A California Chamber of Commerce-supported bill that will give hospitals more time to comply with California’s seismic mandate is awaiting action on the Assembly floor this week.
The bill, SB 1432 (Caballero; D-Salinas), extends the January 1, 2030 deadline by which hospitals are required to be capable of continued operations following a major earthquake, until January 1, 2035.
SB 1432 gives hospitals an abeyance from this same seismic compliance deadline until such time that adequate funding is made available to these hospitals.
Now, more than ever, patients need a sense of security and reliability when it comes to their community health system. We have seen several hospital closures in California, which is devastating for patients and communities. These facilities are typically the largest employer in their community.
As California’s local hospitals prepare to meet the 2030 requirements to remain operational after an earthquake, it is crucial that they have sufficient time so that construction’s impact on patient care is minimized.
Staff Contact: Preston Young