BILL ANALYSIS AB 2699 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 19, 2010 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair AB 2699 (Bass) - As Amended: May 12, 2010 Policy Committee: Business & Professions Vote: 11-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill establishes the framework for the regulation of licensed health care professionals from other states who come to California on a short-term basis to provide health care at free health care clinics sponsored by not-for-profit or community-based organizations. Specifically, this bill: 1)Establishes parameters for the temporary licensure of health care professionals including physicians, surgeons, dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, and physician assistants. 2)Specifies short-term voluntary services are provided for a period of no more than 10 days in duration. 3)Requires the sponsoring organization to register with the applicable healing arts board under the California Department of Consumer Affairs. FISCAL EFFECT Unknown, likely absorbable workload to healing arts fee-supported professional boards to account for intermittent temporary licensure of various health professionals. COMMENTS 1) Rationale . This bill establishes oversight of providers and patients providing free care in events such as the one recently sponsored by the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Volunteer Corps in Los Angeles County. Several weeks ago RAM provided care to more than 6,000 uninsured patients, including 4,000 AB 2699 Page 2 dental visits; 2,000 HIV tests, 1,200 acupuncture visits, 800 podiatry appointments; 500 women's health exams, and 400 mammograms. Under current law, there are no explicit provisions to provide authority and oversight for such short-term and large scale events with providers who are not licensed within California. 2) Background . The RAM Volunteer Corps is a non-profit, volunteer group dedicated to providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance. Founded in 1985, RAM relies on volunteer doctors, nurses, pilots, veterinarians, and support workers who provide care at their own expense. Generally medical supplies, medicines, facilities and vehicles are donated. Analysis Prepared by : Mary Ader / APPR. / (916) 319-2081