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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) congratulates the physician anesthesiologists throughout California who responded to the California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) call to reach out to their lawmakers and oppose, AB 1400, single payer legislation. Among other things, the measure supported Medicare as reasonable fee-for-service payment rates. The California Nurses Association sponsored the legislation. The bill passed out of two committees but needed to advance from the State Assembly by January 31, the state’s cross-over deadline for legislation. CSA and a number of other organizations opposed this measure ̶ including the California Medical Association, the California Hospital Association, and California’s business community led by the California Chamber of Commerce. Through these combined lobbying efforts and numerous professionals directly reaching out to their lawmakers on a time sensitive matter, lawmakers were educated on the detrimental effects of the legislation on the quality and access to care in the state. This effort illustrates the value of the House of Medicine partnering with broad coalitions to defeat measures bad for patients, physicians, and the economy.
The topic may next be considered as a statewide ballot initiative in 2024 given two failed attempts in the previous five years to pass the legislation.
Grassroots alerts are important and only make a difference when physicians respond promptly to these action requests. During legislative sessions, every call to action is important. Physicians are strongly encouraged to take an action when they receive an ASA or component society grassroots alert. For those not already receiving the alerts, join the ASA Grassroots Network for more information on how to get involved and receive information.
