Healthcare Legislation to Watch

A.B.410, introduced by Vince Fong (R-34), would add California to the more than 30 other states in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows RNs and LVNs with valid multistate licenses to practice in any compact state.

Proponents say joining the compact would make it easier for California nurses to work in other states and help hospitals respond more quickly to nursing shortages.

Opponents, including some nursing unions, argue that the compact costs local jobs and lowers the standards for nurse training and education to the level of the least-stringent compact state.

Another concern is discipline: While state licensing boards can restrict a nurse from practicing in their states, only the home state can take adverse action against a nurse’s multistate license.

Neither the ANA\C nor the California Nurses Association (CNA) have yet announced official positions on A.B.410, but the CNA previously opposed a similar bill, S.B.1053, which died in committee in 2020.

A.B.858: Health Information Technology

If your hospital adopts healthcare AI or other algorithm-based systems, should you have the authority to override the system’s judgments if they aren’t in the patient’s best interests?

A.B.858, introduced by Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Sr. (D-59), would ensure clinicians’ right to do that, while also protecting them from employer retaliation. The bill also gives direct patient care providers a voice in health information technology decisions.

The ANA\C hasn’t announced a position on this bill, but the CNA, which sponsored A.B.858, argues that it’s a necessary measure to protect patient safety and address the racial bias in modern commercial algorithms.

A.B.858 passed the Assembly on a vote of 52–15 and is now being considered in the State Senate.

Find more information about these bills at www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

In this Article: ANA, Legislation and Public Policy, Technology and EHR