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Maya Polon, maya@paschalroth.com
Maria Elena Jauregui, 818-355-5291 (Spanish Language Media)
Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California today applauded Governor Newsom for signing into law AB 892 (Bains), a bill to strengthen the public hospital and healthcare delivery system for Central Valley residents by improving public accountability and financial transparency at Kern Medical Center. SEIU California also thanked Dr. Bains for her commitment to strengthening this vital public institution.
SEIU California released the following statements:
Riko Mendez, Chief Elected Officer of SEIU Local 521 and Executive Board Member of SEIU California:
“Public hospitals, like Kern Medical Center, are critical for equitable healthcare access for Californians and, as such, taxpayers deserve accountability and transparency for their management. AB 892 will ensure that Kern Medical Center and its affiliated foundation meet well-established accounting standards and that the public has access to audits of the institution. SEIU California’s members thank Governor Newsom for signing this public accountability measure into law and Dr. Bains for her continued dedication to Kern County’s residents. With this financial transparency measure, we can help ensure healthcare access remains available for those who need it in the Central Valley.”
Dr. Colleen Reyes, resident physician in psychiatry, member CIR/SEIU:
“As a resident physician at Kern Medical, I see every day how increased transparency and accountability will help us deliver the quality care that our patients deserve. That’s why I’m so grateful that Governor Newsom has signed AB 892, which will help ensure that patients from Kern and neighboring counties will continue to have access to the healthcare they depend on from Kern County Medical Center.”
Background: AB 892 will increase public accountability and financial transparency at the Kern County Hospital Authority (KCHA), a public, local body established to guarantee continued access to quality care at Kern Medical Center and its network of outpatient clinics and services. The bill will require KCHA and its Foundation to maintain financial records in accordance with GASB standards, include the Foundation in its annual audit, and make those audits available to the public.
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