Tribal Health Clinics set to Provide Critical Access
CONTACT: Liz Snow
O) 916-319-2002
(Sacramento, CA) — On Monday, May 11th, AB 941 cleared the Assembly with bi-partisan support. The Bill, authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood, allows tribal health clinics to operate outside of tribal land without going through the state licensing process.
“The truth is, my constituents have limited access to healthcare services due to the rural nature of the region, but that should not prevent anyone from having access to quality health care,” said Assemblyman Wood. “Tribal health clinics are an important partner in the fight to expand health care for all Californians, especially in the North Coast region of the state.”
Tribal health clinics are required to follow federal and tribal regulations. AB 941 exempts tribal health clinics from additional regulations and licensing by California Department of Public Health’s state facility licensing requirements.
“This bill will increase access to health care for tribal communities in rural areas. Tribal health clinics have demonstrated a strong track record of efficiency and a high standard of care for more than 30 years. This success reflects good stewardship by the federally recognized tribal governments that sanction their work,” said Dr. Mark LeBeau, Executive Director of the California Rural Indian Health Board. “We thank Assemblymember Wood for his leadership and for his commitment to further strengthening tribal clinics and ensuring access to health care in rural areas.”
AB 941 passed the Assembly Floor with a vote of 77-0. The bill will be heard next in the State Senate.
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Elected in 2014, Assemblymember Jim Wood (D- Healdsburg) represents the 2nd Assembly District, which includes all of Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt and Mendocino counties, plus northern and coastal Sonoma County, including the northern half of Santa Rosa.