Senator Smallwood-Cuevas Introduces Bill to Expedite License Applications for Healthcare Workforce Serving Medically Underserved Communities
Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) has introduced SB 1067 to expedite license applications for healthcare workers who will practice or provide care to medically underserved communities in California. The bill, sponsored by the California Primary Care Association (CPCA) Advocates that works on behalf of the state’s community health centers, would ensure that those who intend to care for the most vulnerable areas are able to more quickly enter the workforce.
“SB 1067 will prioritize California’s most vulnerable communities by enabling healthcare workers to more expeditiously serve where they are needed most,” said Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. “I’m proud to author this bill, and I’m eager to see the positive effect its implementation will have across our state.”
The bill would directly benefit California’s community health centers that encompass the state’s federally qualified health centers, community clinics, tribal health centers, free clinics and rural health centers. These health centers provide care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay, insurance status, language, culture or immigration status.
Practically all of the healing arts boards that license dentists, nurses and other healthcare professionals have lengthy backlogs for processing applications for licensure. Licensing delays undermine quality patient care and timely access to care, further exacerbating California’s healthcare workforce shortage.
“We commend Senator Smallwood-Cuevas for authoring SB 1067, as this bill is critically important for community health centers, patient care, and the communities we service throughout California,” said Francisco J. Silva, President and CEO of CPCA Advocates. “Ensuring that medically underserved communities have timely access to care is essential to delivering on the promise of health equity. Expediting the licensure process for healing arts providers will improve access to care by mitigating high vacancy rates and prolonged periods to fill provider vacancies. We look forward to partnering with Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, the Legislature and the Administration to make this bill a law.”
The capacity of California’s healthcare workforce has historically been a major issue for medically underserved areas as well as health facilities that serve populations with access to safety net services, like community health centers. In a recent survey, community health centers reported high vacancy rates and lengthy periods to fill staff vacancies for key positions, such as physicians, dentists and nurse practitioners. This dilemma has left safety net providers in untenable and challenging positions as they seek to recruit healthcare workers for the state’s most vulnerable populations.
Senator Lola Smallwood Cuevas represents the 28th Senate District, which includes the communities of South Los Angeles, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City and Downtown Los Angeles. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas spent more than two decades serving as a labor organizer, civil rights activist and community advocate before her election to the State Senate. She resides in the View Park community of South Los Angeles with her family.
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