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