal date to January 1, 2016. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Section 41514.1 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to air pollution. 
 
AB 1864 Strickland, Audra R Medi-Cal: HIV drug treatment: developmental services: provider reimbursement.
  Text Version:  Amended:   4/6/2010   pdf   html Position:  Support 
  Status:  6/4/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/21/2010)
 
  Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which basic health care services are provided to qualified low-income persons. This bill would increase, to an amount not to exceed $2,500,000,000, the annual appropriation from the General Fund and from the Federal Trust Fund to the Medical Providers Interim Payment Fund. By increasing the amount transferred into a continuously appropriated fund, this bill would make an appropriation. This bill contains other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Section 16531.1 of the Government Code, relating to Medi-Cal, and making an appropriation therefor. 
 
AB 1872 Galgiani D Health care programs: provider reimbursement rates.
  Text Version:  Amended:   4/6/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
  Calendar:  6/23/2010  1:30 p.m. - John L. Burton Hearing Room (4203)  SENATE HEALTH, ALQUIST, Chair
 
  Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care benefits. This bill would extend the provisions that would be repealed on January 1, 2011, until the earlier of January 1, 2014, or the state's implementation of the provisions expanding Medi-Cal pursuant to the federal Patient and Protection Affordable Care Act. This bill contains other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Section 14105.18 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to health care. 
 
AB 1932 Hernandez D Medi-Cal: ambulance transportation services: reimbursement: service levels.
  Text Version:  Amended:   5/28/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
  Calendar:  6/23/2010  1:30 p.m. - John L. Burton Hearing Room (4203)  SENATE HEALTH, ALQUIST, Chair
 
  Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which health care services, including medical transportation services, are provided to qualified low-income persons. The Medi-Cal program is partially governed and funded under federal Medicaid provisions. Existing law and regulations prescribe various requirements governing payment policies and reimbursement rates for these services. This bill would authorize the department to utilize certain service levels for purposes of determining reimbursement rates for emergency and nonemergency basic life and advance life support transportation and specialty care transportation . If the department utilizes the aforementioned service levels, this bill would require the department to adopt the definitions and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes for those service levels that have been established by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services .  
     
  An act to add Article 5.7 (commencing with Section 14186) to Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. 
 
AB 2025 De La Torre D Medi-Cal: demonstration project.
  Text Version:  Amended:   5/11/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  5/28/2010 - In committee: Set, second hearing. Held under submission.
 
  Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income persons receive health care benefits. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid provisions. This bill would, to the extent necessary to continue the implementation of the Medi-Cal Hospital/Uninsured Care Demonstration Project Act, require the department to submit to CMS, by September 1, 2010, an application for a waiver or a demonstration project . This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Section 14166.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. 
 
AB 2127 Nestande R Medi-Cal: nonemergency transportation services: broker pilot program.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/18/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  4/23/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was HEALTH on 3/4/2010)
 
  Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which basic health care services, including nonemergency medical transportation services, are provided to qualified low-income persons. This bill would require the department to establish a 2-year pilot program in at least 3 consenting counties to evaluate a nonemergency medical transportation model in which the state would contract with a broker to manage the provision of nonemergency medical transportation services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries. This bill contains other related provisions. 
     
  An act to add Section 14133.67 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. 
 
AB 2139 Chesbro D Solid waste: product stewardship.
  Text Version:  Amended:   6/1/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/4/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(11). (Last location was THIRD READING on 6/3/2010)
 
  The California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, administered by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, requires a pharmaceutical manufacturer that sells or distributes medication that is self-injected at home through the use of hypodermic needles and other similar devices to submit a plan to the department that describes how the manufacturer supports the safe collection and proper disposal of the waste devices. This bill would create the California Product Stewardship Act and would require the department, by January 1, 2012, in consultation with specified state agencies, to submit a report to the Legislature recommending that one or more consumer products be included as a covered product for purposes of the act . This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to add Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 48800) to Part 7 of Division 30 of the Public Resources Code, relating to solid waste. 
 
AB 2170 Lowenthal, Bonnie D Health care coverage: prescriptions: formularies.
  Text Version:  Amended:   4/27/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/4/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/19/2010)
 
  Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care and makes a willful violation of the act's requirements a crime. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law prohibits a group health care service plan or health insurer, with regard to a group contract, except as specified, from changing the premium rates or applicable copayments or coinsurances or deductibles during certain time periods. This bill would prohibit a health care service plan or a health insurer covering prescription drug benefits and using a formulary from increasing the applicable copayments or deductibles or coinsurances for prescription drugs for the length of the contract or policy . This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to add Section 1374.205 to the Health and Safety Code, and to add Section 10199.485 to the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage. 
 
