BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 599
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Date of Hearing: April 22, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
AB
599 (Bonilla) - As Amended April 6, 2015
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill authorizes a licensed cytotechnologist to perform all
tests and procedures pertaining to cytology.
AB 599
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FISCAL EFFECT:
Costs to promulgate regulations to the California Department of
Public Health (CDPH) of $115,000 per year for two years
(Clinical Laboratory Improvement Fund, which is supported by
license fees). Ongoing costs are projected to be minor and
absorbable.
COMMENTS:
1)Purpose. The author indicates California's regulatory
restrictions on the practice of cytology, which is the study
of human cells to detect cancer or other abnormalities, are
out of date with current technology. Other states allow a more
expansive scope of practice that reflects current technology.
According to the author, keeping scope of practice aligned
with best practices in the field is critical to keeping jobs
in the state and ensuring an adequate supply of
cytotechnologists. The bill is co-sponsored by the California
Society of Pathologists and the California Association of
Cytotechnologists, and there is no opposition.
2)Background. Cytological tests are used to determine what the
cells look like and whether they are abnormal. For example, a
pap smear is a common cytological test. Cytologists work
closely with pathologists, who usually perform confirmatory
testing on specimens to identify and diagnose abnormalities.
Cytotechnologists are regulated by CDPH under the Laboratory
Field Services program. There are 770 active
cytotechnologists in the state, and about 20 new licenses are
issued per year. The costs of an initial license is $175.
The field of cytology is evolving as new tests are being
developed, including molecular and genetic tests that rely on
AB 599
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advanced tools other than microscopes and slides. Because the
new techniques are not limited to microscopes or slides,
cytotechnologists are not authorized in California to perform
them.
3)Related Legislation. AB 940 (Ridley-Thomas), pending in the
Assembly Business and Professions Committee, would create two
new license categories in reproductive biology and biochemical
genetics.
Analysis Prepared by:Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916)
319-2081