BOARD SUPPORTS LEGISLATION EXEMPTING VOLUNTEER MEDICAL PERSONNEL FROM LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR SHORT DURATIONS

 

 

 

     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

     November 3, 2009                                                                                                               Contact:     Aurelio Rojas 213-280-6579

                                                                               James Bolden 213-200-5314

 

BOARD SUPPORTS RIDLEY-THOMAS REQUEST TO PURSUE

STATE LEGISLATION EXEMPTING VOLUNTEER MEDICAL

PERSONNEL FROM LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR SHORT DURATIONS

 

Current California laws prohibit out-of-state medical professional from

 volunteering their services and participating at their own expense.

 

 

LOS ANGELES – The Board of Supervisors today approved a motion by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas urging county official to seek state legislation  exempting volunteer medical personnel – like those who participated in the hugely successful Remote Area Medical clinic at the Forum – from licensure requirements in California for short durations.

 

“We should seek to remove the State of California restrictions and licensure regulations that prevent organizations such as RAM-LA from providing much needed volunteer medical services to the County’s uninsured and underinsured,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said, noting the event in August provided free medical services to thousands of people.

 

When he was in the state Legislature, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas chaired the Senate Committee on Business, Professional and Economic Development, which has oversight over medical licenses.

 

His motion directs the County’s Chief Executive Officer to pursue legislation supportive of an exemption from licensure within California for those out-of-state licensed medical personnel in good standing, including physicians, dentists, nurses and other health professionals. The exemption would last a short duration for volunteer medical and dental services sponsored by non-profit or community groups.

 

The RAM organization, which Supervisor Ridley-Thomas honored during today’s board meeting, is internationally known. Medical professionals – many who reside outside of the states they serve -- eagerly volunteer and participate at their own expense. 

 

Over 14,561 uninsured and underinsured residents were served during the recent RAM-LA event, which took place Aug. 11 through Aug. 18 at the Forum in Inglewood.  

 

The organization distributed 1,984 free pairs of eye glasses, extracted 2,274 teeth, provided 5,438 fillings, served 988 women for women’s health issues and provided 1,585 people with acupuncture treatment.  

 

The services were not only free to anyone seeking care, but were provided at no cost to the taxpayers and the government. RAM-LA provided roughly $2.9 million dollars worth of donated services.

 

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