AB 2192 Emmerson R Medi-Cal: reimbursement levels.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/18/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  5/7/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was PRINT on 2/18/2010)
 
  Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income persons receive health care benefits. This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to Medi-Cal program provisions.  
     
  An act to repeal Section 14080.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. 
 
AB 2244 Feuer D Health care coverage.
  Text Version:  Amended:   4/27/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
  Calendar:  6/23/2010  1:30 p.m. - John L. Burton Hearing Room (4203)  SENATE HEALTH, ALQUIST, Chair
 
  Existing law provides for the licensing and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law authorizes a health care service plan or health insurer to exclude an applicant from coverage for a specified time for preexisting conditions. A willful violation of provisions governing health care service plans is a crime. This bill would require all health care service plans and insurance carriers that offer health care coverage to children or individuals to offer that coverage, by specified dates, to any child or individual seeking coverage. The bill would also prohibit, by specified dates, the exclusion or limitation of coverage due to any preexisting condition. The bill would further establish and require the implementation of standard risk rates with respect to plan contracts or health benefit plans that provide coverage to children, as specified. The bill would authorize the Department of Managed Health Care and the Department of Insurance to adopt emergency regulations for purposes of implementation. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to add Article 11.7 (commencing with Section 1399.825) to Chapter 2.2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, and to add Chapter 9.7 (commencing with Section 10950) to Part 2 of Division 2 of the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage. 
 
AB 2352 John A. Perez D Medi-Cal: organ transplants: antirejection medication.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/19/2010   pdf   html Position:  Support 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
  Calendar:  6/23/2010  1:30 p.m. - John L. Burton Hearing Room (4203)  SENATE HEALTH, ALQUIST, Chair
 
  Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which basic health care services are provided to qualified low-income persons. Under existing law, organ transplants and donor surgeries are covered as reimbursable services under the Medi-Cal program. This bill would provide that a Medi-Cal beneficiary shall remain eligible to receive Medi-Cal coverage for antirejection medication for up to 2 years following an organ transplant, unless during that period the beneficiary becomes eligible for Medicare or private health insurance that would cover the medication.  
     
  An act to add Section 14132.70 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. 
 
AB 2440 Berryhill, Tom R Uniform Anatomical Gift Act: prison inmates.
  Text Version:  Amended:   4/5/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  4/23/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was HEALTH on 4/21/2010)
 
  Existing law establishes a system of state prisons. This bill would require an inmate, upon admittance to a state prison, to complete a form through which the inmate would give or deny his or her consent to be an organ and tissue donor upon death. This bill contains other existing laws. 
     
  An act to add Section 7150.16 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to anatomical gifts. 
 
AB 2477 Jones D Medi-Cal: continuous eligibility.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/19/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
 
  Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which basic health care services are provided to qualified low-income persons. The Medi-Cal program is partially governed and funded under federal Medicaid provisions. This bill would delete the above-described provisions in effect until July 1, 2012. This bill would delete the delayed operative date of July 1, 2012, for the above-described provisions that provide that the continuous eligibility period shall be from the date of a determination of eligibility to the earlier of either the end of a 12-month period following the eligibility determination or the date the child exceeds 19 years of age, thereby making those provisions operative on and after January 1, 2011. This bill contains other existing laws. 
     
  An act to repeal and amend Section 14005.25 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. 
 
AB 2491 Adams R Medical liens.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/19/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  5/7/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was JUD. on 3/18/2010)
 
  Existing law provides, other things being equal, different liens upon the same property have priority according to the time of their creation, except as specified. This bill would provide that the provider of any medical care or services to an injured party shall have an implied lien upon any damages recovered by that person by judgment, settlement, or compromise in the amount of the reasonable charges of the provider for that care or services, if the attorney for the injured party submits a claim for settlement purposes to an insurance company for that medical care or services on behalf of the injured party. The implied lien would be limited in application to only the attorney, and would not apply as to the insurance company. This bill contains other existing laws. 
     
  An act to add Section 3041 to the Civil Code, relating to medical liens. 
 
AB 2559 John A. Perez D Social security numbers.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/19/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  4/23/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was JUD. on 3/18/2010)
 
  Existing law, the Information Practices Act of 1977, regulates the power of certain state agencies to possess and disclose personal information. Existing law, with certain exceptions, prohibits the disclosure of a person's social number. This bill would prohibit a state agency, as defined, from requiring an applicant for any benefit, service, or privilege, or for participation in any program to provide his or her social security number unless the agency is otherwise expressly required by law to require that the applicant provide the social security number as a precondition to participation in the program or for receipt of the benefit, service, or privilege. This bill would similarly prohibit the agency from retaining the person's social security number, and require the agency to conform their application forms.  
     
