Results for: Medical Licensing

A bill introduced in the California legislature would allow abortion providers in Arizona to quickly obtain temporary medical licenses to practice in California, in response to an influx of patients from states that have outlawed the procedure. The proposal comes as Arizona recently ruled that a 160-year-old law criminalizing nearly all abortions can go into effect, overriding an existing 15-week ban. Members of California’s Legislative Women’s Caucus and Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced the bill, explaining that Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes had reached out to her California counterpart, fellow Democrat Rob Bonta, about the idea. The bill aims to expedite the passage ahead of June 8, when Arizona’s abortion restrictions are set to kick in. California lawmakers and advocates for the new legislation emphasized that it is a temporary solution, as the patchwork of abortion access laws across the country following the overturning of Roe v. Wade is unfortunate and no one should have to travel out of state for healthcare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker temporarily relaxed a requirement that physician assistants (PAs) work under the supervision of a physician. This move aimed to address staff shortages and ensure continuity of care. Now, a proposed bill before the Legislature seeks to permanently remove this requirement, allowing PAs to practice independently. Proponents argue that this will improve access to healthcare and remove barriers to care.