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If a ballot measure related to dialysis clinics sounds familiar, it’s not déjà vu. The same or substantially similar language has appeared on the California ballot in both 2018 and 2020 as well — and was rejected by voters both times.
So what does Prop 29 do and why does it keep coming back?
Carl DeMaio, Chairman of Reform California, says Prop 29 is an attempt to impose costly and restrictive regulations on California’s dialysis clinics - all to benefit a powerful special interest group that seeks financial gain for itself.
“Prop 29 imposes costly regulations on kidney dialysis clinics, such as controlling the amount of personnel on site and hours of operation — all to financially benefit powerful labor unions,” explains DeMaio.
“Fundamentally it is an attack on medical freedom that exerts state and union control over these doctors and clinics,” he continued.
DeMaio says the reason the measure keeps appearing on the ballot is due to these wealthy labor unions, which continue to fund the campaign. For example, the Yes on Prop 29 effort is sponsored by the Service Employees International Union – United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW West).
Supporters of Prop 29 say that its regulations will improve patient care and limit dialysis clinic profits and overcharging.
“Kidney dialysis is working just fine in California and all across America, so what more is needed with costly and restrictive regulations that Prop 29 imposes?” asks DeMaio.
Reform California has put together what DeMaio calls a “Plain English” annual voter guide which cuts through the confusing ballot language and clutter and explains your ballot in simple terms. The organization has analyzed Prop 29 and issued the following assessment.
Prop 29
Official Title: Requires On-Site Licensed Medical Professional At Kidney Dialysis Clinics And Establishes Other State Requirements. Initiative Statute
Plain English Translation: Imposes Costly Regulations on Kidney Dialysis Clinics to Benefit Organized Labor Unions
Prop 29 may be familiar to voters since it has been rejected TWICE before in 2018 and 2020. Why does it keep appearing on the ballot? Wealthy labor unions force the measure on the ballot in an attempt to impose new costly regulations on kidney dialysis clinics that would benefit the interests of the unions. Prop 29 requires specific medical personnel on site during treatment at outpatient kidney dialysis clinics - whether or not the personnel are even needed. The measure also increases mandatory state reporting and prohibits clinics from closing or substantially reducing services without state approval. A "no” vote keeps your doctors and clinics more independent from state control. Reform California recommends a NO vote.
DeMaio and Reform California recommend a “NO” vote on Prop 29.
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