BILL NUMBER: SB 1204 VETOED DATE: 09/29/2006 To the Members of the California State Senate: I am returning Senate Bill 1204 without my signature. This bill would require hospitals to implement zero-lift policies relative to the lifting and movement of patients and is similar to measures I vetoed in each of the past two years. Last year, I expressed concern regarding the inflexible requirements imposed by the bill, but indicated a willingness to consider a mandate if hospitals did not take action to enact lift policies voluntarily. Since my veto message of last year, hospitals of all sizes from throughout the state have reported on progress made in implementing lift policies. I applaud their efforts and encourage the continued development of these policies. I believe this is proof that allowing hospitals the flexibility to implement lift policies that meet their individual needs is far more effective than imposing a rigid one-size-fits-all mandate on every hospital in California. Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger