California Assemblyman Tony Thurmond, D-Richmond, proposed legislation that would expand healthcare employee designation to include trainees, according to Kaiser Health News.
Here are five thoughts:
1. The bill would mandate hospitals and clinics pay healthcare trainees minimum wage. This would apply to trainees completing hours required to become health professionals.
2. Mr. Thurmond's legislation would also widen employer's definition to include hospitals and clinics that are supervising trainees in the allied health professions.
3. Those in favor say the legislation would allow more low-income students and working adults to become allied health professionals. Currently, students have to complete between 160 and 1,850 unpaid clinical hours.
4. Hospitals say paying trainees' wages would financially hurt them. Organizations currently pay for the required training and supervision.
5. The California Hospital Association estimates small hospitals would pay $1.5 million on average each year if the bill passes. Larger health systems could pay up to $36 million based on these estimates.