CA AB858

Prohibits health information technology and clinical practice guidelines from limiting workers providing direct patient care at general acute care hospitals from exercising independent clinical judgment, evaluating patients, and acting as patient advocates.

Allows workers to override health information technology and clinical practice guidelines if their professional judgment and scope of practice indicates it is in the patient's best interest, with approval from the patient's physician or doctor of podiatric medicine.

Requires hospitals to notify workers and their representatives before implementing new technology that materially affects worker jobs or patient care, and mandates appropriate education and training on new technology and its limitations.

Prohibits hospitals from retaliating or discriminating against workers who request to override technology or discuss overriding it; workers may file complaints with the Labor Commissioner limited to retaliation claims.

Requires hospitals to allow direct patient care workers to provide input in implementation processes for new technology and permits professional practice committee representatives to recommend improvements and participate in implementation when feasible.