Committee Approves Sen. Dodd’s Hospital Pandemic and Emergency Response Bill

SACRAMENTO – Legislation advanced today from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to help California hospitals respond to public health crises including pandemics and other emergencies by expanding insurance coverage and removing burdensome prior authorization requirements from insurance companies.

“The pandemic, destructive wildfires and other natural disasters have been hard on California hospitals,” Sen. Dodd said. “When a public emergency strikes, they need to be able to respond. This bill will help them adapt to fast-changing conditions, serving patients as quickly as possible. I appreciate committee members for approving this commonsense measure.”

Sen. Dodd’s bill, Senate Bill 979, relaxes insurance restrictions for patients seeking treatment outside of their network coverage areas, ensuring they get medical coverage wherever an emergency hits. It is sponsored by the California Hospital Association.

SB 979 was approved by the Senate Health committee with overwhelming support.

“California’s hospitals are grateful for the work of Sen. Dodd and the members of the Senate Health Committee in advancing a vital piece of legislation that will help ensure California is even more prepared should COVID-19 surge again and in the event of any other widespread crisis,” said Carmela Coyle, president and CEO of the California Hospital Association. “SB 979 gives the state the authority to quickly respond, compelling insurers to provide critical health care services in times of crisis.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.