By Eric Dowdy, Chief Government Affairs Officer, LeadingAge California
As the state grapples to contain the Delta variant of the virus that causes SARS-CoV-2, providers are bracing for a new round of tightening screening, vaccinations, and doubling down on encouraging vaccinations and infection control measures. As of this writing, the Governor has required healthcare professionals and state employees to get vaccinations or submit to frequent (up to twice a week) testing.
While nearly 70 percent of the adult population in the United States has received at least one does of the vaccine, COVID-19 is a prominent example of the ways that healthcare disparities affect real world outcomes. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s latest data, only 30 percent of vaccinations have gone to Hispanic people. However, this population accounts for 63 percent of cases, 48 percent of deaths and 40 percent of the total state population. The data appears to be improving for Black and Asian American Californians. A report published earlier this year by the California Budget & Policy Center urged the state to declare racism a public health crisis, citing systemic inequities in housing, environment, employment, healthcare, education and the justice system.
The Legislature has introduced legislation to begin to ameliorate some of these issues. Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) authored AB 4, which removes immigration status when determining eligibility for full scope Medi-Cal. These provisions were enacted in a subsequent budget trailer bill (AB 133), which was signed by Governor Newsom in late July.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) has introduced AB 1204, which would require hospitals to publish an annual “Equity Report” and submit it to the state. The report would include an analysis of health status and access to care based on aging, sex, race, ethnicity, language, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity and payor as well as metrics established by AHRQ quality indicators and pay data for hospital employees.
The Legislature is also considering including implicit bias training into nursing curriculums, continued education and hospital in-service training. Assemblymember Autumn Burke (D-Inglewood) introduced AB 1407 which is supported by nurses unions. Finally, Senator Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) is working to establish a new Office of Racial Equity governed by an advisory council. SB 17 would also require state agencies to develop and submit a Racial Equity Plan to the Office for review and approval.
Finally, as previously reported, LeadingAge California has established a new Equity Cabinet to provide recommendations to increase diversity and equity in our field. The Cabinet’s work is underway, and we look forward to moving forward substantial proposals that address these long-standing issues in the healthcare sector. As LeadingAge California members, you are key to that effort, and we look forward to continuing this critical work in partnership.
