The GCVCC Legislative Advocacy Committee has taken a position of opposition to California Proposition 23.  The Proposition would require a physician on-site at dialysis clinics and consent from the state for a clinic to close. The Chamber believes as written the measure would significantly increase the cost of health care and reduce care options for patients in need of this critical service.

CalChamber Analysis:

Appearing as Proposition 23 on the November 3, 2020 ballot, The Protect the Lives of Dialysis Patients Act mandates that each of the roughly 600 dialysis clinics in California have a physician on the premises during all operating hours, in a non-caregiving role.

The CalChamber Board of Directors based its decision to oppose the measure on the fact that, if passed, Proposition 23 would drive up the cost of health care and reduce care options for sick patients.

A study by the Berkeley Research Group found the measure’s physician requirement would increase dialysis treatment costs by $320 million every year. According to the independent, nonpartisan Legislative Analyst, this provision would result in “Increased state and local health care costs…resulting from increased dialysis treatment costs.” These increased costs will be passed on to all Californians in the form of higher insurance premiums and higher taxes for government-sponsored health care.