Comprehensive, Transparent Hospital Seismic Compliance Plan Passes Senate SB 1432 would provide accountability, transparency, and a viable pathway for hospitals to fulfill seismic compliance and remain open in their communities.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
For Immediate Release
Contact: Elisa Rivera
(559) 264-3070 Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov
Comprehensive, Transparent Hospital Seismic Compliance Plan Passes Senate
SB 1432 would provide accountability, transparency, and a viable pathway for hospitals to fulfill seismic compliance and remain open in their communities.
Sacramento, CA – Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) announced that her bill, SB 1432: Seismic Compliance passed the Senate 37-0. SB 1432 creates transparency, accountability and a viable pathway for health facilities to achieve seismic compliance.
Given the distressed financial condition of California Hospitals, health care access for all is in jeopardy. The Alfred E Alquist Hospital Seismic Safety Act requires that by January 1, 2030 all hospital buildings have the capacity to provide patient services following an earthquake. Pursuant to current law, hospitals that do not comply with this 2030 seismic standard will be required to close their doors to patient care.
According to a 2019 RAND Institute study, the estimated cost of upgrades and construction for all California hospitals to comply with the 2030 seismic standards range from $34 billion to $140 billion depending on compliance approach, whether retrofitting existing buildings or new construction. The time frame and cost to meet the 2030 standards are a major challenge, especially for financially distressed hospitals. The RAND study suggests the cost of upgrades would put 40% of California hospitals in “severe financial distress” in immediate risk of bankruptcy. Community and public hospitals would take the most significant hit, further hindering access to care for the many Medi-Cal and Medicare patients who depend on them.
“Residents in my district suffered devastating impacts with the closure of the only hospital within a 30 mile radius. Keeping hospitals open across our state has become a top priority for me and SB 1432 is critical to that goal. My bill establishes a framework that is not a one-size-fits all approach but recognizes regional healthcare challenges. It enhances transparency, demands accountability and creates a viable pathway for our hospitals to meet seismic compliance standards according to each unique circumstance. I greatly appreciate the collaboration with Senator Roth, the Senate Health Committee and many stakeholders on this major effort and look forward to continuing to create a solution that moves us forward.” –Senator Anna M. Caballero, Senate District 14
For interviews or inquiries, please contact Elisa Rivera at (559) 264-3070
Senator Anna M. Caballero represents the 14th Senate District, composed of majority portions of Merced, Fresno and Madera Counties.
* Senator Anna M. Caballero serves as the Interim Representative for the Salinas Valley and San Benito County until 2024 when a newly elected Senator will assume the district
