Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes
Here is a summary of the meeting:
The UAPD, celebrating 52 years in business and present in six states, primarily consists of MDs, NPs, mid-levels, and some dentists. George Osborne, hired by Dr. Weinmann over 20 years ago, attended the meeting. Two UAPD-sponsored bills were signed by the governor, but SB636, despite multiple attempts over 20 years, remains vetoed. Private sector doctors can join UAPD for an annual fee of $477. The governor signed AB310, addressing data collection disparities between private and public sector services. LA County doctors, with about 1,200 members, considered a strike last year. UAPD successfully introduced AB2889 to remove punitive sanctions for unlawful strikes. The state is hiring private doctors over civil service ones, leading to a disparity in pay. Current bills include one from Assemblywoman Baines and another from Dr. Joaquin Arrambula, an ER doctor. Dr. Weber, a pediatrician from San Diego, is also involved. The supervision of NPs has been a long-standing issue, with full autonomy at the county level but not at the state level. The UAPD is concerned about scope creep and the increasing roles of mid-levels. Psychiatry needs more doctors, and there is a high turnover due to term limits. The Medical Board, now more political, is seen as disciplining doctors rather than supporting them. Dr. Klingman discussed the need for supervision of NPs. Johanna raised concerns about Medicare privatization and lack of oversight. Dr. Klingman suggested a union for private doctors. Specialists face billing challenges, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield are accused of defrauding Medicare. Hospitals are losing money and closing. The Workers Compensation doctors are exempt from duty of care. The UAPD is considering a lawsuit for discrimination and working with the California Chamber of Commerce. The idea is to involve Public Employees in Workers Compensation cases. Newsom, seen as healthcare-friendly, will be replaced in 2026. The UAPD's agenda includes engaging neurologists in the legislature and addressing issues like drug expenses and transportation for epilepsy patients. Prior authorization for neurology should involve independent neurologists, and there are concerns about the cost and effectiveness of prior authorizations. The UAPD is considering a referendum on concussions.
