SACRAMENTO - The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee today killed Senate Bills 1053 and 1054, legislation authored by Senator John M. W. Moorlach, R-Costa Mesa, which would have increased access to medical care providers by allowing for multi-state licensing for nurses and physical therapists.
The two measures would have joined California into the Nurse and Physical Therapy Licensure Compacts. “I am deeply disappointed with this decision as five Democrats lack the vision to improve healthcare for Californians in need. SB 1053 would have been a huge step forward in preparing for future surges in COVID-19 and other potential emergencies,” said Moorlach. “In addition, SB 1053 and SB 1054 would have greatly eased barriers for military spouses, increased access to tele-health in underserved communities, and reduced costs in our healthcare system. I am committed to continuing this fight for mobility and flexibility in California’s healthcare system.”
Moorlach’s legislation garnered the support of a broad and diverse coalition of stakeholders, including the California Hospital Association, the California Physical Therapists Association, the California Association of Health Facilities, the United States Department of Defense, the AARP, and the California Telehealth Network. The full support list is available below. SB 1054 (Physical Therapy) did not receive any formal opposition and SB 1053 (Nursing) only received formal opposition from the California Nurses Association. Nonetheless, five Democrats on the committee voted to oppose both measures.
“I am very appreciative of my Democratic colleagues, Senator Cathleen Galgiani and Senator Bill Dodd, who put patients before union pressure and supported these proposals,” Moorlach said.
For more information on SB 1053 and SB 1054, visit https://moorlach.cssrc.us/legislation.
State Senator John M. W. Moorlach represents the 37th district of California which encompasses Costa Mesa, Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, Tustin, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Orange. Senator Moorlach is a trained Certified Financial Planner and the only trained CPA in the California Senate.