  An act to amend Section 1798.17 of, and to add Section 1798.87 to, the Civil Code, relating to information practices. 
 
AB 2688 Silva R Nonprofit mutual benefit corporations.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/19/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  5/7/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was PRINT on 2/19/2010)
 
  Existing law, the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law, authorizes formation of a corporation under the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law for any lawful purpose, except if all the corporation's assets are irrevocably dedicated to charitable, religious, or public purposes, as specified. This bill would make a nonsubstantive change to these provisions.  
     
  An act to amend Section 7110 of the Corporations Code, relating to nonprofit corporations. 
 
HR 31 De La Torre D Relative to the Legislative Task Force on Chronic Kidney Disease.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   6/10/2010   pdf   html Position:  Pending 
  Status:  6/11/2010 - From printer.
 
   
     
  Relative to the Legislative Task Force on Chronic Kidney Disease. 
 
SB 227 Alquist D Health care coverage: temporary high risk pool.
  Text Version:  Amended:   6/3/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - Re-referred to Com. on HEALTH.
  Calendar:  6/15/2010  1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 4202  ASSEMBLY HEALTH, MONNING, Chair
 
  Existing law, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, requires the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a temporary high risk health insurance pool program to provide health insurance coverage for eligible individuals until January 1, 2014. Existing law authorizes the secretary to implement this program directly or through contracts with eligible entities, including states, and requires that federal money made available pursuant to these provisions be used to establish a qualified high risk pool that meets certain requirements. This bill would require MRMIB to enter into an agreement with the federal Department of Health and Human Services to administer a qualified high risk pool to provide health coverage, until January 1, 2014, to specified individuals who have preexisting conditions, consistent with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2020. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Sections 1389.25 and 1389.4 of the Health and Safety Code, and to amend Sections 10113.9 and 10113.95 of, and to add and repeal Part 6.6 (commencing with Section 12739.5) of Division 2 of, the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage. 
 
SB 732 Alquist D Medi-Cal: skilled nursing facilities: quality assurance fees.
  Text Version:  Amended:   3/8/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  3/8/2010 - From committee with author's amendments. Read second time. Amended. Re-referred to Com. on HEALTH.
  Calendar:  6/29/2010  1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 4202  ASSEMBLY HEALTH, MONNING, Chair
 
  Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation by the State Department of Public Health of long-term health care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities. Existing law requires the department to impose a uniform quality assurance fee on each skilled nursing facility, with certain exceptions, in accordance with a prescribed formula. The formula is based on the determination of the projected net revenues of skilled nursing facilities. The fee will cease to be assessed and collected on and after July 31, 2011. This bill would permit provider bulletins or similar instructions related to exemptions from the quality assurance fee for providers of a continuum of services, including independent living services, assisted living services, and skilled nursing care on a single campus that have not received a Letter of Exemption from the State Department of Social Services, as specified , issued prior to July 31, 2010, to remain in effect after July 31, 2010. It would also authorize the director to issue new provider bulletins or similar instructions, after July 31, 2010, related to exemptions from the quality assurance fee for providers of a continuum of services, including independent living services, assisted living services, and skilled nursing care on a single campus that have not received a Letter of Exemption from the State Department of Social Services, as specified . This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Section 1324.23 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to Medi-Cal, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. 
 
SB 771 Alquist D Medi-Cal: continuous eligibility: semiannual status reports.
  Text Version:  Amended:   1/26/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  2/11/2010 - To Com. on HEALTH.
 
  Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which basic health care services are provided to qualified low-income persons. The Medi-Cal program is partially governed and funded under federal Medicaid provisions. This bill would, instead, provide that the provisions limiting continuous eligibility to 6 months shall be inoperative from March 27, 2009, until the date the director executes a declaration specifying that increased federal financial participation is no longer available pursuant to ARRA or any subsequent federal legislation that amends ARRA to maintain or extend increased federal financial pa rticipation for 2 calendar quarters . This bill contains other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Section 14005.25 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. 
 
SB 810 Leno D Single-payer health care coverage.
  Text Version:  Amended:   1/13/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - To Com. on HEALTH.
 
