California to Allow Cardiac Catheterization in Outpatient Facilities

California lawmakers passed legislation last week that would allow outpatient facilities to perform cardiac catheterization, according to a California Healthline report.

The bill was sent to Gov. Jerry Brown (D) for his consideration. Cardiac catheterization involves the placement of a small tube in a patient's chest via an artery or vein. State law currently requires the procedure to be performed in main hospital buildings. But healthcare advocates say the requirement is unnecessary, and that the procedure can be performed safely in new outpatient facilities.

The California Hospital Association argued that the outpatient buildings will be connected to the main hospital, allowing patients access to hospital resources in case of an emergency. Assembly member Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) said allowing cardiac catheterizations to be performed in outpatient facilities is important to reduce long waits for the procedure.

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