A bill signed into law September 24 by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to positively affect free dental and medical care events.
AB 2699, sponsored by Assembly Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles), will allow out-of-state healthcare providers to volunteer in California in nonemergency situations starting in 2011. Previously, these providers were only allowed to work in California during an emergency.
A free week-long clinic held in Los Angeles earlier this year drew more than 6,000 patients -- most seeking dental care -- at times overwhelming the 250 dentists, oral surgeons, hygienists, and dental assistants who volunteered their services. Due to the sheer volume, patients were limited to one procedure, and the sponsoring organization -- Remote Area Medical, an international nonprofit group -- fell short of its goal because of a shortage of volunteer medical professionals.
Remote Area Medical founder Stan Brock said in an interview with California Watch that he's "delighted" Schwarzenegger signed a law similar to those in Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Illinois.
"Anything that allows [healthcare workers] to cross state lines to provide free care is a quantum leap in the right direction," Brock said.
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