CA AB1538

Removes the March 31, 2013 date restriction for physicians and surgeons in collective bargaining units, expanding protections to all such employees regardless of when they joined the bargaining unit.

Prohibits the Alameda Health System Hospital Authority from contracting with external entities to replace physician and surgeon services before January 1, 2024 without clear and convincing evidence that medical care can only be delivered cost-effectively by that entity.

Requires the hospital authority to negotiate with the recognized collective bargaining unit representative over any decision to privatize physician services and submit disputes to final binding arbitration if negotiation fails.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to prevent employee positions from being contracted out without first determining cost savings.