BILL NUMBER:  SB 196
  VETOED	DATE: 10/11/2009




To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 196 without my signature.

While I share the author's concern about the significant strain being
placed on our emergency room network in California, I cannot support
a bill that would mandate a hospital to maintain specific services
when those services are not a requirement of licensure.  Forcing
hospitals to keep an emergency room open, especially when they are
closing because of financial circumstances, will only jeopardize
patient care due to the rapid attrition of medical and nursing staff,
as well as suppliers.

For this reason, I am unable to sign this bill.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger