AB 888
Last year, CalChiro partnered with Assembly Member Evan
Low, Chair of the Assembly Business & Professions Committee, to
address the ongoing opioid epidemic facing our state and nation.
We introduced AB 888 (Low), to require prescribers to
discuss the risks associated with opioids with their patients
prior to issuing a first prescription, obtain a written and
verbal consent, and require disclosure on the availability of
non-pharmacological treatments for pain, such as chiropractic
services, along with an offer of a referral to such treatments.
It was a huge sign of confidence in our profession and an
acknowledgment of all your hard work supporting the bill when the
Assembly passed AB 888 on a 68 to 0 vote despite the opposition
of politically powerful organizations as the California Medical
Association.
This year, we have been poised to move AB 888 out of the Senate
and to the Governor for enactment. COVID-19 has changed these
plans. Once the virus hit, the Legislature immediately recessed
for safety and public health reasons. The Senate is set to return
to work nearly two months later, but leadership has made the
decision to hold bills that are not designed to address the
COVID-19 crisis. In order to stay focused on the pandemic and the
economic devastation it is causing the state, the Senate is
asking members to hold off on non-COVID bills. Only a few
exceptions are being made — a handful of bills, for example, that
are addressing the wildfire or homelessness crises may move
forward this year.
Out of respect for the Legislature’s desire to limit non-COVID
bills, Assembly Member Low has recommended that we hold off on AB
888. We want to respect that decision and the unique
circumstances we are facing as a state. Even though AB 888 will
not be moving forward, we are exploring other avenues to advance
the policy, including potential reintroduction in December or a
regulatory pathway. Assembly Member Low has reiterated that he
remains committed to assist in any efforts we take. We appreciate
your continued support and advocacy on behalf of the profession
and AB 888. And stay tuned on our plan to continue the
fight.