California enacts new laws on nurse staffing, balance billing

A flurry of legislative activity in California in September included several new laws that will impact healthcare in the state.

Some, like the so-called “surprise medical bill” law on reimbursement for out-of-network providers at an in-network clinic, have garnered plenty of attention. But California Healthline took a look at four other pieces of legislation recently signed by Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown.

The most notable deals with staffing requirements in observation units. Backed by the California Nurses Association, the legislation requires hospitals to have the same nurses-to-patient ratios in those units as in emergency departments. It also includes a new reporting requirement for hospitals to compile observational unit care reports to the state’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.

For more on other new laws that deal with opioid prescriptions and care for children with severe conditions including cancer or cerebral palsy, click on the link below: