As the 2024 California legislative session nears its end, the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) remains steadfast in its advocacy for physicians and patients. We've been closely tracking several key bills that could significantly impact healthcare delivery and physician practice across the state.
Key Bills on LACMA's Radar
AB 977: Enhancing Safety in Emergency Departments: This bill proposes increased penalties for assaulting healthcare workers in emergency departments, aiming to create a stronger deterrent against violence. The bill seeks to align penalties with those for assaults on other emergency responders.
AB 2164: Reforming Physician Licensure: This bill aims to reform the physician licensure process by prohibiting the Medical Board of California from requiring applicants to disclose certain health conditions that do not impair their ability to practice safely. This legislation seeks to reduce stigma around mental health and encourage physicians to seek treatment without fear of licensure repercussions.
SB 963: Supporting Victims of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence: This bill mandates that general acute care hospitals implement systems for patients to self-identify as victims of human trafficking or domestic violence, aiming to improve identification, support, and data collection on these critical issues.
SB 1120: Ensuring Physician Oversight in AI-Driven Healthcare Decisions: This bill seeks to ensure physician oversight in healthcare decisions involving artificial intelligence and other software tools. It requires licensed physician supervision for AI tools used in healthcare decision-making, mandating fair application and prohibiting discrimination.
The Legislative Process: Final Stages | Most of these bills are currently in the engrossing and enrolling stage, a crucial phase where the final version is carefully reviewed and prepared before reaching the Governor. The Governor then has until Sept 30th to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without signature.
LACMA will continue to closely monitor these bills as they progress. We encourage all members to stay informed and engaged, as your voice matters in shaping California's healthcare future.
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