CA SB422

Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to establish a physician registry for Patton State Hospital by January 1, 2024, composed of voluntary members from State Bargaining Unit 16 (physicians, dentists, and podiatrists).

Compensates registry physicians at 135 percent of their normal base hourly wage without benefits for additional hours worked, with authority to pay higher rates if needed to attract participation.

Mandates semiannual surveys of managers and employees to assess registry effectiveness and cost savings, with results posted on the department's website.

Requires reports to the Legislature by January 10 of 2025, 2026, and 2027 evaluating whether the registry achieves cost savings compared to contract registries.

If the pilot program demonstrates overall cost savings by January 10, 2026, the department must extend the physician registry to all state hospitals under its jurisdiction beginning January 1, 2027.