California Medical Association (CMA) President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., M.D., issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom's signing today of AB 890:

"We are deeply disappointed that Gov. Newsom signed AB 890. We strongly believe that physician-based care is the model that ensures the greatest patient safety and highest quality care for all Californians, regardless of income. And while proponents of AB 890 have said this legislation will help increase access to care, the data we have seen from other states that have eased supervision of nurse practitioners has not shown any meaningful improvement in access to care in underserved communities. California still has a critical shortage of health care providers – including physicians – and AB 890 will do nothing to change the need for California to educate and train more physicians, nurses and other medical professionals. CMA will continue to fight to ensure that every California patient – regardless of race, economic or regional background – has access to a physician.

 There are many steps left before AB 890 is actually implemented, and CMA will remain engaged in the regulatory process that begins now. While the Bureau of Registered Nursing will play an important role, the implementation of key provisions of the bill will require physician involvement and will likely require input and guidance from the Medical Board of California. CMA will be engaged throughout the regulatory process to ensure that patients’ interests, including the timely access to a physician, are protected in the implementation of AB 890."