BILL NUMBER:  AB 540
  VETOED	DATE: 09/29/2012




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 540 without my signature.

I commend the author for his efforts to mitigate the risks of alcohol
and drug use for pregnant women and women of childbearing age in the
Medi-Cal program.

The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires
comprehensive health care coverage to be provided in the private
market and through public programs. Rather than embarking on this
piecemeal effort, my administration will consider whether a more
comprehensive approach to screening ? for all Medi-Cal beneficiaries,
including pregnant women and women of childbearing age ? is
possible, as we implement the changes that are necessary to comply
with the Affordable Care Act.

Sincerely,



Edmund G. Brown Jr.