Governor Signs Local Senator's Bill Lifting Restrictions on Out-of-State Docs

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA -- A Riverside County lawmaker's bill to permit out-of- state doctors to practice voluntarily for extended periods at free clinics in California in an effort to increase physician availability in under-served areas was signed into law today by the governor.

"This is an important law for many parts of our state, especially the Coachella Valley, where many retired and semi-retired doctors come to spend the winter months," said Sen. Jeff Stone, R-Palm Desert. "Health clinics often call on these doctors to volunteer at community events and health screenings, but those doctors have been limited by state law."

Under existing law, visiting physicians who are in good standing in their home states are allowed to render unpaid services at sponsored events and nonprofit clinics, often utilized by the indigent, but the doctors generally cannot practice for more than 10 consecutive days, even though they're working for charity. To go beyond the 10-day threshold, they must first obtain a license from the Medical Board of California and pay applicable fees.

Stone's bill establishes fee exemptions and grants physicians, including dentists and osteopaths, a two-year "limited license" to practice for charity.

The senator, who is a licensed pharmacist, noted that many semi-retired and retired medical practitioners reside in the Coachella Valley, at least seasonally, and make themselves available at health events and clinics.

In the last seven years, sponsored events in Los Angeles County delivered medical services to more than 19,000 uninsured and under-insured patients, whose doctors, dentists and nurses worked without pay, according to the nonprofit Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps.

"Allowing these skilled physicians to give their time to assist residents of the Coachella Valley, and other regions of California where medical care can be scarce, will help improve the lives of children and families across our state," Stone said. "I thank Governor (Jerry) Brown for signing this important piece of legislation."

SB 1261, which received unanimous support in both houses of the Legislature, takes effect on Jan. 1.

--City News Service. Image via State of California