  Existing law does not provide a system of universal health care coverage for California residents. Existing law provides for the creation of various programs to provide health care services to persons who have limited incomes and meet various eligibility requirements. These programs include the Healthy Families Program administered by the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, and the Medi-Cal program administered by the State Department of Health Care Services. Existing law provides for the regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care and health insurers by the Department of Insurance. This bill would establish the California Healthcare System to be administered by the newly created California Healthcare Agency under the control of a Healthcare Commissioner appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate. The bill would make all California residents eligible for specified health care benefits under the California Healthcare System, which would, on a single-payer basis, negotiate for or set fees for health care services provided through the system and pay claims for those services. The bill would provide that a resident of the state with a household income, as specified, at or below 200% of the federal poverty level would be eligible for the type of benefits provided under the Medi-Cal program. The bill would require the commissioner to seek all necessary waivers, exemptions, agreements, or legislation to allow various existing federal, state, and local health care payments to be paid to the California Healthcare System, which would then assume responsibility for all benefits and services previously paid for with those funds. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to add Division 114 (commencing with Section 140000) to the Health and Safety Code, relating to health care coverage. 
 
SB 874 Ducheny D 2010-11 Budget.
  Text Version:  Amended:   6/9/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/9/2010 - From committee with author's amendments. Read second time. Amended. Re-referred to Com. on B. & F.R.
 
  This bill would make appropriations for support of state government for the 2010-11 fiscal year. This bill contains other related provisions. 
     
  An act making appropriations for the support of the government of the State of California and for several public purposes in accordance with the provisions of Section 12 of Article IV of the Constitution of the State of California, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. 
 
SB 890 Alquist D Health care coverage.
  Text Version:  Amended:   5/20/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - To Com. on HEALTH.
 
  Existing law, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, on and after January 1, 2014, requires a health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in the individual or small group market to accept every employer and individual in the state that applies for that coverage, as specified, and requires those issuers to ensure that the coverage includes a specified essential benefits package. Among other things, the act allows premiums for that coverage to vary only by rating area, age, tobacco use, and whether the coverage is for an individual or family, as specified. This bill would require plans and insurers issuing individual coverage to make certain standard benefit plan designs available to individuals, would require that these designs be offered in five different coverage choice categories, as specified, and would require a plan or insurer to offer and market one standard benefit plan design in each category. The bill would require plans to, on and after July 1, 2011, discontinue offering and selling benefit plan designs other than the standard benefit plan designs, but would require plans and insurers to renew benefit plan designs issued prior to that date until July 1, 2012. The bill would allow a subscriber or policyholder of an individual contract or policy, on the annual renewal date of that contract or policy, to transfer on a guarantee issue basis to another benefit plan design issued by his or her plan or insurer or a benefit plan design issued by another plan or insurer, provided that the new plan design is in the same or a lower coverage choice category or has an equal or lower actuarial value, as specified. The bill would require plans and insurers to provide notice of these transfer rights in their evidence of coverage and in notices regarding changes to premiums or coverage. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Sections 1363 and 1389.25 of, to add Sections 1367.001 and 1378.1 to, and to add Article 4.1 (commencing with Section 1366.10) to Chapter 2.2 of Division 2 of, the Health and Safety Code, and to amend Sections 10113.9, 10603, and 10604 of, to add Sections 10112.56, 10112.7, and 10604.2 to, and to add Chapter 9.6 (commencing with Section 10960) to Part 2 of Division 2 of, the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage. 
 
SB 900 Alquist D California Health Benefits Exchange.
  Text Version:  Amended:   5/20/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - To Com. on HEALTH.
 
  Existing law, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, requires each state to, by January 1, 2014, establish an American Health Benefit Exchange that makes available qualified health plans to qualified individuals and qualified employers, as specified, and meets certain other requirements. Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care and the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law creates the California Health and Human Services Agency, which consists of various departments. This bill would establish the California Health Benefits Exchange (the Exchange) within the California Health and Human Services Agency and would require the Exchange to, among other things, implement specified functions imposed by the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in a consumer-friendly manner, enter into contracts with health care service plans and health insurers seeking to offer coverage in the Exchange, and provide a choice in each region of the state between 5 levels of coverage, as specified. The bill would authorize the Exchange to take other various actions and would require the Exchange to be governed by a board composed of 8 members appointed by the Governor and the Legislature in a specified manner. The bill would create the California Health Benefits Exchange Fund in the State Treasury and would authorize the board to use moneys in the fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for purposes of these provisions. The bill would also require the California Health and Human Services Agency to apply for and receive federal funds for purposes of establishing the Exchange and would make those funds available to the agency and the board for those purposes upon appropriation by the Legislature.  
     
  An act to add Division 114 (commencing with Section 135000) to the Health and Safety Code, relating to health care coverage. 
 
