An attempt to regulate dialysis clinics is back on the ballot in 2020. Prop. 23 is another chance for voters to regulate the dialysis clinic industry.
Here's what your vote would mean according to Ballotpedia:
A "yes" vote supports this ballot initiative to require chronic dialysis clinics to: have an on-site physician while patients are being treated; report data on dialysis-related infections; obtain consent from the state health department before closing a clinic; and not discriminate against patients based on the source of payment for care.
A "no" vote opposes this ballot initiative to require chronic dialysis clinics to: have an on-site physician while patients are being treated; report data on dialysis-related infections; obtain consent from the state health department before closing a clinic; and not discriminate against patients based on the source of payment for care.
If passed, Proposition 23 would require at least one licensed physician on site during treatment at outpatient kidney dialysis clinics. It also authorizes the California Department of Public Health to exempt clinics from this requirement if there is a shortage of qualified licensed physicians and the clinic has at least one nurse practitioner or physician assistant on site.
The initiative would also:
- Requires clinics to report dialysis-related infection data to state and federal governments.
- Prohibits clinics from closing or reducing services without state approval.
- Prohibits clinics from refusing to treat patients based on the source of payment for care.
If passed, Prop. 23 would require dialysis clinics to have at least one licensed physician present at the clinic while patients are being treated. It would also require the clinics to report the number of infections related to the dialysis to the state health department and the National Healthcare Safety Network.
KFI's Kris Ankarlo spoke with both sides in the latest episode of Propositioned!
Guests:
DeWayne Cox, patient advocate, No on 23
Steve Trossman, director public affairs SEIU-UHW
Photo: Getty Images