SB 717 (Dodd) would update the current Medi-Cal CRT standards and incorporate current definitions of services and the need for qualified professionals to perform those assessments. The bill was sponsored by NCART and is supported by CAMPS. SB 717 would also eliminate the current 10% provider rate cut that has existed since 2009 on CRT.
SB 717 passed the Senate Health Committee on a unanimous vote and now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Here is a press release from Senator Dodd on the action yesterday.
New Bill Mandates Additional Hazard Pay for Health Care Workers
AB 650 (Muratsuchi) was recently amended to require a wide variety of health care providers, including DME/Medical supply providers, to provide hazard premium pay in the amount of $5 per hour worked retroactive to 1/1/21. It would only apply to health care entities with 100 or more employees so it would not apply to all provider entities.
CAMPS has joined a coalition of provider entities to oppose AB 650. It would have a devastating effect on many providers who have already struggled with increased costs of providing equipment and services during the PHE. Provider reimbursement has not been increased to account for those costs and no one had assumed this new expense could be imposed. AB 650 will be heard in the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee on April 23rd.