SB 966 Alquist D Medi-Cal: medical homes.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/5/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/4/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/27/2010)
 
  Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which health care services are provided to qualified low-income recipients. One of the methods by which these services are provided is pursuant to contracts with various types of managed care plans. This bill would require the department to develop a definition of "medical home," as specified. This bill would also require the department to establish a timetable for Medi-Cal managed care plans to provide beneficiaries with a medical home.  
     
  An act to add Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14183) to Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. 
 
SB 1104 Cedillo D Health care coverage: diabetes-related complications.
  Text Version:  Amended:   4/27/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/4/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/27/2010)
 
  Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care and makes a willful violation of the act a crime. Existing law also provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law requires specified health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies to provide coverage for certain equipment, supplies, and medications for the treatment of diabetes, including podiatric devices to prevent or treat diabetes-related complications. Existing law also requires a plan or insurer to provide coverage for diabetes outpatient self-management training, education, and medical nutrition therapy necessary to enable an enrollee or insured to properly use the equipment, supplies, and medications. This bill would require health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies to also provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes-related complications, as defined . Because a willful violation of this requirement by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to amend Section 1367.51 of the Health and Safety Code, and to amend Section 10176.61 of the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage. 
 
SB 1132 Negrete McLeod D Healing arts.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   2/18/2010   pdf   html Position:  Watch 
  Status:  6/4/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(11). (Last location was RLS. on 2/25/2010)
 
  Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of various healing arts practitioners and requires a healing arts practitioner, as defined, to wear a name tag while working that discloses his or her name and license status in at least 18-point type, except as specified. This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to that provision.  
     
  An act to amend Section 680 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts. 
 
SB 1335 Cox R Employment: working hours.
  Text Version:  Amended:   4/6/2010   pdf   html Position:  Support 
  Status:  4/23/2010 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was I.R. on 4/14/2010)
 
  Existing law, with certain exceptions, establishes 8 hours as a day's work and a 40-hour workweek, and requires payment of prescribed overtime compensation for additional hours worked. Existing law authorizes the adoption by 2/3 of employees in a work unit of alternative workweek schedules providing for workdays no longer than 10 hours within a 40-hour workweek. This bill would permit an individual nonexempt employee to request an employee-selected flexible work schedule providing for workdays up to 10 hours per day within a 40-hour workweek, and would allow an employer to implement this schedule without any obligation to pay overtime compensation. The bill would require the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement in the Department of Industrial Relations to enforce this provision and adopt regulations.  
     
  An act to amend Section 510 of, and to add Section 511.5 to, the Labor Code, relating to employment. 
 
SB 1395 Alquist D Organ donation.
  Text Version:  Amended:   5/12/2010   pdf   html Position:  Support 
  Status:  6/10/2010 - To Coms. on HEALTH and TRANS.
  Calendar:  6/22/2010  1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 4202  ASSEMBLY HEALTH, MONNING, CHAIR
 
  Existing law authorizes the creation of a not-for-profit entity to be designated as the California Organ and Tissue Donor Registrar and authorizes the establishment and maintenance of the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry for persons who have identified themselves as organ and tissue donors upon their death. This bill would authorize the creation of a not-for-profit entity to be designated as the Altruistic Living Donor Registrar and authorizes the establishment and maintenance of the Altruistic Living Donor Registry for persons who would like to identify themselves as kidney donors during their lifetime. This bill would also permit the registry to include persons who identify themselves as donors of organs and tissue other than kidneys if the registrar makes a specified finding. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. 
     
  An act to add Chapter 3.56 (commencing with Section 7152) to Part 1 of Division 7 of the Health and Safety Code, and to amend Section 12811 of the Vehicle Code, relating to organ donation. 
 
SCR 111 Wright D California Chronic Kidney Disease Education Week.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   6/3/2010   pdf   html Position:  Support 
  Status:  6/3/2010 - Introduced. To Com. on RLS.
 
  This measure would proclaim November 7 through November 13, 2010, as California Chronic Kidney Disease Education Week, and would urge all Californians to familiarize themselves with the causes of chronic kidney disease and the importance of intervention to promote sustained health and a better quality of life.  
     
  Relative to California Chronic Kidney Disease Education Week. 
 
SJR 13 Oropeza D New dialysis clinic licensure and certification.
  Text Version:  Introduced:   6/2/2009   pdf   html Position:  Sponsor 
  Status:  8/20/2009 - To Com. on HEALTH.
  Calendar:  6/15/2010  1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 4202  ASSEMBLY HEALTH, MONNING, Chair
 
  This measure would urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to adopt regulations, and the Congress and the President of the United States to enact legislation, to improve the system and speed up the process for timely licensure and certification surveys of new dialysis clinics.  
     
  Relative to new dialysis clinic licensure and certification.